Rural News 10 March 2020

MANAGEMENT

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

NEWS

Drought stricken farmers dipping into winter feed reserves. PAGE 28

New John Deere sprayers for 2020. PAGE 33

Global ambitions for T&G PAGE 18

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS MARCH 10, 2020: ISSUE 696 

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Together, reducing phosphate loss by up to 75%*

An effective and sustainable phosphate that is better for the environment. *Relative to superphosphate products.

ballance.co.nz | 0800 222 090

Together, Creating the Best Soil and Feed on Earth

Reducing phosphate loss * by up to 75% is big news “Phosphorus is needed for plants to grow in New Zealand’s naturally deficient soils, but too much of it in waterways can cause excessive growth of unwanted aquatic plants and algal blooms”, says Ballance Innovation Leader, Dr Jamie Blennerhassett.

“Most farm systems lose phosphate, mainly via runoff. The actual amounts of phosphate lost to waterways in runoff are relatively low, typically 0.1 to 1.7 kg P/ha/year. But even low amounts can have a significant negative impact on water quality”, says Jamie.

A soluble fertiliser, such as superphosphate or di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), spread too close to waterways or applied less than two weeks before irrigation or heavy rainfall, can contribute up to 90% of total phosphate losses from pasture, via runoff. If this lost phosphate enters waterways, it will be available to aquatic plants and algae.

The good news is that SurePhos can reduce phosphate loss by up to 75%*, so it’s better for business, better for waterways, and better for the future of farming in this country.

An effective and sustainable phosphate fertiliser that is better for the environment.

A reduction in phosphate loss of up to 75%* is significant. But like any new innovation, success didn’t come straight away. The efficacy of SurePhos comes down to years of trial and error to perfect the ideal formulation of slow-release fertiliser in a robust, less water-soluble formulation. SurePhos was developed with the support of the Primary Growth Partnership. *Relative to superphosphate products.

MANAGEMENT

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

NEWS

Drought stricken farmers dipping into winter feed reserves. PAGE 28

New John Deere sprayers for 2020. PAGE 33

Global ambitions for T&G PAGE 18

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS MARCH 10, 2020: ISSUE 696

www.ruralnews.co.nz

We won’t go away!

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND corporate farmer Aad van Leeuwen has a message for the Government: we won’t go away until justice prevails.

Van Leeuwen, whose farm suffered Mycoplasma bovis outbreak in July 2017, is embroiled in a legal battle with Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI)

over compensation.

While the van Leeuwens, who run 13 dairy farms and six dry stock farms, have already been paid out $6.3 million

by MPI, they are seeking further compensation for professional consultancy fees, bank charges and assorted other costs.

Last month, the van Leeuwens won a victory in the High Court after Justice Francis Cooke rejected MPI’s bid

to strike out the case and ruled the Van Leeuwens must be awarded costs. The claim will now go before arbitration.

A MPI guide on M. bovis claims, prepared in 2018, warns claimants against making the “mistake” of including professional fees such as hiring an agent or accountant or lawyer to prepare a claim.

Its explanation for why this was a mistake was that MPI could not pay

PHOTO: JOHN COWPLAND – ALPHAPIX.

Finalists for the inaugural Ahuwhenua Trophy competition, for the top Maori horticultural enterprise in the country, were recently announced at a function at Parliament. Pictured from left are: Mike Chapman (HortNZ); Roger Bourne (P&F); Dave Samuels (TPK); Penny Nelson (MPI); Phillipa Stevens (P&F); Stacey Whitiora (P&F) and Barry O’Neil (HortNZ). This year is the first time in the 87-year history of the competition that the trophy has been open to horticulturalists. Previously it has been restricted to sheep and beef and dairy farmers. The three finalists are: Hineora Orchard, Te Kaha; Otama Marere at Paengaroa, near Te Puke; and Ngai Tukairangi Trust, based at Matapihi, Tauranga. The winner will be announced at an awards function in Tauranga at the end of May. - See more on the competition in the latest issue of Hort News, which is inserted in this issue of Rural News.

for those “because preparing a claim is not a loss caused by MPI exercising powers under the Act for the eradication of M bovis”.

Justice Cooke ruled that the Court is not intervening in the arbitration itself.

“The declaratory judgment proceedings can only resolve questions of the proper interpretation of the statute relevant not only to the Van Leeuwen Group’s claims, but any other claim,” he ruled.

According to the judgment, the Van Leeuwen Group has made a claim of $430,000 for professional services incurred while preparing the M bovis claim. Judge Cooke notes that other claims for compensation have been made, but not finally assessed by MPI at the time of hearing.

Van Leeuwen told Rural News that he hopes common sense will prevail.

“We hope MPI will come over the bridge with paying out the extra cost.”

Van Leeuwen said it was not just about themselves, “…but also for all those others out there that have been suffering losses after MPI promised them never to be worse or better off after slaughtering their stock.”

He says MPI can appeal and “drag it out”. “They can drag it out in the hope we give up and go away. But that will never happen; we won’t go away till justice prevails” MPI told Rural News that it won’t appeal the High Court decision. However it says “the question is still to be heard by the Court if compensation is payable under section 162A of the Biosecurity Act for finance costs and professional and consultancy fees”.

MORE TREES AN AUSTRIAN billionaire has been granted consent to purchase an $8m hill country farm on the North Island’s east coast.

The Overseas Investment Office (OIO) has granted Wolfgang Leitner consent to buy the 800ha property located in Kotemaori, Wairoa and convert it to forestry.

The property known as Ponui Station currently has 714ha being grazed by sheep and beef stock. Leitner plans to plant a further 640ha of commercial forest.

Ponui Station currently has just 14ha of existing commercial forestry.

The remainder of the land includes 33ha of native bush and 113ha of unplantable land containing boundary and riparian setbacks, ponds and infrastructure.

Bayleys’ real estate listing for the farm describes it as: “clean, healthy country, sought after scale, and opportunity to extend farm capability.”

This isn’t Leitner’s first farm purchase in New Zealand, having been granted consent to buy the $4.5m, 489ha Ngapuke Station in Gisborne in September last year.

This earlier purchase was also granted under the special forestry test put in place by the current government.

Worth the weight Trio® Sheep Don’t let parasites get in the way of your ewes’ weight targets for pre-mating.

Trio Sheep is your triple action sheep drench to control parasites and fight parasite resistance. Maximise your ewes’ potential for next spring’s lamb crop.

Smarter farming for a better New Zealand®

Keep your ewes in good health. Order Trio Sheep today.

0800 100 123 ravensdown.co.nz

We keep you growing 6 SERIES LOADER COMBO 130-140HP, 4 CYLINDER

• All new heavy-duty four cylinder tractor range • Industry leading 120 L/min CCLS hydraulic system • Front and cab suspension provides premium driving experience • TTV or Powershift transmission options to cater for the most demanding applications • 60 x 60 transmission with 17 core gears across key working speeds • Long wheel base and true 4WD braking gives excellent stability and traction • Electronic remotes – flow and time control for ease of use when working

UP TO

YEARS

5

115,000

$

WARRANTY

6G SERIES LOADER COMBO

DEUTZ-FAHR 6 RC PRO SERIES

Deutz TCD Tier 3A engine No AdBlue required Stop and Go function Cabin suspension standard on all models • 6 speed Powershift ZF transmission gearbox • Available with 125 litre CCLS hydraulic pump

· Deutz TCD Tier 3A engine means no AdBlue required · 6 speed Powershift ZF transmission · Cabin suspension standard · Creeper box standard · 120 L/min CCLS pump

135-205HP, 6 CYLINDER

155-215HP, 6 CYLINDER

• • • •

135,000

$

deutz-fahr nz

le f eaxib ina sk about

nce

fl

deutz-fahr nz

+GST

SEASONAL

QUALIDISC

dea

payments

lS

COMPACT DISC HARROW FROM 3-7 METRE

ava il a b l

e

123,750

PRO RANGE RC TRACTORS START FROM ONLY

+GST

6G LOADER COMBOS START FROM ONLY

$

+GST

6 SERIES TRACTOR LOADER COMBO START FROM ONLY

AGRO CARE

• • • • •

Excellent penetration and cutting quality Simple adjustment Perfect cutting angle Maintenance free bearings 600mm disc blades for high residue incorporation Stubble cultivation is an important factor within conservation tillage.

It incorporates weeds and cereal seeds into the soil with an intensive mixing and promotes germination for a more efficient subsequent treatment.

The even incorporation of the straw provides a key factor for seed germination.

Power Farming NZ powerfarming.co.nz WHANGAREI

09 438 9163

MASTERTON

FA1098RN

06 370 8240

PUKEKOHE

0800 570 571 NELSON

03 544 5723

TAURANGA

07 543 0021 BLENHEIM

03 544 5723

TE AWAMUTU

MORRINSVILLE

07 889 5059

07 349 6528

GREYMOUTH

CHRISTCHURCH

ASHBURTON

07 870 2411

03 768 4370

03 349 5975

ROTORUA

03 307 7153

GISBORNE

06 868 8908 TIMARU

03 687 4127

HAWERA

0800 480 309 DUNEDIN

03 489 3489

Normal lending criteria applies. Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 31/3/2020. Contact your local dealership for more information. * Requires 30% deposit and full GST in month three, 2.95% interest for 36 monthly payments. ** Terms and conditions apply. Go to deutztractors.co.nz/trydeutz for detailed terms and conditions.

HASTINGS

FEILDING

06 879 9998

06 323 8182

GORE

INVERCARGILL

03 208 9395

03 215 9039

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

NEWS 3 ISSUE 696 www.ruralnews.co.nz

Farm emissions confusion PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

NEWS ��������������������������������������1-19 MARKETS �������������������������� 20-21 AGRIBUSINESS ���������������22-23 HOUND, EDNA ���������������������� 24 CONTACTS ����������������������������� 24 OPINION ��������������������������� 24-26 MANAGEMENT �������������� 28-29 ANIMAL HEALTH ������������ 30-31 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS �����������������������32-34 RURAL TRADER ������������� 34-35

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: Ovato 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 79,553 as at 31.03.2019

ONE OF the country’s leading farm consultants says farmers are becoming frustrated at the confusing advice they’re getting on how to deal with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Phil Journeaux of Ag First says, on the whole, farmers are willing to change. However, the advice they are getting is not helping them do this. He claims a lot of this advice is simplistic and shows a lack of understanding of how it can be applied on the farm.

Journeaux believes real effort needs to be made in presenting the known science on GHG emissions in terms of how it fits into a farm system. He says there is a lack of truly independent advice to farmers – something that used to happen in the old days of MAF. He pointed to Ireland where there is Teagasc – a state owned advisory and research organisation, which still offers genuine independent advice to farmers.

Phil Journeaux

“Farmers in NZ are getting bombarded from a whole range of information from different sources,” Journeaux told Rural News.

“I am involved in running some seminars for rural professionals at the moment on GHGs and I have to say at this stage some rural professionals understand it well, but most don’t. I think there is big learning curve for them so they – in turn – can then start and work with their clients and help them understand it.”

Journeaux has, for the last three years, been involved with developing and modelling a range of changing farms systems and how they might cope with the GHG targets and – in particular – what effect this may have on profitability.

“In a general sense, we have found that we can reduce GHG emissions by between 2 and 10% -- depending on how we change the system, which often involves reducing stocking rates,” he explains. “In some instances,

we have found it is actually possible to improve the farm profitability, but in most cases the modelling suggests reduced profitability.”

Journeaux says to make any big reduction of GHG emissions on farm, improving animal performance and reducing stock numbers seems to be the answer.

The work he’s been doing is on both sheep and beef, and dairy farms.

Journeaux adds that, in the absence of new technology, land use change – planting trees would be an option.

“There are big implications around that in terms of changing land use and – as people are well aware – there is a movement currently to buy sheep and beef farms and plant them in trees. But this comes with economic and social change.”

Journeaux says looking at the expansion of the dairy industry in the 1990s and 2000s it seems, in hindsight, that some farms ended up in places that were not particularly conducive to dairy farming.

Full impacts not felt yet DAVID ANDERSON

RABOBANK SAYS NZ’s food and agri sector’s heavy exposure to China has been magnified by the coronavirus outbreak.

In its March Agribusiness Monthly Report, the specialist rural banker says that in 2019, 31% of the sector’s exports by value were destined for China.

Rabobank estimates that around 15% of all products coming off NZ farms are now being shipped to China. It points out that NZ beef,

sheepmeat and cheese products are especially exposed to the Chinese foodservice industry.

“Secondary markets exist for NZ products outside of China, but usually they pay less for products typically shipped to China,” the report says.

It says, in the last week of February, anecdotal evidence suggested that logistics were improving in China. However, the bank warns that any reacceleration of infection rates in China would set any recovery back significantly.

In late February, coronavirus made its first appearance in a wide range of countries and gained a significant foothold in South Korea, Iran, and Italy.

“Clearly, its impacts will be worse if coronavirus gains a foothold in NZ’s other important export markets and globally important economies, like Japan and the US,” Rabobank adds.

It says the impact of coronavirus will also depend on how China fares.

“If the virus is contained in China, the NZ food and agri industry will be better placed to weather the storm of

its spread to other markets.”

Meanwhile, bank suggests the sector is likely to gain some offset to the virus’s spread via exchange rates.

“The worse the virus gets, the lower the New Zealand dollar will fall,” the report concludes.

“Other market developments may help reduce the impact of the virus on some commodities. But the industry cannot hope to avoid lower pricing and a slowdown in sales if a pandemic ensues.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Don’t wait for Salmonellosis to strike.

Vaccination reduces the impact of an outbreak and minimises production losses.

Protect your flock with Salvexin®+B. Talk to your vet today about protecting against unnecessary ewe deaths by vaccinating with Salvexin+B. (Refer to label).

AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ACVM No: A007886. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Ph: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz NZ/SALB/1117/0002(1) © 2019 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

4 NEWS

Monaghan to retire AS EXPECTED Fonterra chairman John Monaghan is retiring from the board at its next annual general meeting in November.

The Wairarapa farmer has served 11 years on the board; directors usually serve for a maximum on 12 years on the co-op.

His replacement will be announced by August; however former Zespri chairman Peter McBride is thought to be the frontrunner for the post.

Monaghan took over the chairmanship after the late John Wilson stepped down in July 2018 due to ill health.

In a note to farmer shareholders last week, Monaghan said that the timing was right for him

with our debt reduction efforts well progressed, the timing is right for me and for the co-op.

“The board is committed to a planned chair succession that provides Miles Hurrell (chief executive) and his senior management team with the governance stability and confidence they need to maintain the co-op’s momentum”, says Monaghan.

Monaghan’s retirement means there will be a vacancy on the board. Two other directors Brent Goldsack and Andy Macfarlane also retire by rotation and are expected to re-stand for election.

John Monaghan

and the co-op to go.

“After 11 years as a

director, and having seen through the introduction

of our new strategy, operating model, and

@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

SHEEP JETTER

Sheep dipping... made easier!

FOVERAN A high-country station, at Hakataramea Valley in South Canterbury, which recently bred the world record-holding stag, is on the market.

The property was founded as a sheep station in the 1920s. Bob Robertson purchased the land from his grandfather in 1982 and established the deer breeding oper-

• Manufactured from stainless steel • Electric Eye • 800-1000 sheep per hour • Fantastic penetration • Get one now before price increase Innovative Agriculture Equipment

Serving NZ Farmers since 1962

7685

$

+ GST

www.pppindustries.co.nz / sales@pppindustries.co.nz / 0800 901 902

WILSON www.wilsonplastics.co.nz

WT 200

AUCTIONS BACK IN ACTION WOOL TRADING on both sides of the Tasman is back up and running after a cyberattack on industry software provider Talman.

The Sydney-based software is used in an estimated 75% of the wool trade in both countries.

The attack stopped all wool sales in Australia for about a week. Sales continued in New Zealand, but with transactions having to be recorded manually.

The ransomware attack on February 25 encrypted databases, forcing the shut-down of Talman’s Australian Data Exchange and networks, used to record ownership transactions, as well as its Application Service Provider (ASP) hosting service, used by many wool buyers and brokers.

PGG Wrightson’s general manager for wool, Grant Edwards, said the New Zealand system was not as greatly affected as Australia, but it meant more paperwork.

“We’re still operating our brokerage system as we have. We had two sales on Thursday, which we’ve transacted rather than electronically transferring.”

Edwards said it had affected those that are hosted in Australia, and exporting businesses using the software, including PGW’s export arm, Bloch & Behrens, which alone handles 8% - 9% of New Zealand’s wool exports.

Mark Grave, chief executive of the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX), told Rural News that sales resumed in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle last Wednesday (March 4).

He was happy that an early market report showed prices unchanged or slightly better.

“I think in market reporting terms we’d say ‘in sellers’ favour’. So a solid start to what has been obviously been a difficult week. And it’s great to see it up and running again.”

Grave said it was early days in assessing any cost to industry players.

“The impact of this is not just about one system, but the impact it would have on the movement and flow of wool from growers to brokers.

“The focus is on getting the industry moving again.”

Talman’s Pramod Pandey, said wool brokers’ data had not been compromised. He said the company had been working around the clock to reinstate its systems from backup, but the process was taking some time because they did not go back to the same infrastructure.

Pandey confirmed that they did not pay the cyber attackers a ransom to decrypt the data, because they did not want to “glorify that kind of activity.” He wanted to “convey the right message” that they kept the data safe.

He said that people in the wool business had been very supportive. – Nigel Malthus

BREAK-FEEDING...

200 litres specially designed for break-feeding.

They can be towed when full and also can reel in metres of alkathene.

RDT 200 WT 75

PORTABLE TROUGHS...

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL FARM OR IRRIGATION STOCKIST

PHONE

06 357 8562

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

NEWS 5

Can we open up India?

PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE MEAT Industry Association (MIA) says the recent business delegation visit to India was very timely.

MIA chief executive Tim Ritchie was part of

a 16-person delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Trade. The delegation included representatives from the dairy, meat and horticulture sector, including Zespri and Apples and Pears NZ – as well as the aviation and

engineering sectors.

Ritchie says since he was in India about eight years ago, the country has made tremendous strides in terms of embracing technology. This includes what is described as creating ‘a public highway for data’.

Ritchie says with a population of 1.5 billion, India offers huge potential for NZ. “India is like Europe in the sense that it’s a series of states within one country. There are 26 states, 22 major languages and sheepmeat is

a natural part of their diet – so it’s seen as a land of enormous opportunity,” he told Rural News.

“I have heard it described as an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’. By 2025 it will have the largest population in the world and exceed China and the average of the population is 29. Someone said the 21st century belongs to India.”

Ritchie says the fact both that USA and Australia have been courting India is a sign that

these two large nations see this part of the subcontinent as important in the future. He says India is described as a relationship, rather than a transactional economy – meaning that potential exporters there need to build close relationships in order to make trading gains.

“This is very important because underneath it all they are still very protectionist in their thinking making it difficult for exporters,” he

explains. “But we must remember that 50% of the population are employed in the agricultural economy and therefore the politics of not competing with these people is pretty important.”

In the light of this, Ritchie believes NZ must work hard to secure a free trade agreement (FTA) with India – regardless of the challenges. The NZ meat industry currently faces a tariff of 30% when exporting to India.

North America!

Farmers’ Tours of Canada & USA

Tim Ritchie

BOWLING THEM OVER eter, Geoff Allott, and the company has offices in India.

Ritchie says QualityNZ has been operating in India for several years and has made really good gains in selling product to about 300 of the top hotels and restaurants in that country – where quality rather than price matters.

“These people spoke very positively about NZ product – both its provenance and also the quality and that it forms a place in their menus,” he told Rural News.

“So that’s where the success with

• Ideal for Cattle Troughs • High Flow • Side/Bottom Mount • Detatch to Clean • Compact/Robust

sheepmeat has been in recent years and this is all part of that building our reputation there.

The market is still very small but it is important in the long terms because it will help us get away from being too dependent on a big market.”

Ritchie says even through it is early days, it’s a question of getting the relationships right and from that the business should flow – especially if they can see we are complementing not competing with their industry.

Travel, learn and enjoy!

• Ideal for Small/Low Demand Troughs • Low Flow • Above/Below Water Mount • Built in Check-Valve

0800 JOBE VALVES jobevalves.com

l l l l

ph

Escorted tours for farmers Exclusive experiences and sights Enjoy superb hospitality Trusted for over 30 years!

0800 38 38 747 for details

www.farmtofarm.co.nz

• Ideal for Compartment Troughs/Tanks • High Flow • Top Mount • Detach to Clean • Compact/Robust

RN 150 x 110 (15x3) 3/2020

SPORTING TIES with India are largely related to cricket and it’s this connection that has helped open up the market for some high-end meat exports to that country.

A company called QualityNZ, which has a number of NZ cricketers as its shareholders and ambassadors – Sir Richard Hadlee, Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCallum – has made significant inroads into the Indian market selling lamb and other products.

The company’s chief executive is also a former NZ international crick-

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

6 NEWS

Coronavirus impact on dairy ‘moderate’ SUDESH KISSUN sudesh@ruralnews.co.nz

THE CORONAVIRUS has only had a moderate impact on dairy prices so far, according to Westpac head of strategy Imre Speizer.

Compared to other commodities like oil, the impact on dairy hasn’t been as bad.

Since the outbreak gripped global financial markets in late January, whole milk powder prices have fallen 8.7% on the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction. In comparison, Brent crude oil has fallen 20.4%.

Westpac is sticking to its forecast payout of $7.20/kgMS for the season. Two weeks ago Fonterra reaffirmed its

forecast farmgate milk price range at $7.00-7.60/ kgMS. Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the current situation around coronavirus is very fluid and uncertain.

However, Fonterra has already contracted a high percentage of its 2020 financial year’s milk supply and this is helping the co-op manage the impact of coronavirus.

“Our Greater China team are working hard to keep our operations running as smoothly as possible. Without them this would not have been possible and I want to thank them for their efforts,” Hurrell says “There has been a slow-down in processing of containers at ports and

P700 Cab Kit_XR190 Honda Dollars_March Ad.indd 1

we are managing the flow of our product into China carefully to avoid congestion. Currently, our product is continuing to be cleared by customs and quarantine officials.”

Hurrell says Fonterra remains confident in its forecast and earnings guidance of 15-25 cents/ share despite current market conditions as a result of coronavirus.

Last week’s (March 4) GDT auction recorded its third consecutive drop in the price index: down 1.2% over the previous auction.

Key export product, whole milk powder, fell only 0.5% - a smaller fall than futures market predictions of a 3%-4% fall.

At US$2952/metric tonne, WMP is at the lowest

level since February 2019.

Skimmed milk powder prices fell 3.2%, butter rose 1.0%, anhydrous milk fats fell 1.7%, and cheddar cheese fell 4.7%.

Speizer says the results suggest the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect dairy commodities, albeit moderately so far.

“Looking ahead, the coronavirus outbreak poses both positive and negative risks to demand.

“Slower activity could crimp demand for dairy inputs to other products, but a renewed focus on nutrition could boost milk demand.”

North Asian demand at last week’s auction was lower than usual, but demand from South East Asia and Oceania was

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell.

higher.

Meanwhile, on the supply side, persistently dry conditions in the North Island and flooding in the southern South Island could see milk production fall short of what the market is expecting,

says Speizer.

“Against that, Canterbury and Otago, where irrigation is widespread, have reported good growing conditions.”

DCANZ data shows January national milk solid production was

1.1% higher than in January 2019, and the season to date (Jun-Jan) is 0.5% higher than the previous comparable period.

Overall, there hasn’t been any strong evidence of a supply shortfall to date, Speizer says.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

NEWS 7

Funds for farmers under pressure PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

A NEW fund to provide independent financial advice is for farmers who are struggling – but not at the stage of defaulting on loans, says Rural Support Trust national council chair Neil Bateup.

Farmers and their bank will need to agree that it needs to be accessed and there is a good reason, he told Rural News.

“It should be a very tight financial situation, but probably not at the stage of defaulting on the loans. If loans are being defaulted on and payments not made that probably should be dealt with under the debt mediation scheme that the Government is putting in before July 1.”

This new advice initiative funded by banks and

the Government offering support for farmers struggling with farm debt is now up and running.

The government has allocated $200,000 for the Farm Business Advice Support Fund, to be managed by Rural Support Trusts.

For a qualifying farmer the fund will provide up to $6,000 to pay for financial or business advice from an independent consultant.

Bateup says the place for this advice would likely in the situation where there may be some options one way or another.

“It is really to pay for somebody to have a good forensic in depth look at the business and see whether things can be restructured or changed,” he says.

“There may be a way forward without having

Neil Bateup

to sell the farm or the farmer may decide that they want to move on anyway but how is the best way to go forward and make that happen for the benefit of both the farmer and the bank.”

Discussions between the Rural Support Trust’s national council, the

Bankers Association and Government pinpointed there would be a number of scenarios where the advice would be useful.

Normally banks would give some advice in tight financial situations but this is aimed to be more in depth and independent.

“It is to make sure that somebody has a good look from both sides, from the bank’s side and from the farmer’s side to see if there is way forward,” says Bateup.

“It may be by restructuring the farm system or restructuring the debt

.

GET

that the farmer can carry on or maybe they decide there isn’t a way forward so how do they best exit with dignity.”

The farmer, the Rural Support Trust representative and the bank will need to agree on who is the best consultant. They will need to be well qualified to get their head across both the financial and practical side of farming.

“It will need to be someone who can look at the big picture and see if there are some options.”

Bateup said the Rural Support Trust had had about three or four inquiries within a week of the announcement.

The National Council of Rural Support Trusts and New Zealand Bankers’ Association have recently signed the agreement for the fund. Under the agreement, the RSTs

will provide up to $3000, depending on an assessment of need, and the relevant bank will match that dollar for dollar.

New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Roger Beaumont says it is recognised it is in everyone’s best interest for a farmer to have up-to-date business and financial plans,” says.

“This will inform conversations between the farmer and their bank.”

Rural Support Trusts will take an application from, or on behalf of, a farmer who might qualify for assistance. The consultant will provide a report, which will be given to the farmer and their bank.

This initiative involves New Zealand’s main rural lenders, including ASB, ANZ, BNZ, Heartland Bank, Rabobank, SBS Bank, TSB and Westpac.

250

S. NDA DOLLARS*

HO

W XR190

WITH EVERY NE

. .

ONLY

S

213 , 5 EXC GST

3/03/20 12:03 PM

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

8 NEWS

Keynote speaker for summit INTERNATIONAL AGRIBUSINESS thought-leader Devry Boughner Vorwerk is one of the keynote speakers at the International Agribusiness Summit, being held in Christchurch later this month.

Based in the US, Boughner Vorwerk heads DevryBV Sustainable Strategies, a business she set-up last year to help companies and industries meet the United Nation’s Sustainable

Development Goals while succeeding in the global marketplace. An advocate for trade and open markets as a mechanism for achieving both of these goals, her organisation supports companies and industries to liberalise trade in goods, services, capital, technology and data.

Along with a dual degree in Agricultural Economics and a Managerial Economics, she has a Master’s of Science in Agri-

®

cultural Economics specializing in Public Policy and International Trade. Before starting up DevryBV, Boughner Vorwerk worked for agricultural giant Cargill for a number of years, ultimately serving as corporate vice president of global corporate affairs Nelson farmer and Nuffield scholar Murray King – chairing the summit – says they are pleased to be able to attract

such a high-calibre speaker and thinker to attend the one-day event, which is part of the threeweek Nuffield 2020 Triennial.

King says the International Agribusiness Summit on March 23 is open to anyone with interest in food production and supply chains. He adds that it will be a fantastic opportunity to hear international business leaders, leading New Zealand farmers and agribusiness professionals.

NEW ZEALAND’S MOST RAIN RESISTANT(1) COMBINATION POUR-ON

• Dual abamectin/ levamisole active ingredients • Innovative DMI-Sorb™ ‘liquid gel’ formulation for superior absorption

NIGEL MALTHUS

• Broad spectrum activity – 100% effective against natural parasite infestations in NZ studies • Effective against resistant species including endectocide resistant Cooperia

Purchase a 2.5L pack and we will give you a hard wearing Cloke rugby jersey* ®

Purchase a 5L pack and we will give you a hi tech Selwyn soft shell jacket* * While stocks last.

New generation combination technology

BOSS® and DMI-Sorb™’ are registered trademarks of Alleva Animal Health Limited, Tel: (09) 418 1405. Approved under the ACVM Act 1997, No. A10817. (1) See label for details.

Clothing received may differ from the advertised image.

Focus on water’s future

Available from leading veterinary practices.

www.alleva.co.nz

IRRIGATIONNZ’S BIENNIAL conference, coming up in April, aims to “to lead the conversation on the future of water for Aotearoa.”

It says water is essential to people, communities, ecosystems, and cultural wellbeing.

The Water for Life Conference will be held at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Wigram, Christchurch from April 7-9.

Themes will include the importance of multi-benefit water infrastructure, the use of technology for enhanced decision-making, the future of farming and water policy developments. There will be a range of speakers, as well as a panel discussion, break-out sessions, a trade exhibition, a gala awards dinner, networking breakfast, and a welcome drinks function.

The first day features two pre-conference bus tours of various irrigated horticultural ventures across Canterbury.

Speakers will include Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, as well as National’s agriculture spokesman Todd Muller and NZ First’s Mark Paterson. An international perspective will come from Monty Teeter of Teeter Irrigation, Ulysses, Kansas, the inventor of Dragon Line – a mobile drip irrigation system developed to conserve and efficiently use water.

There will also be innovation awards with a cash prize for ‘The Best Innovation, Discovery or Achievement that makes a positive contribution, impact or benefit to irrigation in New Zealand’.

IrrigationNZ chief executive Elizabeth Soal says her organisation and the sector are confronting a time of many changes.

“We’re meeting these changes during a time of larger nationwide and global change. The movement towards better water quality and higher environmental standards continues to demand we incorporate good practice in all that we do. However, this movement and these standards need to be implemented in practical and achievable ways,” she adds.

“The world of water is an exciting area to work in and is moving at a fast pace. IrrigationNZ will continue to meet and bring together thought leaders to ensure we stay up to date, and are listening to a range of viewpoints, opinions and concerns, and giving our sector an opportunity to learn from and lead others.”

Soal says the future of water management, governance, allocation, and infrastructure is critical to adapting to climate change and other uncertainties, caused by global and local forces, she said.

Registrations are still open at www.waterforlife.kiwi

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

NEWS 9

A very fine tour ROSS MACMILLAN, managing director of Rangiora-based Farm to Farm Tours, is looking forward to treating a coach load of international visitors to a nearly two-week tour of the South Island’s Merino industry.

The tour is timed to coincide with the one-day Merino Excellence 2020 Congress in Cromwell, on March 12.

Merino Breeders president Ron Small, of Marlborough’s Blairich Station, explained that the World Federation of Merino Breeders has a major conference every four years, the last being in 2018 in Uruguay.

New Zealand pitched for the 2022 world event, but lost out to Hungary – mainly because it had not been in the northern hemisphere for some time – but New Zealand was then invited to hold

“Fine wool’s doing really well at the moment so these people are keen to show off their genetics and the properties that they run on.”

Macmillan, a farm consultant, who 30 years ago founded a tour business specialising in arranging and conducting agribusiness-themed tours in New Zealand and around the world.

“We’ve got about a coach load of international people coming from Russia and Uruguay and Kazakhstan and Australia,” he said.

“Probably would’ve had more Aussies if it wasn’t for the drought and the fires.”

He says the tour will start from Christchurch and go up to Cheviot then on to Marlborough and up the Awatere Valley “to see how all the fine wool blokes are getting on up there.”

It will then head down the West Coast into the Merino heartland of Central Otago. The centrepiece of the tour is six days in and around Central and the Mackenzie Country, taking in the Congress, the Wanaka A&P Show, and visits to a number of Merino stations.

Macmillan also said the Merino industry was “on a bit of a roll.”

“Fine wool’s doing really well at the moment so these people are keen to show off their genetics and the properties that they run on.”

The congress is on March 12 in Cromwell.

Organiser, NZ Stud

the smaller interim congress this year.

“It’s grown a bit more than what was initially thought, but we thought that if people were going to come here from around the world they weren’t going to come here just for a couple of days.”

Small is expecting more than 100 for the congress with about 40 coming from overseas.

Speakers include Cathrine Stange of the Devold of Norway Group, a vertically-integrated wool clothing specialist founded in 1853 which boasts of “sheep to shop” traceability and counts several New Zealand merino farmers among its suppliers.

Other speakers include Christchurchbased animal geneticist Dr Mark Ferguson of neXtgen Agri, Lincoln University Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics Jon Hickford, and the head of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health NZ Ltd, Steve Rochester.

Small said the theme of the congress was in its title - Merino Excellence.

It would cover animal health, nutrition, management, breeding and the use of Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ABSV), particularly for footrot, and what was required to produce quality wool.

Fine wool prices had backed off a little from the highs of last year, but still doing exceedingly well, said Small.

“Most of the Merino wool in New Zealand now is forward-contracted so it’s protected against the highs and drops in the market, so it’s very good.”

NUF0341_CRU_SCIENCE

NIGEL MALTHUS

With low prices for coarse wool, Small said a number of people experimenting getting merino genetics into crossbred flocks to bring the micron down into the 30 micron bracket, and in halfbred flocks trying to get the micron down below 27.

Tour leader Ross Macmillan.

APPLIED SCIENCE WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

OUTSTANDING COMPATIBILITY EXCELLENT EFFICACY FAST KNOCKDOWN, QUICKER TURNAROUND RAINFAST IN 15 MINUTES WITH PULSE PENETRANT * EXCEPTIONAL VISCOSITY ANTI-FOAM TECHNOLOGY CRUCIAL® is NOW available at your local Rural Supplier.

nufarm.co.nz/discovercrucial CRUCIAL is a world first 600g/L high strength liquid glyphosate formulation powered by triple salt, triple surfactant technology. ® CRUCIAL is a registered trademark of Nufarm Australia Limited. ® Pulse is a registered trademark of Nufarm Technologies USA Pty Ltd * Commercial Performance Guarantee. © Nufarm 2020.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

10 NEWS

Bigger impact that first expected PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

FORMER SPECIAL agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen says it will probably take months

for supply chains to and in China to clear in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Dairy products as mainly dried products are not so affected as per-

ishable products such as some horticulture.

And the lobster/crayfish industry has come to a halt.

“The supply chains in China are certainly

Mike Petersen

empty. There will be a big sucking sound of people wanting to import product into China once we see a bit of normality resumed,” he told Rural News.

“But that supply chain disruption is of real concern. The displacement of cargo, the displacement of containers and displacement of ships will mean getting back to normal will take a few months rather than a few weeks.”

“This is here for a lot longer than many people realise,” Petersen says.

China is letting food products through, he says, but many of the problems lie in the distribution getting it off the ships and off the wharves and in through China.

“I don’t want to suggest that this is all hell in a handbasket because they are definitely trying to get the supply chains moving.

“But the amount of

FONTERRA CARRIES ON UNLIKE SOME other exporters, Fonterra’s scheduling, logistics and delivery activities to all markets are largely operating as normal, the cooperative says.

This is despite the disruption to shipping and supply chains in China caused by the coronavirus update.

“We are keeping a close eye on the situation as it develops,” a spokesperson told Rural News.

“At this time of the year, a high

displacement that has already happened with ships and containers and product means that is going to be disrupted for a long period of time.

“It is going to take a few months for us to get back to normality.”

Petersen thinks the effects will be felt here much more severely than people realise. A developed country like Italy now has coronavirus so it is no longer only a China problem.

“This is affecting a number of world markets.

percentage of our FY(full year)20 supply is already contracted. Our sales teams are working with our customers to understand how coronavirus is impacting their businesses, which will give us an idea of how it may impact ours.

“We remain confident in our forecast farmgate milk price range of $7- $7.60/ kgMS, and we have no reason to revise our earnings guidance of 15-25c per share.”

That will add to the difficulties. I would say every product in and out of China is affected in some form.

“There is product that isn’t getting to its final destination at this stage.

It might still be on route so it could be held up in transit. There are ships that are anchored off China that can’t get onto their normal shipping routes.”

He says he doesn’t think any company wants to talk about it too much.

“But for a company

that is trying to do the best that it can and divert product out of that area away from the disruption - and by and large they have probably done pretty well - but you are taking that influence of China out from the marketplace which has been a massive boost market prices in the last 12 months in particular for the last three years actually.”

We are focused on exports but import from China will also be disrupted, he says.

Are you considering passing your sheep and beef farm onto a family member?

www.rmpp.co.nz // 0800 733 632

RMPP-2020-1

Register now for our free workshop that will take you through the transition and succession of a farm business.

Limited places.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

NEWS 11

Synlait drops earnings expectations NIGEL MALTHUS

CANTERBURY-BASED MILK processor Synlait has downgraded its earnings expectation for the 2020 year.

The company now expects net profit after tax (NPAT) of between $70 million and $85 mil-

Similarly, the outlook for the half year ended January 31 (HY20) is now put at between $26.5 million and $28.5 million, compared with HY19’s NPAT of $37.3 million.

“Naturally, the Synlait team expected a stronger FY20 financial performance,” chairman

ness is being carefully monitored. Globally there is uncertainty about Coronavirus’ impact on supply chains and consumer demand,” chief executive Leon Clement said.

“We are not currently experiencing any supply chain disruption. However, we are monitoring the situation very closely and felt it prudent to front foot potential impacts.”

“Current information now indicates this rate of growth will not be achieved,” lion, compared with $82.2 million for 2019.

A statement released to the New Zealand Stock Exchange in mid-February said the previously announced earnings guidance was for profits to continue to grow in FY20, with the rate of profitability increasing at least at a similar rate to FY19 over FY18.

“Current information now indicates this rate of growth will not be achieved,” said the statement.

Synlait’s ordinary shares, which stood at $8.29 on February 12, dropped sharply on the announcement and have traded since then in the mid-$6 range.

They had been trending downwards over the past year, from a high of $11.29 in March.

Graeme Milne said. “We remain confident that the decision to focus on our medium to long-term strategic opportunities will over time improve shareholder value and the sustainability of our business.”

Meanwhile, the Coronavirus outbreak had contributed to Synlait’s decision to issue a wider earnings guidance range, extending the lower end of the range down to $70 million.

The company says the outbreak has had no material short-term impact on its financial performance, but it represents some risk going forward so was considered as part of the broader outlook update.

“The spread of Coronavirus and the risk it poses to Synlait’s busi-

$300M AND COUNTING...

CORONAVIRUS HAS cost the NZ economy about $300 million in lost exports to China in the past month, according to recent statistics.

Stats NZ compared the earnings for the past four weeks (to March 2) against the same period last year and estimated how much might have been earned if previous export growth rates had continued.

It gives a partial picture of the virus’s effect on exports to our biggest trade partner. Stats NZ reported that exports to China were at $1.1 billion, down 8% or $93m on the same time in 2019. The largest falls were in meat, seafood, and forestry.

Stats NZ said if past growth rates had continued then expected earnings would have been about $1.4bn.

China was New Zealand’s top trading partner in 2019. In the year ended December 2019, 23% of New Zealand’s total goods and services exports and 16% of imports by value were with China.

Two-way trade in goods and services with China was worth $33.4 billion in 2019, with exports worth $20.1 billion and imports $13.3 billion.

SAVE $1,000

$6,990

5,990

$

SAVE $500

SAVE $500

EX-GST

RIDE

AWAY

• 38HP, 500CC EFI ENGINE • CVTECH TRANSMISSION • ENGINE BRAKING • 2WD/4WD & DIFF LOCK • L-H-N-R RANGE • IRS / IFS • CST 6-PLY TYRES • LCD DASH • 3-CALIPER BRAKE SYSTEM • HAND BRAKE • 2YR WARRANTY

$8,490

$6,990

6,490

$

EX-GST

RIDE

AWAY

• 30HP, 400CC EFI ENGINE • CVTECH TRANSMISSION • ENGINE BRAKING • 2WD/4WD & DIFF LOCK • L-H-N-R RANGE • IRS • POWER STEERING • ALLOY WHEELS • WINCH • 2YR WARRANTY

7,990

$

EX-GST

RIDE

AWAY

• 38HP, 500CC EFI ENGINE • CVTECH TRANSMISSION • ENGINE BRAKING • 2WD/4WD & DIFF LOCK • L-H-N-R RANGE • POWER STEERING • IRS / IFS • CST 6-PLY TYRES • WINCH • LCD DASH • 3-CALIPER BRAKE SYSTEM • HAND BRAKE • 2YR WARRANTY

SAVE $1,000

$11,490

$

10,490

EX-GST

DRIVE AWAY

• 38HP, 500CC EFI ENGINE • CVTECH TRANSMISSION • 2WD/4WD & DIFF LOCK • L-H-N-R RANGE • ROPS CERTIFIED ROLL CAGE • TIP TRAY • IRS • POWER STEERING • ALLOY WHEELS • WINCH • ROOF • 2YR WARRANTY

CFMOTO NORTH ISLAND

Agtraction Taranaki, New Plymouth (06) 759 8432 Brown Brothers Bikes, Whanganui (027) 572 7696 Country Engineering, Tauranga (07) 552 0071 Country Machinery, Sanson (06) 825 6400 Gatmans Mowers, Silverdale (09) 426 5612 Maungaturoto Motorcycles, Maungaturoto (09) 431 8555 Motorcycle HQ, Pahiatua (06) 376 7163 Northland Powersports, Whangarei (09) 437 5451 Outdoor Power, Hastings (06) 878 2369 Peninsula Motorcycles, Thames (07) 868 610 Rob Titter Farm Services, Kaikohe (09) 401 177 Tahuna Motorcycles & Atvs, Tahuna (07) 887 5790

15,490

$

EX-GST

DRIVE AWAY

• 62HP, 800CC V-TWIN EFI ENGINE • CVTECH TRANSMISSION • ENGINE BRAKING • 2WD/4WD & DIFF LOCK • L-H-N-R RANGE • ROPS ROLL CAGE • TIP TRAY • IRS • POWER STEERING • ALLOY WHEELS • ROOF • GLASS SCREEN & WIPER • MUD FLAPS • REAR SCREEN • 2YR WARRANTY

CFMOTO SOUTH ISLAND Ag & Auto Direct, Balclutha (03) 418 0555 Amuri Motorcycles, Christchurch (03) 315 8667 Amuri Motorcycles, Culverden (03) 315 8667 Dan’s Motor Centre, Geraldine (03) 693 8536 T&E Motorcycles, Gore (03) 208 8114

15,990

$

EX-GST

DRIVE AWAY

• 71HP, 1000CC V-TWIN EFI ENGINE • CVTECH TRANSMISSION • 2WD/4WD & DIFF LOCK • ENGINE BRAKING • REAR LSD • L-H-N-R RANGE • ROPS ROLL CAGE • TIP TRAY • IRS • POWER STEERING • ALLOY WHEELS • 27” TYRES • ROOF • 800KG TOW / 350KG CARRY CAPACITY • BENCH SEAT • 3YR WARRANTY

CFMOTO FINANCE AVAILABLE FROM

WITH

INSTALLMENTS

ON SELECTED CFMOTO ATV’S & UTV’S

*Ride away prices quoted exclude GST. CFMoto 2.99% 1/3 Finance Deal is valid on specific models only. See www.cfmoto.co.nz for more information. The finance promotion is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. The initial instalment is in the form of a deposit at time of purchase. The second instalment is payable after 12 months where the third (final) instalment is payable after 24 months. These totals equate to the cash price including GST plus a $235.60 application/documentation fee and $10.00 PPSR Lodgement (Total charges of $245.60) plus interest costs calculated at a rate of 2.99% per annum. Normal lending criteria apply. Offer end March 31st 2020.

www.cfmoto.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

12 NEWS

New law to give bite to organics PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

LEGISLATION AIMED at tightening up the rules and laws on organic products has drawn widespread support from the

organic sector – with one group describing the move as a ‘good moment for NZ’.

The Government introduced the new Bill last week and after its first reading it will be

referred to the Primary Production Select Committee for the public to have their say on the proposed changes.

Food Safety Minister Damien O’Connor says the new legislation aims

to increase consumer confidence when purchasing organic products, allow businesses to make claims that their products are organic with certainty, and promote international trade in organic

Chris Morrison (left), chair of Organic Aotearoa NZ on-orchard in Opotiki with Hon Damien O’Connor, Minister for food safety.

MOVE WELCOMED CERTIFIED ORGANIC Kiwifruit Association or COKA chair Doug Voss says – as a long-time, certified organic kiwifruit grower – he’s grateful for minister and his officials’ unfailing support to promote the mandatory national standards.

“We’ll continue to work collaborative and constructively with the government and other organic producers, including HortNZ, to promote the passage of the much-needed national standards and regulation to grow the organic market for New Zealand certified products,” says Voss.

Organics Aotearoa NZ, which represents a diverse membership of organic producers, processors, suppliers, wholesalers and retailers, says the new legislation will bring New Zealand into line with its major trading partners and enable easier access across global markets.

4.95% P.A FIXED RATE INTEREST

REAL WORLD

TOUGH. REAL WORLD VALUE.

VIKING-3 NOW

18,999

$

EXC GST

NEW EVERYDAY PRICING. STRAIGHT up.

WOLVERINE X2 R-SPEC NOW

21,738

$

EXC GST

NEW EVERYDAY PRICING. STRAIGHT up.

4,999

$

KODIAK 450 EPS NOW

11,999

$

AG200 NOW

EXC GST

EXC GST

NEW EVERYDAY PRICING. STRAIGHT up.

NEW EVERYDAY PRICING. STRAIGHT up.

FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT:

www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

Zero deposit; zero repayments for the first 12 months and a finance rate of 4.95% p.a. is available to approved applicants of Yamaha Motor Finance (‘YMF’). Offer ends 30 April 2020 and available on a loan term of 36 months on YMF’s Consumer contract standard terms and conditions. Credit criteria, fees, charges and conditions apply including an application fee of $325, $10 PPSR fee and a dealer administration fee. Offer only available at participating Yamaha dealerships while stocks last. Offer only available on Utility ATV/ROV and AG125, AG200, TW200 and TT-R230 models.

products.

He told Rural News that they have had ongoing discussions with the organics sector for a number of years and that they have always been seeking uniform standards. He says the legislation is largely at the request of the industry.

“We have progressed this because it provides certainty and security for people who are considering going into organic production, while at the same time giving confidence to consumers that what they buy as organic is true to label.”

O’Connor says up until now there has been no specific legislation relating to organics. He says under the Commerce Act there are rules that those dealing in organics must be honest in terms of their marketing and labelling of products.

However, he claims now days there is greater emphasis on traceability and integrity of products and this legislation will bring NZ into line with the laws in many other countries.

O’Connor adds that many existing organic growers are covered by the certification systems now in place and for them the new law will not involve massive changes – maybe just tweaks.

He says the main things about the law is that it show consumers that products coming from NZ have the approval of the government, which will adds to the credibility of the product both domestically and internationally.

Recent research shows demand for organics is increasing. The U.S. organics market alone is currently worth more than NZ$70 billion, and the EU organics market is worth around NZ$65b.

O’Connor says there’s been a cumulative growth in the EU organics market by 460% since 2000 and the number of organic producers in the Oceania region has almost tripled since 2006.

“Meantime, domestic and global demand for New Zealand organics saw the sector grow 30% between 2015 and 2018 to be worth more than $600m, according to a report from Organics Aotearoa New Zealand,” he says.

“The report also showed organic fresh fruit and vegetable exports were up 24 per cent, dairy, meat and wool exports up 45%, and wine exports up 13 % from just three years prior. Now is the time to put a framework in place to help sustain and enhance this growth.”

02165_MSD_SPV_10/19

Ever wondered why there are so many sheep in New Zealand?

CONTROL THE RISK OF TOXOPLASMA

CONTROL THE RISK OF CAMPYLOBACTER

For nearly 80 years, MSD have been developing sheep vaccines for New Zealand farmers. We have a complete range of vaccines to help you improve flock performance – including vaccines that help protect against losses from Toxoplasma, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and that are proven to increase the number of lambs born to ewes.

MADE FOR NEW ZEALAND. AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ACVM No’s: A004769, A009535, A007886, A009927.

Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz. NZ/SPV/0917/0002 © 2019 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved.

CONTROL THE RISK OF SALMONELLA

CONTROL HOW YOU INCREASE LAMB NUMBERS

They’re all made by us. And we’ve developed them here in New Zealand, for New Zealand. So, if you’ve ever wondered why there are so many sheep in New Zealand, now you know our vaccines are part of the reason.

Talk to your vet about MSD sheep performance vaccines.

Protect Your Pump!

The Hansen Leveller Valve allows you to set a Minimum and Maximum water level in your tank so it only fills when your tank level is low. This reduces the frequency the pump needs to switch on and off (pump cycling) which considerably increases your pumps life and saves power.

Valve Closes at Maximum level

Prevent Pump Burnout

Height Adjustable

Valve Opens at Minimum level

Save Power

Huge Flow 1275 l/min at 12 Bar

HAND TESTED

www.hansenproducts.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

NEWS 15

A potential boost for wool pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

HIGH PROFILE international names may give a huge boost to a new educational initiative planned this year in conjunction with the annual WoolOn Creative Fashion Event.

Meanwhile, Central Otago Schools have until just the end of the week, March 13, to enter the new educational side of the fashion event.

‘Fibre to Fashion’, for aspiring designers, and ‘Through the Lens’ for photographers and filmmakers, gives primary and high school students the opportunity to enter to be part of WoolOn. They will learn from Central Otago wool crafters and designers, photographers, filmmakers and international experts.

If successful the programme may be expanded beyond Central Otago next year.

WoolOn education coordinator Mary Hinsen says it will help raise the profile of wool and focus the next generation on its qualities as a fibre and its sustainable attributes.

Hinsen told Rural News she hopes to know within the next week whether the high profile

names will be on board.

“We’ve been approached by successful designers and film industry personalities, both New Zealand-based and overseas, that having heard about the programme want to help inspire young people.”

Hinsen says the new education programme is about giving back to the community and bringing age-old craft techniques to a new generation.

Programme participants will receive five months coaching, and at its conclusion Fibre to Fashion students will be able to enter their design in WoolOn Creative Fashion Event. The top ‘Through the Lens’ student will have the opportunity to capture images of the show, Hinsen says.

WoolOn organisers sought feedback about the event and the big message was getting younger people involved.

“We have a lot of tertiary students that come each time, emerging designers, which is great but what we didn’t have was a real ‘in’ for schools.”

The WoolOn Creative Fashion event 2020 will be held August 14-15 at Highlands in Cromwell.

The Fibre to Fashion programme will help develop creative young minds, bringing ethical fashion and environmentally sound wool crafting techniques to a new generation of designers.

Through the Lens – Stories of Fibre and Fashion photo and video programme will help young people tell their

stories visually, inspiring us all to see the future of wool as a sustainable fibre through their eyes.

WoolOn Creative and Fashion Society is a Central Otago not-for-profit organisation showcasing wool design and artistry.

Hinsen says a number of people have contact her so she is hoping for a “really good cohort” and

the programme proper starts after March 13.

No matter where you are fencing, FENCEPRO has every situation covered.

FENCEPRO has a innovative modular M·B·A - Mast·Base·Attachment system.

You can configure a FENCEPRO rammer to the specification that suits you best.

Add a side mount, or maybe a Rock Spike, upgrade to a rotating base or mount to a digger- the choice is yours!

Delivered freight free to your farm and set up on your tractor by FENCEPRO Dealers completely hassle free.

CALL 0800 36 27 76 www.farmgear.co.nz

FENCEPRO Tough • User-Friendly • Versatile

Come and get a great deal at

CD Field Days Site G34-G35

Keen to control the risk of Campylobacter?

You’ve still got time, but it’s ticking...

Remember, it’s not just maiden ewes at risk of campylobacteriosis.

Your mixed age ewes are still at risk and need a booster shot of Campyvax4® every year. So when you’re thinking about vaccinating against abortion storms, be sure all your ewes are protected ahead of time, with Campyvax4. Order yours from your vet today.

MADE FOR NEW ZEALAND. CONTROL THE RISK OF CAMPYLOBACTER AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ACVM No: A009535. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz NZ/SPV/1217/0010a © 2020 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved.

02165_MSD_RN_2

PAM TIPA

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

16 NEWS

Aussie flock hits a 116 year low SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

PROLONGED DRY conditions in rural Australia are taking a toll on its national sheep flock.

The latest forecast from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) says sheep numbers will fall 3.5% this year.

According to MLA’s 2020 Sheep Industry Projection, stock numbers have been dropping due to drought in key sheep producing regions.

The Australian national flock underwent a significant decline in 2019 as breeding ewes continued to be offloaded: marking rates were negatively affected by ongoing drought in many key sheep production regions.

MLA senior market analyst, Adam Cheetham says the national flock

is forecast to fall 3.5% to 63.7 million head by June 2020, representing the lowest national flock since 1904 and a cumulative fall of 12% since June 2017, prior to the latest drought.

“The impact and severity of consecutive drought years will be felt across both sheep and lamb supply in 2020 and for a number of years to come,” Cheetham says.

Sheep slaughter is forecast to decline 22% to 7.2 million head in 2020 and lamb slaughter is anticipated to decline to 21 million head, which is 8% below the pre-drought peak in 2016.

“This reflects the impact of the diminished breeding flock, generally lower marking rates and the expectation of greater retention of ewe lambs on-farm,” says Cheetham.

However, there is a

Key points ●●

●●

●●

●●

National flock forecast to fall 3.5% to 63.7 million head by June 2020 REDUCED LAMB slaughter reflects consecutive years of lower mating rates RISE IN average carcase weights to offset the impact of reduced slaughter on production AUSTRALIAN LAMB exports forecast to break records again due to robust international demand

silver lining to the decline in sheep numbers.

Australian sheep farmers should continue to receive record lamb prices this year, according to Cheetham.

Continued strong demand, limited international competition and a forecast drop in Australian sheep and lamb supply will keep prices at historically high levels.

Despite the poor

weather conditions, average national carcase weights improved last year and will again lift this year, helping to offset the impact of reduced slaughter on sheepmeat production.

Lamb carcase weights are forecast to rise 2% to 23.8kg/head in 2020.

This is due to the growing prevalence of supplementary feeding or lot feeding lambs,

improved pasture availability and strong price incentives to feed lambs to heavier finished weights, Cheetham says.

“As a result, lamb production is forecast to remain stable at 500,000 tonnes carcase weight (cwt), despite a decline in slaughter.

“The impact of the decrease in sheep slaughter will not be offset by the expected increase in

sheep carcase weights of 2% to 24.7kg/head, with mutton production forecast to fall 21% to 178,000 tonnes cwt.”

Cheetham said production could fall further if average to above-average rainfall is experienced in the southern sheep production regions in the first half of 2020, as producers look to rebuild.

Looking at exports, Cheetham says global

markets continue to reflect strong demand and constrained supplies from Australia and New Zealand, the two dominant sheepmeat exporters.

“The environment through 2020 is expected to remain much the same, supporting prices, but uncertainty regarding global trade policy and China’s appetite for meat imports due to African Swine Fever and coronavirus should not be disregarded.

“Broadly, global demand for quality sheepmeat has outstripped supply in recent years, leading to prices across all major sheepmeat suppliers reaching new highs.”

Australian lamb exports are forecast to break records again on the back of this robust international demand.

VISIT US AT FIELDAYS

Round the Farm

SITE 138 NORTHLAND SITE O73 & O74 CENTRAL

For the best deals in the country, see the specialists!

20% off P la s s o n F it t in g s

BE IN TO WIN!

For every tank purchased, go in the draw to win a $500 HUNTING & FISHING VOUCHER. On listed sizes only - All colours

Water Tanks All colours. Free delivery.

Tanks come fitted with 50mm brass outlets.

G re a t d e a ls on Va lv e s

Super-flo 25/20mm Reservoir 32/40/50mm

$30 $119

25,000 litre 30,000 litre

$2,933 $3,623

Fast and easy to use with Farmflow Greenstripe Pipe!

All Devan tanks are U.V. stablised to protect from sun and ensure long life - Devan 20 year Guarantee -

Farmflow Greenstripe Pipe Lightweight, strong and durable.

Great for stock water reticulation pipes.

32OD 100m Rural Coil 8bar 40OD 100m Rural Coil 8bar 50OD 100m Rural Coil 8bar 63OD 100m Rural Coil 8bar

$183 $232 $322 $478

Price applies to 100m coils only.

For larger orders call our friendly team for a quote.

Planning a stock water trough system?

We can help!

Fi eld D ay D ea ls on ...

Concrete Troughs Ball cock protection.

Easy maintenance.

Curved edges for stock protection.

For more information discuss with our friendly team at Hynds

Call us now to arrange a site visit.

For full address details please see our website www.hyndsrural.co.nz or phone us for your nearest store. All major credit cards plus Farmlands, Rural Co cards accepted. Special prices and discounts valid from February 1st & March 31st 2020. Discounts are offer Hynds normal retail price. Actual product supplied may be different to that pictured but identical in quality and price.

Promotional items are strictly while stocks last. All prices include GST unless otherwise stated.

NEW ZEALAND’S MOST SUCCESSFUL

TAG TEAM. Great retention starts with great application.

Talk to your rural retailer or visit ztags.com *Applies to new customers only.

FREE Z2

No Tear Tagger when you purchase 60 or more NAIT Z Tags.*

TRACTADAT62711_ZTAGS_RN

A tag is a tag is a tag, right? Wrong! When it’s a Z2 No Tear Tag™ correctly applied with a Z2 No Tear Tagger™ it goes on once and stays on. With its flexible material and free rotating design, it won’t snag, pull out or break off. So if your herd’s poor retention rates are costing you time and money, switch to the tag team with more staying power. Available in tamperproof and non-tamperproof (reusable) options.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

18 NEWS

Global ambitions for T&G PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

T&G GLOBAL wants to continue its transformation towards becoming the world’s leading, premium fresh produce company, says chief executive Gareth Edgecombe.

However, it was not

without its challenges, he concedes in the company’s annual report.

“Over the past few years, our financial performance has been weak, with market forces putting pressure on our operating model and our investments for the long term yet to see yields.

“To unleash our full potential, we had to evolve. This hasn’t been easy and some of the decisions we’ve made have been tough, but they were needed.”

He claims the company is now one year into its three-year roadmap for growth, with

Inset: T&G Global chief executive Gareth Edgecombe.

“many green shoots are coming through”.

In the year to December 31, 2019 the operating profit increased to $16.5 million, from $15.6m million in 2018. Revenue was maintained at $1.2 billion and profit for the year $6.6 million, compared to $8.3 million in 2018.

Strong sales and margin growth were achieved in key export markets, including Asia, Australia, the United States, United Kingdom and Pacific Islands, says Edgecombe.

An “enviable” premium position was built in the United States for Envy, with sales revenues increasing by 43%.

The transition continued to premium apples, including the re-planting

of some orchards.

“While this has had a cost impact, it’s vital for setting us up for the future,” says Edgecombe.

The company divested low returning or noncore assets to use cash more productively and reinvest it into capability and infrastructure to support our future growth.

This included the sale of its Mt Wellington site in Auckland for $65 million.

T&G is harnessing its vertical model strengths to develop two new categories – blueberries and grapes.

“We’re one year into this plan and expect it to take another few years to see the value. We see a strong future for these emerging categories.”

The company is

boosting its inmarket sales presence in Asia and moving globally towards a worldclass sales model.

Edgecombe says the International Produce division had a strong close to the year, increasing revenue by 14%, to $305.1 million, largely driven by its Asian trading business boosting revenue by $40.6 million.

“A critical aspect of realising the potential of our Apples division is the increased focus on premium varieties. In 2019, this saw us re-planting some orchards which, while vital for setting us up for the future, had a cost impact,” says Edgecombe.

“In the United States,

as a result of bolstering our sales and marketing expertise and an integrated activation programme, we accelerated the growth of our premium apple brands, delivering 43% growth in Envy sales.

Meanwhile, favourable growing conditions in NZ throughout 2019 resulted in an abundance of supply.

“This adversely affected sales values across most product groups, resulting in a 2% decline in revenue for our New Zealand Produce division, to $227million.”

DIRECTORS RETURNED SILVER FERN Farm Co-operative directors Richard Young and Dan Jex Blake have both been reelected unopposed.

Young, who is chairman of the co-op board, said the outcome provided continuity for the co-oper-

ative and for Silver Fern Farms Limited.

Both Young and Jex Blake were first elected to the SFF board in 2013. They also represent the cooperative on the board of Silver Fern Farms Limited – the joint

venture between SFF and Chinese company Shanghai Maling.

The 2019 Annual Meeting of SFF will be held in Dunedin on 30 April 2020. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

“The Hill Block we applied an Optimise blend of fertiliser to has clover growing in places where clover has not been seen before.”

CP LIME SOLUTIONS – Fine Lime Solutions Since 2000

www.cplimesolutions.net.nz | 0508 678 464

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

NEWS 19

Trans-Tasman agritech cooperation PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND and Australia could be working more closely together in the agritech space to present a regional offer to the world, according to Callaghan Innovation’s agritech group manager Simon Yarrow.

It could be similar to the way the Scandinavians have established a regional reputation in other fields.

This was one observation after Callaghan-led agritech mission of more than 60 New Zealanders attended the agEvoke conference in Melbourne in February. The event focuses on agricultural innovation.

Yarrow told Rural News the rest of the world sees us as the same region.

American, European and even Asian investors in particular are more likely to visit if they are going to both countries.

“If you present as a region, suddenly it starts to have some scale and a combination of different farming systems and technologies.

“The Australians are really keen to do more and so are we. We have built a few bridges there.

We have a group called the Australian and New Zealand Agritech Council and we’re looking at opportunities where we can work together.”

He says New Zealand is viewed as a leader in agritech, which is unusual as it is usually seen as a small player globally.

“But certainly within the region we are seen as a leading light. That was pleasing to see that people wanted to engage

with us and work with us.”

New Zealand is keen to partner with the research system in Australia so also visited Monash University this year and La Trobe University in Melbourne last year.

However, Yarrow point out that it is harder from start-ups to get a foot in the door in Australia than some of our people realise.

“Just because we share a lot of cultural similarities you can’t just walk in there and say ‘hey I’m from New Zealand’ and suddenly get business.

“You have really got to know what value you are bringing and especially for the tech start-ups.

“A lot of Kiwi companies think Australia is just like New Zealand, but it is not.”

Yarrow says the trip brought home the environmental issues in Australia with water, fire and other climate change issues.

New Zealand is seen as a leader in that environmental space.

“So the key there will be coming up with environmental technologies that also add to the bottom line. We see some really cool Kiwi companies building on that.”

He adds that capital – especially venture capital – is always a challenge in New Zealand, but some good, early stage angel and incubator accelerator networks have been built.

The new governmentinitiated New Zealand Venture Investment Fund of New Zealand is looking to invest $300 million.

Yarrow says agritech will definitely hope to attract

2022 IN NZ? NEW ZEALAND IS looking at hosting an agEvoke event in 2022.

It will be held in Perth next year.

New Zealand will be competing against other Australian venues, but Yarrow says Agri Ventures, which runs agEvoke, see it as being a regional event.

They want to become the number one food/agritech conference in the Southern Hemisphere.

“It would be beneficial for NZ to hold it. But it will be a competitive situation so we will put our best foot forward and hopefully we will get it here in 2022.”

some of that funding.

He says the key for start-ups is putting all the pieces of the pie together.

“That is where the research organisations come in, government can’t help.

“We can’t do it but we can support them, we are an enabler.”

So are some of the bigger ag companies like Zespri and Allied Farmers who were on the agEvoke mission as well.

Simon Yarrow, left, local MP Dr Anne Webster and Mildura Mayor Simon Clemence at the agEvoke event in Melbourne last month.

Sending unsafe to tag animals to the works?

AND

Before sending

Mark the animal

Declare the animal is unsafe to tag (UTT) in your NAIT account

Ensure the unsafe to tag animal has a marking so it can be identified at the works

Need help Call the OSPRI Contact Centre 0800 482 463 Note: unsafe to tag animals moved to a meat processor will be subject to a $13 UTT levy (excl. GST) per head.

Failure to comply with the conditions of the UTT exemption may result in a $400 fine per animal or prosecution.

NAIT is an OSPRI programme

J1376 NAIT Unsafe to tag exemption FA4.indd 1

ospri.co.nz

17/02/2020 10:54:09 AM

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

Rabobank supports clients from farm to fork in

40

COUNTRIES

100 000

farmers to connect Content supplied by Rabobank - Growing New Zealand Together with worldwide , a Better 12630

20 MARKETS & TRENDS

global agribusiness research analysts sharing market outlooks

Holding our breath Dairy

DAIRY COMMODITY markets have shifted lower as coronavirus impacts global logistics and sentiment. Average WMP prices have dipped around 6% since mid-January 2020.

Despite this, Fonterra recently reaffirmed their forecast farmgate milk

price range of NZ$ 7.00/ kgMS to 7.60/kgMS. For now, Rabobank’s farmgate milk price forecast of NZ$ 7.60/kgMS still stands, but we note there is risk to this number.

New Zealand’s 2019/20 milk production continues to fall behind the prior season.

On a The 2019/20

Sheepmeat

season-to-date collections are now trailing half a percent behind last season. We expect February 2020 data to illustrate further pressure on milk collections.

Beef

FARMGATE PRICES stabilised late February for the first time since early December, signalling prices may be approaching their floor following a steep decline over the last three months.

However, the continuing impact of coronavirus on Chinese import demand and high levels of domestic cattle supplies due to low feed levels do have the potential to put further downward pressure on prices over the next month.

Supply chain disruptions in China caused by coronavirus coincided

with New Zealand’s seasonal increase in cattle production, with the lift in this season’s production higher than normal due to dry conditions in the North Island and upper South Island.

With suppressed demand from China occurring at a time when domestic supplies

exceeded local processing capacity, farmgate prices have been under strong downward price pressure for most of 2020.

As of the start of March, the North Island bull price is 13% lower MOM, averaging NZ$ 4.70/kg cwt, with the South Island bull price down 11% MOM to NZ$

4.65/kg cwt.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that logistics in China are improving, indicating the worst of the supply chain disruption issues may have passed, although it is still unclear how long it will be before Chinese import demand returns to normal.

RABOBANK EXPECTS prices to remain under some further downward pressure in March, with dry conditions in the North Island and upper South Island forcing farmers to continue offloading stock at a higher-than-normal rate during the season’s peak production period.

An oversupply of lambs, combined with reduced demand from China due to coronavirus, saw farmgate prices fall sharply in February. As of the start of March, the slaughter price in the North Island averaged NZ$ 6.90/kg cwt (7% down MOM), while South Island lamb averaged NZ$ 6.80/kg cwt (9% down MOM).

These pricing levels are largely in line with

usiness ysts et outlooks

Rabobank supports clients from farm to fork in

40

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

MARKETS & TRENDS 21

COUNTRIES

Content supplied by Rabobank - Growing a Better New Zealand Together ewes is likely to remain tight over the coming month as lamb supplies hit peak levels.

Horticulture

where they were at this stage last year.

With coronavirus disrupting Chinese demand for lamb over the last month, New Zealand exporters were forced to redirect China-bound product to alternative markets at discounted prices.

Given China is still predominately a lowvalue cut market for New Zealand lamb exports, and pricing in other key markets is holding up rel-

atively well, the downward effect on overall export returns is limited.

Exporters do not have the luxury of strong alternative markets for mutton, with China accounting for approximately 80% of New Zealand’s mutton exports.

This has resulted in processors prioritising lambs over ewes, making killing space for ewes difficult to come by and driving prices down 17% MOM. Killing space for

CORONAVIRUS BRINGS complications for exporters of crops with a high reliance on China, such as pip fruit and kiwifruit. In 2019, China accounted for around 16% and 25% of total export receipts, respectively, for these crops.

Despite indications that port access is freeing up, Rabobank expects softening of in-market prices in China for key fresh produce exports for the balance of Q1.

This is not from a lack of demand, rather supply chain disruptions continue to impact ability to ship produce to consumers.

The depth of this price impact after Q1 remains uncertain and is highly dependent upon the timeframe it takes China to contain the virus.

Q1 and Q2 2020 will bring market trading conditions that will test the depths of alternative markets to New Zealand’s number one fresh produce export destination, China. In addition to China, the spread of coronavirus and its impacts to other key markets in Asia will influence demand across the balance of Q1 and into Q2 2020.

Rabobank expects that supply diverted to markets outside of China,

where that produce is not unseasonal, will result in reduced local market prices bringing downside to total export receipts for the second half of the export year to June 2020 .

Exchange rate

THE NEW Zealand dollar will likely head to USc 60 if coronavirus takes off again in China or it becomes a global pandemic.

Both scenarios are entirely possible. With

CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

markets awakening to the prospect of a global pandemic, traders abandoned NZ$ investments for safe haven assets in the US. Yields on 10-year US Treasury bonds below 1% by early March, an alltime low and down from 2.75% just one year prior.

The New Zealand dollar fell to USc 62.93 on 4th March, down from USc 65.27 at the end of January.

Despite its recent smashing, the currency

could still slip even further against the US dollar over the next 12 months if either infection rates start to rise again in China or if the infection rates seen in Italy and South Korea are replicated in major economies like the US and Japan.

Conversely, the New Zealand dollar may yet rise against the US dollar if the situation in China continues to improve and its spread beyond China remains limited.

CHOOSE YOUR DEAL

2 years FREE SERVICING* OR

2 years Extended Warranty* OR

NO PAYMENTS UNTIL 2021* FINANCE FROM A LOW

2.49% P.A. *

Combo Package save 10% on implements* Add an implement from the New Holland hay tool or plough range and receive a 10% discount on the implement.

Newholland.co/nz

*Promotion only applies to model ranges listed above on new orders taken between 1st January to 30th April 2020. Units must be delivered in 2020. Finance packages provided by UDC and advertised rate is based on a 3 year term; 25% deposit, GST back in 3rd month and balance over 35 monthly payments. Finance rates will vary dependent on deposit and finance term agreement. No payments until 2021 based on 4 months deferred payments on financed amount for deliveries on or after 1st September 2020.

Deposit will still be required on delivery. Standard lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. 2 years free servicing covers all dealer required scheduled services for 2 years or 2,000 hours, whichever comes first. 10% discount offered on New Holland implements applies to units purchased with a T6, T7, T8 or T9 tractor. Discount is off the published introductory retail pricing. Models shown are for reference only, actual specification may vary.

19NH051b

Farming is hard work. So you’ll be glad to know our ultra-reliable T6, T7, T8 and T9 Series tractors work just as hard as you do. Plus, there’s a choice of equally hard working offers. Visit your local New Holland dealer today.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

22 AGRIBUSINESS

Why are goat profits not matching prices?

Long-time goat industry stalwart Garrick Batten looks into why farm gate goat meat profits have not matched FOB prices, potential market returns or other meats.

THE GOAT schedule has been remarkably stable over the years, despite exchange rate shifts, shipping cost increases and various market changes.

In 2000, it was $3.303.80 per kg. In 2012-13, it was $3.50 for 8.1kg+ and $3.65 for 12.1 kg +.

By 2016, it was still at that level – creeping to over $4 to $4.50 during 2018. During the latter part of 2019 into 2020, it increased by another $1.

However, individual processors schedules may not be directly comparable with freight subsidy differences, North/ South Island location

and market needs. The domestic fresh market – that only consumed 3% of the inspected national kill in 1991— now takes one third, mainly in Auckland.

That requires regular slaughter from fluctuating and seasonally influenced supplies, whereas the frozen export market product is not so affected.

Farmers, who want to compare goats with lambs, suggest that farm production and market differences are not appreciated. Nor that overall FOB goat meat export prices have generally matched lamb prices over the years.

Potential lightweight slaughter kids.

Goat meat prices exceeded lamb from 198388, fell behind later and

caught up by the mid 90s, but relativity then continued to vary. By 2010,

S

MM Higher Productivity + Lower ServicingUCosts

ER S

= AES Waterblasters PH

NO

ON

TORNADO RANGE

• UDOR ceramic plunger pump & gear-box • Genuine Honda petrol engine • 10 models from 1800 to 5000 psi

FREEPHONE 0508 78 78 78

E

WO N FO RD E

TAI

ALBERTI HOT CLEANERS

LS

• UDOR ceramic plunger pump • Heavy duty 1440 RPM motor • 230 & 400 Volt • User friendly

ELECTROBLAST RANGE

Sales & Service dealers throughout New Zealand

• 230 or 400 Volt 1440 RPM electric motors • 8 models from 1600 to 5000 psi

www.aesblasters.co.nz

DO YOU HAVE PASTURES AFFECTED BY THE DROUGHT? It can be frustrating and stressful waiting for rain.

Revive your pastures before winter with PLASMA 3000 Liquid Fertiliser with its combination of N:P:K plus important minerals, trace elements and soil conditioners.

By applying PLASMA 3000 you are looking after the plant and the animals.

“The two go hand in hand and that’s where the money is!”

– quote from a retired astute farmer

Call today on 0800 and talk to us

ALE

752 762

www.plasmabiotec.co.nz

per kg returns were: goat $7.11, lamb $6.74. However, by 2016, goat was $8.87 and $8.07; and in 2018, goat $9.37 and lamb $9.80.

Compared with goat, sheep meat schedules include wool and pelt payment as well as byproduct returns, that are not specifically included for goats and make schedule comparisons more difficult.

Fluctuating goat skin values have also a disproportionate impact on lower per kg meat value to influence per head values. Consequently, farm gate returns for lamb and mutton were about two thirds of FOB values – whereas goat was about half.

Another influence is increasing weight –

where a relatively flat goat schedule from 8-20 kg does not match the steep lift from 13kg for lamb. Goat and lamb meat may not be comparable for western tastes.

Consumer preferences suggest a better sheep meat quality comparison, in NZ farmer terms, would be with lightweight mutton – where similarly flat schedule values are three quarters of lamb.

Given goat grazing nature and their on-farm role, an even better comparison could be with lightweight bull and cow beef.

At the pastoral farm production and management level, goat meat is more comparable with mutton, bull and cow beef. This is because goat carcase quality, age and sex are usually not

market specifications, with weight being the major influence on farm gate returns.

The industry average 11-12kg goat schedule – on a scale of 100 – can be compared with NI summer schedules for lightest weight grades Cow 31, Bull 78, Mutton 77 and Lamb 117. Yet, FOB comparisons can also show a premium for goat over those other meats.

• Garrick Batten is a former agricultural diplomat and MAF regional manager of advisory and technical services. He was the developer of NZ Kiko meat goats now popular in USA and a pioneer of dairy goat farming, stud master for leading cashmere flocks and industry life member.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

AGRIBUSINESS 23

Time to embrace the alternative protein debate HELEN DARLING

I WAS interested to read how Fonterra responded to activists who turned up at its recent farm open day events, to protest about treatment of cows in the dairy sector.

The activists reported that, at a Manawatu farm, a Fonterra representative and farm workers said it was okay for them to be there, noted down their concerns and entered into ‘amicable’ dialogue.

As someone with a strong interest in how we can repair our broken food system globally, I’d like to see more conversations between such diverse groups.

It might seem as if I’m playing devil’s advocate, but rather than dismissing or ‘going on the offensive’ against proponents of alternative proteins, perhaps it’s time the farming, meat and dairy sectors were inviting them to their conferences.

I believe farmers, activists and leaders of the plant-based protein movement do have something in common. They all want to achieve sustainable and socially acceptable ways to feed our growing world population.

New Zealand’s farmers do have a head start thanks to their pastureraised, grass fed animals – but that may not be enough. The vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, alternative protein movement is growing. It’s not simply an irritating bug that can be brushed away with a flick of a cow’s tail.

Such dialogue could help industry better understand why people are turning away from meat and dairy in numbers – and in turn, that dialogue could create wider public understanding about the huge efforts and challenges involved in producing the food we eat.

I have recently attended two international conferences; firstly the Wall Street Journal’s Global Food Forum in New York; followed by the Food on the Edge

conference in Galway, Ireland. Both were focused on the current status of food systems, both mentioned ‘sustainability’ in promotional materials: the difference was in the application of that word.

At the Wall Street forum, Ruth Kimmelshue, of US agricultural and livestock giant Cargill, outlined how ‘sustainability is our obligation’ while also stating that “the American farmer is still the most efficient farmer in the world”. Should that be “efficient” or “intensive”?

Ted McKinney (US Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs) made the bold claim “sometimes people fear the US, our magnitude, our quality, our size” when talking about trade. The focus was unashamedly about increasing shareholder returns.

‘Sustainability’ was interpreted differently in Galway, where the value of diversification and artisanal production was advocated as a means of protecting cultural diversity, and in producing products ‘healthier’ for planet and person. Profit wasn’t discussed, but rather the notion of business sustainability – for all members of the supply chain, including small producers and farmers.

On the surface, these two conferences were looking to achieve the same goals. However, ultimately the only common ground between most of the people at both was fear and distrust of alternative proteins. It’s interesting to observe that the one thing that unites both groups could be the one thing that disrupts both.

A paradigm shift is needed but until we start to see greater cross-pollination then it is unlikely that we will see great change in a system that results in regular food recalls, food wastage, animal welfare issues, resource depletion, malnutrition and obesity.

Such a shift will not occur when there is not a universal understanding of the size and nature of

the problem?

In terms of increasing understanding, food literacy was another ‘hot topic’ in Galway. New Zealand farmers often complain that consumers don’t understand the

efforts they put in to produce food. They’re right.

In just a few generations, food literacy has plummeted.

There’s a movement in Ireland calling for a mandatory food subject in the

primary school curriculum. That’s something we could look at in New Zealand.

• Helen Darling has a PhD in Public Health. She is co-founder of FoodTruths. org

Helen Darling

SPREADERS, SPRAYERS & CULTIVATION GEAR TO

COVER

FROM

2.45% FINANCE *

EVERY OPERATION

ZA-TS ULTRA

UX 01 SUPER

CATROS

f Hopper capacities from 1400L

f Working widths of 21 - 40m

f Working widths from 2.5 - 4m,

f Working widths up to 54m

f Tank capacities of 4200 - 6200L

f Payload of up to 4.5 t

f Excellent boom guidance with

TWIN DISC MOUNTED CENTRIFUGAL SPREADER

f Application rates up to 650 kg/ min & speeds up to 30 km/h f Choice of ISOBUS compatible control units

HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILED SPRAYER

Super-L2 sprayer boom f Steering angle up to 28° f High-capacity 520 L, selfpriming, pumps

For your local dealer go to: claasharvestcentre.com

*Standard CLAAS Financial Services lending terms, conditions and fees apply. Offer ends 31/03/2020. 2.45% pa requires minimum 30% deposit; 36 monthly repayments. Excludes AMAZONE Pantera and Cirrus.

COMPACT MOUNTED DISC CULTIVATOR

speeds up to 18 km/h f Two rows of 10-16 510 mm concave discs (Special) f Two rows of 12-16 610 mm concave discs (XL) f Optimised disc position

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

24 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

Nothing more than feelings “We should no longer believe the medical professions’ advice over our own lived experience”: The words of a social media ‘diet influencer’, summing up the dangerous place we arrive at when large chunks of society no longer trust scientific fact, preferring to take the advice of Facebook friends and Instagram idiots.

How did we arrive at such a moment? Social media is part of the problem, amplifying uninformed reckons that were previously restricted to crank chat groups or the local pub. Cynical politicians have contributed, capitalising on fear and ignorance and in the process undermining trust in genuine evidence-based information. The line between fact and fiction becomes blurred when the leader of the free world arbitrarily declares scientific evidence as ‘fake news’ to suit his own agenda.

This trend of putting feelings and virtue signalling on a higher pedestal than scientific evidence and verifiable data was laughable when restricted to a few conspiracy theorists and ‘wellness’ faddists. However, it is dangerous when it spills over into the field of agricultural research spending and policy setting.

Much has been written in the New Zealand farming media about regenerative agriculture, some gushing, some rightly cynical about its lack of an empirical foundation.

We’ve already seen the much-hyped, highly expensive Primary Sector Council’s big idea for NZ’s future is: ... ‘to be a world-leader in modern regenerative productions systems’.

Now we have Beef + Lamb NZ planning to conduct a global study into regenerative agriculture.

Stung into action by the potential squandering of farmer levies, some rural scribes have noted two important facts about it: one, there is little to no data to support the claim it offers any advantage over conventional farming; two, much of what is considered to be regenerative agriculture is the way we already farm.

Ironically, the latter point came out of the mouth of B+LNZ CEO Sam McIvor himself, begging the question, why commit precious levy funds to this groovy fad?

When you examine the body of work around regenerative agriculture, there are more soft bits than hard bits, more feelings and virtue signalling than peer-reviewed fact.

Any industry bodies that want to veer from the scientific path are shirking their responsibilities to farmers and farming. Agriculture best practice must be based on scientific evidence. The rest is nothing more than feelings.

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

“Afraid of catching the virus? – no way – I’m doing some welding after lunch!”

Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound?

Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz

THE HOUND Surprise, surprise!

Log jam

Look in the mirror!

Fake news?

YOUR OLD mate has always suspected that the multi-national, environmental fundamentalist, farming hating lobby group Greenpeace is effectively a glorified fund-raising arm of the fundamentalist, farmer hating Green Party in this country. These suspicions were further enhanced following the announcement of some of the people – i.e. soapdodging, tree hugging communists – who will be standing for the Green Party at this year’s election.

Among this list of out-of-work actors, woke school kids and Mexican communists is longtime Greenpeace ‘activist’ Steve Able. Of course, Able is not the only Greenpeace tie to the Green Party; the current head of the NZ organisation is the former co-leader of the Greens, well-known Australian and former communist, ‘Red Rusty’ Russel Norman. Go figure!

THIS OLD mutt reckons those politicians, policy makers and lobbyists hell-bent on turning the country into one big pine plantation – in a madcap effort to reduce NZ’s 0.17% of the world’s carbon emissions – should take a look at what is currently happening to log exports. Thanks to the coronavirus outbreak and the forest industry’s total reliance on the Chinese market, log exports have dried up and forestry workers and associated industries are losing work. According to the Forest Owners Association, which has heavily backed the Government’s push to plant more trees on good farmland, coronavirus has resulted in almost “no off-take of logs in China for processing and the remaining log yard space at most ports near processing centres is quickly disappearing”. It seems the 50 Shades of Green lobby have even more ammunition to fight against the Government’s crazy tree scheme.

THE HOUND hears Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor recently had a crack at the banks, calling them “fair weather friends” of the farming sector who are currently putting undue pressure on the rural sector. Now, your old mate is no friend of the banks, but he suggests that – like any business, mortgage holder or person – those farmers who are heavily indebted and finding it hard to pay loans will come under scrutiny from the banks.

However, if O’Connor was serious about being a ‘friend’ of the farming sector he wouldn’t be advocating things like the proposed freshwater reforms, farming in the ETS, taxes on fertiliser and a myriad of things his government has done to make life more difficult for farmers, forcing them to rely on the banks for more financial support. The minister should be looking in the mirror before throwing rocks at others!

YOUR CANINE crusader notes that with an election just around the corner, the professional whiners at Bitch&Complain (Fish&Game) are back spruiking their own opinion polls and claiming to have all the answers on what New Zealanders want. According to the latest poll commissioned by the fishing and hunting lobby group (how much did that cost fishing licence holders?), top of the list of things most worrying Kiwis is water quality.

Not housing, not the economy, not even coronavirus, but water quality.

It makes your old mate wonder if the fishing lobby’s political poll was carried out by – to use the parlance of one of Fish&Game’s own councillors – “hairy arm-pitted, dreadlocked, jandal-wearing chicks”. Now while F&G might be able to say such a thing, the Hound could not possibly comment!

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 021 842 220 Peter Burke .............................Ph 06 362 6319 Nigel Malthus ...................... Ph 021 164 4258 MACHINERY EDITOR: Mark Daniel ............................. Ph 021 906 723 or 07 824 1190

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

WELLINGTON SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Ron Mackay ................................. Ph 021 453 914 ronm@ruralnews.co.nz

WAIKATO SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Ted Darley .................................. Ph 021 832 505 ted@ruralnews.co.nz

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

ABC audited circulation 79,553 as at 31/03/2019

DIGITAL STRATEGIST: Jessica Wilson ......................Ph 027 535 2534

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 // MARCH 10, 2020

OPINION 25

Turning rhetoric into reality THE FERTILISER and Lime Research Centre (FLRC) workshop held at Massey University each February starts the year with a hiss, roar, new research and the latest from overseas.

The three-day workshop is one of the places where scientists, researchers, rural professionals, farmers and national and local policy makers can engage in rigorous debate.

This year the workshop appeared under its new moniker of Farmed Landscapes Research Centre (FLRC). Although

COMMENT

Jacqueline Rowarth

each resource input and fewer losses.

Fonterra is already showing their suppliers the Nitrogen Use Efficiency of their operations.

It is now modelling GHG/ kg of milk solids. Farmers will be able to view their data, and then consider impact per hectare of

land and bottom line.

Rural Professionals are being upskilled in modeling to assess options.

Policy makers are working to try and find the balance where GHG and nutrient loss can be curtailed without impact on the economy.

Nobody thinks this is

• Dr Jacqueline Rowarth CNZM CRSNZ HFNZIAHS has a PhD in nutrient cycling. The report and conclusions above are her own and should not be attributed to any of the organisations with which she is affiliated. She can be contacted on jsrowarth@ gmail.com

easy, but other countries expect New Zealand to show the way. New Zealand farmers are part of the global solution in providing animal protein for least environmental impact – other countries which can’t do what is being done here could do the tree planting…

Richards pointed out that Ireland is still in the EU – so subsidies would continue to support change.

New Zealand’s focus has been stimulated by our unique GHG profile.

Agriculture accounts for almost 50% of our GHG

The quandary now is how to reduce emissions and losses overall; without impacting the bottom line of individual farms and the economy of the country. it has a new name, FLRC is continuing its decades of research assisting rural New Zealand in being clean, green and productive. The evolution of systems thinking has involved delegates from across the sector. Increasingly the focus has been on reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) as well as nitrogen loss.

This year the keynote speakers from Scotland and Ireland revealed how far ahead New Zealand is in addressing the issues.

Professor Bob Rees, Rural Agricultural College, indicated a certain amount of confusion post-Brexit. Ongoing subsidies, without which The UK National Audit Office estimates that over 40% of farmers in Britain would be making a loss, will be required to assist with tree planting.

Other hopes are being pinned on breeding better cows, dietary manipulation (including the role of legume-based pasture) feed additives, and Biochar.

Professor Rees stated that even biochar was being re-examined as they were ‘getting that desperate’.

Dr Karl Richards, from Ireland’s Teagasc Institute focused on breeding better cows. He also indicated that flooding pastures to create bogs was being considered. Dr

the primary sector can be part of the solution.

Translating the rhetoric to reality is the next challenge. Taking land out of production by planting trees and flooding pastures means that remaining agricultural land must become more intensively managed – more food for

emissions – in contrast to approximately 11% in most developed countries. The Government focus, and the research which started overtly a decade ago (the NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre was opened by Hon John Key in 2010), means that breeding ‘better cows’ has resulted in a 1% gain a year in terms of efficiency in the dairy herd since 1990. Gains have also been made in other sectors.

The quandary now is how to reduce emissions and losses overall; without impacting the bottom line of individual farms and the economy of the country.

At the workshop Phil Journeaux, AgFirst agricultural economist, reasserted that ‘some farms can make some gains and remain viable, but overall its hard’. His modeling indicates that forestry offsetting is not an option on dairy land as it makes the property unviable.

This means that dairy farmers will need to purchase land to plant, which extends their borrowings and puts pressure on hill country farmers.

And trees don’t allow rural populations to thrive.

Rural depopulation is also an issue in the UK, but the rhetoric is that through land use change,

UPG

RAD

E

ARI TE P

OFFE

RS

UPGR

We’re making it easier for you to increase your farm’s productivity with EID upgrade offers.

Upgrade your purchase with EID for only $995 and you can save up to $2305!*

Classic sh MC Cruyou could

OUR ADE Y

Taurus r o n a t Ti Crushuld e l t t a C u co and yo UPGR

se and

purcha

to save up

$2305

se purcha ve up to sa

$2305

Upgrade to EID and upgrade your productivity.

• Integrated design for superior read range • Compact, robust design • Hands-free operation with Bluetooth to transfer EID number to weigh scale

OUR ADE Y

dler n a H l l e Racew Drafter could or Auto UPGR

you se and purcha ve up to sa

$2150

To find out more about our EID offers, go to: 0800 837 274 / tepari.com/EID * Terms & conditions apply; visit our website for details.

OUR ADE Y

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

26 OPINION

Stop and smell the flowers “HOW ARE you doing?”

I ask. “Been real busy,” came the reply. “How about we catch some lunch in town?” I offer another. “Would love to but maybe next time you’re through; I’m too busy at the moment,” came his response. All too common from folk

these days; it’s the hour in which we live.

I have a long-time friend and he reckons our world suffers from an epidemic of hurry sickness. You’ll see the sufferers every time you’re out and about; everywhere from hurried motorists; to shoppers in

FARMER’S CHAPLAIN

Colin Miller

your local supermarket as they jostle for the closest carpark, or suss out what they perceive to be the quickest queue!

Maybe it’s further evidence that people are so busy they barely have time to get all their stuff done? Multi-tasking is their ‘normal’.

Personally, I think some are addicted to busy. Like all addicts, they will at first swear they are not addicted, but their schedule proves them wrong. They live life in the fast lane; from drive through coffees in the morning to heat & eat at night; it’s a ‘pedal to

Nature does her part

when nurture happens first Caring for your crop at key times ensures its future takes care of itself. Exirel® uses clever chemistry to protect fodder brassicas from destructive pests like Diamond back moth, Leaf miner and Aphid at the key stages of growth. It’s gentle on key beneficial insects. And a healthier crop can lead to quality stock.

So protect your crop with Exirel® and give Mother Nature the head start she needs.

Visit www.fmccrop.nz for more information.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. FMC and Exirel® are trade marks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. © 2019 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. 8/19

the metal’ life!

For sure, I understand farmers have unavoidable busy seasons. I get to do that too. However, there are a couple of hidden nasties with this ‘addicted to busy’ thing I want to put my finger on for you here.

The first is that “busyness equals importance.”

I’m busy all the time I must be important, is the thinking. So yes, it feeds your self-worth to be busy. What a poor master to be servant to.

I do not remember where I first heard this, but here is a great truth: “The urgent is seldom important; the important is seldom urgent.” How true!

We can easily get ourselves immersed in the urgent yet neglect the truly important. Sadly, I have seen the results of that too often over the years.

Here’s another issue with this busy thing; it limits our time to truly think. Thinking things through, quality time with your own thoughts is important. More than just important, I’d say it was necessary for your own wholeness and wellbeing.

Busyness and rash decisions very often go together. “If only we had taken more time to think this through” is an all too common regret these days.

Our grandparents did much more thinking than we tend to do. They had way more uncluttered time. With no TVs, no

Are you hitting your target market?

For advice, contact your local sales consultant Auckland

Stephen Pollard ....... Ph 09-913 9637

Waikato

Ted Darley ................ Ph 07-854 6292

Wellington

Ron Mackay ............ Ph 04-234 6239

Christchurch Kaye Sutherland ...... Ph 03-337 3828 ■ BREAKING NEWS

HEADER

FMC New Zealand Limited Phone: 0800 658 080 www.fmccrop.nz

laptops, no internet, no cell phones or cell phone games, no Facebook, plus a bunch of other stuff, they used their time much differently. The same minutes in an hour, the same hours in a day, but they spent their time, probably much more profitably.

None of our grandparents ever suffered from nomophobia. Nomophobia is a separation anxiety disorder people can suffer from when they get separated from their mobile phone! Perhaps it does all their thinking for them?

My advice as we wrap this up? Plan your schedule or your schedule will have plans for you! You cannot do busy 24/7, seven days a week, without some very negative kickbacks. It is not healthy for you or your important relationships.

So, prise your foot off the pedal and take some slow laps!

One of the reasons people avoid having to think is because stuff from their inner world keeps coming up. So, we shove it back down inside of us with still more … busyness! Not healthy at all!

Now when it comes to getting the intricacies of your inner world sorted, nobody understands us better than the Good Shepherd.

Take some slow laps, and God Bless.

• If you want to contact Colin Miller email: farmerschaplain@ ruralnews.co.nz

Ferist et quati aut pedici te vollab imod quamet atur soleniet quiatibu. PAGE 15

■ MACHINERY REVIEWS

■ MANAGEMENT STORIES HEADER

■ AND MUCH MORE...

Ferist et quati aut pedici te vollab imod quamet atur soleniet quiatibu. PAGE 23

RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

HEADER Ferist et quati aut pedici te vollab imod quamet atur soleniet quiatibu.

PAGE 24

Huge savings

ON HYDRAIN FARM GRADE CULVERT PIPES Size

Pricing per metre

225mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$34.00 per metre

300mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$78.00 per metre

375mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$92.00 per metre

450mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$119.00 per metre

525mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$150.00 per metre

600mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$192.00 per metre

675mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$205.00 per metre

750mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$215.00 per metre

825mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$235.00 per metre

900mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$265.00 per metre

1050mm Farm Grade Culvert Pipe

$325.00 per metre

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH FOR BULK DEALS NOW! Limited stocks available

hyndsrural.co.nz

0800 496 377

Call free Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm CONDITIONS: For full address details please see our website www.hyndsrural.co.nz or phone us for your nearest store. All major credit cards plus Farmlands, Rural Co cards accepted. Special prices and discounts valid from February 15th to May 31st 2020. Discounts are off Hynds normal retail price. Actual product supplied may be different to that pictured but identical in quality and price. Promotional items are strictly while stocks last.

All prices are per metre and include GST. Lengths are generally 2.5mtr in length however can vary by size. All prices exclude transport/delivery costs unless otherwise stated.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

28 MANAGEMENT

Drought stricken farmers are dipping into winter feed reserves SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FARMERS IN droughtravaged Waikato are now dipping into their winter reserves to feed cows.

If the rains stay away, most farmers in the region could start drying off cows from next week, almost two months earlier than normal.

Ohinewai farmer and Waikato Primary Industries Adverse Event Cluster chairman Neil Bateup says if the drought isn’t broken by the end of this month, it would be crunch time.

While some supplementary feed is available on the market, farmers will need to decide whether to buy extra feed like silage, maize and

palm kernel expeller.

“Most farmers will have to look at the economics of buying feed and continuing to milk: also whether the banks will lend money to buy extra feed,” he told Rural News.

He says farmers are already dipping into winter reserves.

In Auckland, many farmers were already two thirds of the way through the supplements they had planned for winter.

Bateup, whose own farm could be drying off some cows from mid-March, says he will review the situation on a weekly basis.

“If there’s no rain, I may dry off one-third of my herd in two weeks.”

Bateup urged farmers

to plan and make decisions.

Last month, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor declared the drought as an adverse event, unlocking $80,000 for the Waikato Rural Support Trust to help farmers and growers.

Bateup says the money would be used to organise events around the region in partnership with other stakeholder organisations, where farmers can meet up with other affected farmers.

Bateup said the “very, very dry conditions” were putting stress on the farming sector.

“Farmers have done a very good job of managing the dry conditions so far this year, and while we heard that generally

A TALE OF TWO ISLANDS FONTERRA’S MILK collection in January was 0.5% up over the last season, thanks to solid yield in the South Island.

The January collection 169.8 million kgMS: season-to-date collection was 1,079 million kgMS, down 0.3% on last season.

The co-op says the impact of heavy rain and flooding across parts of the lower South Island in early February and the recent drought declaration in Northland was still being assessed.

North Island milk collection in January was 96 million kgMS, down 2.3% on last January. Season to date collection

was 660 million kgMS, down 0.7% on last season.

Continued dry weather throughout January has impacted pasture growth rates, however this is being partially offset by supplementary feed.

South Island milk collection in January was 73.8 million kgMS, up 4.3% on last January. Season to date collection was 418.8 million kgMS, up 0.3% on last season.

The co-op says favourable weather conditions across Canterbury have continued, resulting in good pasture growth and strong milk production.

farmers were being quite positive, some people will be struggling,” said Bateup.

“There is some food for stock, but the reserves are being chewed into very fast.

And there some crunch times are coming, meaning hard decision will have to be made by farmers. It’s about putting measures in place to support those people who may need help.”

O’Connor says the Government support is recognition that the extreme and prolonged nature of this dry spell is taking its toll on the primary sector and additional support is needed.

“Farmers in Waikato are no strangers to dry summers and they have had good grass silage on hand to date but the longer they go without rain, the harder it

becomes to carry on as usual,” he says.

Waikato Federated Farmers president Andrew McGiven said there were a number of stressors affecting farmers at the moment.

“We’re looking to get the best result for our farmers and local communities.”

Niwa meteorologist Ben Noll says Hamilton, Auckland and Whitianga were heading towards

the driest summer on record, and soil moisture deficit levels were at 130mm across much of the region.

He said forecast rain late last week wouldn’t have been enough to break the drought.

“It takes a bit of time for that to happen, especially with the soil moisture levels being what they are.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Ten Basic Fertiliser Facts You Must Know and Adopt to Meet 2025 Water Quality Limits: Dr Bert Quin

Fact 1. The overuse of soluble P fertiliser is by far the largest cause of P run-off and leaching, and therefore of the decline in the quality of Kiwi waterways.

Fact 2. Once you have Olsen P levels that are more than a third of the P retention (ASC), application of additional soluble P is very prone to loss to the environment.

Fact 3. If you want to build up your soil P in an environmentally-protective way, simply apply RPR. It does not get leached or lost directly in run-off, but releases P in a sustained fashion for plants.

Fact 4. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain. RPR-based fertilisers are even cheaper than super-based products as well! Added sulphur bentonite (sulphur 90) is far more efficient than the excess sulphate in super.

Fact 5. Following 1-4 above will greatly reduce P run-off and leaching. This should be done before anything else, and the situation reassessed before spending huge amounts of money!

Fact 6. It is nonsensical to give in to pressure to install expensive mitigations riparian strips, excessively large wetlands and ‘phosphorus walls’ when you have no idea of their long-term effectiveness and maintenance costs, and before you have established whether changing to sustained-release RPR is all you need to do!

Fact 7. in any case simple fenced-off 3-metre wide grass riparian strips are essentially as effective and vastly cheaper than more complex strips. Both reduce bacterial and sediment losses. Neither will have any significant long-term beneficial effect (on a whole -farm basis) on soluble P and nitrate-N loss.

But grass strips can be harvested in summer to be fed out, to improve P and N cycling.

Fact 8. In a nutshell, for maintenance of P levels any genuine RPR (not an RPR/Boucraa mix please!) can be used. Just check the Cd content. For low fertility situations or low rainfall, use a blend of RPR and high-analysis soluble P. Fact 9. For N, rather than granular urea, use prilled urea, sprayed immediately prior to, or during, the spreading with urease inhibitor. Use of N can be literally cut in half with big savings.

Fact 10. Potash is more efficient, and must less likely to cause metabolic problems, if applied in small doses 4 times a year, adding up to 50-60% of the total annual amount you are using now. Easy to mix with your prilled urea. Leaching of anions like nitrate will be minimised as well.

For more info, email Bert Quin on bert.quin@quinfert.co.nz, or phone 021 427 572, or visit www.quinfert.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

MANAGEMENT 29

Portion control key when it comes to fodder beet SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FODDER BEET can be a key part of your farm’s feed regime, but restrict its usage, says DairyNZ. New research shows the crop should make up no more than 30% of lactating cows’ diet and 60% for non-lactating cows.

The Sustainable Use of Fodder Beet research project looks at nutrient and mineral interactions, and impacts on long-term animal health and welfare. A literature review undertaken as part of the project has confirmed the crop’s benefits and challenges.

“Fodder beet will continue to be a key part of New Zealand dairy systems – but it should not be seen as a complete diet,” says DairyNZ senior scientist, Dawn Dalley.

Fodder beet is widely used on South Island dairy farms and is a versatile, high energy, high yield crop which allows cows to put on body condition quickly, if transitioned correctly.

Dalley says this makes it an attractive option for farmers. But because of the high sugar content, careful transitioning onto the crop is critical, she adds.

The use of fodder beet has increased over the past decade and today around 55,000ha is estimated to be planted annually in New Zealand. Most fodder beet is grown in the South Island – with the project survey showing 79% of Canterbury/North Otago farms and 58% of South Otago/

Southland dairy farms feed cows the crop.

In recent years, some farmers have become concerned about potential health effects on herds. Cows can develop ruminal acidosis, milk fever or nutrient deficiencies if fodder beet is grazed for long periods without appropriate alternative feed and mineral supplementation.

Recent research and nutritional modelling has reinforced current recommendations that - for consistent herd performance and to minimise nutrient deficiencies fodder beet should make up no more than 30% of the diet for lactating cows and 60% for non-lactating cows.

Dalley says many farmers are successfully combining fodder beet with other feeds to provide cows with a diet that meets nutritional requirements and is cost-effective.

“By using feed testing which includes mineral composition analysis of fodder beet and other feed, farmers can tailor cow diets to address any nutrient deficiencies. Using this approach, fodder beet can be a valuable feed option which contributes to a productive dairy system.”

Fodder beet is a hardy autumn and winter crop with environmental benefits. The beet’s low nitrogen content results in reduced urine nitrogen concentrations, leading to less nitrate leaching from animals grazing the crop, compared to kale.

It is also an important

MPI FUNDED THE SUSTAINABLE Use of Fodder Beet research project is funded by Ministry of Primary Industries’ sustainable farming fund.

Steve Penno, MPI’s director investment programmes says this research offers an important insight into the use of fodder beet on-farm.

The other funder of the cross-sector project is DairyNZ: it also involves PGG Wrightson Seeds, AgResearch, Plant and Food Research, farmers and vets. It is currently one year into a three-year research programme. MPI is contributing over $565,000

break crop in winter rotations which use kale and swedes, and allows farmers to successfully crop

areas affected by brassica disease. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Fodder beet is widely grown on South Island farms.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

30 ANIMAL HEALTH

Controlling and managing flystrike DURING THE past three decades, there has been a marked shift from saturation, to low-volume dipping methods.

Automatic jetting races (AJRs) were developed for rapid application of flystrike preventative treatments to the back and breech of sheep. To be effective, the sheep must be wet to skin level along the backline, over the rump and around the crutch area.

The terms pour-on and spray-on are essentially interchangeable – both are applied by hand-held manually operated apparatus delivering 10-50mL per dose. Only the treated area will be protected, so target the back and crutch regions.

Treatments are best applied about four weeks after shearing.

Hand jetting involves the use of a specially

designed hand wand, attached to a tractor tank/ pump with the wand combed individually through each animal’s fleece. Treatments target the most flystrike prone areas – i.e. along the backline, from the back of the neck to the rump, and around the breech.

Shower and plunge dipping are saturation methods of dipping.

Shower dipping involves diluting and pumping dip wash from a sump through an overhead boom and bottom spray nozzle, while plunge dipping is essentially a large capacity bath filled with dip wash. Saturation dipping is arduous and faulty technique is usually to blame for poor results.

The best and most cost-effective approach to preventing flystrike is to use a combination of

Shearing and crutching are partially effective flystrike prevantatives because they reduce fleece moisture and contaminants.

strategies that keep sheep as unattractive to flies as possible. This is called Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

IPM aims to keep pressure on a pest throughout all stages of

its lifecycle and involves both chemical and nonchemical tools.

A preventative approach is strongly recommended (i.e. treating at-risk classes of stock with an effective prod-

uct just before the annual risk period Moisture is the critical parameter for strikes to develop. For eggs to hatch and larvae to establish, they need at least 24 hours of moist conditions

in the fleece.

Effective internal parasite control and use of specialist high tannin crops or clean pasture result in less dags, which in turn, makes sheep less attractive to flies. Footrot, pizzle rot, urine stain, blood, fleece rot and lumpy wool are also major fly attractants that provide moist conditions in the fleece.

Shearing and crutching are partially effective flystrike preventatives, because they reduce fleece moisture and contaminants. Tails which are either too short or too long increase the risk of flystrike.

Dead stock carcasses of all types will support a maggot population.

Because strike flies normally only attack a carcasses in the three days after death, these should be buried, put down an

Rural News

offal pit, or burned as soon as they are discovered.

Increased resistance to body strike and breech strike can be gained by selecting fine wool breeds for resistance to fleece rot and for less skin wrinkle. Cull sheep that get flystrike. Sheep with a naturally bare breech should be considered in breeding programmes.

B+LNZ Genetics has incorporated DagScore into its ram selection tools.

Anticipation is the key to good flystrike management. Adopt a preventative rather than a reactive approach. Monitor fly traps, either purchased ready-made or homemade are an excellent way to predict the onset of blowfly activity.

• Information gleaned from the Beef+LambNZ factsheet on flystrike

PIONEERS OF SHEARING SHED

SAFETY AND RELIABILITY LESS TO STRESS ABOUT IN THE SHED

Evo Shearing Plant

Put safety first with the world’s no.1 selling shearing plant, demanded by shearers, contractors and farmers.

Winner of multiple WorkSafe awards, the Evo’s electronic safety switch helps prevent handpiece lock-ups and the isolated downtube reduces the risk of electric shocks to keep you and your workers safe.

TPW Xpress Woolpress

AMERICAN FARMER - FRIDAY 10PM

Eliminate risk in the shed with the no.1 selling woolpress in the world. The TPW Xpress is fully compliant with rigorous WorkSafe safety standards and features the fastest locking system on the market to press more wool into fewer bales. Tick all the boxes when it comes to shearing shed safety, reliability and performance with the TPW Xpress.

“American Farmer” is a breakthrough program on a mission to showcase the latest advancements in agriculture and farming. From seed to harvest to livestock and more, its producers travel the country covering the people, places, and issues impacting all areas of farm country.

*Conditions apply. Only available to SKY direct customers with at least SKY Starter and a SKY box in the home. Country TV costs $18.40 per month in addition to your standard monthly subscription and is subject to SKY’s standard terms and conditions. Prices are correct as of 1 October 2019, are payable in advance and subject to change. For full terms and conditions visit sky.co.nz/countrytv.

Visit A Heiniger Stockist Call (03) 349 8282 @HeinigerShearingAusNZ

Heiniger New Zealand | heiniger.co.nz | (03) 349 8282

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

ANIMAL HEALTH 31

Winter grazing action group PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

MINISTER OF Agriculture Damien O’Connor says by next winter, at the latest, all farmers should clearly understand their obligations and have in place practices to deal with winter grazing.

O’Connor’s comments follow his announcement of a 15 person winter grazing action group. Its role will be to ensure the implementation the recommendations of the task force, which reported back to Government late last year.

All this was in response to dramatic photographs of cows standing in deep mud on a Southland farm. These scenes brought complaints from the public and farmers alike.

At the time, O’Connor slammed the situation in Southland as being unacceptable. Others noted the cruelty to the animals on the farm.

The task force was critical of the advice being provided to farmers in respect of winter grazing practices and recommended that qual-

ity advice be given to all farmers on the subject.

The new action group – which includes industry representatives, vets, government officials and farmers – are now tasked with getting close up with farmers and making sure the task force recommendations are actioned.

“These people are directly connected to the people on the ground and are aware of the situation. They will produce the best advice as to how we get on delivering the recommendations,” O’Connor says. “They will give advice to regional councils, government and animal welfare organisations like the SPCA, which have responsibility in these areas.”

O’Connor says the objective is to get a coordinated approach – not just piecemeal advice to farmers, which can be confusing and frustrating.

He says it’s acknowledged that situations can vary from region to region and that will be taken into account by the action group.

“Farmers around New Zealand, whatever their particular winter graz-

MSD BUYS INTO FARM IQ MSD ANIMAL Health has become a minority investor in FarmIQ, via its Allflex Livestock Intelligence division.

It joins existing shareholders Farmlands, Silver Fern Farms, Pamu Farms NZ, and Veterinary Enterprises Group who have also invested new capital into the company.

“The new capital will be used to help FarmIQ’s domestic growth and to invest in its world-leading software,” chief executive Darryn Pegram said.

“The investment is an exciting development for FarmIQ, and signals MSD Animal Health’s ongoing commitment to New Zealand agriculture and their focus on accelerating traceability in livestock to improve animal health.”

Pegram claims that by connecting FarmIQ’s open software platform and the range of MSD Animal Health’s products, the companies are well placed to create new value for farmers the world over.

“Combining MSD Animal Health’s deep connection with animal health – including the Allflex Livestock Intelligence range of animal health monitoring solutions – and FarmIQ’s exceptional animal recording capability will help change the way farmers and vets interact and make decisions.”

Shane McManaway, Allflex Livestock Intelligence president, MSD Animal Health said the company looked forward to its partnership with FarmIQ.

ing system, need to meet animal welfare and environmental outcomes. I encourage them to reach out to their levy organisations if they need any support or additional information ahead of winter,” he says.

All farmers should understand their obligations and have in place practices to deal with winter grazing.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

32 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Are quads on the way out?

MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

OVER THE ditch, it sounds as if the death knell for quads is sounding.

This comes with the announcement by key player Polaris that it will withdraw ATVs from its offering by October and it’s already running down stocks.

The move is brought about by the fact that Australian farmers are choosing side-by-side type vehicles, ahead of new safety rules due to kick in during the next two years. This will make operator protection devices become mandatory under the the Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019.

The withdrawal will

affect all Polaris quad bikes – including youth models. The company will focus on the sales of side-by-sides – such as the popular Ranger model, Polaris Australia & New Zealand managing director Alan Collins said.

“Over recent years the Australian off-road vehicle market has seen farmers transition en masse from quad bikes, to sideby-side vehicles,” he explained. “Polaris has a range of 30 vehicles with ROPS, while the market shift has been helped along in no small part by the safety rebates offered

by SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Victoria.”

Polaris suggests that the contraction of the quad bike market over the past five years in favour of side-by-side vehicles,

2020 NOW! INDENT ORDER

And get the spec YOU need at the BEST price

Will the side-by-side replace the ubiquitous quad on farms in NZ and Australia?

with properly engineered ROPS and factory integrated safety technologies, means the market itself would probably end up signaling the end for quad bikes over coming years anyway. An acceleration of the switch is likely to happen as the new rules take effect.

The new standard requires suppliers of new and imported second-hand quad bikes to

improve information for consumers via a hang tag warning for operators and additional information in the manual from 11 October 2020. It also requires manufacturers to improve machine designs to meet certain US and European directives by the same date.

Further improvements to the design of general use quad bikes are also required to reduce the

likelihood of a rollover occurring. These include using stability requirements and a need to mitigate the harm if a rollover does occur, through the fitment of operator protection devices (OPD) from 11 October 2021.

This last requirement is at odds with the manufacturers of such machines, who state that the machines were designed to be ridden actively – a problem when fitted with OPDs. Manufacturers claim that the chassis of such machines were never designed to absorb the forces directed through them by an OPD. In New Zealand, Nathan Moore, national sales manager for Polaris says the company will continue to sell quad bikes here, but via a reduced line-up of core models.

“If the NZ regulatory authorities decide to mandate the fitment of OPDs, it is likely we will have to re-consider and take a similar course as that being taken in Australia.”

STEADY RESULT GLOBAL FARM machinery manufacturer, CLAAS, has reported a minor increase in sales to €3.898 billion ($NZ6.7b) in difficult trading conditions caused by dampened demand for agricultural equipment, economic slowdown and simmering international trade conflicts.

Highlights of the year included a spate of new product launches and ongoing investment in research and development at €244 million ($NZ420m) and capital projects at €125 million ($NZ215m).

Capital projects included the opening of a new testing and validation centre at its Harsewinkel headquarters; the ongoing modernisation of its tractor plant in France; and the expansion of its global parts logistics centre at Hamm, Germany.

The latter, a €20 million project, included the construction of a 11,700 square metre high-bay warehouse, effectively doubles the storage and processing capacity of the facility.

The 30m tall building, holding 58,000 pallets covering around 200,000 product lines. It utilises nine robots to automatically pick cartons and deliver them to four workstations, processing up to 320 orders per hour.

Part numbers have been growing at high rates with dynamic growth rates annually of 6% per year and up 101% from 2015-2029. In total, 98% of Claas’ global parts needs pass through Hamm.

The Hamm facility is a joint venture with Stute Logistics GmbH (Kühne & Nagel-Gruppe), logistics company, employing over 500 people, operating 365 days a year, around the clock – in what is called a “chaotic storage” system. This sees incoming products placed randomly in available shelving, as opposed to “fixed storage” that may sort by common or related locations.

The systems retrieve the parts, but also manages inventories, stock turns and placements. Thus, it can place incoming high turn parts in the most convenient and accessible locations – depending on the need and time of year. High-use parts have two sets of storage for parts, just in case a robot is ever blocked from accessing one of the locations.

– Mark Daniel

P - B OX S T I

STI Monitor

T h e P - B OX S T I p n e u m a t i c air seeder is highly accurate for broadcasting seeds like grass or brassicas.

Plug and play using the Info plug on your tractor (for radar speed and linkage position).

Easy adjustment from 1 kg to 300 kg / ha.

Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t www.gaz.co.nz Call Jarred L’Amie | 027 203 5022 CAMBRIDGE | OTOROHANGA | ROTORUA

www.tulloch.nz

06 370 0390

DEALERS NATIONWIDE

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 33

New JD sprayers for 2020 MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

JOHN DEERE HAS launched its next generation of selfpropelled sprayers.

This sees the new R4140i 4000 L capacity and R4150i 5000 L capacity machines, both manufactured at the company’s Horst factory in The Netherlands.

The focus for development has been on improving sprayer output, while ensuring that the highest possible application quality is maintained and delivering an improved operator environment.

The cabin design offers a new operator interface with fully integrated technology, including the John Deere universal 4640 display mounted on a new armrest. The new cab is available at two specification levels – depending on customer requirements, as well as with optional Category 4 operator protection to meet the latest safety regulations.

Aimed at increasing productivity in changing conditions, an upgraded lighting package improves

visibility at night, both when working in the field and filling the sprayer with chemicals.

The R4140i is available with a choice of carbon fibre or steel booms.

Meanwhile, the R4150i is only available with carbon fibre. Both come with 24 to 36 m operating widths.

Either set up uses John Deere’s PowrSpray™ solution system, with direct rate control for fast filling and accurate application rates.

Combined with the automated AirRinse™ system, this reduces the solution system’s dead volume to as low as 5 litres for maximum cleaning performance.

New for the R4140i and R4150i sprayers, ExactApply™ is an ‘intelligent’ solution that combines the ability to change spray nozzles manually from the cab or automatically – depending on application rate and speed.

This can also maintain droplet size, while changing speed using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology up to 30 Hz. Each nozzle is

controlled individually via GPS-based section control. Furthermore, turn compensation ensures that application rates remain consistent across the full boom

width – even when turning the sprayer.

ExactApply technology is said to enable savings in crop protection products, while yields can be increased by up to 3% by

JD’s new self-propelled R4140i sprayer has a 4000 litre capacity.

keeping under/overdosing to a minimum.

Production has started

of the John Deere R4140i and R4150i, with the first units due to arrive on our

shores early in 2020. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

MULTIPLUS FEEDER

FORAGE WAGON

EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN, PRECISE CONTROL, BUILT TO LAST, AND THE BIGGEST FEED RANGE AROUND.

TRAILED BALE FEEDER

SLR FEEDER

MIXED BAG LINKAGE BALE FEEDER

JUMBO TUB FEEDER

Strong demand for New Zealand’s biggest feed range means you’re going to have to get in quick for guaranteed delivery. Order today.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT GILTRAPAG.CO.NZ OR CALL US ON 0800 804 458.

BALE BUGGY

TRACTA62695_RN_FR

THE STATE of the global tractor market in 2019 was a case of mixed results, as indicated by figures released FederUnacoma, the Italian agricultural industry association.

Those markets who were smiling included the United States up 3.6% in sales with 245,000 units and the European Community also up 8% to 178,000 registered tractors, albeit with mixed performances from country to country.

France showed the most growth, up 16% to 34,600 units, Germany improved by 4.7% to 29,000 units, while the United Kingdom and Spain showed growth of 5.4% and 6.8% respectively.

Italy was described as stagnant, with growth of 0.7% to 18,579 tractors, not far from the average 18,400 units in the 6 years from 2014-2019. Interestingly, the second- hand market for tractors in Italy grew by 5.3% to 39,800 units.

Meanwhile the markets in India, China and Turkey show a different tone.

The Indian market, the largest in the world by units, dropped around 10% to 723,000 units. China fell by 20% due to the overall slowdown in the agricultural economy – brought about by insufficient productivity due to the small farm sizes and reduction of public subsidies for the purchase of agricultural machinery. – Mark Daniel

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

34 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER

The last of the Sports Cats ADAM FRICKER

THE LAUNCH of the Series 2 HSV SportsCat was an endorsement of the risky decision to take the performance brand into the crowded high-

end ute market.

Buyers of flash utes are spoilt for choice and there’s no guarantee of success for new entrants in that market, as Mercedes Benz have confirmed by killing its

X-Class after just two years.

However, GM’s decision to axe the Holden brand means the donor vehicle for the SportsCat will no longer be available. Shame as it is a good product; worth hunting down a run-out bargain, perhaps.

The Series 1 SportsCat was based on the Colorado Z71 and while it received good reviews at its 2018 launch – HSV given credit for reengineering from the ground up rather than just slapping on some stickers – it was unknown territory for the niche developer of V8 performance cars.

The 1400 units all sold though and after collating customer feedback HSV made a few tweaks to the Series 2 SportsCat. The most obvious changes are visual, with new alloy wheels and a revised graphics pack.

The SportsCat is far more than a cosmetic exercise,

GM’s decision to axe the Holden brand means the SportsCat 2 will be the last of its kind.

but it is one area HSV nailed from day one – it looks tough and purposeful.

One small change in the cabin makes a big difference to how the truck feels; the steering wheel is now much thicker.

Doesn’t sound like a big deal, but the wheel is the bit you touch most when you’re driving, if you’re doing it right. Combined with the positive steering feel (for a ute) and quick turn in (for a ute), the new tiller really adds to the sporting feel.

The enhanced handling is real. HSV spent years making cars go around corners quickly, after all. The front spring rates are stiffened to 110Nm/mm, with MTV dampers tuned to the spring rate, and front strut braces keep the front-end rigid.

The rear end still has leaf springs – thus retaining the 3500kg towing capacity of the donor vehicle – but is held tight by a 22mm diameter rear sway bar. This helps keep the SportsCat flat-

ter through the corners.

Select low range and the sway bar decouples, allowing the axle articulation needed off road.

The rear sway bar and upgraded front brakes (four piston AP Racing calliper with 36mm rotors) are standard on the top SV model seen here and optional on the entry-level V. The result of the reengineering is a distinct improvement on the already competent Colorado. The ride is firm, sure, but not uncomfort-

able and the enhanced body control with level cornering attitude is welcome when you’re hustling along. The new Cooper Zeon LTZ tyres complete the picture by delivering surprising grip on all surfaces without a huge increase in road noise.

HSV has also re-tuned the stability and traction control systems for less aggressive intervention so the driver can get the tail out a bit before the electronics rein things in.

The interior gets new front seats, covered in the same mix of suede and leather used throughout the cabin. Hard plastics haven’t been completely banished, but there are fewer of them and the cabin ambience is a step up from the Z71. Equipment levels are the same as the Z71, which is to say, they are good.

SportsCat Series 2 is evolution rather than reinvention. It is a cohesive product, not just a sticker and mag-wheel job.

MOVES ROUNDS QUICKLY, SAFELY RECENTLY SPOTTED at the recent Southern Field Days at Waimumu, a dedicated bale transporter is said to halve the transport time of more traditional flat-bed trailer systems.

Brought to New Zealand by Supermove NZ, headed by Gore dairy farmer Jimmy Gerritsen, the 8, 10 and 12-bal capacity trailers are manufactured by Wilson engineering from County Laois in Ireland.

Aimed at moving bales quickly, safely and in the case of wrapped items, without damage to the film.

The largest unit is said to be capable of shifting up to 80 bales per hour depending on travel distances.

Additional benefits include the

suspension bogies, low ground pressure tyres, mudguards and twin taillights.

Options include pneumatic braking with load sensing and a sprung drawbar for a smoother ride. – Mark Daniel

fact that the load does not need to be tied or strapped and only needs twin double-acting remotes for operation, without the need for electrics.

Standard equipment includes commercial grade axle, heavy-duty

new! BUFFALO BOOTS - sale! ENDS 1 April - WHILE STOCKS LAST

Earthwalk Buffalo Boots have NEW WAXY thick buffalo hide uppers which are 175% more crack and water resistant than normal leather.

The nitrile rubber outsole won’t crack, split or break down in soil. And it is traditionally stitched to the leather upper so it won’t fall off. To make extra sure of this - the stitching goes all the way through the tread.

The Lace Up boot offers superb ankle support on hill country, and a calfskin tongue & collar for great internal comfort. The Slip On boots are ideal for any work application.

Sizes are selling out quickly - so please order early.

PHONE

9am-5pm

0800 16 00 24

SLIP ON

LACE UP

$115

$120

valued at $280

valued at $320

STEEL TOE X (with Scuff Guard)

STEEL TOE X (with Scuff Guard) PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard)

STEEL TOE (without Scuff Guard)

sold out of size 9, 12

PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard) sold out of size 6, 8, 12 ONLINE

earthwalk.co.nz

CHEQUES

earthwalk, r d 2, palmerston north

NEW WAXY BUFFALO LEATHER! 175% more crack resistant Leather Traditional Stitched on soles Wide Fit Nitrile Rubber Outsole Heavy Duty Elastic Sides (Slip On) Outsole won’t Crack or Split Calfskin Tongue & Collar (Lace Up) NEW WATERPROOF INSOLE! NEW DURABLE LUXURY FOOTBED

sizes: 6 - 13 (NZ)

please add $12 freight per order

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

RURAL TRADER 35 FLY OR LICE PROBLEMS? The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989

Quality construction and options • Get the contractors choice Featuring...

• Incredible chemical economy • Amazing ease 1500+ per hour • Unique self adjusting sides • Environmentally and user friendly • Automatically activated • Proven effective on lice as well as fly • Compatible with all dip chemicals • Accurate, effective application

07 573 8512 | dipping@electrodip.co.nz – www.electrodip.com

Free Range & Barn Eggs

LASER FF95 DIESEL HEATER The low emission Laser FF95 is 92% efficient, and can be installed in Clean Air Zones throughout NZ. DIY install or we can arrange. Stylish cabinet suits any home. Ultra quiet & easy to operate (Manual or Automatic Operation) - simply press a button - the thermostat controls the 3 x heating stages automatically.

The Laser heater is supplied with standard “through the wall” flue assembly, “everything to make it go” except for the fuel tank and the copper pipe that connects the Laser FF95 to the fuel tank.

Electric Ltd (Est 1939)

25 Taurus Place, Christchurch

Read us until the cows come home!

FOOTWEAR LTD

NZ MADE BOOTS

Visit www.lastrite.co.nz for more quality products

HUNTER BOOTS Comfortable, durable and stylish.

The heavy duty sole construction makes this a robust boot designed for climbing over rugged ground. This boot has a soft toe and is made from a thick Mad Dog Nubuck Leather, stitched and screwed construction with a rubber, replaceable sole, that is glued and screwed. Soft padding for ankle support and D-Rings for your laces are an added advantage. Great fitting boots full of comfort, ideal for those long hunting and tramping trips.

$3890 incl. GST

QUADBAR NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call...

0800 436 566

“I have no doubt that if I did not have a Quadbar fitted, my accident would have been fatal!” – Rozel Farms “The Quadbar saved our employee from significant injuries.” – Colin van der Geest

+GST delivered

Recommended

by Worksafe.

ACC subsidy available

For a Quadbar, call me, Stuart Davidson, owner of Quadbar NZ, on 021-182 8115. Email sales@quadbar.co.nz or for more info go to www.quadbar.co.nz

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITES

600 500 400 300 200 100 0

❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱

comfort. Constructed from Reverse kip leather they are an ideal farmers, fencers and builders boot. Very sturdy and made to last this boot is robust with a heavy duty construction. It has a leather insole and midsole that is stitched and screwed construction with a rubber, replaceable sole, that is glued and screwed. Update your old boots now and you will never look back.

GST $605 incl

www.dairynews.co.nz

@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

NUMBER OF QUADBARS 479

ROLLOVERS 61

NUMBER OF DEATHS 0

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

GST $850 incl

www.ruralnews.co.nz

10 HALL ROAD, RD5, WHANGAREI Phone 09-436 2794 or 027-436 2793

QUADBAR 5 YEAR SURVEY

SINGLE TOP DOG BOX DOG BOX

FARMER BOOTS Lastrite’s Farmer boots are made for

ONE STOP WATER SHOP

595

$

Proven beyo nd do ubt!

DOLOMITE

ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.

m No ashes, no soot, no dust, NO indoor diesel odours.

www.avonheating.co.nz

www.ruralnews.co.nz

300mm x 6 metre .......................... $410 400mm x 6 metre .......................... $515 500mm x 6 metre .......................... $690 600mm x 6 metre .......................... $925 800mm x 6 metre ........................ $1399 1000mm x 6 metre ...................... $2175 1200mm x 6 metre ...................... $3475

m No wood to cut, cart or store

PH: 0800 379 247

Sole NZ Agents:

QUALITY PRODUCTS MADE IN EUROPE OR BY PPP ❖

m Our installation advice is free – installers NZ wide. m It uses the same fuel as your Tractor or Ute

On the coldest winters day the 9.5kW Laser FF95 delivers more heat than 2 or 3 average Heat Pumps. Leave internal doors open and “surplus heat” will spread throughout your home.

• Nest boxes - manual or automated • Feed & Drinking • Plastic egg trays

A trusted name in Poultry Industry for over 50 years

m Diesel is approx. 30-50% less than “on demand” Electricity or Gas

Installs on any external wall. No fire surround or hearth required. The almost invisible “through the wall” Flue is supplied and installs in less than an hour. (NO TALL FLUE REQUIRED).

SUPPLIERS OF:

❖

m Made in Japan since 1991 – sold in NZ since 2005

Phone 0800 625 826 • www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

CULVERT PIPES

New Zealand’s CHEAPEST Culvert Pipes!

FREE joiners supplied on request.

• Lightweight, easy to install • Made from polyethylene

Check out our NEW website www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

Phone

06 623 4181

or

0800 625 826 for your nearest stockist

Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes

OPEN LEAN-TO american style barn

open gable enclosed gable

Chances are, you’ve been thinking long and hard about exactly what sort of pole shed you need. So come and tell us, and we’ll help you get it down on paper.

Then we can quote it, provide plans and deliver all the materials you need to build it. Job done.

If you can think it, we can help you make it.

Come and see us in store and let’s get it underway today. itm.co.nz | 0800 FOR ITM (367 486)

Together, Creating the Best Soil and Feed on Earth

A new chapter in sustainable farming It’s better for the environment

It’s compatible to blend with other fertilisers

With the spotlight on phosphate loss and its impact on the environment, it’s immensely rewarding for us to know we can help farmers and growers reduce phosphate loss by up to 75%.

You love products that work well together. That’s why we designed SurePhos to be compatible with the other fertilisers you use on your farm, so you can add phosphate when you need it.

Greater weather flexiblity

It’s granular, so it’s easy to spread evenly and accurately

It rains a lot here in New Zealand. That’s why we designed SurePhos, a stabilised phosphate to suit our conditions. You can apply SurePhos in a greater range of weather conditions, without the risk that rain will wash the nutrients away.

SurePhos is a granular product so it’s easy to spread evenly and accurately to apply phosphate exactly where you need it.

It’s less water soluble, so it lasts longer

It has been independently tested by AgResearch

Our soils need phosphate.

The trick is getting it to stay in the soil and not wash away.

SurePhos is less water soluble, so it stays in the soil for longer.

SurePhos has been independently tested by AgResearch.

Reduce your phosphate loss by up to 75% with SurePhos It’s a fact that New Zealand soils are deficient in phosphate and sulphate.

To find out how you can reduce your phosphate loss by up to 75% by applying SurePhos, speak to your local Nutrient Specialist or contact our Customer Services team.

For the love of the land

ballance.co.nz | 0800 222 090

Central Districts Field Days

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

FEILDING MARCH 19-21, 2020

MARCH 10, 2020: ISSUE 696 www.ruralnews.co.nz

All set to go!

PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

GOOD CROWDS are expected for the well-established 27th Central Districts field days being held at the Manfeild racetrack, at Fielding, from March 19 to 21.

Sales manager Cheryl Riddell says there will be about 600 exhibitors at the site – covering a wide range of goods and services for all those in the rural community. The event, which attracts close to 30,000 people from around the central North Island, features a range of events, cutting edge machinery and equipment and some of the latest developments in rural technology.

Riddell says the event is a great place for rural people to meet and network.

“You will find that someone is talking about getting a new tractor and they’ll talk to their neighbour and see if they have bought one and then compare notes,” she told Rural News. “On the day, they will get advice from their friends about a purchase – so there is lot of networking taking place.”

The events include the CD Double Power Fencing competition, which is run on the Friday and National Excavator Operator Competition, which is run over three days. Exhibitors include Chelsea Marriner dog show, FMX motocross, InspireNet, a Cuisine Pavilion and Brew Union, G&J Hunger contracting, Federated Farmers, Overseer Ltd, Agrihealth, Pak A Bach, Expandavan, KP Marine, Surefire, Pioneer Cabins, The Feeder

Some 600 exhibitors and more than 30,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s Central Districts Field Days, being held at Manfeild from March 19-21.

Leader, Urban Frame, Farmshedlabs, Batch 10 , Vizlink, Zeddy, Massey and Horizons Regional Council.

Riddell – who’s been involved in the event virtually since its inception – says it has come a long way and kept pace with the interests and needs of the rural community. She says in terms

of visitors, the majority come from the lower half of the North Island.

“Definitely Whanganaui, Manawatu, Wairarapa and Taranaki, but we also finding more support now coming in from Upper Hutt and Kapiti.”

Riddell says the infrastructure at the Manfield site has improved with

DEALS

more tar sealed roads that make for better exhibitor sites. She says Manfield continues to improve its infrastructure, which is good news for everyone.

Riddell believes many locals like the idea of a local event because they can talk to people, they know.

“They don’t want to go to Mystery Creek and talk to someone from Invercargill who they will never see again,” she claims. “I think that’s where CD has been good for the people in this region because they can get to talk with those they deal with throughout the year.”

S e e u s a t C e n t r a l D i s t r i c t Fi e l d D a y s - S i t e # O 1 2 2 - O 1 2 4

2 5 % d e p o s i t o f t h e f i n a n c e d s u m i n c l u d i n g G S T P LU S a p a y m e n t h o l i d a y. * Te r m s , c o n d i t i o n s & l e n d i n g c r i t e r i a a p p l y.

The interest rate for the loan is 3.79% and is based on a schedule of 36 monthly payments. To suit seasonal cash flow, there are no payments required through June, July, August and September so customers can take a winter payment holiday, and maybe go on holiday instead!

Preapproval is now a lot easier with online tools that can give a definitive answer within a few minutes. Preapproval can also be granted by answering a few simple questions over the phone, which makes the process simple and straightforward. These Krone finance offers apply to all new imported products so be in quick to ensure your order is made by the end of the second quarter and take advantage of these great offers.

This loan also consists of a $375 documentation fee and $20 Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

Any documentation relating to either package needs to be preapproved and supplied prior to the end of the second quarter to ensure the order is met.

Lending and credit criteria apply. Valid for indent orders, terms and conditions apply. Offer for a limited time only.

Inv

Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t

www.tulloch.nz

06 370 0390

DEALERS NATIONWIDE

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

2 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Attracting more ag students PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE NUMBERS of students taking up agricultural degrees at Massey University is not really increasing, according Professor Peter Kemp – head of the School of Agriculture and Environment at Massey He says there are isolated areas such as animal science that have gone up. However, in horticulture and general agriculture the numbers are lower than they were a few years ago.

Kemp says this is despite the industry, at the same time, having more jobs. He says it’s really hard to unpack the

reasons for this.

“I think there is a general negative press around agriculture, without people realising that these are just challenges that agriculture is having to deal with and dealing with these challenges actually creates job,” Kemp told Rural News.

“For example, if a young person is interested in say greenhouses gases, why not do an agriculture degree and help solve that problem. I don’t think that sort of message has got out there and that young people are not aware of these exciting professional type careers.”

Kemp says Massey goes to all the major field days such as Central Districts to try and connect with young people, parents and teachers. He believes by being at these events they are largely playing the long-term game to interest younger people.

But says there is a need to follow this up later with parents and teachers and other influencers, not all of whom are fully on board in terms of encouraging young people to make a career in ag.

“In some cases, they think it is some sort of a dirty job that is out of sync with the world. But, in reality, they couldn’t be

further from the truth,” Kemp adds.

“NZ sells its products in sophisticated markets overseas, so our products have to measure up what trendy consumers with discretionary money want. It’s not just growing a few apples or producing a bit of milk.

You have got to really understand that whole value chain and what the customer wants – so along that chain there is basically a job for everyone.”

Kemp believes NZ could take a lead from what they are doing in Australia. In NSW schools they have made an agricultural module compulsory – right

FREE

nationwide delivery See us at Site V42 next to McFall Fuel

through the primary and secondary school system.

He says in NSW a student can’t go through the school system without learning a bit about agriculture.

According to Kemp, NZ needs stronger leadership in government to say: ‘jobs in agriculture still matter and that the primary industry is an integral part of our economy’.

He says it is critical to get away from the negative messages about agriculture – such as dirty dairying.

Kemp adds that the messaging needs to be positive and highlight the challenges that NZ is facing and that can be solved by well-paid, smart people in science and other professional fields. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE

CALL FOR DISCOUNTS ON| DEVON TANKS BESTNOW QUALITY | BEST Price BEST ADVICE

WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION

WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION DEVAN CALPEDA • PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •• PROMAX PROMAX • •CALPEDA • PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •TANKS, RX • CALPEDA • AQUA • OASIS CLEARWATER WATER PUMPS & FILTRATION

DEVAN • PROMAX • CALPEDA • •PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER P: 326 8888 www.thetankguy.co.nz P:0508 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz A: A: 30 30 Turners RoadRoad – Feilding Turners – Feilding

P: 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz Worl Road – Feilding A: 30 Turners d’

handypiece ■ Ideal for shearing sheep, alpacas, goats and cow tails.

■ Variable speed from 2400-3500 rpm.

■ Latest brushless motor technology means minimal heat build up ■ 1400gms means 100-200gms lighter than standard handpiece.

■ At 2700 rpm the 12-volt lithium battery will crutch up to 300400 sheep, 400-500 cow tails.

■ Tough alloy switch box with auto rest fuse for overload or lockup – clips to belt.

FIELD DAYS SPECIAL receive an extra lithium battery

s mo spee st powe r d cli pper ful varia ble is he re!

H FASTER H LIGHTER H VARIABLE SPEED

See us at CD Field Days – Agbits Site G15a

MAKE DIRTY JOBS EASY View in action go to www.handypiece.co.nz

Freephone 0800 474 327

email: dave@handypiece.co.nz

See us at CD Field Days Site E16

Massey University’s Peter Kemp.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 3

Central region aiming to be the Agrihub of NZ PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

MANAWATU DISTRICT Council Mayor, Helen Worboys says the district is very proud to host the Central Districts Field Days because the region see itself as the agritech hub of NZ. She says for the last 20 or so years the district has made a deliberate drive to promote agritech both within NZ and also overseas. Worboys reckons, Fielding – where the event is staged – has gone from being a town that was servicing the primary sector to one that is encouraging companies in the agribusiness, innovation and technology areas to locate there.

“We are seeing the results of that with businesses such as Rabobank, FMG Insurance, tractor companies and others offering support to the rural sector relocating here. This is a huge shift and one that is very exciting for us,” she told Rural News.

Worboys says Fielding has the advantage of being centrally located

with a good airport at Palmerston North. She says it’s only a couple of hours away from Wellington, Taupo and Hawkes Bay and is a genuine hub for the agribusiness sector.

She reckons the CD field days is a great place to go and meet up with the local community and support local businesses and she will be out there doing this.

“The one thing we are keen to support and promote is the Agritech Strategy, which was launched last year by the Economic Development Agency – which services both Palmerston North city and Manawatu District,” Worboys explains.

“We have seen the development of an innovation lab in the district. This is run by some very smart, young farmers who are doing amazing things with technology and looking at new ways to farm in the future.”

Worboys and her husband are sheep and beef farmers in the district. However, she says the drier than normal conditions being experienced at pres-

ent are not easy for farmers. She acknowledges that as farmers they plan for a summer dry. However, she says this year things are particularly bad.

“We had a really good spring with lots of grass and we were able to put aside a lot of dry feed, but we are feeding that out now.

I guess the dilemma is what will happen when the rain does come and how cold the winter will be.

“Right now, it is certainly tough for farmers, especially in our dairying community. Banks are not lending like they used to, and they are being a bit more cautious – especially to our dairy farmers.”

Worboys believes the situation is being made harder for farmers with all the new legislation that is being thrown at them from central government. She says this is pretty scary and stressful “It’s all this national policy statement stuff and the other things and the deadlines we are faced with,” she told Rural News.

STOCK WORKER WITH AND WITHOUT AIR

See us on site for specials at the Central Districts Field Days Site O-21

CRUTCHING TRAILER

Manawatu District mayor Helen Worboys.

“We don’t get the resources to deal with these things like the biodiversity plan that has just come out. It is going to be very hard to deal with all these

matters in the time frames that have been set. It’s hard enough for local government and I can only imagine how farmers feel,” she adds.

FADGE HOLDER

EWE LIFTER

SHEEP HANDLER & LEAD UP RACE

03-215 8558 info@hecton.co.nz www.hecton.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

4 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Field days ideal for networking DAMIEN O’CONNOR

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER is vital for the success of NZ farming.

It is always pleasing to note that our industry organisations such as Beef+LambNZ and DairyNZ in particular organise regular field

days and discussion groups.

These semi-formal events give farmers the opportunity to see what others in their district are doing and help spark thoughts that may lead to innovation or better practice. These events also give farmers the

opportunity to benchmark themselves against their peers.

We also see this with a host of other field days and conferences organised by the likes of Massey University and the Ahuwhenua Trust which promotes excellence in Maori agriculture

EFFLUENT SPREADING PROBLEMS? We have the answer!

Ferbo SMART REEL Computer controlled diesel engine drive for:

SEE US AT THE CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS - SITE O-78

❱❱ No blockages in drive system ❱❱ Very accurate retraction speed ❱❱ Easy adjusted application rates ❱❱ Low damage to crops ❱❱ GSC Cell and PC available application ❱❱ Liquid shut off available ❱❱ MDOD Pipe.

We also supply and install most water and effluent products

“Godsend! Effluent gone from hard to easy. Staff love it! Quick set up, precision. Nil crop damage.”

– Brad Cockerell, Mercer

0800 426 296

www.irrimax.co.nz

Agriculture minister Damien O’Connor.

and horticulture.

But its A&P shows and field days, such as those run in the central North Island, that provide for the more informal contact with farmers.

A chance to catch up with old mates, be it from university days or the when they were part of a shearing gang trying make a few extra dollars to buy that farm or some special piece of equipment.

I am a great believer in the value of such field days – including the big one at Mystery Creek – because they provide dozens of networking opportunities for farmers. They can have some special time with their bank manager or financial

The event continues to promote agritech and that is good because the solutions to many of the challenges that farmers face are likely to be solved by technology. This event is a chance to see some of these solutions. advisor, see the latest in farm machinery and talk to local councils about upcoming environmental rules.

The Central Districts Field Days is a classic example of that.

For a start, it draws on people who live within about a two-hour drive of Feilding – where the

event is staged – and therefore it is not a mission to get there. The event continues to promote agritech and that is good because the solutions to many of the challenges that farmers face are likely to be solved by technology.

This event is a chance to see some of these solu-

tions.

While farmers are at the core of the rural sector, there are thousands of others whose livelihood depends on the profitability and viability of the farming sector.

People involved in providing services directly to farmers and others seemingly less direct, but equally important such as the local shops.

Field days offers opportunities for everyone to learn more about what is going in the wider rural sector and I congratulate all those who run such events.

• The Hon Damien O’Connor is Minister of Agriculture and Rural Communities

Let Us Help You With Animal Identification and Management

0800 77 99 89 | sales@shearwell.co.nz | www.shearwell.co.nz

Shearwell Sheep Tags

Shearwell Stick Reader

One-piece NLIS accredited tag Visual & Electronic tags 99.5% retention rate No extra cost for printing Free applicator for 1st time orders of 200+ tags

Easy single-button use Can easily scan and record data Compatible with free Shearwell App Suitable for both cattle and sheep

Shearwell Panel Readers and Management Crates Fast, effortless recording of EID tags Suitable for both cattle and sheep Both large and small versions available Compatible with free Shearwell App

Working to help the Livestock Farmer

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 5

Find pesky leaks MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

FARMERS FRUSTRATED by water leaks might want to stop off at the Gallagher site at Waimumu, where the Water Flow Indicator is sure to save them a bucketful of time and many litres of water.

In partnership with farmer inventor Murray Jones, Gallagher has developed a Water Flow Indicator to help farmers save time by finding leaks faster.

“Like many farmers, I was sick of wasting time going around my farm

looking for water leaks,” says Jones.

“My wife encouraged me to stop talking about my idea and to make it happen.”

That process took nearly seven years and numerous prototypes, before Jones was ready to take it to the next step – that started with a discussion with the Gallagher Group.

Installed at important junctions in water lines, the Water Flow Indicator enables farmers to find leaks easily by visually checking for abnormal water flow, indicated by

the integral impellor that makes it easy to see water direction and speed. If the impellor isn’t spinning it means lines are full and there isn’t a leak.

Like all great ideas – it’s refreshingly simple.

Darrell Jones, Gallagher animal management’s general

manager for New Zealand, South America and Asia, says the gadget is a tangible way to demonstrate efficient water use, which will help farmers meet their obligations around environmental and water regulations imposed by local councils.

FIELD DAYS DETAILS

Like all great ideas the Water Flow Indicator is simple but effective.

4.95% P.A FIXED RATE INTEREST

WHEN? Central Districts Field Days 2020 will be held Thursday 19 - Saturday 21 March 2020.

WHAT TIME DO GATES OPEN? Visitor gates open at 9:00 am each day. Field Days close at 4:30 pm Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March, and 4:00 pm Saturday 21 March.

WHERE? Field Days is held at Manfeild, Feilding. Please enter off South Street or Kawakawa Road visitor entrances.

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS? Online prior to 2nd February: Adults - $15. Senior tickets - $13. Children (5 to 15) - $5 and Under 5 are free. Family Pass - $35*. Multi 2 Day - $25.

Online from 3rd February & at the Gate on the day (19th - 21st March): Adults - $20. Senior tickets - $15. Children (5 to 15) - $5 and Under 5 are free. Family Pass - $45*. Multi 2 Day - $35. *Family Pass includes 2 adults + up to 3 Children* WHERE DO I BUY TICKETS? You can buy your tickets online at cdfielddays. co.nz or at the gate on the day.

REAL WORLD

TOUGH. REAL WORLD VALUE.

VIKING-3 NOW

18,999

$

EXC GST

NEW EVERYDAY PRICING. STRAIGHT up.

VETMARKER

®

DOCKING LAMBS IS EASY WITH THE VETMARKER

WOLVERINE X2 R-SPEC NOW

21,738

$

See us on SITE M12A

EXC GST

NEW EVERYDAY PRICING. STRAIGHT up.

4,999

$

KODIAK 450 EPS NOW

11,999

$

AG200 NOW

EXC GST

EXC GST

NEW EVERYDAY PRICING. STRAIGHT up.

NEW EVERYDAY PRICING. STRAIGHT up.

• Vaccination • Earmarking & tagging • Castration • Drenching

• Automatic flystrike application • Releases lambs onto their feet

FREEPHONE 0800 DOCKER 0800 362 537 www.vetmarker.co.nz

FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT:

www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

Zero deposit; zero repayments for the first 12 months and a finance rate of 4.95% p.a. is available to approved applicants of Yamaha Motor Finance (‘YMF’). Offer ends 30 April 2020 and available on a loan term of 36 months on YMF’s Consumer contract standard terms and conditions. Credit criteria, fees, charges and conditions apply including an application fee of $325, $10 PPSR fee and a dealer administration fee. Offer only available at participating Yamaha dealerships while stocks last. Offer only available on Utility ATV/ROV and AG125, AG200, TW200 and TT-R230 models.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

6 CD FIELD DAYS

Trailed sprayer gets a refresh Central Districts Field Days Site Map

“Designed by a Farmer for Farmers”

See us at CD Field Days

SITE G14-G15

PHONE 0800 4 AGBITS | 0800 4 242 487 WEBSITE www.agbits.co.nz

RESPONDING TO users’ feedback of the previous model – and driven to improve operation and safety in the field – BA Pumps and Sprayers has placed significant research and development into its new TSX 400 trailed sprayer.

Meeting a design brief that called for ease of use and a substantially lower centre of gravity.

A new low-profile, 400 litre UV stable, polyethylene tank addresses the latter and is said to help eliminate rollovers. As part of the tank design, the layout incorporates a

large suction well, integrated handwash and a calibration strip with a sight glass.

The oversize steel frame is manufactured from 75mm x 40mm RHS and full hot dip galvanized to ensure a long service life and the removeable drawbar makes for easy storage. The 22-11x 8 knobbly tyres are fitted to help with grip and lateral stability.

Users can choose from four basic models that offer an electrically powered Shurflo pump, or alternatively Honda

GX160 engines mated to Bertolini POLY or PA Series pumps. Standard fitments include reels and spot spray guns with 30 or 50 metre capacities.

A wide range of accessories will allow users to customise the base units to suit individual needs, with a choice of XP 10, 20 and 25 boom jet kits and 3, 4.5 and 6.0 metre spray booms.

A range of switching and control units allow use from the ATV, while an optional bull bar is designed to protect the engine and pump assemblies. – Mark Daniel

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 7

Gentle on forage crops BELT MERGERS are known for their clean forage pick up and handling, the KUHN Merge Maxx 950 is no exception to this.

The Merge Maxx 950 is a highly versatile machine capable of gently gathering any kind of forage and retaining its maximum feed value.

Having been demonstrated throughout New Zealand over the last two harvest seasons, the Merge Maxx 950 has reinforced the reputation for belt mergers to deliver clean forage pick up and handling in all crops including lucerne, grass, whole crop barley and pea straw.

This ability to gently handle all crops with minimal forage pollution, leaf spoiling and ground contact, sets the Merge Maxx 950 apart from the conventional rotor and ‘V’ type rakes, by using two independent pick-ups to offer total raking width of 7.5m in “side delivery” mode and up to 9.5m in “central windrow” position.

With eight different forage delivery options, the Merge Maxx 950 is suited to all conditions, from raking two separate 3.5m swaths for conventional

hay baling. Right through to grouping 20m or even 30m of forage into large swaths for today’s high horsepower forage harvesters.

Clever design uses the AT10 controller to allow any operator to master the controls easily, with the ability to alter windrow delivery, direction of the belts, setting into work mode and a useful hour counter for jobs.

Belt speeds can be individually adjusted by using a hydraulic flow limiter, while raking height can be adjusted via crank handle at the rear of each pick-up bed. Tool-less belt tension adjustment makes day to day maintenance a breeze.

Key advantages of the Merge Maxx 950, delivered by the ability to merge up to 30m of lighter crops into one swath, means more efficient harvesting, not least by allowing harvesters and trucks to travel at lower speeds, yet keeping the chopping drum full.

Additional benefits means fewer swathes to collect in ease paddock means fewer wheeling’s and compaction damage and less kilometres travelled during a working day.

Kuhn’s Merge Maxx 950.

TO ALL FARMERS. FOR ALL FARMERS.

RURAL NEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

HORTNEWS

www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

8 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Skoda storms into 2020 MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

THREE AND a half years after the launch of the third generation Skoda Superb, the brand’s flagship has been comprehensively upgraded and modernised, while the range sees the addition of the Superb Scout Variant Up front, an enlarged radiator grille and new front bumper lengthen the Superb and Superb Wagon by 8mm and 6mm respectively. This helps deliver a generous

$

25K

Skoda flagship vehicle the Superb has been comprehensively upgraded and modernised.

amount of interior space and a boot capacity of

625L in the Superb and 660L in the Superb

Wagon.

The all-new2.0TSI

engine outputs 140kW and 200kW and becomes

CSL Chillboost TO SORT MILK COOLING? REALLY?

If your chiller can cool your milk within two hours of completion of milking but your blend temperature is marginal then all you may need is a CSL Chillboost

195 + GST each

$

H

USUALLY LESS THAN $500 SUPPLIED AND FITTED

H

Call CSL on 0800 10 7006 to order yours now Not the answer for everyone but will assist even if other cooling shortcomings exist. Proven in the field by over 400 installed nationwide.

See us at

SITE

J28-J29

GETTINSINGCE 1964 Y T R DI MXU 500 $11,303

RS

$7,629

UXV 450 $13,912

$8,985

0800 10 7006

www.corkillsystems.co.nz

the first petrol engine in Superb to feature the new, 7-speed DSG gearbox.

The more powerful engine comes with allwheel drive as standard, while the new Scout variant is exclusively available with the top-ofthe-range 200kW engine and all-wheel drive.

Full LED Matrix headlights generates a light beam consisting of several segments, controlled individually, to allow drivers to have the high beam on at all times without dazzling other road users.

In operation, the system uses a camera on the windscreen to detect oncoming traffic and vehicles driving in front of the car as well as people and objects reflecting the light.

Additional safety equipment includes

SAVINGS UP TO

TURF

$9,484

@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

S EE THEM AT CD FIELD DAYS

$6000

UXV 450 $15,042

Predictive Cruise Control and the new Emergency Assist for multi-lane roads (available from mid-2020) are both making their Skoda debut in the new Superb.

The interior of the Superb features new chrome highlights on the door handles and levers, coupled with ambient lighting on the dashboard. Using the new version keyless vehicle entry system (KESSY), now any one of the car’s four doors can be opened first.

For the first time, offered exclusively as a wagon, the Superb Scout, boasts 18-inch ‘Braga’ alloys, a Rough-Road package providing 15mm more ground clearance and all-wheel drive.

New front and rear bumpers with aluminiumeffect underbody protection as well as plastic trims for the wheel arches.

Meanwhile, side sills and the lower part of the door to protect the bodywork and create a striking off-road appearance.

The radiator grille features black double slats framed by a chrome trim, while the roof rails and window frames are also chrome-plated.

UXV 700 $16,086

ENDURO

$10,482

UXV 700 $17,390

LE EPS

$11,339

ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE GST

Central Districts

Field Days Specials

Visit us at Site I12

S10 Solar Energizer

Reliable, portable power, rain or shine.

W110 Digital Weigh System

For livestock and general weighing, this complete pack includes weigh scale indicator, mounting bracket and loadbars.

Water Flow Indicators Find leaks easier by installing in water lines to visually check for abnormal water flow.

View our Field Days special offers on site. Talk to our team for friendly expert advice on weighing and EID, electric fencing and water monitoring.

Offers valid only during Central Districts Field Days 2020 show dates. Terms and Conditions apply.

0800 731 500 www.gallagher.com

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

10 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Gear Hub oils wheels for farm-to farm machinery hire A WEBSITE and app-based platform is helping farmers to hire unused farm equipment to their peers.

Gear Hub is an online machinery rental platform for farmers and small businesses who have tractors, machinery and attachments. Farmers can list and hire gear on the Gear Hub website and the platform charges a 10% service fee on transactions.

Manawatu couple Scott Cameron and Alex Tully hit on the idea when they needed gear to scrape land around their house.

They looked at hiring gear, but it was a pain getting to a shop between opening hours. Working in the dairy industry, Cameron was also aware of farmers’ concerns about the rising cost of day-to-day business.

Gear Hub is initially targeting dairy, sheep and beef farmers in Manawatu and Central Hawke’s Bay. Two months after launching, the business has 80 listings, ranging from a silage baler wrapper and tractor, to a mower, chain harrow and palm kernel bin.

Cameron said the site was meant for farmers who had gear, like a plough, that they used only occasionally.

“They use it three days a year, it costs a fortune and it’s depreciating anyway,” he says. “We’re trying to say, ‘how can you create an income stream for that piece of machinery without putting yourself at a lot of risk?’”

Cameron found farmers were often reluctant to lend gear privately to other farmers because of the risk of damage.

Gear Hub includes a vehicle register

Gear Hub founders Scott Cameron and Alex Tully (supplied).

Soil Aeration Specialists Are you suffering from:

• Hay and silage being trampled into pasture and wasted?

• Surface ponding of pastures?

Aerators

Pre-Rippers

PUGGED PADD OCKS CAN REDUCE PASTURE GRO WTH UP TO 60%!

and requires photos of the machine.

The contracted parties have to agree on the condition of the machinery, before and after the hire.

Gear Hub takes hire payments through online banking so that farmers can transact through business accounts. Once the rental period is over, a farmer is paid for the hire on the 20th of the following month.

“The reason for that is they have the security that, if say, you hire a tractor for a week and you turn up and it’s not there, or the seats are damaged and it’s not safe, you can pull out at any time and you get a full refund,” Cameron says. “The last thing that we want is farmers feeling like they have to use a machine that they’re not comfortable with or isn’t safe.”

THE BEST OF 4X4 AND FARM TYRES, ALL ON ONE SITE!

Heavy Duty Auto Reset

Moleplough

DON’T PUT GOOD FERTILISERS ON COMPACTED SOIL WHICH CAN’T ABSORB IT If your soil can’t support 15cm root growth and good worm population check for compaction, you could need aeration.

In dollar terms, what would 20% production increase mean to your yearly turnover?

YOUR GREATEST ASSET IS THE SOIL YOU FARM - DON’T DESTROY IT!

BALEAGE TIPPER

SUBSOILER

Transports and stands wrapped round bales on end for storage Now available as a single or dual unit • Suitable for medium HP tractors • 3PL mounted (no front axle stress) • Bale tipped in one easy movement • No need to reposition bale before tipping

Contact us for your local dealer...

For ripping deep pans and laying alkathene pipe up to 50mm • Optional chute • Standard & heavy models

SEE US AT THE CD FIELD DAYS SITE I-33A

Maitland RD5, Gore Ph/Fax: 03-207 1837 Mobile: 027-628 5695 www.jamesengineering.co.nz

Call in and see us at Central Districts and find out how the right choice of tyres can make your job easier.

SITE #

S33-34

Or find a dealer:

0800 275 897

www.agtyres.co.nz www.agtyres.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 11

Tractor helps contractor up his game MOTUEKA CONTRACTOR James Lea’s says his new McCormick X6 430 VT drive tractor not only has the traction to go anywhere, it also makes him more efficient.

Purchased in May 2019, from local dealer Motueka Farm Machinery for work in his fencing business, the red tractor was quite familiar to James – having previously run several of its Landini stablemates for his company Lea Contracting.

Having looked at other brands before buying, the combination of the deal offered by Motueka Farm Machinery – alongside the fact it had taken a Tractor of the Year Award in 2018 and the bonus of CVT – meant it was too good a deal to pass on.

The machine has now completed more than 300 hours – much of those

hours in steep, rugged country.

“I can honestly say it’ll climb anywhere I’m prepared to go,” Lea says.

“It’s making us 10 to 14% more efficient than previously – as we’re right on the spot every time.”

Mated to the frugal Tier 4 FPT engine, the VT-Drive transmission combines hydrostatic and a mechanical section, where lower speeds of up 4.0 km/h are taken care of. Where the mechanical part of the transmission is progressively taking over as speeds increase to minimise power loss.

For driving the tractor, the operator selects either forward or reverse, with a familiar shuttle lever, before using the joystick or accelerator pedal to increase or reduce travel speeds. Engine revs and transmission ratios are automatically balanced by

AWARD WINNER KUHN WAS recently awarded an AE50 award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) for its Optidisc Elite cutterbar.

Found on most KUHN mowers and mower conditioners, the innovative cutterbar was deemed as one of the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products for the food and agriculture industries.

The new Optidisc Elite cutterbar provides a lower profile with a flatter angle, said to improve cut quality in difficult field conditions while also reducing dirt and ash incorporation. Fast-Fit knives help reduce the time required for routine maintenance and prolong knife life with the ability to rotate 360 degrees to maintain a high-quality cut.

The use of high-end components is said to help strengthen the cutterbar to provide endurance and high performance cutter bars for the mowers or mower conditioners that are offered in an extensive range.

Read us until the cows come home!

www.ruralnews.co.nz

the electronics – according to the load on the tractor.

When a fixed engine speed is needed to operate a PTO-driven implement or a consistent ground speed is required, appropriate modes can be selected that control the system to manage the powertrain accordingly.

Lea uses his new X6 VT drive to run a heavyduty post driver for his fencing work and likes the stability of the combination.

Additionally, a Manip front-end-loader carries fence posts and a spinning wire jenny.

The tractor is particularly well-suited to loader work, as the power shuttle delivers seamless directional changes.

Meanwhile, the high output closed centre, load sensing hydraulic system has more than enough flow for the post hitter and loader to work in tandem. www.agtek.co.nz

Left to right: The Sturgeons from Motueka Farm Machinery and the Leas’ from Lea Contracting.

SERIOUS ABOUT FENCING!

QUALITY • TESTED • PROVEN VISIT US AT CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS – SITE K19

New Zealand manufacturer of quality fencing tools & equipment

Superior, longer-lasting fuel storage

Contact us for more info on 0800 800 221 or visit our website www.ensol.co.nz See us the CD Field Days – Site N17b Corner Ensol Way

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

12 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Industry-first warranty on mulchers!

MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

AGRILINE IS a specialist farm machinery company with branches in the North and South islands.

The company imports a large range of land development/maintenance and cultivation gear and sells direct to the end user.

Taking a close look at machines from many brands, the company realised that mulchers used in New Zealand get a very hard life, with problems in five key areas.

Besides breaking drive belts and blowing gearboxes – other areas include cracking of the frame and mulching body, roller bearing failures and rotors getting bent, losing lugs and going out of balance.

Working with their European supplier Vigolo, the company has addressed these areas to co-develop a

Agriline’s Mike Hamlin reckons the Vigolo mulchers are the strongest, most reliable and productive he’s ever seen.

series of high-body mulchers to deal with NZ’s unique conditions. Offered with horsepower ratings up to 300hp and featuring and an impressive build quality, these versatile machines can

chew through timber up to 180mm diameter – so it takes grass, thistles, rushes, broom, matagouri and crop residues in their stride.

Addressing the NZ conditions,

dependent on model, Vigolo uses rotors of up to 273mm, creating a flywheel effect and increased momentum. The higher capacity machines use up to 12 drivebelts and all units are fitted with

wide skids to prevent scalping.

Agriline is so convinced of the Vigolo’s ability to deal with the toughest conditions, it has created an industry first with its 2-3-4 warranty.

Offered on the TDF, TDFDT, TST and TSTDT ranges, the frame, gearbox and drive belts are covered for two years.

Meanwhile, the roller bearings have three years of cover and the heart of the machine, the rotor, is backed up with four years peace of mind.

Without doubt a bold move, founder and director of Agriline, Mike Hamlin says in all his years of selling mulchers, Vigolo is the strongest, most reliable and productive mulcher he’s ever seen.

“We are pleased to put in place a 2-3-4 warranty that gives peace of mind to farmers and contractors and confirms their investment is in the best.”

#FIRST ON 4 WHEELS

FREE FARM KIT

SUZUKI KINGQUAD 750XP - $17,999

NO DEPOSIT

WITH FREE FARM KIT – FRONT BULLBAR, SIDE BARS, TOW BALL, CARGO BOX AND DOG MAT

0% INTEREST

Terms and conditions: Price includes GST. Finance offer based on no deposit, 0% interest over 12 months. Payments include $305 documentation fee and $10.35 PPSR. Normal UDC lending and credit criteria apply.

Offer not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Promotion period runs from 27 January - 31 March 2020, or while stocks last.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 13

Getting to grips with stock handling A LOT has changed since Wayne and Lynley Coffey originally designed the Combi Clamp sheep handler.

The range has grown substantially to include cattle handling equipment, which offers strength, versatility and – most importantly – safety for both animals and operators.

“All of our cattle handling equipment is built with safety in mind, as a result of our own injuries using poorly designed cattle equipment,” Wayne Coffee explains.

The Combi Clamp cattle handling range includes the magic Auto Head Yoke, HD Vetless Crush and HD Vet Crush. Both crushes have

the option of a parallel squeeze, which is helpful when handling smaller animals to avoid turning or as a tool for steadying aggravated animals in the crush.

“It’s amazing how quickly the animal stops thrashing about as soon as you put a little pressure on them,” Coffee adds.

The HD crushes offer several features to make use easy. These include automatic catch and reset, controlled forward or rearward release of the animal, split and top access gates on both sides of the unit, as well as rubber floor and slam stops to reduce noise during use.

Optional equip-

ment includes remotes for drafting and operation of the head bail from the rear of the crush and the squeeze system for steadying larger or holding smaller animals.

In the case of the Sheep Handler, the units do not require power, so are free from breakdowns. These are quiet so promote stock flow.

Combi Clamp’s cattle handling equipment offers strength, versatility and safety.

“Levno’s great customer service sets them apart.

They’ve always been quick to let me know when an issue needs escalating on farm.”

Following its success in NZ and Australia, the Handypiece is now finding favour in Europe .

HANDPIECE WINNING CONVERTS

Michael Withers, Southland Farmer

HANDYPIECE IS a fully portable shearing handpiece being used by thousands of farmers and ag workers all around NZ and the globe.

While the main use is sheep shearing, it is also finding favour for crutching, dagging, cow tail trimming and cattle branding – alongside alpaca and goat shearing, TB testing of deer, grass sampling and plant trimming.

The Handypiece Pro has variable speed ranging from 2400 – 3500rpm. Dagging, crutching and trimming cows’ tails operate well at a mid-speed of 2700 rpm. However, anyone wanting to get a nice cut while shearing can wind it all the way up to 3500rpm.

The brushless motor means the battery lasts even longer and it is possible to crutch up to 300400 sheep from one battery charge.

CRAIGCO

powered by

SHEEP JETTERS SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET

See us on the Hecton Site O-21

Guaranteed Performance Save time and Money . Flystrike and Lice cost $$$ Quick to Set up . Easy to use . Job Done Robust construction. Auto shut gate. Adjustable V panels Total 20 Jets. Lambs 5 jets. Side jets for Lice.

Davey Twin Impeller Pump. 6.5 or 9.0 Hp motors

06 8356863 . 021 061 1800

www.craigcojetters.com

CHOOSE THE PROVEN PROVIDER OF MILK VAT MONITORING SYSTEMS PROTECT YOUR MILK WITH THE LEADER IN MILK VAT MONITORING Levno for Milk monitors temperature through your milk system; plus volume, milking time, and vat agitator action.

Call us 0800 453 866 or visit levno.com

VISIT US AT CD FIELD DAYS: SITE N18

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

14 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Act early and decisively to manage dry – DairyNZ PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE HOT dry weather is now starting to hit farmers in the Manawatu and DairyNZ are busy putting out advice to farmers on ways to cope.

The head of DairyNZ’s

consulting officer team in the Lower North Island, Rob Brazendale says it’s very, very dry in the region and that the heat stress is not just limited to our dairy herds. He says conditions are much drier than average, with the NIWA daily climate

maps show the soil moisture situation is also significantly drier than the same time last year.

“DairyNZ offers a range of information to help manage dry conditions and has a team of consulting officers that can offer support and

See us at the CD Field Days – Site K24

Purchase supplement feed if available and at the right price.

STANDARD FEEDER (C6 Pinned) • 1 x 6 foot bale • 2m diameter • 15 feed positions • 15 - 30 animals

OVAL FEEDER (S2 Pinned) • 3 x 4 foot bales • 2 x 6 foot bales • 24 feed positions • 24 - 48 animals • 4m long

S CD FEE US AT I – SITELD DAYS E 134 A

Also see us at the Wanaka Show March 13-14

there is a lot of information on our web site,” he says.

“Meanwhile, your local team is in contact with our primary sector partners, monitoring the situation and preparing to help as needed. Many of you have put away a good amount of silage and feel you are still going okay, however it’s a good idea to plan for various scenarios.”

Brazendale says past experiences of severe dry periods have found some key practices that will help a quick recovery when it does rain and limit the damage: Contain the damage to the current season and avoid compromising next season. For dairy farmers this means protecting cow condition.

Have some cows in milk for when it does rain and therefore able to capture any favourable autumn growing conditions.

Have some supplement for when does rain.

100kgDM/cow is recommended, as dry pasture will disappear immediately after rain and cows will need additional supplementary feed. Holding a slow rotation will speed up pasture cover recovery.

While in the dry conditions there are limited options, but some tactics to consider are: Get rid of known culls, this allows feed to prioritise to those cows that will be milking next season OAD milking, this reduces stress on cows

and people Dry off light condition, younger cows, where possible get these cows off farm.

Purchase supplements, if available and at the right price.

Brazendale says the profitability of purchased supplements is sensitive to price and 5% of milk price is a good guideline. He says for a more robust analysis for your situation use the Supplement Price Calculator. Dairy Trust Taranaki supplement trials showed very good supplement responses (up to 130gMS/ kgMS) when cows are kept in milk rather than dried off.

“Be prepared for when it does rain. Facial eczema prevention should be in place now as

overnight temperatures are likely to remain above 12 degrees for a while,” he adds.

“Have nitrogen on hand ready to apply when we have significant rain.

As things heat up, water for dairy shed and stock drinking becomes a challenge. Take all steps to minimize water use around the farm dairy – without compromising milk hygiene.”

Finally, Brazendale says this is the time of year when heat stress can become an issue.

He says if farmers would like advice on managing the risk and a summary of the conditions, sign up to DairyNZ’s fortnightly Heat Stress email. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

We’re heading to THE Central Districts Field Days • Grow vegetables all year round and extend your growing season.

• Very affordable and easy to install.

• Strong construction that resists all weather conditions. t/f

03 214 4262 |

e

info@morrifield.com

• Over 10,00 happy customers • 100% New Zealand made.

Find us at Site K8

HARD WEARING SEAT COVERS FOR UTES, TRUCKS,TRACTORS, QUADS, AND ATV’S

• Range of models 2m to 8m long.

ORDER OVER THE FIELD DAYS AND RECEIV E 10% FIELD D AY DISCOUNT

• Nationwide delivery available.

www.morrifield.com

0800 478 443

RUGGEDVALLEY.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 15

Marton YFC to celebrate 80 years PETER BURKE

CLUB HISTORY

peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

OLD BOYS and old girls of the Marton Young Farmers Club are planning an 80th birthday celebration – their own.

Later this month, the club will celebrate its 80th with a series of events over the weekend of March 14-15. While it’s called the Marton Young Farmers Club, it – in fact – encompasses a much wider area according to the chair of the club Samantha Tennent.

“Our members come from the back of Whanganui, Ohakune, Waiouru, Rangiwahia, Kimbolton and Fielding and anywhere in between,” she told Rural News. “Even though we are Marton – we are part of the whole of Rangitikei.”

Tennent says there will be some events on the Saturday, including a brunch BBQ at Power Farming Manawatu in Feilding and some activities at the Rural Games. Then they will head to the Silks Lounge, at the Awapuni Racecourse at Palmerston North, for the main function. She says this will start off with drinks

THE MARTON Young Farmers Club was formed on April 30th, 1938 and started with just 24 members. It began in the days when only men were allowed to be involved in the organisation and membership doubled within the first year. In its second year, the club entered a team in a seven-aside football tournament organised by the Manawatu District Committee of the National Dairy Show. The Marton YFC won it and was presented with “Golden Rooster’ trophy.

However, during World War II, Marton YFC – like every club across the country – struggled.

Men were sent to the war and numbers declined – with the number of clubs across the country plummeting from 118, to just 72. At least 40 Marton YFC members were on active service and at least five of its members had made the ultimate sacrifice during the war.

The Marton Club took a two-year recess in May of 1942, after a meeting

Marton Young Farmers Club chair Samantha Tennent.

and chance to see some of the memorabilia that’s been collected over the years.

The evening function will be hosted by 2013 FMG Young Farmer of the Year and Waikato MP, Tim van de Molen.

It will include a debating

competition, an iconic YFC quiz before the band takes over. The next day there will be a breakfast at the Distinction Hotel in Palmerston North and plenty of action to watch at the Rural Games The club is one of the oldest YF clubs in

the country and over the years hundreds of people have been involved in its activities. Tennant says it’s also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the huge number of businesses, farmers and other Manawatu clubs, which have all been

Postdriver SPECIALS SPECIAL PRICE

25,759 + GST

$

Normal RRP $28,610

pillars of support for over 80 years.

“Marton has been an incredibly strong club throughout the decades.

It’s withstood many challenges which saw other small clubs fold and has really proved it has grit, resilience and passion for not just farming but also rural communities,” she says.

See us at the Central Districts Field Days Site H34

NZ MADE FOR OVER 40 YEARS

drew in just four members. After coming out of hibernation in June 1944, the club had a boost in membership.

Heading into 2020, Samantha Tennent says there are currently 42 members with all of them looking forward to celebrating the club’s rich and iconic history.

“It’s incredible just to think how many people have been involved with Marton Young Farmers over the years, it’s such a tight knight community here. If you add up members, supporters, businesses, farmers, event organisers and vendors and everything else, there would just be thousands and thousands of people, she told Rural News.

Tennent says the reunion is for everyone, not just past and present members.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing who comes out of the woodwork, reminisce and tell some great stories.”

She says they expect at least 200 people to attend the celebrations.

FENCING PRODUCTS TO SEE! SEE US AT SITE I-25 TARAGATE – the ORIGINAL Multi Strand Electric Gate The preferred choice for over 20 years!

– Taragate 4 Strand – Taragate 2 Strand – Taragate 4 Strand ‘Lifestyler’

CLIP-AWAY Gatebreak

SERIES 2 WITH EXPANDER

– the gold standard in gate handles – clips away on to the wire with unique second hook – extra heavy duty

Includes

❱ 3.1 to 5.1 Metre Telescopic mast ❱ 340kg hammer ❱ 6 bank hydraulic valve ❱ Terminator base 900mm side shift

SPACE-LINK DAIRY DONGER

17,500 + GST

$

Normal RRP $19,100

Includes

❱ Hydraulic folding mast ❱ 900mm side shift ❱ 4.2m beam with 227kg hammer ❱ Hydraulic top link and angle adjustment rams

– space your wire off the post – attaches directly to Taragate Doubler Dtm or Tarapin Insulator – simply the best outrigger on market today

THE ONE FENCING SITE YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS! Taragate Ltd

www.kinghitter.com •

0800 476 868 • sales@kinghitter.com

RD2 Hamilton, New Zealand Phone 07 843 3859 or 0800 TARAGATE (82 72 42) Email info@taragate.co.nz Web www.taragate.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

16 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Local farmers lead the way Five Horizons farms are contenders in the 2020 Ballance Farm Environment Awards, which have attracted an incredible line-up of innovative farmers and growers from around NZ. RUN BY the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the awards celebrate good farm practices that promote sustainable land management. The programme is run in 11 regions throughout New Zealand, with almost 50 farms eligible for this year’s awards.

Horizons’ category award winners and supreme regional winner will be announced at the awards function at Palmerston North on Thursday 19 March.

The five Horizons contenders are: Tony and Lynda Gray, Kinross Partnership – Apiti, Manawatu

Lynda and Tony Gray

This family-operated sheep, beef and deer breeding business is owned and operated

by Tony and Lynda Gray who are focused on maximising returns in an envi-

ronmentally sustainable way.

It was the first farm to complete a Horizons Whole Farm Plan (SLUI).

Over the past 14 years, this has included planting

more than 1,000 poplar poles and 6ha of Douglas fir. Along with 1,260 sheep, 100 beef and 420 deer, the farm incorporates 125ha of QEII-covenanted regenerating native bush and has a possum control programme that includes poisoning and trapping.

The Grays’ are fencing off the last waterway and are planning to isolate wetlands and do riparian planting. They have started investigating carbon farming options and are working with a local beekeeper who has hives on the farm.

The farm is starting to reap financial rewards from years of improvements around livestock production and environmental protection and the family wants to ensure this progress continues.

Intelligent, dependable Intelligent, dependable irrigation systems that last irrigation systems that last

Chalky and Lesley Leary

Chalky and Lesley Leary, Onga – Hunterville, Rangitikei Owner-operators Chalky and Lesley Leary have had a stake in their sheep and cattle breeding operation at Onga since 1973.

They are now setting up a succession plan for their nephew to take over.

Along with the stock, Onga farm has 118ha of

radiata pine that brings in an average yearly income of $100,000. The property was smothered with gorse in 1973 and forestry was originally introduced to control it – and later to help manage erosion.

The farm is now virtually gorse-free and boasts significant new infrastructure.

Brendon and Rachel Williams, Pencoed Trust – Marton, Rangitikei

TR ROTOWIPER

Trailing model towed by a 4 wheel bike

FANTASTIC NEW FEATURES! • Single height adjustment • Roller drive disengagement • Fold-up drawbar • Tank leveller adjustment • New strong design frame

See us at the2019 National Fieldays Find us in the Mystery Central Districts Creek FieldPavilion.

Days on Site O-16 Site PA10

The Williams’s are third generation farmers on this arable and finishing property that was chosen for its excellent soils and has been actively developed since 2000 under a family Trust.

The arable and finishing property’s main crops are wheat, maize, peas and grass, while it finishes about 2,500 lambs and 100 cattle annually.

Decision-making is based on caring for the soil – including using soil maps and having extensive sub-soil drainage. The farm is one of the first arable cropping enterprises to seek resource consents under the Horizons One Plan, plus fossil fuel usage has significantly dropped.

Other conservation measures include retirement planting, stock exclu-

• New stub axle hub arrangement • All covers now stainless steel SEE US AT SITE S53-S54 Rotovacuum: 350lt bin, Stihl BG86 blower motor.

Great suction to clean your paddock or garden.

Specialist suppliers of irrigation equipment • Pivots and Laterals

• VRI for pivots and Laterals • Variable Rate Irrigation • Hoses & Accessories • Couplings & Fittings • Hard Hose Irrigators

0800 65 55 45 www.bayirrigation.co.nz 1420 Omahu Road, Hastings

• Pumps and Motor Pumps

Rotocart: RC270, RC300 & RC500.

3 sizes, super strong rotationally moulded in our factory.

• Generator Sets

• Engine Protection

• Rain Guns and Booms

48 Bremners Road PO Box 333 Ashburton www.rotowiper.com P: 03-308 4497 M: 027-311 9471 E: rotowipersales1@gmail.com

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 17

in environmental awards keen to demonstrate the good work that’s happening.

Mark Johnston and Rebecca Jeffrey, Ruahine Range Views Dannevirke, Tararua These dairy owneroperators have completely transformed their property since buying it in 2017, merging two dairy farms into one selfcontained unit.

They now farm 350 dairy cows over 131ha, with a

Brendon and Rachel Williams

sion from waterways, retention dams to reduce runoff and a fully reticulated water system.

Knowledge is a key tool, enabling the family to make informed decisions around improving production systems – ultimately producing a sustainable income.

Three blocks of native bush are protected with QEII National Trust cov-

enants and, for shade and erosion control, native bush is continually being fenced off and poplars planted. Other priorities are actively managing possum and deer, along with soil and water conservation.

Having spent 12 years in local government, Chalky appreciates the challenges facing both councils and farmers, and is

further 80ha adjacent to boost the summer milking platform. The farm has a low stock rate and high production – about 1.7 cows per hectare – and significant time and investment has gone into improving infrastructure and water provisions.

The biodiversity of the property has also undergone a transformation, including the planting of 5,000 pines and 700 natives over the past

Rebecca Jeffrey and Mark Johnston

two years, the creation of four wetlands, monthly possum control and the installation of kilometres of fencing along creeks.

The couple has implemented everything they wanted for the farm and feel they have greatly improved the state of the property since they took over.

The Clarke Family, Woodhaven Gardens – Levin, Horowhenua.

Woodhaven Gardens is a commercial vegetable growing operation and family business. Established in 1978 by Eric and John Clarke, with the lifestyle choice soon becoming a passion for producing the best produce available.

Woodhaven is unique for its size and crop diversity – 23 different vegetables, plus maize and

John and Jay Clarke

ryegrass to improve soil health and reduce nutrient losses. Annually, they sell 27 million individual vegetable units (between 7–10% of the national supply), employ about 250 staff, and contribute between $30–35mil to GDP. In recent years, Woodhaven has significantly invested in reducing its environmental impact, adopting a science-led

approach that balances conservation with commercial success.

Woodhaven’s owners and directors view the farm holistically – farming for themselves while also enriching the lives of their staff, community, local Iwi and environment. Their approach has been shared with Horticulture NZ and is being rolled out to other growers in the region.

SAM WHITELOCK, MASSEY FERGUSON AMBASSADOR.

PRE-ORDER YOUR CUSTOMISED MASSEY FERGUSON Massey Ferguson’s S Series tractors are designed for exceptional performance and efficiency, from 100 to 370 hp. Now is the time to secure your custom tractor, built to the spec that you want. See your Massey Ferguson dealer today - before time runs out.

MODEL

HP

MODEL

HP

MF 5700 S Series

100 - 130

MF 7700 S Series

140 - 255

MF 6700 S Series

120 - 175

MF 8700 S Series

300 - 370

Visit us at Central Districts Field Days on sites C25-C27 MASSEYFERGUSON.CO.NZ | FREECALL 0800 825 872

MF S SERIES 100 - 370 HP

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

18 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS ISUZU’S 20TH YEAR AS NUMBER 1

HSV Silverado

HSV confirms new Chevy MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WHILE THE demise of Holden means an end to the SportsCat ute, HSV has secured full volume certification for the new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for Australia and New Zealand.

Final prices for the 1500 haven’t been announced yet for New Zealand. However, it will be dearer than the Colorado-based SportsCat, of course, but should come in under the bigger Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty that HSV also re-engineers (2500 prices range from $134,990 to $165,990).

The new Silverado 1500 is due in HSV dealerships in March 2020, the LTZ Premium Edition being the first model to launch. This features the 6.2 litre EcoTec3 V8 engine that pumps out a more-than-adequate 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque. It has a crack at fuel efficiency using a 10-speed automatic transmission, stop/start technology and ‘dynamic fuel management’ that disables half the cylinders under light engine loads.

Towing capacity is up to 4.5 tonnes braked (using a 70mm ball) and the big rig gets a suite of towing aides: Tow/Haul mode, Trailer Swap Control, Hill Start Assist and auto

grade braking, just for starters.

An Advanced Trailering Package is available as an option.

As suggested by the name, the Premium model has an interior to pamper occupants. It has perforated leather, heated front seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, infotainment system controlled by touch screen and charging and connectivity for everyone’s smart phones and tablets.

Being a HSV, you can option in performance tuned suspension and airbox/exhaust to make the most of its American muscle. @rural_news

IT ISN’T rugby, but Isuzu Trucks is claiming the triple crown as the number one supplier of new light, medium and heavy commercial trucks for 2019.

In doing so, the brand has achieved an unprecedented 20th consecutive year at the top of overall new truck sales.

The success of the brand is said to come with a renewed focus over recent years on enhancing the end-user experience, increased head office engagement with the factory in Japan and an ongoing investment by dealer partners.

“I firmly believe we have one of the most comprehensive and committed dealer net-

facebook.com/ruralnews

Central Districts Field Days SITE #G27

Cnr Robinson & McNally Sts, Ashburton • Ph 03 307 9049 • Email admin@rainer.co.nz • www.rainer.co.nz

Isuzu has achieved 20 consecutive years as the top selling truck in NZ.

works in the country, who have been crucial in the success of Isuzu trucks in New Zealand over many years,” says general manager Dave Ballantyne. “The quality and all-round functionality, as well as fit for purpose, of our trucks continues to improve year over year and this is reflected in our ongoing sales success.”

Moving into a new

decade, Ballantyne says the goal is to keep the momentum going.

“By taking a collaborative approach between Isuzu Japan, our dealer network and Isuzu New Zealand, with the ultimate objective to grow our customer base and support existing and new customers to the absolute best of our abilities.”

– Mark Daniel

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 19

Smith expands range MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

Smith Attachments identified a need for high quality, after-market ute cdecks and lids.

ASHBURTON BASED Smith Attachments is probably known best for the design and manufacture of bull-bars and accessories for a range of ATV/UTVs – alongside a range of ATV, calf and K-line trailers.

Four years ago, the company saw a need for high quality, after-market ute decks and lids. So, it introduced Smith Lids that feature a welded sub frame giving them strength that allows a load capacity of up to 250kg.

Manufactured with a skin that uses aluminium treadplate, the items can also be optioned with a black, powder coated finish. A range of options includes tie down hooks that can be used in conjunction with rails.

The 40-year old business also specialises in the manufacture of ute decks, with configurations to suit single cab, XL single cab and double cab vehicles. All decks are fully hot dip galvanised and finished with a 21mm grip deck plywood floor.

The decks are fully customizable with options – such as toolboxes and dog boxes.

FEED SYSTEMS SINCE 1962

DAIRY FEED SYSTEMS

INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT

• Supreme quality stainless steel feed trays • Exceptional back-up support • Easy to use and maintain first class installations • Robust construction • Skiold Disc Mills • Grain holding siolos • Utility augers / Mobile auger

➤

PIONEER’S LEGACY LIVES IT IS four decades since Carl and Kathryn Burdett launched Plant Plasma Industries from a small factory in Onehunga, Auckland, where they produced a unique traceable fish waste that found success in the foliar fertiliser industry.

In those early years, the late Carl Burdett was captured by the pen of Rural News’ long-standing cartoonist, Malcolm Evans. After Carl passed, Kath kept the pioneering spirit alive and continued to develop the business, creating what is today known as Plasma Biotec Solutions Ltd. Kath adheres to the value that “we are to respect our farmland and farm it responsibly for future generations”.

Along the way, she took the step of registering a Risk Management Program with MPI (NZFSA at the time).

“By using only high purity ingredients with full traceability, we assure every farmer that the products are safe and free of the high levels of heavy metal contaminants often found in lesser products.”

SHEEP JETTER

❱

Innovative Agriculture Equipment

Sheep dipping... made easier!

Serving NZ Farmers since 1962

• Manufactured from stainless steel • Electric eye • 800-1000 sheep per hour • Fantastic penetration • Get one now before price increase

7685

$

+ GST

SEE US AT REGIONAL FIELD DAYS • Northland Site 248 • Central Districts Sites O11A; O112 • Southern Field Days Waimumu – see us at the Farmlands site

Serving NZ farmers since 1962 INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT

www.pppindustries.co.nz sales@pppindustries.co.nz

0800 901 902

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

20 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Best Claas on show MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

THE LATEST offerings from CLAAS, will be on show at the CLAAS Harvest Centre sites at the Central Districts Field Days.

The all-new CLAAS JAGUAR 960 forage harvester, powered by a 653 hp Mercedes-Benz 473 engine, features several improvements to increase productivity and create operating efficiencies. All models are available with the new CEBIS Touch control system, giving the

operator faster and easier access to all machine functions.

Up to seven commonly used settings can be programmed as favourites and accessed by the rocker switches on the CMOTION control lever. Alternatively, operators can show to use the CEBIS rotary/push switch or armrest switches.

An NIR sensor, which measures dry matter yield in real time, is now certified for use in pastures, features an infrared-light source in the upper discharge chute is

directed at the crop. The light is reflected in different ways, depending on the crop moisture level, with independent testing showing an accuracy of plus or minus 2%.

All models in the 900 series feature intelligently controlled, hydraulic precompression to ensure consistently high-quality chopped material – even under difficult conditions.

In operation, hydraulic rams automatically adjust the precompression pressure required for different crops and changes in the thickness of the

EXIT / ENTRY MATTING • CALF TRAILER MATS HOOFBOND FOOTBATHS • ATV BIKE MATS • UTE DECK MATS • ALL WEATHER SAFETY MATTING

Find us at Central Districts Field Days Site S49

Phone: 0800 80 85 70 Email: sales@burgessmatting.co.nz Website: www.burgessmatting.co.nz

CUTS – POWE R AFFO

U CAN YO

RD TH

The all-new CLAAS Jaguar 960 forage harvester.

crop flow. 2020 models can be equipped with the optional ACTISILER 37 inoculant tank, which enables precise dosage of 10 to 50 mL/t based on actual throughput.

Also, on the grass harvest front, CLAAS Harvest Centre product manager Luke Wheeler says the new Disco Move 3600 and 3200 mowers feature a highly manoeuvrable headstock that allows the mower to move independently from the tractor front linkage.

The MOVE headstock has 600 mm upward and 400 mm downward travel, making it ideal for uneven fields. It can also pivot up to 30 degrees laterally, further improving its ability to follow contours or swing backwards to avoid obstacles.

The headstock includes the ACTIVE FLOAT integrated

hydraulic suspension and the low pivot point from the PROFIL range.

ACTIVE FLOAT eliminates the need for suspension spring coupling points on the tractor, with suspension pressure adjusted during operation using a single-acting hydraulic service.

The headstock can be coupled either directly to the tractor front linkage or using an A-frame, while also incorporating an adjustment guide to set the front link arms at the right height. The front linkage now remains fixed during operation, with the mower raised and lowered via integrated hydraulics.

DISCO MOVE 3600 and 3200 units have operating widths of 3.4 and 3 m, respectively. These are available in mower (F), mower tine conditioner (FC) or mower

E RISK?

• Direct PTO driven (no gear boxes or belts) • Heavy duty construction (including drive shaft) • Dials facing cab (one person operator) • Designed and assembled locally for rugged conditions!

• Three sizes to suit all sheds: 37.5KVA, 62.5KVA and 93.75KVA • Silent diesel available by pre-order only

Sized for: • Cow sheds • Pump sheds • House standby TRAILER OPTIONS AVAILABLE

See us at

roller conditioner (FRC) configurations. Options include hydraulic side covers, foldable lights and

warning panel and double wide-angle mirrors for improved visibility on the road.

The special edition CLAAS Arion 660.

LIMITED EDITION ALSO, ON display at the CLAAS Harvest Centre site, will be a special edition CLAAS ARION 660 (205 hp) tractor that marks the production of CLAAS’ 150,000th tractor since acquiring the Renault brand in 2003.

Sporting a metallic paint finish and commemorative ‘150,000’ decals, the limited edition model boasts CMATIC continuously variable transmission, front axle suspension, four-point cab suspension, CEBIS operating system, TELEMATICS and a long list of in-cab features, including leather trim, mobile phone mount, tinted rear window and LED lighting.

Having invested well over $1 billion into tractor R&D and manufacturing capabilities over the past decade, CLAAS now offers more than 30 different tractor models spanning 75 to 530 hp, with wellknown names such as Xerion, Axion, Arion and Axos.

Having picked up several awards over the last 14 years, all CLAAS tractors are designed in accordance with the CLAAS POWER SYSTEMS philosophy. CPS aims to optimise every component of the drive train – the engine, emissions control system, transmission, drive assembly, PTO shaft, axles, hydraulics and management systems. From a control point of view, CLAAS offers three operating systems – CEBIS, CIS+ and CIS – with intuitive, easy to use controls.

SITE

J28-J29

RURAL ONLINE

‘Specialists in Dairy Automation Solutions’ 5 Tasman St, PO Box 16, Opunake 4616, Taranaki

www.corkillsystems.co.nz 06 761 7531 or 0800 10 7006

READING THE PAPER ONLINE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. CSL004

Go to www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 21

Joining forces to get skilled workers do it, we find ways to make it happen. We establish programmes and courses to deliver the knowledge and latest understanding from around the world. Some-

PETER KEMP

IN MY role as a senior academic, I am occasionally asked about the value of university education, particularly by those who have completed undergraduate qualifications: “Should I further my study at university?”. My quick response is always: “If that’s what you want to do, yes, I believe the investment is worthwhile.”

Universities and workplaces are changing and much of this change is to help make our lives better and to ensure a sustainable future. Sophisticated technology means people no longer have to do mundane and repetitious tasks and are able to make informed decisions about production, processing and getting products to markets.

Our greater challenge is having enough graduates to fill the vacancies.

This is particularly so in the horticulture industry.

Lecturers frequently have to explain to employers calling for graduates that most have jobs well before their final exam.

Not surprisingly those jobs usually have very attractive packages.

We are aware of initiatives by the New Zealand Young Farmers and the horticulture industry to encourage more people into careers in the industry. We support these and are always keen to support these initiatives. Our cohorts for agricultural and horticultural science are largely from rural

times these programmes are made available to everyone and other times what they offer is niche and bespoke.

I encourage all those thinking about upskilling

to take the next step and find out what’s available.

• Professor Peter Kemp is head of the School of Agriculture and Environment at Massey University.

20/20 HAVE YOU GOT THE VISION • Heavy duty braked • Deck heights 600mm & 725mm • 18mm single piece tread deck • 2x3 metre deck plus fold down head board • 22 tie down points

BALE FEEDERS

Peter Kemp

backgrounds. We recognise there are great jobs for people from the cities who favour urban lifestyles too and are keen to spread the word.

Markets are growing, particularly in South East Asia and people with the cultural understanding are needed. We also need people who understand biosecurity, sustainability, animal welfare and food safety.

So, what are universities doing to ensure graduates are ready for the workforce?

At Massey, there are five areas we support to meet the needs of the food and fibre industries.

We offer sound undergraduate programmes that provide an excellent knowledge in each respective area. We recently added animal science and horticultural science degrees and there

See us at CD Field Days Site O-20

DT 20 FLAT DECK

has been good interest in these. We also have excellent postgraduate programmes for people to build on their knowledge on a specific topic.

We offer international education and experiences to our students, including our Study Abroad programme, where students pay Massey fees but study for a semester or two at universities around the world with whom we have reciprocal arrangements.

There are also international experiences available as part of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship scheme and, last year, our students took part in the International Horticultural Innovation Programme. We also encourage our students to explore and take up opportunities internationally, as long as there are

no pandemics. The health and safety of our students is important to us.

For those who are working and wanting to upskill, we have our professional development programmes including our nutrient management and understanding herbicide courses. We also host workshops like the recent Farmed Landscapes Research Centre (FLRC) one. Some of the international experiences are also available to professionals. For example, last month executives joined the International Horticultural Innovation Programme for two weeks in Europe to better understand our markets and what other countries are doing well.

Massey also works with government, industry and companies to understand their needs and, if we don’t already

ALL NEW TSX400!

TOUGHEST ON ANY TERRAIN

• Feeds any size bale • Self loading • Feeds bailage, haw, straw

SHEEP CONVEYORS

• Low power draw • Variable speed • Ask about different trailer options

WOOD SPLITTERS • Built strong with double skinned main beam • 50mm back plate and dished wedge • 2-stage hydraulic pump coupled to a 9.5hp Kohler motor

Ph Stuart 0274-387 528 or 06-370 1329 124 Lincoln Road, Masterton E: daytech@wise.net.nz W: www.daytech.co.nz LEADERS ON FARM MACHINERY DESIGN

FROM

$3840

(EX GST)

All new 400L tank designed to provide a low centre of gravity for steep terrain, and integrated mudguards for cleaner travelling Fully galvanised 75x40 RHS chassis for maximum strength and superior corrosion resistance Smooth riding knobbly ATV tyres for superior grip and smooth towing Moulded tank calibration strip, with sight glass for clear visibility while operating Integrated hand wash tank for user convenience and large suction well for maximum product drainage

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM YOUR NEAREST TSX LAUNCH DEALER www.bapumpsandsprayers.com

Hawera

TRANSAG CENTRE 06 278 5119 0800 833 538

Waipukurau

STEVENSON & TAYLOR 06 858 6041

Feilding

POWER FARMING MANAWATU 06 323 8182

Masterton

TULLOCH FARM MACHINES 06 370 0390

COME SEE US AT CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELDAYS - SITE #S15

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

22 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Clever outrigger offers multiple uses AFTER 30 years in the electric fencing industry Kerry Powell of Taragate

has seen many new products – few are original and even fewer excite.

Smartrigger, designed

by Emile van der Merve of TC fence systems, at

However, that all changed when he saw the prototype of the

FARM MACHINERY

Smartrigger from above

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS SEE US AT SITE

I30 - I35

Bale Feeders

Forage Wagons

gerous spikes, they are hot tipped and can be fitted to the top, side or angle on wooden or concrete posts.

In addition to the standard lengths there is a longer unit able to be used as a wand to hold deer off a boundary fence, or as a gate for travelling irrigators.

All items carry a tenyear warranty.

the Space-Link/ insulator combo.

By contrast, Powell believes the Smartrigger solution is the easiest outrigger to install, flexes, then returns to its original position when hit. With the elimination of any plastic sleeves, it means they will not become brittle, split or crack. The construction has no middle joints that can break and leave dan-

the Innovations Exhibit during the 2018 National Fieldays.

Taragate already had a fool-proof outrigger by combining an insulator with the Space-Link to provide a secure and unshortable outrigger around 80mm high. But the company had stayed away from other outriggers believing none were trouble free or reliable enough to work alongside

STRENGTH / QUALITY / PERFORMANCE

www.taragate.co.nz

FORESTRY FOCUS ONE OF the features of this year’s CD Field Days is the Forestry Hub. This has been organised by the Southern North Island Wood Council. It will incorporate a speaker series, machine driving simulators, kids’ games and competitions and lots of information about the industry.

The Forestry Hub is a collaboration of 15 different organisations within the centralised hub. One of the aims is to get across to young people the career opportunities in the sector.

Schools are being encouraged to come to visit the hub where they will have the chance to attend a full-day organised field trip to view forestry machines working in logging and local sawmills. They will also hear from the professionals about how forestry is working in their region and the available careers in the sector.

Manure Spreaders

Tip Trailers

www.mcintosh.net.nz FREEPHONE: 0800 622 276

SMOOTH BORE PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE

Code Explanation

Product code

PE PRESSURE PIPE PE PRESSURE PIPE

TM

PE PRESSURE PIPE

PE PRESSURE PIPE

YOUR RURAL PIPELINES SPECIALISTS Central Districts Field Days See us on site K38 Iplex Lane (next to Farmlands)

PE PRESSURE PIPE PE PRESSURE PIPE

LAND DRAINAGE

9 STOCK 12.5 WATER

12.5 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE

TM

Code Explanation

Code Explanation

Product code Coil length (metres) Code Explanation

Coil Length (metres)

12.5 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE 12.5 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE

HP

20 & 25 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE

Code Explanation

Product Code

OD (mm)

3500.63PN25.100B

PE -or PRESSURE 12.5 BAR PEPVC 100 PRESSURE PIPEPIPE

Code Explanation

PE or PVC PRESSURE PIPE

LDPE PRESSURE PIPE

OD (mm)

Product Code Coil length (metres) Code2200-90PN8-100 Explanation

Product Code

340.32PN12.5.50 Pressure class OD (mm) Coil Length (metres) OD (mm) Code Explanation

Coil Length (metres)

PVC CULVERT PIPE PVC CULVERT PIPE

Coil length (metres)

S0E(metres) Length OD550-200-5 (mm)

OD (mm)

RURAL BLACK and BLACKLINE.

Black Pressure Class 3500.63PN25.100B pipe Black 3500.63PN25.100B pipe Coil Length (metres) OD (mm)

Length (metres)

PN 16

OD (mm)

Product Code

OD (mm)

Code Explanation

Code Explanation ID (mm) Code Explanation

ID (mm)300-40-50

Product300-40-50 code Coil length (metres)

COMPRESSION FITTINGS for GREENLINE, REDLINE™, METRIC COMPRESSION FITTINGS COMPRESSION FITTINGS for GREENLINE, REDLINE™, PN 16 RURAL BLACK and BLACKLINE. METRIC COMPRESSION FITTINGS PN 16 RURAL BLACK and BLACKLINE.

9pipe FARM DAIRY 12.5 EFFLUENT PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE Product Code Pressure Class Black pipe PVC CULVERT3500.63PN25.100B PIPE Black

Code Explanation

3500.63PN25.100B pipeProduct Code Coil Length (metres)

OD (mm)

OD (mm)

Coil Length (metres)

TM

16

Bar Bar

Code Explanation Code Explanation

16

PN 16

Pressure Class

go gowith withthe theflow flow

20 20&&25 25BAR BAR--PE PE100 100PRESSURE PRESSUREPIPE PIPE

Coil length (metres)

OD (mm)

Coil Length (metres) Coil Length (metres)

16 OD (mm)

Bar Bar Bar

Code Explanation

Product Code

Socketed one end

Coil Length (metres)

HP HP

PE or PVC PRESSURE PIPE

Code Code Explanation Explanation

NEXUS110.100 NEXUS110.100 OD (mm) OD (mm)

PVC CULVERT PIPE

Code Explanation

Product Code

Length (metres)

Code Explanation Product code

Coil length (metres)

pipe

400-110-100 OD (mm)

Product Code

Coil length (metres)

2200-90PN8-100 OD (mm)

Pressure class

Code Explanation

Product Code

Socketed one end

550-200-5 S0E OD (mm)

Length (metres)

OD (mm)

PE HEAVY DUTY TWIN WALL SMOOTH BORE CULVERT PIPE NEXUS CULVERT 2005

Code Explanation Code Explanation Product code Coil length (metres) Product code Coil length (metres)

pipe pipe

400-110-100 400-110-100 OD (mm) OD (mm)

Code Explanation Code Explanation Product Code Coil length (metres) Product Code Coil length (metres)

Code Explanation

Bar Bar

Product Code

Length (metres)

OD (mm)

2200-90PN8-100 2200-90PN8-100

Code Explanation

OD (mm) OD (mm)

300-40-50

Pressure class Pressure class

Coil length (metres)

PVC PVCCULVERT CULVERTPIPE PIPE

PN 16

16

Length (metres)

OD (mm)

OD (mm)

FARM MAPPING USING USINGGLOBAL GLOBALPOSITIONING POSITIONING SYSTEMS FARM MAPPING SYSTEMS Code Explanation

Code Explanation Product code Coil length (metres) Product code Coil length (metres)

ID (mm)

Product code

Product Code

Bar

Pressure class

550-200-5 S0E

PE PEor orPVC PVCPRESSURE PRESSUREPIPE PIPE

COMPRESSION FITTINGS for GREENLINE, REDLINE™, METRIC COMPRESSION FITTINGS RURAL BLACK and BLACKLINE.

Code Explanation

Code Explanation

OD (mm) OD (mm)

HPDUTY TWIN WALL SMOOTH PE HEAVY BORE CULVERT PIPE NEXUS CULVERT 2005

PIPE Bar Bar Bar

340.32PN12.5.50 340.32PN12.5.50

OD (mm) OD (mm)

Product code

Length (metres) S0E NEXUS110.100

Length (metres)

Product CodeCode Explanation Length (metres)

SMOOTH PE LAND SMOOTHODBORE BORE PE(metres) LANDDRAINAGE DRAINAGEPIPE PIPE Coil Length (mm)

Code Explanation

Code Explanation Code Explanation Product Code Pressure Class Product Code Pressure Class

OD (mm)

PE HEAVY DUTY TWIN WALL SMOOTH PE HEAVY DUTY TWIN WALL SMOOTH BORE CULVERT PIPE NEXUS CULVERT 2005 BORE CULVERT PIPE NEXUS CULVERT 2005 PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE

2200-90PN8-100 NEXUS CULVERT 2005

16 16

16 Product Code

OD (mm)

FARM MAPPING USING GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS

PRESSURE FARM MAPPING USING GLOBAL POSITIONINGLDPE SYSTEMS FARM MAPPING USING GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS

RURAL BLACK and BLACKLINE.

Socketed one end

OD (mm) 550-200-5

Coil length (metres)

400-110-100

FARM MAPPING340.32PN12.5.50 USING GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS Length (metres) OD (mm) Code Explanation

Code Explanation

360.40PN9.50 360.40PN9.50

12.5 --PE 100 PIPE COMPRESSION for GREENLINE, REDLINE™, 12.5BAR BARCOMPRESSION PEFITTINGS 100PRESSURE PRESSURE PIPE METRIC FITTINGS

Product Code

Code Explanation

Length (metres)

Code Explanation Product Code Coil length (metres) Product Code Length (metres)

ID (mm)

300-40-50 360.40PN9.50 300-40-50

Product code Coil length (metres) Length OD Product (mm) codeCoil Coil length(metres) (metres)

16 Bar 9 Bar 116 2.5

Coil Length (metres) Coil Length (metres)

Socketed one end

Product code

CodeExplanation Explanation Code Code Explanation Product Pressure Class IDCode (mm)

ID (mm) Code Explanation 300-40-50 Code Explanation Product Code Pressure Class Product Code Pressure Class Product code Coil length (metres)

OD (mm) OD (mm)

Bar

550-200-5 S0E

OD (mm)

Length (metres)

OD (mm)

Product Code Socketed one end Code Explanation Code Explanation

SMOOTH BORE PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE 550-200-5 S0E

Code Explanation

Product Code Length (metres) Code Explanation

Coil Length (metres)

Code Explanation

Coil length (metres)

go with the flow

PE HEAVY DUTY TWIN WALL SMOOTH 20 & 25 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE PE HEAVY DUTY PIPE TWIN WALL SMOOTH BORE CULVERT NEXUS CULVERT 2005 BORE CULVERTPIPE PIPE TMTM NEXUS CULVERT 2005 LDPE PRESSURE PE PIPE Code Explanation PELAND LANDDRAINAGE DRAINAGE PIPE Product Code Pressure Class PE Black PEPRESSURE PRESSUREPIPE PIPE 3500.63PN25.100B pipe Code Explanation

Pressure class

Product Code Code Explanation Pressure Class

Bar

Coil Length (metres)

Pressure class

OD (mm)

Pressure class

OD (mm)

300-40-50 PVC CULVERT PIPE COMPRESSION FITTINGS for GREENLINE, REDLINE™, Code Explanation

Product code

Socketed one end

PE Code Explanation PEPRESSURE PRESSUREPIPE PIPE Product Code Pressure Class COMPRESSION FITTINGS for GREENLINE, REDLINE™, Black METRIC COMPRESSION FITTINGS 3500.63PN25.100B pipe

Code Explanation

Coil length (metres)

PIPE

Coil length (metres)

2200-90PN8-100

Coil length (metres) Code Explanation

Product Code OD (mm)

COMPRESSION FITTINGS forFITTINGS GREENLINE, REDLINE™, COMPRESSION METRIC COMPRESSION FITTINGS HP METRIC PNPN1616 RURAL BLACK andand BLACKLINE. RURAL BLACK BLACKLINE.

Code Explanation

Product Code

Code Explanation 20 & 25 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE Product Code Socketed 550-200-5 S0Eone end

Product code

Product code

Bar Bar

2200-90PN8-100

OD (mm)

Bar

OD (mm)

HP

Coil length (metres)

Code Explanation

Coil length (metres)

400-110-100

BarPEPEorHEAVY PVC PRESSURE PIPE Bar DUTY TWIN WALL SMOOTH Bar BORE CULVERT PIPE

Pressure Class Pressure class OD2200-90PN8-100 (mm)

Code Explanation

Product Code

Product Code

Code Explanation

SMOOTH BORE PE Coil LAND DRAINAGE PIPE Length (metres) OD (mm) PE or PVC PRESSURE PIPE NEXUS110.100 PVC CULVERT PIPE HP PVC CULVERT PIPE 2200-90PN8-100

12.5 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE ID (mm)

Product Code Pressure Class Code Explanation

LDPE PRESSURE PIPE LDPE PRESSURE PIPE

Black pipe

Coil Length (metres)

Code Explanation

Product Code Coil length (metres) Code Explanation

340.32PN12.5.50 Coil Length (metres) OD (mm)

OD (mm)

PE or PVC PRESSURE PIPE PE or PVC PRESSURE PIPE

Code Explanation

LDPE PRESSURE PE PRESSURE PIPE PIPE LDPE PRESSURE PIPE 400-110-100 Code Explanation OD (mm) Pressure Class Product Code

Product Code Pressure Class Code Explanation

20 & 25 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE 20 & 25 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE

Pressure Class Code Explanation

Product code Coil length (metres) Code Explanation 360.40PN9.50 Product code400-110-100 Coil length (metres) Coil Length (metres) OD (mm)

Product Code Pressure Class 340.32PN12.5.50

OD (mm)

OD (mm)

Product code

Pressure Class

Coil Length (metres) 340.32PN12.5.50

OD (mm)

Coil length (metres) OD (mm)

400-110-100

Bar Bar

Coil Length (metres)

Coil length (metres)

pipe pipe

400-110-100 Code Explanation

Code Explanation

Product Code

go with the flow

Bar

Coil Length (metres)

Code Explanation Product code Product code

20 & 25 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE

340.32PN12.5.50

Bar Bar

HP HP

OD (mm)

PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE

20 PRESSURE & 25 BAR - PEPIPE 100 PRESSURE PIPE PE OD (mm)

PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE

OD (mm)

CULVERT pipe

Code Explanation OD (mm) Product Code Pressure Class

Product Code Pressure Class Code Explanation

360.40PN9.50 Coil Length (metres) OD (mm)

Coil length (metres)

PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE

Coil length (metres)

NEXUS110.100

Code Explanation

OD (mm) NEXUS110.100

TM

Product Code

For more information Phone 0800 800 262 Fax 0800 804 804 www.iplex.co.nz

Product code

go with the flow go with the flow

OD (mm)

Code Explanation

Product code

340.32PN12.5.50 Product Code Pressure Class

Bar

SMOOTH BORE PE PRESSURE PIPE PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE SMOOTH BORE PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE NEXUS110.100 12.5 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE

Product Code Pressure Class 360.40PN9.50

OD (mm)

Pressure Class

Coil Length (metres)

Pressure Class Coil Length (metres)

360.40PN9.50

12.5 BAR - PE 100 PRESSURE PIPE

360.40PN9.50

OD (mm)

Bar Bar

Coil length (metres)

NEXUS110.100

Pressure Class

Product Code OD (mm)

Code Explanation

Product Code

PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE BarPE PRESSURE PIPE PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE Bar

TM

PE PRESSURE PIPE PE PRESSURE PIPE

9 12.5 9 pipe pipe 12.5

Code Explanation

Product code

Code Explanation 360.40PN9.50

Bar

TM

PE PRESSURE PIPE

99 112.5 2.5

Code Explanation

Product Code

Coil length (metres)

NEXUS110.100

BORE PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPEOD (mm)

go with the flow

SMOOTH BORE PE LAND DRAINAGE PIPE

TM

go with the flow

PE PRESSURE PIPE

go with the flow SMOOTH

FARM MAPPING USING GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS Code Explanation Code Explanation Product Code Socketed one end Product Code Socketed one end

Bar

550-200-5 S0E 550-200-5 S0E

OD (mm) OD (mm)

Code Explanation

Length (metres) Length (metres)

Bar

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 23

Osaka to Hastings – a fruitful journey KATHRIN SILLER

FUMIAKE OMAE (aka Fumi) always had a passion for the great outdoors and dreamed of travelling and exploring the world.

He grew up in a city close to Osaka in Japan and worked there as a retail manager. One day he had enough of it all and decided to hit the road with nothing else other than a backpack and the spirit of adventure. Destination – New Zealand.

To finance his trip, Fumi took up a contractor job as a fruit picker and thinner at the orchard of Robyn and Leon Stallard in Hastings. He was living with other backpackers on the caravan and cabin site which was set up on the orchard.

“It was such a friendly and nice work environment, similar to a summer camp. We were even allowed to use the Stallards’ tennis court.”

In 2015 he attended an English Language programme at EIT and now, four years later, his English is impeccable.

However, Fumi continued to travel and dropped anchor in Cromwell where he started to study fruit pro-

“I was under quite some pressure as I had to pass the course to keep my visa. But the tutors were so supportive.” duction at Otago Polytechnic. He was fascinated to learn about botany, soil management and how weather and climate impact the growth of fruit. Continuing a nomadic life Fumi moved back to Hawke’s Bay where he gained a Diploma in Horticulture at EIT. “I was under quite some pressure as I had to pass the course to keep my visa. But the tutors were so supportive,” he said.

With more expertise under his belt Fumi returned to the Stallards, this time ready to assume more work responsibility.

“We are only three full-time workers on the orchard, Leon included, and I can do and learn so much.”

Other than pruning, thinning and picking, Fumi is responsible for apple quality and irrigation control. He also manages the fruit pickers. Meanwhile, the Stallards’ orchard, which recently won the Hawke’s Bay Horticulturist

Rural News

PIONEERS OF SHEARING SHED

SAFETY AND RELIABILITY

of the Year Award, has become his second home.

“It’s not easy for a foreigner like me, but as the saying goes, you live and you learn. Everything that I do here in New Zealand is a new challenge,” Fumi said.

Speaking of new challenges - Fumi is planning on upgrading his skills and taking the next step up the career ladder.

“I want to enrol in the new Diploma in Horticulture – Fruit Production programme at EIT which I can study while still working. After all I have to stay up-to-date with the latest news in the industry.”

Fumi spends his free time like the average New Zealander; he loves hanging out at the beach, surf-casting, meeting friends.

He also plays badminton for a Hastings club and has rediscovered his passion for DJ-ing.

Fumi has plenty of reasons to smile as New Zealand has become his new home.

NZs Best Mulchers, Sprayers & Cultivation Machinery

LESS TO STRESS ABOUT IN THE SHED

Evo Shearing Plant

Put safety first with the world’s no.1 selling shearing plant, demanded by shearers, contractors and farmers.

Winner of multiple WorkSafe awards, the Evo’s electronic safety switch helps prevent handpiece lock-ups and the isolated downtube reduces the risk of electric shocks to keep you and your workers safe.

TPW Xpress Woolpress

Eliminate risk in the shed with the no.1 selling woolpress in the world. The TPW Xpress is fully compliant with rigorous WorkSafe safety standards and features the fastest locking system on the market to press more wool into fewer bales. Tick all the boxes when it comes to shearing shed safety, reliability and performance with the TPW Xpress.

Visit A Heiniger Stockist Call (03) 349 8282 @HeinigerShearingAusNZ

Heiniger New Zealand | heiniger.co.nz | (03) 349 8282

See us at the Central Districts Field Days Site O117

www.agriline.co.nz 0800 24 74 54

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 10, 2020

24 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Well worth all the work!

CENTRAL DISTRICTS field days is gearing up for its 27th event.

Now well-established, and the largest regional field days in New Zealand, its roots stretch back to 1993 – when it was introduced by Don Eade as an annual event.

If you visited Central Districts field days during any one of its 26 years, you’re bound to find that a few things don’t change: Its location at Manfeild, compelling a transformation from paddock to a mini town over a matter of days.

The presence of farm machinery and tractors, hallmarks of the industry and the people who come to see them.

The thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors, united in their passion for a thriving agricultural community.

Equally, there are many ways you can see how the three-day event has grown up over time.

Central Districts field days sales manager Cheryl Riddell says it all started with 230 sites occupied by exhibitors and has now grown to more than 600. She says the appetite from businesses to be a part of the event has

The fencing competition is always a popular attraction for those visiting Central Districts field days.

only increased as word spread about the success others were having.

This opportunity hasn’t gone unnoticed, with other events springing up

to make the most of the ground swell in the region.

Central Districts field Days now rounds out NZ AgriFood Investment

You could save $1500 - $2000 on a crush only while stocks last

Week, which started in 2016 and follows the rural games which began in 2015.

Central Districts field days consis-

tently attracts around 28,000 visitors every year.

In addition to the usual crowd favorites such as, the National Excavator Operator Competition and the NZFC Central Districts Double Power fencing competition, in 2019, new mobile app technology, improved site layout and location for the Ag Pavilion, a new Premium food court and bar.

In addition, filed days organisers have introduced a speaker series – along with Federated Farmers – promoting innovative farming practices.

There are also two careers pathway initiatives first, AgriQuest with Talent Central and second, CD Field Days played host to the AgTech Hackathon finals with CEDA and the Factory.

Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for making the next Central Districts field days a success.

For an event that requires an annual set up of everything from basic infrastructure like water and power, to erecting hundreds of sites over a matter of days, it must be worth it.

From someone who has been around for 23 CD Field Days events, Cheryl Riddell says, “it is!”.

“I think this crush is a game changer. So easy to use with less stress on the animal and myself.”

- Rod Lea

Site O17

VERSATILE • AFFORDABLE • FAST MASSIVE DISCOUNTS on Combi Clamp HD Cattle Crushes!! Get in quick, only while stocks last.

Discounts also available on the original Combi Clamp Sheep Handler For further information and videos go to

www. combiclamp.co.nz or contact us on

0800 227 228

™