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Big native planting effort creates a resource-rich ecosystem. PAGE 19
Watch out for resistant worms.
New Government has a lot to do in three years. PAGE 10
PAGE 20
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS DECEMBER 19, 2023: ISSUE 791
www.ruralnews.co.nz
Tough outlook for 2024! PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
IT’S NOW official, in the coming year the value of NZ’s dairy, meat and forestry exports will be down significantly – with horticulture holding its own. That’s the word from the Ministry for Primary Industries latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Indus-
tries (SOPI), released at the end of last week. It predicts that the overall value of NZ’s primary exports for 2024 will be down by 5% to $54.3 billion from 2023’s $57.4 billion. Dairy revenue is predicted to be down by 7% to $24.1 billion – but it is expected to pick up later in 2024. Meat and wool revenues are also expected to decrease by 5% to $11.6 bil-
MEAT THE NEED The Big Feed live 14hour rural telethon ran on Thursday December 14, aiming to raise 1.2 million mince and milk meals for more than 110 food banks across the country. Hosted by Matt Chisholm, Dave Letele and Wayne Langford, pictured alongside supporters Rob Campbell and Fonterra’s Amavi Mey, the event also intended to raise awareness of food insecurity in New Zealand and bring rural and urban communities together. Farmers can pledge sheep, beef, deer or milk, or donate funds online at: www. meattheneed.org.
lion but again pick up a little bit the following year. However, the news for forestry is bad with a forecast of a 9% drop to $5.8 billion in revenue and prospects for the future not at all bright. Talking of bright, the horticulture sector, which has gone through with severe frosts, cyclones and floods, revenue from this sector is expected
to be down by just 1% to $7.0 billion and prospects for 2025 look very good. The strength of the horticulture sector – along with arable – has cushioned some of the negative results from the meat and wool, dairy and forestry sectors. MPI director general Ray Smith cogently described the primary sector as having to “navigate a confluence of
global events” – including the Covid pandemic and overseas conflicts, which have caused significant challenges for NZ primary producers. Added to this is rising inflation and cost of living, which has suppressed consumer demand, causing a slowdown in China. While the news for 2024 is mainly bleak, it comes after some pretty good years which saw primary exports rise from $46.3 billion in 2019 to $57.4 billion in 2023, with dairy in particular being very strong. The report is predicting an average farmgate milk price of $7.60, which it says will affect farm profits and farmer confidence this season. In the meat and wool sectors, MPI is predicting prices to remain ‘soft’ due global conditions. The outlook for lamb is heavily influenced by the glut of Australian lamb on world markets and reduced consumer demand – factors that are already well known. The shining star is once again horticulture. While kiwifruit has faced two challenging harvests in 2022 and 2023, the report says the prospects of the upcoming harvest in March 2024 look good, assuming the weather obliges. Apples and pears have also been affected by the weather but the prospects in the coming years are also positive. The report also has a few key reminders of the importance of NZ’s primary sector – namely that 70,000 enterprises are engaged in the industry, that it employs 358,000 people and contributes around 16% of the country’s GDP.
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NEWS 3
ISSUE 791
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$7-plus milk price locked in STRONG FIRST QUARTER
SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
NEWS ��������������������������������������1-12 AGRIBUSINESS ���������������������� 13 AGRIBUSINESS ����������������14-15 HOUND, EDNA ����������������������� 16 CONTACTS ������������������������������ 16 OPINION �����������������������������16-18 MANAGEMENT ���������������������� 19 ANIMAL HEALTH ������������������ 20 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS ����������������������� 21-22 RURAL TRADER ��������������22-23
HEAD OFFICE Lower Ground 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: Inkwise NZ Ltd CONTACTS Editorial: editor@ruralnews.co.nz Advertising material: davef@ruralnews.co.nz Rural News online: www.ruralnews.co.nz Subscriptions: subsrndn@ruralnews.co.nz
A $7-PLUS milk price for this season is almost locked in, claims ASB economist Nathaniel Keall. But Keall believes global dairy prices need to gain a bit more ground to reach the $7.50/kgMS mid-point announced by Fonterra recently. Earlier this month Fonterra revised its forecast milk price range to $7 to $8/kgMS, adding that it reflects recent strengthening in demand for reference commodity products from key importing regions, including improvement in demand from China during the first quarter. ASB is sticking to a forecast milk price of $7.35/kgMS. Keall told Rural News that a milk price of $7.50 is definitely possible, but prices would need to gain a bit more ground to get there. “If prices are flat, or we get a couple more falls then we’ll be in for a lower number. At this stage, we reckon that about 50-60% of product for the season has been priced and about 80-90% of Fonterra’s currency hedging has been completed. So a big chunk of uncertainty has gone, but the prices Fonterra secures for that last 40-50% of product can still move the milk price a bit. “It is very much looking like there will be a $7 on the front though – you’d
need a dramatic move to shake that.” Keall also noted that the Chinese domestic economy is still quite weak. “Forecasters have lifted their expectations for growth over the next twelve months, but we’re still talking about +4.5% or so instead of +8% or more, which is what we’ve gotten used to over the past couple of decades.” He says recent dairy auction gains can support this season’s farmgate milk price, but more action from Chinese buyers is needed to keep up the momentum. Keall also noted that China took only around a third of the whole milk powder on offer at the latest Global
Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, and buying activity remains below its typical proportions – and a far cry from the levels seen during the last two or three seasons. “In the near term, I think demand will remain pretty subdued. However, I’m hopeful we can see some continued improvement as we get closer to next season, particularly if markets are correct that the global economy is heading for a soft landing,” he says. “I’m expecting modest supply growth at a global level, but at this stage costs are still relatively high and prices relatively low, so I’m not anticipating a surge.”
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell noted that GDT prices have lifted, and the co-op’s sales book is also well contracted for this time of year, giving the co-op confidence to increase the forecast farmgate milk price.
TRADE AND Agriculture Minister Todd McClay is making a whistlestop visit to India this week to meet with his counterpart in the Indian government. This is McClay’s first trip as Trade Minister. He says the decision to go so soon is to signal that developing a close relationship with India is a top priority for the new government. McClay is just going by himself with one staff member from his office. He told Rural News that the goal is to
start a conversation about ways the two governments can strengthen the relationship. McClay will be in India for just one day. As well as meeting his trade counterpart, he plans to meet with large business groups in the country to assess trade and investment opportunities and talk about ways the two countries can cooperate. There has been a lot talk about NZ getting an FTA with India, but the possibilities of this happening in the near future seem remote – the
stumbling block being dairy. However, McClay points out that India has done trade deals of varying quality with other countries. He says the way forward is to have deals based on rules-based trade. “Talk to many people here in NZ and they see India in the context of trade and cricket. But the relationship is much more than that,” McClay explains. “We believe that India has an opportunity to play a very constructive role in the Pacific with us. We
think there will also be many international organisations where India and NZ have similar positions that we can cooperate on.” McClay says this trip is about staring the process and is just the first of many visits to India. In the new year, both he and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will go there again to build on these preliminary talks. On his way back to NZ, McClay is stopping off in Singapore to have talks with business people. – Peter Burke
ASB economist Nathaniel Keall believes a $7-plus milk price for this season is almost locked in.
FONTERRA ALSO reported strong earnings for the first quarter due to improved performance in all three of its sales channels. “As a result, we have lifted the midpoint of our forecast earnings for the year up 5 cents per share, with the range moving from 45-60 cents per share to 50-65 cents per share,” says chief executive Miles Hurrell. Fonterra’s profit after tax is up 85% on this time last year to $392 million, equivalent to 24c/share. EBIT is up 63% to $575 million. These earnings are from continuing operations and exclude the performance and impact of selling DPA Brazil. Hurrell says higher margins across the co-op’s ingredients, foodservice and consumer channels have driven the lift in earnings, with gross margin up from 15.5% this time last year to 21.4%.
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
4 NEWS
Better laws for farmers SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
THE NEW chair of Parliament’s primary production select committee, Mark Cameron, is promising “better law making” for the sector. “There will be quality law-making. We’ll be doing a cost/benefit analysis of every policy and if it doesn’t bring any benefit to farmers, we won’t support it,” he told Rural News. Cameron says that in his new role he would also be asking challenging questions and holding the executive to account. The Northland dairy farmer, a second-term ACT MP, is no stranger to the committee. In the previous Parliament he had served as a committee member. Other members of the new committee are deputy chair Miles Anderson, along with Suze Redmayne and Catherine Wedd from National, Jo Luxton and Cushla Tangaere-Manuel from Labour and Steve
The new Parliament has a record number of farmers, most elected on the National ticket. Abel from the Greens. Cameron’s appointment gives ACT its second high profile parliamentary role in the agriculture sector. First-term ACT MP and former Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard is Minister for Biosecurity, Minister for Food Safety, Associate Minister of Agriculture (Animal Welfare, Skills) and Associate Minister for the Environment under ACT’s coalition deal with National. The party says, between Hoggard and Cameron, it is wellplaced to ensure rural New Zealand has a strong voice both inside and outside the executive. The new Parliament
Parliament’s primary production select committee chair Mark Cameron is promising “better law making” for the farming sector.
has a record number of farmers, most elected on the National ticket. Cameron says he’s thrilled to see more rural sector representatives in
Parliament and it augurs well for the rural sector as they will have a greater say in the decisionmaking process. “In the previous
Parliament, we spent more time explaining ideas rather than debating issues,” he says. “With more farmers involved in the select
committee, the rural sector will have a bigger say in the process moving forward. This will ensure more feasible outcomes for farmers.”
Cameron, who has been a dairy farmer for 30 years, says they will work together to help farmers rather than hinder them.
SILVER FERN FARMS STAYS IN HOUSE FOR NEW BOSS DAN BOULTON has been appointed as the new chief executive of Silver Fern Farms. Boulton is currently Silver Fern Farms’ chief supply chain officer, having been with the company for over six and a half years. Prior to this, he held roles in the seafood,
horticulture and forestry industries. Silver Fern Farms co-chair Rob Hewett says that the recruitment process was extensive and attracted a range of candidates. “We are fortunate to have been able to consider many high-calibre candidates for the role, including
some from overseas,” says Hewett. “However, the board felt that not only does Dan already have a breadth of understanding of the business. He is also the right person to lead the company through the current challenges in market and continue
the company’s momentum.” The appointment will take effect from February 2024 and Boulton says he is excited about taking on the challenge. “I know from my current role that all our partners across our supply chain are hurting at present.
I’m confident Silver Fern Farms’ focus on executing its strategy and managing cost will see the company and our partners recover strongly.” Current chief executive Simon Limmer will stay in the role through to early February when Boulton’s appointment begins.
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NEWS 5
Nervous wait for East Coast farmers PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
RECENT RAINS are almost the last straw for sheep and beef farmers in Tairawhiti. Gisborne based AgFirst consultant Peter Andrew says many farmers who’d just completed repairing infrastructure on their properties, damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent rain storms, have found this work destroyed by rain in the past couple of weeks. He says it’s a tough situation for many. “A lot of farmers had just finishing clearing their tracks and suddenly awoke to them damaged again by more slips,” he told Rural News. Andrews says the rain started in January and has kept going at various times during the year. He notes that Gisborne has received 2.5 metres of rain so far this year. “While most farms have access to their properties, there are at least ten bridges that are still not repaired and it will be some time before this is done.” Andrew says despite the challenges, farmers
are resilient and getting on with the job of farming. He adds that some farmers have made good gains, while others continue to struggle. Meanwhile, in Hawke’s Bay the main issue concerning farmers is what will happen in the next 12 months.
“A lot of farmers had just finishing clearing their tracks and suddenly awoke to them damaged again by more slips.” Lochie MacGillivray of AgFirst says while farmers are feeling a little more confident with the new government and feel that they will get a better hearing, they are realistic in expecting no change in the fundamental direction the country is taking. He says the biggest issue of concern is the current state of the lamb
market with falling prices and an oversupply on the global market caused by Australia liquidating its sheep flock. MacGillivray believes the situation is similar to what happened in 2016/17, but is likely to get worse. “I have been told by one very experienced farm accountant, who’s seen seven cycles of prices over many years, that 2024 will be the worst,” he told Rural News. “This is because of low stock prices, high interest rates and inflation, plus the concerns around when the China market will bounce back.” MacGillivray says the situation in 2024 for some farmers looks scary. However, back on farm he says things aren’t that bad. “The rain that caused problems in Tairawhiti didn’t affect Hawke’s Bay, but the cold and overcast days have not been conducive to good stock growth.” MacGillivray says lamb and cattle don’t like the cooler weather and need the sun to grow to their potential. He notes that it’s been a
Peter Andrew says that the Gisborne region has received 2.5 metres of rain so far this year.
good lambing overall and survival rates have been high. “The other issue that farmers will be thinking about is flystrike as humidity levels rise and the grass is still wet. If that happens, flystrike will be a
problem,” he says. In terms of damage from Cyclone Gabrielle, MacGillivray says farmers have been busy repairing their farms and most are now fully operational. He points to one farmer he knows who has clocked up
five hundred hours of digger work getting tracks and other bits of infrastructure fixed. MacGillivray estimates that for the worst-hit farmers it will cost $1,000 per hectare to repair the damage, meaning the bill for
300ha farm would be $300,000. Meanwhile, he says other farms have suffered minimal damage. “That aside, there is still a nervous wait to see what 2024 brings.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
6 NEWS
Christmas gift for farmers SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
THE REPEAL of Fair Pay Agreements (FPA) legislation by the new Government will be a great Christmas gift for farmers and rural service businesses, claims Federated Farmers. Feds employment relations spokesman Richard McIntyre told Rural News that farmers have been opposed to FPAs, which made it easier for workers to band together to negotiate wages and working conditions. “It was ‘a solution looking for a problem’ that could have seen employers and employ-
ees locked into a national set of pay and conditions agreed to by a minority and therefore removing the ability for businesses and staff to agree on terms that suit their own needs and local conditions,” he says. Last week, new Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced that the Government will repeal FPA legislation by Christmas 2023. “We are moving quickly to remove this legislation before any fair pay agreements are finalised and the negative impacts are felt by the labour market,” says van Velden.
Feds employment relations spokesman Richard McIntyre says FPAs were a solution. looking for a problem’.
FPAs were introduced by the Labour-majority Government last year. National and Act opposed it, saying it was “compulsory unionism” that harmed productiv-
ity. Business NZ earlier warned that the FPAs could cause upheaval in the agriculture sector with chief executive Kirk Hope claiming the Government will target all
sectors with FPAs. An FPA was compulsory once either 10% of the sector workforce or 1000 workers are signed up and Kirk pointed out that for the
farming sector, say each farm has five workers, it will be relatively easy for organisers to reach 1000 workers. Collective bargaining is currently almost unknown in the farm sector. Van Velden says FPAs were a blunt tool that could be initiated by a union and a small number of employees, yet they applied to every employee and every employer within coverage. She pointed out that there will be no impact on the current terms of employment for workers as no fair pay agreements have been finalised to date.
Meanwhile, the new Government is also delivering on its commitment to extend the availability of 90-day trial periods to all employers. The scheme was first introduced under John Key’s National-led Government for businesses with fewer than 20 employees before it was extended to all businesses in 2010, a move then opposed vehemently by the unions. In 2018, Labour restricted the trials to businesses with under 20 employees, among other measures, but now the National-led coalition will return it to the original legislation.
NZ’S MEAT EXPORT MARKETS REMAIN CHALLENGING NZ RED meat exports dropped to $615 million in October – a 14% drop on the same month last year. A report by the Meat Industry Association (MIA) says exports to China, our largest red meat export market by volume and value, declined 31% to $191m. This came on the back of weak consumer demand, continued imports of large volumes of Brazilian beef and greater volumes of competing Australian sheepmeat. MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says there was a drop in the value
of both sheepmeat and beef exports compared to October 2022. She says sheepmeat export volumes grew but the value decreased. Karapeeva says the main problem is an increase in Australian production and exports, which is impacting global prices and hence affecting NZ sheepmeat exports. “After a period of flock rebuilding, Australia is now going through a liquidation phase, which has been exacerbated by dry conditions in parts of Australia in recent months. Over the last three months Australia has
exported 30,000 tonnes more sheepmeat than it did in the same period last year.” Karapeeva explains that Australia’s flock liquidation has resulted in a significant increase in Australian sheepmeat exports to China this year, which is putting pressure on prices. In October, Australia exported more than 16,000 tonnes to China, 37% more than it did in October last year. “While our sheepmeat export volumes grew by 17% to 26,170 tonnes, the value decreased by 6% to $264m. The largest drop was to China, down
20% to $97m,” she adds. The volume of beef exports in October was unchanged from last year, but the value dropped. Karapeeva says the largest decrease was in exports to China where the combination of that country’s weak economy and large import volumes from Brazil has affected pricing and demand. Canada continued to be a strong market with overall exports increasing by 57% to $34m. Exports to the UK also increased, up 44% to $23m. “This was partly due to the recov-
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ery in sheepmeat exports from the low levels of last October, but it was also due to the steady growth of beef exports under the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement.” In terms of beef, MIA says exports to the US were up 22% to $61m and by 65% to Canada to $15m. However, Karapeeva says this was not enough to offset the weak demand in China, with beef exports to that country down 41%. This was further amplified by weak demand in the other key North Asian markets of Japan and Korea. – Peter Burke
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
NEWS 7
Massey’s head of agriculture awarded 2023 McMeekan prize PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
THE HEAD of Massey University School of Agriculture and Environment, Professor Paul Kenyon, has received another accolade. He’s been named as the 2023 recipient of the prestigious McMeekan Memorial award presented by the NZ Society of Animal Production. The award recognises Kenyon’s outstanding contribution to animal production within the past five years. It is named after one of NZ’s most influential agriculture scientists Dr Campbell Percy (Mac) McMeekan who was instrumental in the development of a worldrenowned agricultural research centre in Hamilton. The McMeekan Centre at Ruakura is
ABOUT McMEEKAN CAMPBELL McMEEKAN – or Mac as he was commonly known – is one of the most influential agricultural leaders this country has ever produced. McMeekan studied at Massey University and took up a lectureship there. He then went to Cambridge in England to do his PhD on the growth and development of pigs. On his return to NZ in 1939, he was appointed to the chair of Animal Husbandry at Canterbury Agricultural College, and in 1943 he became superintendent, later director, of the Ruakura Animal Research Station. When he arrived at Ruakura it was little more than a 365ha farm with minimal farm and office buildings. However, McMeekan quickly developed the farm into a world-class research station attracting top scientists and researchers. McMeeken had numerous squabbles with the Wellington bureaucracy and was never afraid to forcefully speak his mind or go behind the backs of some of his bosses to get a job done. In fact, No. 4 Dairy was operational before permission to build it was granted. He also started up the annual farmers’ conference at Ruakura and was a strong advocate for better pay for scientists. McMeekan’s career at Ruakura came to an end in 1962 when he was unsuccessful in applying for the position of director general of agriculture. He then went on to work for the World Bank returning to NZ in 1970. Sadly, he drowned in Auckland in 1972.
Professor Paul Kenyon was named as the 2023 recipient of the prestigious McMeeken Memorial award.
named after him. Kenyon was nominated for the award because of his sustained level of research excellence over a prolonged period – “research that is making an impact and has resulted in practice change in the New Zealand sheep industry”.
The citation says this has been achieved through research which has “directly addressed important industry questions and being active in various forms of technology transfer”. “This has allowed him (Kenyon) to convey his findings to end users in a
form that allows them to make impactful changes on their farms,” the citation states. “He has gained an international reputation as an expert in sheep husbandry, under pastoral grazing conditions, who adds value to international projects and has an ability to transfer his New Zealand-gained knowledge in an international context.” Kenyon says receiving an award like this was not possible without being part of successful research teams. “I wish to acknowledge my colleagues and postgraduate students from Massey University’s agricultural and veterinary-based schools,” he told Rural News. “They have helped create a positive, productive and enjoyable research environment. I have also been fortunate to have worked
with collaborators from universities in New Zealand and internationally, and with CRI’s and equivalent organisations in Australia, Ireland and Uruguay.” Kenyon also acknowledges the farmers who work with his research teams. He adds that the work of the Massey team has helped increase the productivity and profitability of sheep and beef cattle farming systems in New Zealand. Kenyon was first appointed to Massey in 1997 as a research and teaching technician after completing his masters. He was then promoted to lecturer while he did his PhD and was promoted to professor in 2011. He became the head of School of Agriculture and Environment in 2018 and won a University Research Medal in 2022.
A more prosperous new year ahead? WHILE WARMER than average temperatures are expected across most of the country until Christmas, commodity prices are showing a somewhat more stable outlook for the season ahead. This is what is forecast in Rabobank’s December monthly update, which says a mostly stable outlook for farm input prices into 2024 will lift Christmas spirits. For the dairy sector, the report says firm commodity prices and FOB
powder prices have rallied more than 10% for the month on the back of less favourable milk production signals in New Zealand. Butter prices also firmed over the past month. Meanwhile, for beef it says North Island bull prices are set to end the year close to the five-year average, with New Zealand Meat Board weekly slaughter numbers show a 1% general increase for the year to date. “September saw beef export volumes drop 7% YOY with export values
dropping 15% to NZ$7.78/kg. Volumes to China were down 28% while US volumes were up 33%, reflecting the strength of the US market and their declining slaughter compared to the weak Chinese market.” Meanwhile, Rabobank reports for the first five weeks of the new season lamb production is up 3% on 2022/23 season numbers. “Sheep meat export volumes for September increased 1.5% and while volumes to China were down 3%,
with weak demand reflected in the lowest mutton retail prices since October 2019, US volumes were up 16% and UK volumes up 35% - two of the stronger markets in a weak trade complex.” It also points out that Australian lamb prices remain at some of the lowest levels since 2015 and with no signs of a strong recovery in the coming months. “NZ lamb prices have finally succumbed to the continuing high volumes of Australian
product and weak demand in key markets, with prices dropping to their lowest level for this time of year since 2016.” Rabobank has stuck to is forecast of 5.5% being the top of the OCR. “The upward forecast and expectations of rate cuts in the US sent the NZ dollar up 3 cents against the US dollar, which along with major exporting nations struggling with deflation should help lower the price of imported goods.” – Leo Argent
RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
8 NEWS
2023 – cyclones, change and The past year has been one of extremes in almost every way; from weather to costs – it appears as if everything that has happened in 2023 has been big. However, while there have been extreme hindrances, there have also been notable victories for farmers during the year. Leo Argent looks back on 2023 and highlights the moments – big and small. General While all Kiwis are affected by the cost of living crisis, rising onfarm costs – fertiliser, regulations, inflation etc – put significant financial pressure on farmers. This had a knock-on effect of reducing the money farmers spend locally and nationally, significantly impacting the economy. Within the span of a month, the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle cause unprecedented
damage to the North Island, sparking states of emergency and leaving thousands severely impacted with effects to be felt not only throughout the year, but many years to come.
January Released late December 2022, Rabobank’s rural confidence survey revealed a historic low of -71%. A similar study by Federated Farmers in February showed similar numbers. By April, con-
fidence slowly began to rise again, but the last two quarters nosedived to even worse levels. In a surprise announcement, Jacinda Ardern resigns as Prime Minister, with Chris Hipkins being selected as new Prime Minister shortly afterwards. Federated Farmers calls for a government inquiry into the impact of the forestry industry on the damage caused by the extreme weather events, blaming overzealous
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Cyclone Gabrielle caused damage across the North Island’s east coast in February.
planting as part of the ETS and poor oversight as causes of slash being washed downstream.
February As a result of heavy frosts and cyclone/flooding damage, fruit and vegetable volumes take a significant slump; many growers lose their entire crops. Although not new, the outdated state of many roads is laid bare by the extreme weather events, pushing road maintenance – especially in rural areas – to being a major election talking point. MPI announces the On Farm Support initiative, with the goal of improving connections between MPI and farmers through establishing presence on farm.
April saw the Labour Government ban live cattle exports.
15 year period and is described as the best outcomes New Zealand has ever reached in a trade deal. Andrew Hoggard resigns as Federated Farmers president in order to stand (later elected) as an Act party candidate. Wayne Langford is subsequently elected Feds president in July.
March Despite the gloom caused by the extreme weather, NZ communities pull together to support each other with unprecedented levels of charitable donations and support for those affected. Monarch introduces the first electric tractor into New Zealand. Farmer advocacy groups BLNZ and DairyNZ are accused of promoting the controversial HWEN proposals without adequately advocating or consulting with farmers, deceiving them as to the true costs. BLNZ chair Andrew Morrison is subsequently dumped and a vote of no confidence is proposed for the board.
June Beef and Lamb chair Andrew Morrison was voted out by farmers in March.
After three years of a zero-Covid strategy, China beings to re-open its borders. Although initially hoped to be a godsend for rural exports, China’s contracting economy largely fails to see exports become the cash generator they were expected to be.
April The ban on live exports – estimated to
bring in $500m in export revenue – takes effect. Westland Milk reports, for the first time, $1b in annual revenue. On a similar note, Craigmore Sustainables reports $1b in assets in November.
Bionic capsules, which had previously been used to deal with worms and other problems in sheep, are banned. National announces that, if elected, it will overturn the effective ban on gene editing and modification in New Zealand.
July May A new FTA with the UK removes tariffs on exported goods either immediately or over a
After years of back and forth legal challenges, New Zealand honey groups choose not to appeal the latest NZIPO ruling finding that NZ has
RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
NEWS 9
elections Act and NZ First finalise a coalition deal for the next three years of government. Agriculture is given a boost in the new coalition government with the appointment of Todd McClay as agriculture minister. There are also three associate agriculture ministers named – National’s Nicola Grigg, Act’s Andrew Hoggard and NZ First’s Mark Patterson.
In July, Emma Poole became the first woman to win the Young Farmer of the Year contest in the more than 50 years that the competition has been run.
Todd McClay was named Agriculture Minister after the election of the new coalition government in October.
no exclusive rights to the name ‘manuka honey’. PGG Wrightson chair Lee Joo Hai steps down due to facing charges of breaching information disclosure rules in Singapore. Emma Poole becomes the first woman to win Young Farmer of the Year. Major controversy erupts as the Ministry of Education awards an $8m contract for carpeting in schools to an American company using synthetics rather than home-grown wool – drawing criticism from industry groups, politicians, teachers and even Ag Minister Damien O’Conner.
August Farmgate milk prices drop severely to $6.75/ kgMS. Although not the largest milk price drop in the country’s history, it still puts most if not all dairy farms into loss territory. Fonterra temporarily suspends docking of milk cheques for minor quality downgrades.
September In a legal case alleging Canada had been shutting New Zealand dairy out of Canadian markets it should have access to under the CPTPP, the verdict comes in favour of New Zealand. This puts in motion steps to undo Canada’s protectionist policies and open up export opportunities for Kiwi farmers. Revenue performances of the world’s major dairy companies show significant restructuring, with Fonterra dropping from sixth to ninth place in global rankings. Funding for the
relocation of international GPs to rural practices becomes available through Te Whatu Ora; up to $20,000 plus PAYE and ACC levy. Simon Limmer announces he’s leaving Silver Ferns Farms after five and a half years as chief executive.
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October Dairy co-operative Tatua has a record payout of $12.30 per kgMS, far ahead of Fonterra’s $7.25 offering. Federated Farmers calls for a Commerce Commission investigation into banks setting greenhouse gas reduction targets, claiming that banks are collaborating together on non-competitive lending strategies. Campbell Parker takes over as chief executive of DairyNZ, replacing Tim Mackle who resigned in June after 15 years in the role. After several years of poor performance, joint Kiwi-Chilean dairy enterprise Chilterra collapses and goes into judicial reorganisation, wiping out millions of dollars of Kiwi investment. The general election sees Labour voted out of office after six years in power.
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November Fonterra chief financial officer Neil Beaumont mysteriously resigns after only nine months in the role, confusing shareholders and raising many questions as to the reasons why. After the October election saw Labour defeated but with no individual party majority, National,
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
10 NEWS
New Government has a lot to do in three years PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
FORMER AGRICULTURE minister and speaker of Parliament Sir David Carter says the new National-led coalition faces significantly more important issues to deal with than previous governments. He told Rural News that as result of the performance of the Labour government over the past six years, Christopher Luxon and his team will have to deal with a number of these issues with a great deal of urgency, which will put pressure on the new Prime Minister and his cabinet. Carter says managing a coalition with two other partners is challenging but he believes that Luxon is up to the job. “He will give responsibilities to his ministers and caucus clearly setting out his expectations and will review their performances. That will be the pattern of his operation over the next three years.” Carter adds that while people say Winston Peters and NZ First only got 6% of the vote, the fact is without Winston Peters in the coali-
Former Agriculture Minister David Carter believes a priority for the new government is to tackle the plethora of impractical regulations passed by Labour.
tion National would be a minority government. “Mr Peters is a very experienced politician and he’s used his skills and knowledge well. “His presence in the coalition means that NZ has a majority government for the next three years.” Carter says a lot is now expected of the
new government and he believes they need to be given time to meet the promises made in the lead up to the election. Carter also points out that despite what individual parties promised during the campaign, the actual deliverables are enshrined in the very detailed and complex coalition agreement
FARMING IS BACK
between the three parties – which means there will be compromises. “Christopher Luxon is well aware of the promises and can expect to be judged on the delivery of these at the next election.” One of the first priorities Carter believes that the new government will have to tackle is the
plethora of impractical regulations passed by Labour, which are putting regional councils under pressure as they try to implement them. “The councils are stuck in the middle of the stupid regulation and the farming fraternity are very unhappy. That needs to be dealt with immediately,” he told Rural News.
“Then there’s the whole of the RMA legislation. “While it’s fine to take out what Labour put in place, the new government has to find something to replace it with and this will take years – but not more than three years. So, there is an enormous amount of work to do.”
CARTER SAYS over the last six years, the farming community has been treated with complete disdain by the Ardern/ Hipkins governments. He says National and its coalition partners recognised this and actively canvassed for that rural vote and got it. Carter praises the decision of Christopher Luxon to split the responsibilities of the agriculture portfolio held by Todd McClay. He says by appointing four associate ministers, Luxon is showing how important he thinks the primary sector is. “The appointment of Nicola Grigg to look after horticulture is a good move because the sector is massive and a vital part of the NZ economy. Horticulture is performing well, while some of the other sectors are facing tough times.” Given the challenges the new coalition faces, the question many ask is will it survive the next three years. Carter hopes it will, but says this will depend on one person – Winston Peters!
BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE AND PRODUCTIVITY NEEDED THE ROADING network in NZ is going backwards, according to the head of one of the country’s largest vegetable growing operations. Gisborne-based Leaderbrand chief executive Richard Burke says while the country continues to just repair roads, it is failing to address the root cause of the problem, which is building resilient infrastructure. He claims this policy of repairing roads is not resolving the issue of having quality, nationwide infrastructure. Burke adds that it’s not only roads but also sorting out the problems with the Cook Strait ferries that affect Leaderbrand’s operations. “We are a business that needs to deliver every day, so we need infrastructure that can get us right across the country every day and especially in and out of Tairawhiti, which is a constant problem,” he told Rural News. “Tairawhiti has many great attributes but for us to get the benefits of these and remain in business we require 100% access to our customers and we haven’t had that for a long time.” Burke says not having reliable infrastructure
challenges one’s thinking about the business. He explains that his company does not operate on a cost plus basis, rather it is about getting the volume of product to buyers and consumers at the right time. He says passing on increased freight charges to the buyer is really hard to do. Burke concedes that it’s difficult to have discussions with government because its job is fundamentally to run the country. What he is looking for most is policies that will support productivity, of which he says infrastructure is one. He believes there have been a number of policies in the past that haven’t had this focus. “I think as a country we have got really unproductive, so we’ve got to find a way to get our productive mojo back again. If we are not competitive we can’t afford to live the lifestyle we are living as country.” Burke says the Government has got to create policies that make it easier and cost effective to do business so we can get better productivity. – Peter Burke
Leaderbrand boss Richard Burke says the Government has to create policies that make it easier and cost effective to do business.
RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
Lamb prices chopped! LEO ARGENT
BNZ’S LATEST Rural Wrap report shows lamb prices for mid-November 2023 tracking around 25% below 2022 levels. Prices are expected to remain under downward pressure. Multiple factors are blamed for the below average results. In Australia, aggressive flock rebuilding efforts following previous La Nina weather conditions have led to the highest flock levels since 2007. Combined with below average rainfall, this has seen a more than 20% higher lamb slaughter rate in Q3 2023 compared to 2022 and an almost 35% higher adult slaughter rate. Over recent months, Australian lamb export volumes have averaged around 18% higher than
a year earlier. Aussie mutton export volumes are around 50% above that of a year ago. The significant increase in Australian export volumes has increased competition across many markets including the UK, especially following the AU-UK FTA that came into force earlier this year. “We have previously discussed that NZ lamb prices tend to be lower during El Nino weather patterns,” BNZ senior economist Doug Steel says. “This season is unfortunately shaping up in that direction; it all suggests headwinds to lamb prices will persist for some time.” Meanwhile, key trading partners like China have seen economic growth slowdown. Sheep-
The outlook for lamb prices remains cautious, with BNZ’s current season forecast picking lamb prices 18% lower than the last season.
supply side from genuine changes in overall market demand on export price and value was difficult. It
season. However, BNZ stressed that disentangling the influence of competition on the
meat exports to China in the year to October are down 12% to levels last seen in the 2018/19
says export lamb values having generally been holding up under the strain. Steel explains that a recent lift in retail sales and evolving lamb demand in China will play an important role in determining price levels ahead, as current supply dynamics present a risk of lamb prices being lower, for longer, than some are forecasting. He says that lower prices can introduce or reintroduce new customers to lamb products. “While that channel will not be the catalyst for a turnaround in prices in the first instance, it can alter preferences that can have price benefits in the longer term. Let’s hope that something good can come out of the current weakness.”
NEWS 11
The outlook for lamb prices remains cautious, with BNZ’s current season forecast seeing lamb prices 18% lower than the last season with an increasing risk that prices would dip below the $6/kg mark at some point during this season. This would be the lowest – on a dollar basis – since 2017 and the lowest since 2008 when adjusted for inflation. Steel adds that it is worth noting that above normal supply stemming from identified weather patterns will eventually end, as has been the case in previous cycles. “If it is a cycle we are in, and a lot of it looks that way, we can expect price improvement at some stage even if that looks some way off at this point.”
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
12 NEWS
Class act – wool industry legend finally bows out PGG WRIGHTSON North Island wool manager Allan Jones has classed his last fleece after 57 years in the industry. Growing up on his family’s Timaru lifestyle property and regularly working on nearby farms, Jones wanted to go into shepherding or farming. This was until a careers teacher noticed his flair for wool, which led to an interview that took him straight from school to Dalgety’s in Timaru as a trainee wool classer in 1966. After three years learning the trade, Jones moved to the Dalgety Whanganui bin room where he spent the next 12 years, continuing his education through Lincoln’s wool course in 1971/72. “After classing through the season in winter we visited farmers and growers; were there any changes in their shearing patterns, how had the clip performed the previous season?” he explains. “Wool reps didn’t come
ADAPTATION THE KEY JONES SAYS that in his 57 years of experience, adapting to change is key to success. “I was involved at the grassroots of [sample selling] and everyone was against it: ‘We’ve done it like this for the last 50 years, why is changing that going to work?’,” he explains. “Other changes have come along frequently since. You have to adapt. Of course, some things you don’t like but if you don’t do it, you get thrown out with the bathwater.” A similar theme runs through his thoughts on the future for wool. “Collaboration is the way forward. We had 70 million sheep; we now have 25 million and dropping,” Jones adds. “Where we once had eight selling centres, we are now down to a few exporters, brokers and private merchants. Everybody is fighting over a dwindling clip.” He believes if there isn’t change in the next few years, wool will just be a commodity. “You won’t have the quantity or quality of stylish wool to meet requirements of overseas customers. Unless growers can see a future, the industry will continue to struggle.”
in until the late 70s. What we did then turned into what that job is now.” In 1981, Jones became assistant manager at the Dalgety wool centre in Napier. In 1982, Dalgety and Hawke’s Bay Farmers merged with Jones becoming the company’s new operations manager
in a series of mergers throughout the 80s and 90s that eventually created PGG Wrightson. “Sheep numbers were down and plenty of change was happening. Each merger meant a double up in staff,” he says. “Through that time, with the mergers, we
Allan Jones inspecting wool that is up for auction at the PGG Wrightson Napier Woolstore – CREDIT: PGG WRIGHTSON WOOL
ended up with a whole lot of woolstores. Somehow I always managed to come out with a really good job with extra responsibility.”
Throughout the years, Jones was part of several industry developments, including negotiating the first merino con-
tract between Dalgety and Glengyle. He recalls how after negotiating for thousands of ewes and hoggets to ship to the
North Island the Cook Strait ferries went on strike, stranding the stock in the South Island. “We had to negotiate with the South Island farmers who had sold them to take them back and hold them. Meanwhile, the North Island farmers wanted them on farm and in the condition they had paid good money for,” he says. “We were back and forth with the farmers on both sides trying to arrange transport. Eventually the ferries went back... some of the big farms ended up with 4500 to 5000 merinos, so it was big stock numbers.” In the 2000s, Jones was heavily involved in the company’s attempt to float Wool Partners Co-operative as a new consolidated marketing entity. Despite raising over $40M, the effort did not succeed, which he partially attributes to lingering concerns about the previous Wool Board monopoly.
Pest-fighting pioneer honoured A LONG-SERVING scientist who has taken the fight to pasture pests in New Zealand picked up the highest honour at the 2023 Science New Zealand Awards. AgResearch emeritus scientist Stephen Goldson was named the Supreme Award winner in recognition of a career in which he and his team found a way to control pastureconsuming weevils costing the country hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Goldson led the identification and introduction to New Zealand of wasps that are the natural enemies of the lucerne, Argentine stem and clover root weevils. The “parasitoid” wasps proved highly effective in seeking out the weevils and killing or sterilising them by laying eggs inside the pests. The judges said Goldson stood out among the finalists for the economic and environmental benefits of his work “and the excellence of his research sustained over a long period of time”. Goldson says the arrival of these
Stephen Goldson was named the Supreme Award winner at the 2023 Science New Zealand Awards.
weevils on New Zealand’s shores decades ago “ripped the pasture to shreds”. “It was problem insecticides weren’t able to deal with, for many reasons. These pests together were costing about $400 to $500 million
a year to the primary industries,” he explains. “We had three weevil pests and we’ve suppressed them all, using natural enemies we’ve brought in from where these pests came from.” Goldson described it as “one chance in a thousand” to get a good
result from the effort of introducing the wasps. “It was a long-term project. It was expensive and very risky and it worked. Without teamwork, this couldn’t have been done.” In addition to the wasps reducing
the lost production from depleted pastures, they have also had the effect of reduced insecticide use and environmental impacts that those chemicals can entail. Despite the successes in suppression of these pests, Goldson has more recently led research showing that the weevils are beginning to evolve resistance against the introduced wasps. This has added urgency to develop new environmentally friendly methods to counter the pests. Work is now underway in conjunction with the University of Otago to look at the genetics of biocontrols such as these wasps to figure out how to maximise their reliability and efficiency. In his time at AgResearch, and a predecessor organisation MAF Technology, Goldson has also established himself as a leading thinker and strategist on science and its role in New Zealand. The recent award is just the latest in the series of honours since 2000. “I’m very glad to have made a contribution,” he says.
RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
AGRIBUSINESS 13
Bremworth opens retail store IN WHAT is believed to be an industry first, wool carpet manufacturer Bremworth will open a retail store in Auckland. As the company looks to grow its share of the domestic and export rug markets, the prototype retail concept store in Auckland will be expanded throughout New Zealand and Australia – if the trial proves successful. Bremworth chief executive Greg Smith says the local rug industry is highly fragmented and research shows over half of rug purchases by Kiwis are made offline. He believes opening the store will help the company diversify into a growing segment of the market and address the complexity that can be associated with the category. “Traditionally most Kiwi homes would have had carpet in the lounge, however, there is an established trend towards the use of hard flooring in these living spaces – which may then be covered with a showpiece rug,” Smith explains. “We know that for many consumers purchasing a rug online or from a small sample can be challenging.” Smith says most rugs are sold through big box department or furni-
Greg Smith says the brand experience store will support Bremworth’s retail network by helping to communicate the company’s story.
ture stores and consumers have little flexibility when it comes to the size of the product, let alone whether it is made with New Zealand wool. “The new concept store in Parnell is designed to offer our consumers and interior designers an immersive retail environment where they can get inspired, learn about and interact with the brand,” he adds. “Once we have proof of concept the natural next step is to expand our omni-channel concept around the country, and possibly into Australia and other export mar-
kets,” he says. Smith says the company sold over $1.1m worth of rugs through their online store last year with sales up 45% over the previous 12 months. He says the new retail presence will have flowon benefits for their wool carpet business. “The performance of our e-commerce channel in a relatively short time frame has given us confidence that there is considerable demand for our product and opportunity for the wool sector. “In store, we are able to work with a customer
VET FUND TO SUPPORT RECOVERY A NEW initiative to support North Island farmers recovering from flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle with veterinary services receiving $2.6 million from the Ministry for Primary Industries. Facilitated by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ), the new Vets on Farm initiative will help fund local veterinarians to provide on-farm advice and support. This will include farm systems reviews and planning, disease sampling and testing and herd health planning. Farm planning will focus on animal health and welfare. VCNZ chief executive Iain McLachlan says veterinary clinics contracted by VCNZ will be contacting weatheraffected animal farmers in Northland, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa. “We will be trying to register as many clinics as we can and for them
to then contact as many farmers as possible by the end of December. The ‘on farm’ work will then start in earnest in the new year.” McLachlan says farmers interested in benefiting from Vets on Farm should get in touch with their local vet. He adds that results from the disease sampling and testing will be hugely beneficial in understanding the impact extreme weather events had on animal health and production and ensure farmers have healthy animals. “Another benefit from the project is reducing the risk of humans acquiring diseases such as Leptospirosis, which has been seen to increase significantly after floods and cyclones,” McLachlan explains. “It’s important to ensure animals in affected areas are healthy and disease free, as prevention is always better than a cure.”– Leo Argent
to understand what their needs are and design a customised rug which perfectly matches their
space, and then deliver it to their home. It’s exciting because a customer can transform the look
and feel of a room in minutes with a rug they design.” Smith says the brand
experience store will support Bremworth’s retail network by helping to communicate the company’s story in a bespoke retail setting. “We live our lives on carpet, but it doesn’t tend to get the same attention as say a bathroom or kitchen or even a rug. To grow wool’s share of the flooring market we need to elevate the importance of carpet in the home from a design and aesthetic perspective.” He says the company has selected the Residium (formerly the Home Idea Centre) in Parnell as the site of the new Bremworth brand experience concept store as it provides close alignment with over 80 other home and living suppliers in the building. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
Rabobank supports clients from farm to fork in
global agribusiness research analysts sharing market outlooks
14 MARKETS & TRENDS
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Possible Christmas cheer? Dairy
THERE WERE some positive signs for Oceania dairy exporters in October, with commodity prices generally firmer. Oceania FOB powder prices rallied more than 10% for the month on the back of less favourable milk production signals in New Zealand. Butter prices also firmed over the month, but cheese prices fell again in Octo-
ber as a weak US wholesale market dragged prices lower. Grey clouds continue to build over the production outlook in New Zealand. For the key month of September, milk production was 0.4% below the same month last year on a volume basis (but higher on a milksolids basis). This means that the
tially over, we believe NZ cattle prices will follow a normal seasonal decline to the end of the year.
volume of production for the seasonto-date is trailing the previous season by 1%. Challenging seasonal conditions in the North Island have been the culprit
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Beef
AFTER STARTING the 2023 calendar year close to the five-year average ( just 4% higher), North Island bull prices are set to finish the calendar year
back close to the five-year average after reaching historical highs in April and May. Despite lifting above the five-year average through October, the North Island bull price dropped back into line
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AFTER HOLDING on to the lowest price range in a decade for the last three months, lamb prices finally succumbed to the high volumes of Australian product and weak demand in key markets. Prices dropped below the 10-year range to the lowest level for this time of year since 2016. The South Island lamb price was NZ$ 6.45/kg on 24 November. Despite a lift in the last month following favourable rain in eastern Australia, Australian lamb prices remain at some of the lowest levels they have seen since 2015. With no signs of a strong recovery in the coming
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Farm inputs
THE MAJOR overseas exporters of fertilisers have been reporting
peculiar numbers. While the price of DAP in Morocco has been flat since early October, the price of urea in the Middle East has fallen 14.3% in 30 days. This is due to a combination of lower fertiliser subsidies from the Indian government to its farmers and modest tender
MARKETS & TRENDS 15
activity. In addition, rainfall has been scarce in central Brazil, which is a concern for the start of the second summer crop (mainly corn), in early January. Every year, 15% to 17% of urea exports go to the South American agricultural powerhouse. Added to this, OPEC
decided on 30 November to extend crude oil cuts until 2024, which will ultimately have an impact on freight costs. International seaborne exports are already facing rough seas due to low water levels – for example in the Panama Canal – and pirate attacks in the Red Sea. On top of that, the Chinese government announced that it may restrict fertiliser exports to guarantee affordable prices in the local market.
Interest and exchange rates THE UPWARDLY-
REVISED forecasts on the OCR, combined with rising expectations of imminent rate cuts in the US, sent the New Zealand dollar surging during the month. The New Zealand dollar was up more than 3 cents against the US dollar in November, after opening the month at 0.5825 and closing at 0.6155. The stronger tone in the currency will help lower the price of imported goods. We think that this could mean that the aggressive tone from the RBNZ in the monetary
policy statement is ultimately never delivered
upon, and that the inflation rate may fall faster than expected. Interest rate swaps fell during November as the New Zealand market followed a global shift lower in bond yields. If inflation does fall faster than markets are expecting (there are already signs of that) and the slide in yields continues, we could see swap rates fall further through December.
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
16 OPINION EDITORIAL
EDNA
A big year! As pointed out in our review of the year (pages 8-9), 2023 has been one of extremes in almost every way – from weather to costs. While everyone has been affected by the cost of living crisis, rising on-farm costs – fertiliser, regulations, inflation and interest rates – put significant financial pressure on farmers. This had a knock-on effect of reducing the money farmers spend locally and nationally, significantly impacting the economy. We also saw the impact of severe weather hitting farmers hard – particularly on the North Island’s East Coast. Within the span of a month, Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle cause unprecedented damage to the North Island. Unfortunately, this region has experienced terrible weather all year. Many farmers who’ve just completed repairs of infrastructure on their properties, damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent rain storms, have found this work destroyed again by rain in the past couple of weeks. As Gisborne-based farm consultant Peter Andrew says, it’s been a tough situation for many. This has been borne out by a series of farmer surveys throughout the year showing farmer confidence at record lows. A combination of bad weather, poor commodity prices, increasing costs and bad regulation has led to this low farmer confidence. Despite the tough year, there have been some high points, including the new FTA with the UK, removing tariffs on exported goods either immediately or over a 15 year period. This is one the best outcomes of a trade deal that New Zealand has ever reached. 2023 also saw Emma Poole become the first woman to win Young Farmer of the Year, highlighting the growing and important part women play in our rural sector. For many in the farming sector the outcome of the general election, which saw Labour voted out of office after six years in power, will be viewed as positive. The new coalition Government’s focus of appointing four ministers to roles in the agriculture and rural sector bodes well. Of course, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. Few in the sector will lament the end of 2023. Now we all can look forward to the challenges and opportunities the new year holds.
RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS
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“Ordered from their town by colonial rulers, made to find shelter in a barn, where she had to give birth among the animals, whose feed box became the kid’s cot – they must have been Palestinians!
THE HOUND Pay it back!
Your canine crusader believes the Taxpayers Union is on to a good thing with its latest campaign to get media outlets who took the previous Labour Government’s ‘bribe’ – sorry taxpayer handout – via the highly controversial and discredited Public Interest Journalism Fund (PIJF) to pay it back. More than $55 million was doled out to media outfits like Stuff, the Spinoff, NZME – with the publishers of the NZ Farmers Weekly sucking more than $219,000 out of hard-pressed taxpayers’ pockets. Winston Peters has been robust in his criticism of the fund and the media in general, arguing that the PIJF undermined the media’s independence. Despite the sanctimonious protestations of the media, it’s hard to argue that the wily old crocodile is too far off the mark on this one. Sign the petition here: http://www. payitback.nz/
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Tough times
The Hound reckons that Rob “I’ll be chair, I don’t care where”’ Hewett will be looking forward to the Christmas break more than most – despite being named chair of the year at a recent business awards ceremony. That’s because the two farmer co-ops Hewett chairs have both recently reported losses for the past year. Silver Fern Farms posted a massive loss of $98 million and the struggling Farmlands a $700k loss. For the self-confessed big ‘Jacinda fan’ and supposed top-notch businessman this is a pretty poor record. Meanwhile, it seems the trouble at Farmlands is not just around its poor bottom-line performance but the co-op’s whole business model. Shareholders, suppliers and customers seem very upset with the direction and ‘reconfiguring’ the business. ‘Chairman Rob’ also has the ongoing disaster that is Wool Impact, which seems to have done bugger all.
PRODUCTION: Dave Ferguson ................... Ph 027 272 5372 davef@ruralnews.co.nz Becky Williams ......................Ph 021 100 4381 beckyw@ruralnews.co.nz REPORTERS: Sudesh Kissun ........................ Ph 021 963 177 sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz Peter Burke ........................... Ph 021 224 2184 peterb@ruralnews.co.nz MACHINERY EDITOR: Mark Daniel ..............................Ph 021 906 723 markd@ruralnews.co.nz
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Taking the p%ss!
Your old mate understands that researchers at AgResearch are not taking the proverbial with their latest scientific revelation. Apparently, scientists at the research institute have developed acoustic urine sensors to tackle the problem of nitrogen loss from the urine of cattle. This affects water quality and leads to emissions of nitrous oxide – a potent greenhouse gas. The device attaches to the rear leg of dairy cattle to enable recording and identification of distinct sound patterns in “urination events”, including timing and volume. Data from the recordings is analysed using technologies that include machine learning. AgResearch has not taken announcing the development too seriously, cheekily describing new technology to help farmers to address nitrous oxide emissions as: ‘a wee issue – with a big environmental impact’.
Hiding something?
A colleague of his old mutt’s was less than impressed by the antics of a regenerative dairy farming couple’s attempts to manipulate the coverage of their farming operation. Said colleague was recently advised of an event on their regenerative dairy farm in the Manawatu. He made contact with the “farmers” and asked if it was OK to do a story for this fine publication and was told that would be dandy. Imagine his surprise when he then got a note from the regen proponents saying … “It is important for you to know that we do not consent to you writing a story about our farm or family. We would require a full draft of anything you intend to be published to be sent for our approval prior to print.” How come regenerative disciples want to control the narrative rather than offer good science and results to further their cause?
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
OPINION 17
Make forestry sector accountable! LEO COONEY
TOWNS AND cities downstream of large forestry blocks are at high risk of infrastructure damage – costing billions – when major flooding occurs. What happened on the east coast of the North Island this year, could happen anywhere in NZ, downstream from felled forestry blocks. Meanwhile, logging trucks and other heavy vehicles have been causing serious damage to our roads over the past 20 years with distress on roads that were built over 50 – 100 years ago and were never designed to carry such loads. We have seen in many parts of the country in recent years where the road has dropped away. Apart from the disruptions and inconvenience to traffic, these can cost megabucks to fix. But who should pay for all this road reconstruction and slash damage? Following this year’s destruction – and the Ministerial Inquiry that’s presently taking place – surely the big forestry companies must be held accountable. Taxpayers and regional councils should not have to pay for the repairs and damage that has occurred. Regional councils should have powers, under an amendment to the Resource Management Act, to have inspectors keeping surveillance on logging and pruning. Where slash is left and not cleaned up, those forestry entities should not be entitled to carbon credits until they clean up their act. This legislation must override all other legislation referring to carbon credits in NZ. It could be passed by Parliament very quickly with an amendment to the RMA. I am sure it would have support on both sides of the house, going by the tide
of public opinion, following the recent floods and damage this year. A moratorium needs to be put on logging and forestry, where the soil is unstable and unable to support the weight of exotic trees in wet weather and erosion is inevitable. No more farm land should be sold to forestry companies for logging unless it is classed as unsuitable for livestock farming or returning to native bush. Back country waterways and rivers downstream of forestry blocks must be kept free of slash and logs. This also needs to be enforced by regional councils with powers under the RMA. Offending forestry and logging companies should be prosecuted, with penalties increased under an amendment to the RMA. If they fail to respond or work has to be undertaken to clean up the streams and rivers by local bodies, all expenses incurred should be fully recoverable from the offending parties. We cannot just blame recent cyclones and floods for all this damage. Fifty years or more ago there were some massive floods, but our streams and rivers – without slash and logs in them – let the water get out to sea, without taking bridges and stop banks out with it. There is no doubt global warming is happening as ocean temperatures slowly increase, but we have got the answer to climate change so wrong by planting exotic trees on steep hill country as a panacea for pollution and erosion. We need to manage these better by good legislation and action before more devastation occurs. • Levin-based Leo Cooney is now retired but had a 55 year career working in the agriculture sector – including as a farmer, a MAF livestock officer and a biosecurity and animal health technician with AsureQuality.
A large, ugly scar on the landscape can be seen from highways 1 and 57 after a pine tree forest was clear felled near Levin that is now prone to slippage following heavy rain.
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
18 OPINION
Another year done! WELL ANOTHER year is rapidly ending and 2023 will shortly be consigned to the history files. Where has it all gone? I’m heading home as I sit at my keyboard today. I’ve been in the nation of Myanmar for nine days and am flying back through Perth WA. I’m
dropping in to see our younger daughter and her family; with Christmas just around the corner it was too good of an opportunity to miss. It may have been a good year for you. Or perhaps more of a ho-hum year. Maybe even a much sadder year, as
FARMER’S CHAPLAIN
Colin Miller
you farewelled a loved one from this life. Life has its ups and downs, its twists and turns come for every one of us. We all get to face stuff; sometimes they’re nice sunny days – other times it’s more like raging tidal waves. But life goes on and we can too.
Friends truly are a ‘must have’ when the rough weather shows up and sets in! A rather pertinent short quote would fit in nicely at this point – “Friendship is a sheltering tree.” (Samuel Taylor Coleridge) Farmers are definitely having a challenging end
of year. This most probably continues at the start to the year ahead as well, with the livestock schedules the way they are at the moment. As on-farm costs have spiraled and incomes dropped, it’s not
as a result. However, in general, famers rolled up their sleeves and just got on with it! I do recall that being able to stand together with other farming friends helped immensely. Those with
His parents’ generation faced many challenges unique to their particular times. They had to face some rough weather and walk through some ‘hard-yards’. But they made it through ok.
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hard to figure the end result. Drawing from my experiences through the years, I have to say farmers have always showed themselves a resilient bunch. Probably three or four years back, I was given a copy of champion shearer Tom Brough’s book The Way It Was. I really enjoyed the read and would highly recommend it. His parents’ generation faced many challenges unique to their particular times. They had to face some rough weather and walk through some ‘hard-yards’. But they made it through ok. Yep, their resilience, that rural toughness was very evident with that generation. Like many of our readers will, I well remember when the incoming government of 1984 removed all the farm subsidies. I am not saying it was right or wrong, that’s not my point. What I am saying is it suddenly presented huge challenges that farmers had to adapt quickly to. I was personally acquainted with some that pretty much choked
an active, personal faith found that a huge help too. Yes, the same is still true today. So… let me suggest here, if you happen to have a neighbour or perhaps know someone who is struggling, make that phone call or drop in and chat for a bit. Perhaps even invite them round for a coffee. Anything is better than nothing – it lets them know they are not alone, which is always a plus in today’s world! This column sees me signing off for ‘23. My thanks to the Rural News team for their support for our farming families, and for hosting my column this year. And thanks to those of you who have emailed me too, I always appreciate hearing from you! Be sure to grab a breather and some R&R with family and friends, over the Christmas and New Year holiday breaks. From me to you, my sincere best wishes for the season ahead. You’re not alone. God Bless. To contact Colin: farmerchaplain@ ruralnews.co.nz
RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
MANAGEMENT 19
Big native planting effort creates a resource-rich ecosystem OVER THE last three years, 4500 native plants have been planted along a 2.5 kilometre stretch of the Burgess Stream. The waterway winds through Andrew and Peter Gilchrist’s 430-hectare farming operation in Swannanoa. It is the first freshwater site selected for improvement as part of a wider Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL) biodiversity project. This has identified sites of ecological interest with the potential for restoration or protection across the scheme’s 44,000-hectare command area. WIL biodiversity project lead Dan Cameron says 297 sites of interest were discovered during the initial biodiversity survey in 2018. “We are focusing on protecting existing areas of ecological significance which are connected to neighbouring shareholder land to create a cohesive approach to restoring biodiversity.” The 2.5km section of the Burgess Stream on the Gilchrist’s’ property includes several springheads which play a significant role in improving the entire stream system. “When you improve freshwater from its source you have the biggest impact on the entire stream system,” Cameron explains. “This also enables the benefits of the work you are doing
Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL) biodiversity project lead Dan Cameron and Swannanoa farmer Andrew Gilchrist at the Burgess Stream site.
to kick in much sooner for other parts of the stream.” The Burgess Stream crosses 13km of WIL shareholder land before it enters lifestyle block properties at its southern end. In the long term, Cameron would like to see as much of the stream enhanced and protected as possible, with the potential for the lifestyle block owners to get involved in the environmental restoration project. “Once we have the
shareholder owned land restored along the riparian margin of the stream it would be fantastic to share knowledge and resources with lifestyle block owners at the southern end of Burgess Stream. Working together to restore the ecosystem of the entire stream would be amazing.” Andrew Gilchrist says that working with his staff and local school children on the planting project has been incredibly rewarding. It has also enabled more funding to
be used for purchasing plants. “Peter and I run a contracting and manufacturing business along with the farm, so part of it is seasonal work which means that our staff were able to get involved with planting days and site preparation work. “It has also meant that the $10,000 of Immediate Steps (IMS) funding from Environment Canterbury could be used entirely for plants as our staff have doing the site preparation and maintenance work,”
he adds. “They have loved working on this project and seeing the changes as the plants have grown up around the edges of the stream.” Gilchrist says they have also had a group of children, teachers and parents from Swannanoa School help with the planting. Native plants were selected based on what would have once existed in the area before it was modified by land use, along with species that
provide ecosystem service, while also considering the types of plants that fit in with the farming operation. “Carex secta is known to colonise denitrifying bacteria in its roots which helps to naturally denitrify water and helps prevent sediment build up,” Cameron says. “We’ve also got flax as it is an excellent food source when it flowers.” He says the long-term aim is to create a series of resource rich stepping stones to help attract
native birds to the area. The plants will also provide shade for the stream and increase the number of invertebrates and insect species. Gilchrist says he would encourage other farmers to get involved in environmental projects. “From when we began this planting journey three years ago, we have seen so many positive benefits,” he adds. “It’s been awesome and our aim is to continue planting along the whole stream.”
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
20 ANIMAL HEALTH
Watch out for resistant worms DON’T GET caught with worms you can’t kill. That’s the message from Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Wormwise programme, as farmers look ahead to the management of lambs and dairy beef calves for the summer and beyond. Wormwise programme manager Ginny Dodunski says that supply of the so-called ‘novel’ drenches, Zolvix and Startect, is likely to remain constrained this season, as it was in 2022. “Last autumn, I received calls from vets and farmers with sick lambs suffering from triple drench resistant parasites, and nothing to treat them with,” she
says. “By the time these farmers realised they had worms that could survive a triple drench, the lambs were actually very sick. Even once you treat them with a different drench family, they take a long time to turn around.” There are also dairy support blocks and dairy beef rearing properties where triple drench resistant worms have developed. Zolvix contains the active Monepantel and Startect contains Derquantel. Both have been available for about 12 years. However, these have generally been reserved for special treatments such as quarantine drenching, knockout
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If your drench is working well, there should be no eggs present after drenching.
drenching and on farms where combination resistance has already been diagnosed. Both products are registered for sheep. Only Zolvix is able to be used in cattle. Dodunski says on the ‘average’ farm, these products should be highly effective at removing resistant parasites. However, the manufacturers of both products (Elanco for Zolvix and Zoetis for Startect) advise that due to manufacturing issues, they are unlikely to be able to meet market demand in New Zealand this autumn. Both are constrained by the manufac-
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turing plants which make their active ingredient – unique molecules with a limited use case that are in a queue for constrained plant space and time. “Re-sellers will already have forward supply arrangements in place with clients who have planned ahead for needing Zolvix and Startect,” Dodunski explains. “A farmer who has not
finish?” She says this should cover things like what’s the best feeding and management for those – are there ways of allocating feed or organising rotations that reduce the worm challenge. Questions should be asked if ewes or other breeding stock are as well set up as they could be and would it be a better use of feed to get them sorted before it gets dry? “Find out how well your drench is performing – it’s easier to act early than to deal with an ‘outbreak’ of resistant worms later in the season,” Dodunski concludes.
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been doing any monitoring and suddenly finds they have sick and dying lambs with combination-resistant worms in autumn 2024 may find that there is nothing available to treat those lambs with.” She says the best thing farmers can do is to check the performance of their routine drenches now. “Collect 10 fresh faecal
samples from lambs or calves after drenching – 7 to 10 days later for lambs and 14 days for calves. Options for testing are your local vet clinic or FecPak, and there are some private providers out there too. Ask around for the most efficient option for your area.” Dodunski explains that if your drench is working well, there should be no eggs present after drenching. “If eggs are still present, it’s time to start some conversations about where to from here. It’s not just about what product to use next time – how many young stock should you be trying to
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RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 21
JD expects slowdown will lead to a drop in demand MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
THE FARM machinery business has been extremely buoyant following the original onset of Covid-19 in mid2020. However, the last few months has seen a marked slowdown in sales, resulting in many previously hard to get models of tractors now available from stock. This situation has been noted by global tractor manufacturer Deere & Company. It announced, in mid-November, an expectation that demand for its agricultural machinery will fall in 2024. The company also suggests that demand for its agriculture and turf equipment will be down by between 5 and 15% in the US, with a 10% dip in sales likely for Europe. Meanwhile, it’s
also anticipating a 5-10% drop in demand for its construction and forestry equipment. Despite these gloomy predictions, Deere has reported a net income of almost $2.4 billion for the fourth quarter (Q4-2023), up from $2.2 billion in the same period in 2022. The company also noted that net income for the fiscal year 2023 was $10.1 billion – compared with $7.1 billion the previous year. The financial statement shows that net sales were $13.8 billion for Q4 2023, down from $14.3 billion for the same period last year. Meanwhile, net sales for the year stood at $55.5 billion compared with $47.9 billion in 2022. The company also noted that production and precision agriculture sales decreased by 6% for the quarter, due to lower shipment volumes that were partially offset by
Deere & Company says it expects that demand for its agricultural machinery will fall in 2024.
price realisation. Sales of small agriculture and turf equipment were down 13% in Q4, while construction and forestry sales bucked the trend with a rise of 11%. The company has
forecast a lower than expected net income for the 2024 fiscal year of between $7.75 billion to $8.25 billion. Chairman and chief executive officer of Deere & Company John
May said fourth-quarter and full-year results can be attributed to the successful execution of Deere’s smart industrial operating model. “The value that customers recognise
in our industry-leading products and solutions,” he added. “While our end markets will fluctuate, we are focused on investing in solutions that drive customer value.
As evidenced by our guidance for 2024, we are making our company more resilient and better equipped for the future.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
TOP ACCOLADES GIVEN OUT AT AGRITECHNICA MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
WHILE MANY industry watchers have been singing the praises of the latest and greatest innovations at the recent Agritechnica Event, held recently in Germany, agricultural journalists have been deliberating the winners of the Farm Machine of the Year 2024. Väderstad’s TopDown with E-services was the winner of the Farm Machine 2024 award in the tillage category. The introduction of E-Services on TopDown 400-700 and Opus 400-700 allows the machines to use prescription maps to control the machine settings automatically and on the go. This means operators can program how the individual working elements behave for each specific paddock’s characteristics. The discs, tines, leveller and packer can be programmed to achieve the best results considering the soil type or other characteristics in different areas of each field. With the TopDown with E-services, Väderstad claims to be applying the same thinking used in its variable rate seed application and fertiliser application technology to cultivate – using the ‘as much as necessary,
as little as possible’ approach. This is said to deliver benefits including reduced diesel consumption and wear and tear, alongside improved soil health and increased working speeds.
Väderstad’s TopDown with E-services was the winner of the Farm Machine 2024 award in the tillage category. TopDown and Opus with E-services are available to order now, with the first machines expected in New Zealand in late 2024. Meanwhile, the Kuhn FC 13460 RA mower-conditioner with grouper was awarded Farm Machine 2024 in the forage harvesting category. It is said to offer a significantly higher work output than conventional mowing combinations with a variable working width of 12.4 to 13.4 metres. Operators benefit from substantial savings on pulling power, fuel and labour costs when mowing large areas with a single machine. In a single pass, the machine’s belt grouper forms a swath from 1.8m to 3m wide, with the forage collected
TopDown and Opus with E-services are available to order now, with the first machines expected in New Zealand in late 2024.
over a cutting width of more than 13m. This allows the user to exploit the full potential of forage harvesters and large square balers. Design detail sees the inclusion of a telescopic axle to increase clearance, making it easier to form a wider and
evenly shaped swath for even drying and improved pick-up. It also gives improved stability of the machine during U-turns and working on slopes. This machine also lends itself to Controlled Traffic Farming strategy on a 12m track. This reduces the
impact of machine passage on the ground, while machine controls – including the front mower – are easily operated by an ISOBUS compatible on-board terminal or either the CCI 800 or 1200 terminals and the CCI A3 joystick.
RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
22 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER
It’s all I want for Christmas! MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
DEAR SANTA, with just a week to go to Christmas Day, I’d thought I’d drop you a note. Both Mrs. D and the very nice media lady from Ateco said I’d been a good boy in 2023, so they let me drive a Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV for a week. I was wondering if you could bring me one just the same for the big day, then we could probably come to a deal where you could borrow it for a short while each year to get your job done. Let me explain the benefits. The powerplant is a V6, 3 litre and twin turbo unit, pushing out 520hp with a 0-100km sprint time of only about 3.5 seconds. This means
there is a lot more horse or reindeer power than Rudolph and his mates. The transmission is a ZF eight speed set up that genuinely offers seamless changes. This will allow you to burble along slowly as you drop prezzies down the chimneys or nail it between towns and cities. A further bonus is the all-wheel drive system means you’re not going to get stuck on your route if there’s mud, gravel or – heaven forbid – snow on the ground. The transmission can get through the 8 cogs quickly, particularly in the Corsa drive mode. However, the GT mode might be a better choice at night, as it tones down a glorious exhaust and reduces the dangers of waking the little ones too early on the big day.
If Mrs C. is putting in a few hours over the busy period, she’ll probably prefer the more subdued Comfort mode, which at the same time will give your ears a rest from being told, “You’re driving too fast.” In the cockpit, she’ll also appreciate the metres of supple leather— no reindeer skins used here. With its intricate stitching, alongside outstanding adjustable lateral support bolsters, means you can get a move on as daylight on the 25th arrives. Of course, as you’d expect from a large SUV, the Grecale offers a voluminous 570 litres of boot space for a huge load of parcels. Ahead of the driver’s seat, four screens keep you up to date with how things are going in a multitude
Christmas wishes: A Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV.
of preferred settings. Meanwhile, a simplistic approach is taken for the transmission, a push button selection of Park, Drive, Neutral or Reverse – should be able to sort things out if you overdo the tipples and mince pies while you’re doing the rounds.
Depending on how heavy your right foot is – and the drive mode chosen – fuel consumption tends to be 13 to 14 litres per 100km. This isn’t too bad compared to the food bills I see for Mrs D’s horses and the cost of getting rid of
the ‘exhaust’ they also produce. Best of all, the Grecale doesn’t follow the typical Italian route of bold or outrageous. Rather, it exudes the glorious curves of Sophie Loren, oozing class and subtlety. So, if you find yourself at a red light
next to a bling-loaded rival, you will have hit the pedal and left them in your wake before they realise what you’re driving. Anyway, fingers crossed. Don’t worry about wrapping it – just leave the keys on top of the driver’s side wheel!
20 YEARS OF TRACTOR PRODUCTION MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
CLAAS HAS marked the 20th anniversary of entering the global tractor market with the production of its 200,000th tractor at its French Le Mans facility. Having acquired a majority stake in Renault Agriculture in March 2003, the company signalled its intention to become a full-line farm machinery manufacturer. Within six months, Claas’s familiar seed green livery started to roll off the production line, manufacturing the Renaultbased Celtis, Ares and Atles series. The company then released its first series – the Axion 800 – just three
years later, followed by the production of the Arion 600/500 series in 2007 and the Axion 900 series in 2011. Claas now manufactures more than 35 different models spanning 75 to 530 hp across six series. This includes the Axion (205 to 445 hp), Arion (90 to 205 hp) and Axos (75 to 102 hp) series manufactured at its Le Mans factory. This is in addition to the Xerion (462 to 653 hp) series, which is manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Harsewinkel, Germany. Each series features a distinctive, compact shape, long wheelbase and low centre of gravity for optimal stability. They have balanced weight distribution over the front and rear axles for optimal traction, a narrow
waist for maximum steering lock and manoeuvrability and a relatively high unladen weight to reduce the need for ballast. The tractors have earned a string of international accolades for innovation. The Axion 900 and 800 models both winning Machine of the Year awards at Agritechnica, Europe’s largest agricultural technology exhibition. In addition, the Axion 800 was named the 2014 Tractor of the Year. In 2017, Axion 960 Terra Trac was awarded a silver medal for innovation at Agritechnica. Recently, a top-of-theline Axion 960 won the Most Sustainable category of the 2021 Tractor of the Year awards. Claas Harvest Centre Product
Manager – Claas Tractors, Paul Holdaway, says, the Claas Power Systems concept aims to optimise every component of the drive train. “The engine, emissions control, transmission, drive assembly, PTO shaft, axle, hydraulics and management systems.” Claas has invested heavily in its tractor research, development and manufacturing capabilities during the past two decades. These have included a major redevelopment of its tractor manufacturing facility at Le Mans, France; the construction of a state-ofthe-art testing and validation facility in Trangé, France; and the construction of a new transmission manufacturing plant in Paderborn, Germany.
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Le Mans is recognised as one of most modern vehicle manufacturing sites in Europe. It has the capability of producing more than 60 different models at the same time, from low specification tractor right up to the advanced Axion 900 Terra Trac. The Trangé research and development site is used to develop and assess the next generation of tractors. This facility works around the clock with a team of more than 60 researchers testing engine, transmission, suspension, hydraulics and management systems under simulated working conditions. Pre-production models undergo up to 40,000 hours of fieldtesting before commercialisation.
30m Hose Reel c/w Spot 300 Spray Gun 650kg Break Strength Strapping
TRAILED 12V SPRAYER
• •
www.mckeeplastics.co.nz
PETROL DECK SPRAYER
Honda GP200 Motor • 40 Bar/580 PSI • Flow Rate 41L per min • Comet APS41 Diaphragm Pump •
• 5D Suction Filter • Pressure Regulator & Return System NORTH ISLAND:
SOUTH ISLAND:
23 Mahinui St, Feilding. Ph 06-323 4181
35 Wilkin St, Waimate. Ph 0800 625 826
• •
SIDE BY SIDE/ATV SPRAYERS
Petrol & 12V Trailers available Comes in 200L, 400L & 600L models
Hot dipped Galvanised Trailer
RURAL NEWS // DECEMBER 19, 2023
RURAL TRADER 23 Happy Birthday
YOUR ADVERT HERE
To mark a birthday, retirement or any milestone, give that special someone, something special - a personal cartoon portrait by Edna cartoonist Malcolm Evans - $200 plus GST Send no money - just email a few up-to-date photos of subject, with a note of details you’d like included, to; malcolm@evanscartoons.com
+GST & freight
Proven beyo nd do ubt!
Recommended by Worksafe. ACC subsidy available
“I have no doubt that if I did not have a Quadbar fitted, my accident would have been fatal!” – Rozel Farms
For details contact: JULIE BEECH Ph 09-307 0399 •
julieb@ruralnews.co.nz
Orpost postyour yourinquiries inquiriesto;to:M. M.Evans, 17 Vista Auckland 1071, Or Evans, 39J Cape Crescent, Horn Road,Glendowie, Hillsborough, Auckland 1041 . and return address. anddon’t don’tforget forgettotoinclude includeyour your return address.
Free Range & Barn Eggs
QUADBAR
635
$
“The Quadbar saved our employee from significant injuries.” – Colin van der Geest .
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
NON SLIP UTE TRAY MAT NO MORE CARGO MOVEMENT!
SUPPLIERS OF:
BOOK SHIRE® RAMS & EWES FOR SALE
• Nest boxes - manual or automated • Feed & Drinking • Plastic egg trays QUALITY PRODUCTS MADE IN EUROPE OR BY PPP
❖
A trusted name in Poultry Industry for over 50 years
HARDY, LOW INPUT EASY CARE MEAT SHEEP Heavy Duty
Made in NZ
In Stock Now
0800 80 85 70
❖
www.burgessmatting.co.nz
HAIR SHIRE® Stud Ram Sire “CRUSADER” progeny for sale
FLY OR LICE PROBLEMS?
ELECTRIC FENCING
TO YOUR DOOR
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
SAVE TIME AND EFFORT! Trusted name in fencing for over 30 years OUR FULL RANGE ON-LINE Jump on-line or call us... www.taragate.co.nz info@taragate.co.nz 0800 82 72 42
• No dagging, no shearing • No drenching, vaccinating or dipping since March 1989 • No cast sheep or hassles because of wool • Easy care, high fertility sheep • Strong constitution with great longevity • Hardy, fast-growing lambs • No shearing/dagging equipment and shed HAIR SHIRE® Stud Ram Sire needed “GLADIATOR” progeny for sale • Reduced costs = reduced work! Hair Rams Ewes & Lambs available MANGAPIRI DOWNS ORGANIC STUD FARM®
HAIR SHIRE Stud Ram Sire “SILVER” progeny for sale ®
Auction link 26th Jan 2024 https://bidr.co.nz/auction/2809
www.organicstud.co.nz • Email: tim@organicstud.nz Phone Tim & Helen Gow 027-225 5283
07 573 8512 | dipping@electrodip.co.nz – www.electrodip.com
CLOSING DOWN sale! BOOTS & RAINWEAR
Due to market conditions - Earthwalk will be closing down sometime in 2024.
BIB OVERALLS
$145
We anticipate the stock on hand will sell out over the next 2-3 months - so now is a good time to buy up your favorite items.
JACKET
valued at $320
$140 $100 valued at $230
valued at $280
Thank you to all of our customers - it has been a pleasure serving you during Earthwalk’s 27 years of business!
PHONE
9am-5pm
LEGGINGS
$70
100% Waterproof Fleece Collar Hood Visor Flexible Acid Resistant
BUY 175% more crack resistant than normal leather
$80
Buffalo Leather
Stitched On Soles
0800 16 00 24 earthwalk.co.nz
Plain Toe or Steel Toe
New Zealand owned & operated
free shipping
Durable Seams
sizes: BOOTS 5 - 13 (NZ)
RAINWEAR XS - 4XL
CULVERT PIPES
NEW - WIDER TOE BOX NEW - WIDER STEEL CAP ** NEW - KEVLAR PENETRATION RESISTANT SOLE ** NEW - 250 DEGREE HEAT RESISTANT OUTSOLE NEW - BALL BEARING SPEED LACING NEW - FLEXIBLE RAND NEW - STRONGER OUTSOLE STITCHING NEW - STRONGER MIDSOLE NEW - STRONGER FORESTRY GRADE SHANK Made from (**safety models)
www.mckeeplastics.co.nz 300mm x 6 metre ............................. $410 400mm x 6 metre ............................. $515 500mm x 6 metre ............................. $735 600mm x 6 metre ............................. $989 800mm x 6 metre ........................... $1496 1000mm x 6 metre ......................... $2325 1200mm x 6 metre ......................... $3699
polyethylene & recycled plastic
•
SOUTH ISLAND 35 Wilkin St, Waimate Ph 0800 625 826
Culvert joiners FREE with pipes on request Water Transport
ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.
NORTH ISLAND 23 Mahinui St, Feilding Ph 06-323 4181
•
Water Troughs
•
Lightweight, easy to install
Water Storage
OVERALL WINNER Meryn Whitehead – Vailima Orchards
Fruitfed Supplies Leadership Award Meryn Whitehead Countdown Best in Sector Award Renee Johnson
Horticentre Trust Sustainability Award Sarah Ewe Bayer Best Practice Award Meryn Whitehead RNZIH Best Speech Award Lydia O’Dowd T&G Fresh Practical Components Award Meryn Whitehead Countdown Award Sarah Ewe, Renee Johnson, Lydia O’Dowd, Caleb Washington, Meryn Whitehead, Tahryn Mason, Jason Gwynn
This year’s finalists (L to R): Sarah Ewe, Lydia O’Dowd, Caleb Washington, Tahryn Mason, Renee Johnson, Jason Gwynn, Meryn Whitehead
YOUNG HORTICULTURIST SILVER SPONSORS
FRIENDS OF THE COMPETITION
YOUNG HORTICULTURIST BRONZE SPONSORS
For information on entering or supporting the competition in 2024 please visit the website www.younghort.co.nz
OFFICIAL PARTNERS OF THE 2023 YOUNG HORTICULTURIST COMPETITION
Lydia O’Dowd Southern Woods Nursery
Countdown Innovation Award Winner Lydia O’Dowd Second place Renee Johnson Third Place Meryn Whitehead Participation Sarah Ewe, Caleb Washington, Tahryn Mason, Jason Gwynn
THIRD PLACE
Renee Johnson Bark Ltd
SECOND PLACE
Bev McConnell