Rural News 30 January 2024 by Rural News Group

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

NEWS

Excitement builds for this year’s Southern Field Days.

Something for everyone at East Coast Farming Expo.

ODH collapse ‘not a surprise’. PAGE 6

PAGE 10

PAGE 26

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS JANUARY 30, 2024: ISSUE 793

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Double whammy! PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

A LEADING accountant and agribusiness advisor says the present downturn in the rural sector is like no other he’s seen in his nearly 60 years in the business. Pita Alexander says there have been eleven financial downcycles since 1948, but this is the worst. He says a feature of downturns is that either prices fall, or costs go up. But this time, it’s unique because both have happened at the same time and that’s a problem for the country – especially sheep farmers, with the present low prices for lamb. “It’s effectively a scissors movement which has gripped the ag sector,” he told Rural News. And he adds, it is not clear when the situation will improve for the sheep industry. He says the downturn for the dairy industry appears to have

bottomed out with the milksolids price improving, but he believes that dairy farmers need a farmgate milk price of $9/kgMS. “But while the situation is on the improve for the dairy sector, it is not the case for the sheep sector,” he says. “They need to be getting $120 for a lamb – not the $85 they are currently getting.” The big problem for any sector, says Alexander, is the second year of

a downturn. He says farmers are resilient and can withstand one bad year, but when this stretches out another year, that’s when things get difficult – especially for people with significant debt. “The problem now is that NZ is caught up with China, which has been taking 32% of our exports, but it is now having economic problems of its own,” he says. Alexander says some people say

that we have become too dependent on China, but at the time China offered the best prices for our agricultural produce and companies can’t be blamed for making the most of the opportunities in that market. He says there is no point in blaming China as they have served NZ well for over 15 years and may still come back into the market. He says they have their own economic problems and that is impact-

ing on NZ. Other commentators have suggested that China may take another year or two to come right. Alexander suggests that South Asia should be our target, stating that there are 40 million people there, many of whom can afford to pay for good quality, healthy food. He says NZ won’t do much trade with India as its people eat little meat and it has the largest number of dairy cows in the world.

Tender and ready! Tasman Harvesters pictured harvesting around 20ha of peas on Richard and Sandy Osborne’s Hatherley Farm, just north of Feilding, last week. Around 4000ha of peas are harvested annually in the Central North Island mainly for freezing at McCains processing plant in Hastings. To find the best time for harvest, peas are carefully monitored and measured as to whether they are tender and ready to harvest. Once the correct maturity is achieved, there is a window of 24 hours for optimum harvest. – PHOTO MARK DANIEL

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

NEWS 3

ISSUE 793

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NEWS �� 1-7 HOUND, EDNA ��8 CONTACTS ��8 OPINION ��8-9 SOUTHERN FIELDAYS PREVIEW �� 10-24 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS �� 25-26 RURAL TRADER ��26-27

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

$18m special dividend for LIC shareholders SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

SHAREHOLDERS OF the farmerowned co-operative LIC will be paid a special dividend of 13c/share next month. The $18.5 million payout is made up of proceeds from the sale of shares in UK company National Milk Records, completed in late 2023. The fully imputed dividend will be paid to LIC shareholders on February 23. LIC held a 19.75% stake in National Milk Records, a UK-based company that invests in milk quality, herd health and genomic testing services and generates data for farmers. The special dividend announcement was part of LIC’s half-year results released last week. The co-op’s total revenue for the six months ending November 30, 2023, was $172m – 3% lower than the previous year. Net profit after tax topped $29m, down 13%. Despite the drop in numbers, LIC says it remains on track for a fullyear underlying earnings forecast range of $17-22 million, unchanged from the market update in August

2023. New LIC board chair Corrigan Sowman says the co-operative’s strong cash position provided a degree of resilience and, relative to the current challenging economic conditions, he is pleased with the result. The decreased revenue was driven by the lower milk price environment, as well as credits provided to farm-

ers because of a recent semen quality issue. The co-op paid out $2m to farmers who were provided bad sire semen. “Farmers have had a challenging year as they’ve had to tighten their belts in response to a lower milk price payout,” says Sowman. “The stakes are high, but they continue to show resilience. “As a co-op, it’s our job to support farmers to navigate these challenges providing them with the

LIC chair Corrigan Sowman.

OSPRI CEO resigns

OSPRI IS searching for a new chief executive following the decision by Steve Stuart to resign after a fiveyear tenure. Chair Paul Reynolds says the board will initiate the recruitment process for the new chief executive. Stuart’s final date at OSPRI will

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be determined to facilitate a seamless transition for the incoming chief executive, he says. Reynolds says during his tenure, Stuart expertly restored OSPRI’s standing as a trusted partner in the biosecurity network and strengthened its role as an integrated disease

management agency. “His accomplishments include enhancing relationships and trust with shareholders, iwi and Māori, stakeholders and other predator management agencies, managing a significant disease outbreak and driving down the number of TB infected

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right tools to breed the most sustainable and profitable herds, now and into the future. “On behalf of the board, we would like to acknowledge just how challenging this year has been, and extend our appreciation to farmers for their ongoing support and commitment to their co-op.” Sowman paid special thanks to farmers who showed “resilience and patience as we navigated our way through the recent semen quality issue”. Two batches of bad semen were delivered to 1127 farms around the country; semen collected, processed and packed into straws and then sent to farms on October 15th and October 21st failed to pass quality control tests on day three. The straws were used over three days to mate herds and resulted in lower pregnancy rates. Fifteen of the 39 straws collected on October 16th and five of 31 straws collected on October 21st were affected. Sowman says LIC had not experienced an issue like that before. He says LIC’s investigation into the cause of this is ongoing. He noted that the costs of the credits to farmers have been accounted for in the half year result.

herds to its lowest level on record. “He decentralised OSPRI’s operating model and built a strong organisational capability and workplace culture and led the transition of the M. bovis Programme to OSPRI under a Government Industry Agreement.”

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4 NEWS Fonterra’s new electrode boiler at Edendale site will reduce emissions by around 20% or 47,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum.

New electrode boiler to keep coal away FONTERRA IS installing a $36 million 20-megawatt electrode boiler at its Edendale site in Southland, as the co-op moves away from coal. The electrode boiler will reduce the Edendale site’s emissions by around 20% or 47,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum – the equivalent of taking almost 20,000 cars off NZ roads.

It will also help reduce Fonterra’s overall carbon emissions from its NZ 2018 baseline by nearly 3% per annum once operational in 2025-26. Fonterra says the investment is another step for the co-operative as it works to get out of coal by 2037 and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 (from 2018 baseline). Fonterra acting chief operat-

ing officer Anna Palairet says the team considered a number of energy options before deciding on the electrode boiler. “Fonterra has a complex manufacturing operation spanning the country. “As technologies develop, it’s important we continually assess which energy source and technology

is best for each site. “With up to 15 million litres of milk being processed at our Edendale site each day, we need to ensure we have a secure energy supply that can meet processing demands.” Cost is also an important consideration. Palairet says getting out of coal requires significant investment and

the co-op needs to choose the best option that reduces emissions and operational complexity while also doing what’s best for farmer shareholders. Fonterra is partnering with Meridian Energy for the electricity supply who generate electricity from 100% renewable resources – wind, water and sun.

Will Aussie banks come to the aid of our farmers? PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

FARMERS ARE at the mercy of Australian banks as they navigate through low prices and high input costs, says accountant Pita Alexander. He points out that the first thing to remember when talking about banks is that Australian banks control about 85% of New Zealand’s total bank

lending. “In other words, we are at the mercy of the people on the 36th floor of a building in Melbourne,” he told Rural News. In any downturn, Alexander says the banks will always be very supportive of farmers through the first year, but he says come the second year, things may start to change.

A FEW TIPS ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

The downcycle is no time to be making bank loan principal payments. It’s not a time to be helping family financially. Sell anything that is surplus. Look carefully at development that involves capital cash. A couple must stay on the same page in a downturn. There is no substitute for access to a top class farm advisor. Government will talk comforting words to you, but they will be of little use to you.

He says a lot will depend on the existing financial circumstances

of individual farmers or horticulturalists. In some cases he says banks will

help those who have been to hell and back, but others may not be so

lucky. He points that banks first priority is always their shareholders. He says there has been some criticism about what is seen as the huge profits that banks are making but he argues that country needs strong profitable banks. “The last time I looked at the ANZ accounts in 2022 they were making about 11%

on shareholders’ funds which wasn’t out of line,” he says. The other issue hanging over NZ, says Alexander, is the tax take from the agri sector. He says Treasury has over estimated this over the last two years and this may have implications for government spending. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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NEWS 5

From kiwifruit to berries PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

ZESPRI CHIEF executive Dan Mathieson is to leave the farmer-owned co-operative to take up a new position as president of Driscoll’s – a huge California-based company that produces a range of berries. In 2017 it controlled roughly one third of the $6 billion berry market in the US. Driscoll’s is a fourthgeneration family business set up in the late 1980s by the Reiter and Driscoll families. The company also has a subsidiary called the Fresh Berry Company based in Hawke’s Bay which was set up in 2016. Mathieson has been at Zespri for 21 years, almost seven of those as CEO, and will remain at Zespri to oversee the 2024 harvest and start of

Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson is leaving the co-op.

the sales season until a new CEO is appointed. Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron says Mathieson leaves as a world-class CEO who has helped turn Zespri into a leading sales and marketing company

and with the industry well positioned to continue to succeed. “Under Dan’s exceptional leadership, Zespri grew sales from almost $2.3 billion in 2016/17 to a peak just over $4 billion

in 2021/22 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, with that growth set to continue in the coming years. Through that time he demonstrated his ability to bring talented people together, to set and exe-

cute strategy and ultimately to deliver great outcomes for the industry,” he says. Cameron says Mathieson leaves the company in a strong position to build on the industry’s

success, with strong and stable management and a clear strategy the team is committed to executing well. “We know Dan will have great success in his new role,” he says. Mathieson says it was a difficult decision to leave, but he does so confident the industry is well positioned, while also excited by the personal challenge ahead. “I’m so passionate about this industry. It’s filled with incredible, deeply committed people providing a world-class product and its future is so bright. We’ve had an industry-wide focus on addressing the quality challenges imposed by Covid restrictions, and on delivering the premiumquality product we’re known for – we’ve seen the results of that this season,” he says. Mathieson says

demand for kiwifruit is growing strongly with what has so far been a good growing season. He says Zespri is focused on delivering a large, greattasting and high-quality crop to customers and consumers, and delivering great value back to growers and partners. “I’m most proud of the people at Zespri and their commitment to delivering for our growers and partners. There will be new challenges ahead, but with an outstanding team of people, a clear strategy, and strong investment in innovation, I know Zespri will continue to be an increasingly strong force in the healthy food space,” he says. The Zespri board will carry out an executive search for Mathieson’s replacement. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

DAIRY PRICES HELPING RURAL CONFIDENCE LAST YEAR’S fourth quarter Rabobank Rural Confidence survey found New Zealand farmer confidence rebounding strongly off the back of improved dairy farmer sentiment, with farmers across all sectors more optimistic about the prospects for the agri economy. Following an historic low in September, the survey — completed during the last two weeks of November 2023 — found farmer confidence up to a net reading of -47% from -72% previously. The number of farmers expecting conditions to worsen over the next 12 months dropped from 77%

to 58%, while those expecting conditions to improve rose from 5% to 11%. However, despite this sizeable uplift, farmer sentiment remains low overall. A majority of primary producers still expect the broader agricultural economy to worsen over the coming 12 months, while those who expect conditions to remain the same jumped from 15% to 29%. Rabobank senior agriculture analyst Emma Higgins said dairy farmers recorded the biggest lift in sentiment, largely down to strong GDT results pushing dairy commodity prices –

and the farmgate milk price forecast – higher. “With this morale-boosting lift in the Fonterra payout coming just after the close of the latest survey period there’s a strong likelihood that, if taken today, dairy farmer confidence would be even higher,” she explained. “While we did still see government policy featuring as a reason for pessimism [26%], we’ve also seen it come through as a major reason for optimism [59%]. Several announcements from the new government – including the decision to increase the size of the Recog-

NEW MEAL TROUGHS

nised Seasonal Worker (RSE) scheme and the launch of a new $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund – appear to have landed well with farmers.” Higgins added that overseas markets/economies and rising commodity prices were the other key reasons cited by farmers for an optimistic outlook. Meanwhile, falling commodity prices and rising input costs continued were the two most regularly cited reasons for pessimism. Farmers across all sectors were found to be more optimistic about the prospects for their own farm busi-

nesses, with 15% of farmers (11% last quarter) now expecting the performance of their business to improve in the year ahead. Some 46% expect it to worsen (67% previously) and 37% expect performance to remain the same (from 21%). However, while sheep and beef farmers are also generally more optimistic, their confidence remains depressed at a net reading of -62%. With lamb prices falling to their lowest level for this time of year since 2016 and little to indicate an improvement in short-term prices. – Leo Argent

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

6 NEWS

ODH collapse ‘not a surprise’ SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

AN ORGANIC sector leader believes that failed farmer-owned co-operative Organic Dairy Hub lacked the scale to compete in the global market. Brendan Hoare, whose company Buy Pure NZ takes NZ organic products to the world, says he wasn’t surprised at the collapse of ODH. Hoare also served as head of Organics Aotearoa, the national body of the organic sector. Hoare says scale of

Organics sector leader Brendan Hoare says Organic Dairy Hub lacked the scale to compete in the global market.

operation is critical to success in the organics sector because of the benefits that go with it. Smaller organic companies find it hard to compete with growing e-channel sales and online trade. “Unless you are a boutique operation, small organic companies are finding it hard to remain viable,” he told Rural News. “ODH got caught in the middle; they were too small to be a boutique and not big enough to compete with the big players.” Despite ODH’s collapse, Hoare believes organics remains a viable business for NZ firms. While the growth in organics has slowed – from double digits in some cases to 2-4% per annum – Hoare points out that there’s still growth. ODH, touted as New Zealand’s only 100% farmer-owned organic milk producer, was placed into voluntary liquidation last month. ODH collected milk daily from its farmer base, stretching from Northland to Wairarapa. About 20% of that milk was turned into milk powders and nutritional products, processed at Waikato Innovation Park in Ruakura and generally exported to Australia and Asia, with some New Zealand customers as well. It also produced Our’s Truly brand liquid and UHT milk, cheese and milk powder using third party processors. The products were sold locally and exported. According to the Companies Office, ODH direc-

tors, made up of farmers and independents, called in the liquidators, KPMG’s Leon Bowker and Luke Norman, on December 1 last year. In their first report, the liquidators say the company is being wound up after ceasing trading. “After paying any remaining creditors, remaining funds will be distributed to shareholders. This is a solvent liquidation and will remain solvent for the period of the liquidation.” ODH was formed by 37 organic dairy farmers, with a third based in Waikato. On December 1 last year, ODH directors Michael Allen Brown, Cameron Farrand, Sharleen Gardner, John Wafer, Frank Goodin and Ian Cumming voted to liquidate the company. A “statement of affairs”, filed by the directors, shows that on November 24 last year, ODH had $50,000 in the bank. It had assets of $145,200, including cash at bank, $31,000 worth of stock, $54,000 in receivables and plant and equipment valued at $10,000. Its only liability was $439 owed unsecured creditors, leaving the company with net assets worth $144,800. The directors expect liquidator’s costs to reach $20,000 plus another $35,000 for legal and consultancy. ODH farmer suppliers have been recruited by Fonterra, which has a small organics business. This season, Fonterra hopes to process over 100 million litres of organic milk.

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All the latest stories and more at www.ruralnews.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

NEWS 7

Red Sea conflict – a new challenge PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

TRADE LOGISTICS are once again set to become challenging for the NZ agricultural sector because of tensions in the Middle East. In recent weeks, Houthi rebels based in Yemen have attacked ships going through the Red Sea and then via the Suez Canal to the Northern Hemisphere. This has triggered military retaliation by the US and UK, with the backing of other countries. Rabobank research manager, Stefan Vogel, says this may mean increased costs for imported goods, including agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and farm equipment. He says this is because more shipping companies are diverting their vessels away from the Suez route and are instead taking a 9-15 day detour around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Such a detour will add to the cost of any imports that would normally come through the Suez Canal and Red Sea. But he adds that the impact on the cost of fertiliser will be mixed because nitrogen and compound fertilisers are mainly sourced from Asia and the Middle East, so will not be affected the Red Sea crisis. “But a lot of phosphate rock comes from Morocco and potash from

Europe and North America and those shipments normally go through the Suez Canal,” he says. Vogel says containerised shipments both to and from NZ will be affected. He points to the 2021 freight crisis which saw NZ struggle to get sufficient containers to ship its exports to overseas markets. He warns that a similar crisis could occur again if the Red Sea situation tightens global container freight capacity. He says that every vessel that’s longer at sea is slower to load their next cargo and that’s limiting the available shipping capacity and driving freight costs up. “The good news is container freight rates now are still three to four times below the massively Covid-inflated levels of 2021. Imported goods into New Zealand will have to bear the higher freight costs, but container freight is unlikely to get as expensive as in 2021,” he says. Vogel says there is a potential upside from the Red Sea tensions because NZ is likely to be more competitive with its exports into the Asian market. He says several of NZ’s key agricultural export competitors usually ship products into Asia through the Red Sea, and if tensions in the area remain heightened, they may be forced to divert more of their product into Asia via the longer

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

8 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

Field days roll in THE REGIONAL field days that kick off in February are often used as a bellwether for sentiment in the industry – a more solid sounding of farmer sentiment than confidence surveys, because it can be measured in actual dollars spent. The various field days – including Waimumu, Feilding and Dargaville – also provide a measure of the general sentiment in the industry, as discussions on exhibitors’ sites and in the bar reveal how people are feeling about the year ahead and what concerns they have. According to the final Rabobank confidence survey of 2023, commodity prices were near the top of the list of concerns, although dairy price increases were leading a slow recovery on that front – and early 2024 dairy price rises will reinforce that. A new government and the prospect of less obstructive policy settings also contributed to a slight uptick in that confidence survey. So, the field days calendar will be interesting in 2024. Southern Field Days, near Gore, is the first up, and if the ad support for our Show Preview in this issue is any guide, the exhibitors are approaching the event with a positive mindset. The tranquil town of Waimumu is reportedly buzzing with anticipation as the 2024 Southern Field Days (SFD) approach. Set against the picturesque backdrop of rural New Zealand, this one promises to be a celebration of farming ingenuity, community spirit, and the latest innovations in the agricultural sector. Scheduled for February 14 to 16, the SFDs have become a cornerstone event for the industry. Innovation and excellence top bills the trade exhibits at the 2024 East Coast Farming Expo – another event reporting strong support (on February 21-22 in Wairoa). Whether the cheque books come out at these field days remains to be seen, but there are other reasons to attend, as summed up by an exhibitor: “The Expo brings out the amazing spirit that flows through our rural community. The social aspect is massive for family, friends, neighbours and work associates. Never underestimate a day off the farm at an event like this – it is educational, social and refreshing for our wellbeing.”

RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Phone 09-307 0399 PUBLISHER: Brian Hight .......................................... Ph 09 307 0399 GENERAL MANAGER: Adam Fricker ....................................... Ph 021-842 226 CONSULTING EDITOR: David Anderson .................................Ph 09 307 0399 davida@ruralnews.co.nz

“Those are the holes the water falls through when it rains!”

THE HOUND Bad smell!

Your old mate had a bit of giggle at a recent article he read in the Irish Farmers Journal (IFJ), where the author was pondering on a rather smelly problem to do with veganism. According to the IFJ writer, they were in a bit of a conundrum over how vegans can claim to be saving the planet when their dietary preferences fill them with hot air. This revelation came about after the scribe read the observations of Dr Sandro Demaio – chief executive of VicHealth in Australia. Demaio recently outlined how going vegan after a normal diet increased a person’s flatulence. Apparently it is all to do with the increase in fibre intake in the vegan diet. This could have a negative impact on climate change – with any move to veganism requiring governments around the world to count this increased flatulence into their carbon emissions.

Not funded by NZ On Air

Unreal hot air

The Hound is perplexed about some of the over-the-top climate catastrophising by mainstream media outlets during the holidays. They ran countless breathless stories about parts of the country hitting temperatures of – wait for it – 30 degrees on some days. Well, it is summer and temperatures of 30-plus degrees are not a recent phenomenon, it has been happening at this time of year in NZ for more than 150 years! Then your old mate read a fanciful opinion piece – on a supposedly respected news website – claiming that these kind of temperatures will mean the end of livestock farming in this country as we know it. The credibility of said ‘opinonist’ and website was put into perspective when she claimed that NZ currently had a population of “40 million sheep”. The fact is NZ’s not had 40 million sheep for a number of years with the current flock only around 25 million strong.

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

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

Pay up!

You canine crusader cannot believe the whining, moaning and whinging coming from wellhealed EV owners about them soon having to pay for roading costs – like the rest of us. These special types – whose bank balances are usually fuller than former MP Golriz Ghahraman’s bag after visiting a high-end retail store – don’t appear to believe, because they drive a previously highly-subsidised electric car, that they should pay for the roads they drive on. However, thankfully the new Government is dropping the exemptions that had previously been created for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids from April 1, with money gathered from going towards the maintenance of New Zealand’s roading network. About bloody time! How come these sanctimonious types always believe that everyone else but them should pay for their virtual signalling?

Not popular

This old mutt hears that his editor has copped a fair bit of flak from readers after an article on former Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor appeared in the last issue of this fine organ. It seems the general consensus was that while the former minister may claim that feedback he’s got on the new National-led Government is not positive, farmers couldn’t be more positive that he and his Labour mates are out of power. Farmers say Labour’s six years saw a plethora of new regulations imposed on them that made little or no sense. Which only goes to prove O’Connor’s admission in the same article, that it’s not easy being an agriculture minister in a Labour administration. Watch this space for an announcement this year about the former Ag Minister’s new post-political career.

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

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

The truth will out! WELL, THE New Year is certainly with us; yep 2024 is well under way. I trust you have had a good Christmas and managed to squeeze in some quality R & R over the break. Like some of you, no doubt, I have been enjoying watching the Black Caps run of success. Personally I have also really enjoyed the great spirit the games have been played in too! I think I would have to give my first ‘shout-out’ for the year to Groundswell. They are keeping track of the new Government’s first 100 days in office. During the election campaign itself, promises were made, and much was said about the first 100 days – should they get the nod for the job from the public. I believe accountabil-

Groundswell is keeping an eye on the new government’s pledges for its first 100 days in office.

FARMER’S CHAPLAIN

Colin Miller

ity is always a good thing, both for individuals, and perhaps even more so for governments! Groundswell are doing exactly that for us in our farming communities, and I commend them for it! Now, I have been thinking through this whole ‘conspiracy theory’ thing for quite some time now. My parents and grandparents never wised us up on this stuff. My best guess is they were not even aware of the

thrown about. It is usually those in positions of authority that use these words so quickly. They use their position of influence to get the ball rolling. What are they concealing, I now wonder? What’s the agenda they are hiding? Yep, it seems to me that those with authority

sion, you simply brush it aside as a ‘conspiracy theory’. And then, with the help of your lapdogs in the media, you label the person as such. Rather than take the time to actually listen, you “safely” hide behind the smear you just generated. I have observed a couple of things over time as this term gets

term. Those two words and what they infer were just not used back then. Business deals were done with a handshake in their day. They surely knew what that meant! It seems to me that if you don’t like what someone is saying, rather than facing up to an adult-like discus-

OPINION 9 and influence are the biggest proponents of this stuff. No discussion and no questions are permitted. Hmmmm? Of course, there is always the question; what if that which was labelled a conspiracy theory later actually turns out to be true? What then? There will be an apology… right? A press release and full apology, you’d think. Nope, there simply is no accountability! The truth never fears the presence of lies, it never has. The truth will very happily stand on the witness stand in the court of public opinion, even if liars and lies are going to be present. For the truth to be established, just let it speak. Allow it to have a voice. However, for lies to be established, you will have

to use every means possible to keep any voices for truth off the witness stand. Free speech will need to be censored. Laws with harsh penalties attached will need to be enacted. Voices for truth will be censored and silenced, and kept from the ears of ‘we the people’. History has proven it is never a good thing when those in positions of authority start shutting down questions and other opinions. It’s always been about them and their vested interests. It’s never been for the benefit and welfare of ‘we the people’. Together, we can avoid history repeating itself. Keep well out there and take care. God Bless. • farmerschaplain@ruralnews.co.nz

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Excitement builds for this year’s Southern Field Days TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

DAVID ANDERSON

THE TRANQUIL town of Waimumu is buzzing with anticipation as the 2024 Southern Field Days approach. This agricultural extravaganza, set against the picturesque backdrop of rural New Zealand, promises to be a celebration of farming ingenuity, community spirit, and the latest innovations in the agricultural sector. Scheduled to take place from February 14 to 16, the Southern Field Days have become a cornerstone event for farmers, agribusinesses and rural enthusiasts. The sprawling grounds at Waimumu will host a diverse range of exhibits, demonstrations, and interactive displays, showcasing the best that the agricultural industry has to offer. Local farmers and businesses are gearing up to participate in this highly anticipated event, seizing the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a broader audience. From cutting-edge farming machinery to innovative technologies designed to enhance agricultural practices, attendees can expect a firsthand look at the tools that will shape the future of farming in the region. One of the highlights of the Southern Field Days is the emphasis on education and knowledge-sharing. Workshops and seminars will be conducted by experts in the field, covering topics ranging from sustainable farming practices to the latest advance-

Taking place from February 14 to 16, the Southern Field Days have become a cornerstone event for farmers, agribusinesses and rural enthusiasts.

A BIENNIAL MUST SEE! THE SOUTHERN Field Days – which are held at Waimumu, near Gore – began in 1981 as a local agricultural event. Over the years, it has grown into one of the country’s largest rural showcases. The event runs every alternative year, with the South Island Field Days

at Kirwee held in the years Waimumu is not. The Southern Field Days typically features a range of agricultural machinery, equipment demonstrations, livestock displays and seminars. It serves as a platform for farmers and rural businesses around the region – and wider South Island – to connect,

share knowledge, stay updated on the latest innovations in the agricultural sector. The Southern Field Days continue to play a significant role in promoting agriculture and fostering community ties in the South Island and will be again held this year at Waimumu from February 14 to 16.

ments in crop management. Farmers attending the event can gain valuable insights that may prove instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and productivity of their operations. In addition to the serious business of farming, the Southern Field Days offer a vibrant social atmosphere. The event provides an excellent opportunity for the community to come together, fostering a sense of camaraderie among attendees. Local food vendors will be on hand to ensure that visitors can refuel and recharge as they explore the various exhibits and activities. As the 2024 Southern Field Days approach, Waimumu is not only preparing to host a showcase of agricultural excellence but also to welcome visitors from near and far. The event serves as a testament to the resilience and innovation of rural communities, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the future of agriculture. For those eager to witness the latest in farming technology, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and immerse themselves in the rich agricultural heritage of the region, the Southern Field Days at Waimumu is an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars, pack your boots, and get ready for a memorable celebration of rural life and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead in the world of agriculture.

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS 11

‘Corriedale 2.0’ paying dividends – breeder NIGEL MALTHUS

SUCCESSFULLY BREEDING what they call their “Corriedale 2.0” sheep is paying dividends for Robin and Pip Wilson of Wilfield Stud, West Melton. Rural News caught up with Robin Wilson at last year’s NZ Agricultural Show in Christchurch, where his animals won a slew of ribbons. The Wilsons established Wilfield in 1992. Rather than chase the vagaries of the market with specialist wool or meat animals, they went with Corriedales as a good dual purpose breed. They have aimed to improve their flock towards a finer fleece while maintaining carcass quality. Wilson says some of his show animals carried wool of only 24 or 25 microns, albeit not as fine as the 18 to 20 micron wool from a Merino. “But you get a better carcass with these sheep with more meat on them,” he explains. “And the quality of the meat is highly valued. The market pays a premium for it because of the intramuscular fat and the colour

and the tenderness of the meat.” Wilson believes they have succeeded in breeding what they call “Corriedale 2.0”, their version of a “more modern” Corriedale. He says their sheep have a more open face, better fertility, finer wool, better mothering ability and are more footrot resistant. “We’ve made great progress in the last few years and we’ve had lots of compliments about what we’re doing,” Wilson adds. “Generally, in the sheep industry, it’s very hard to put fine wools on a good-carcased animal. I think we’ve been able to do that.” The Wilsons use traditional breeding practices of good stockmanship with modern technologies of objective measurement and analysis (Sheep Improvement Ltd) and gene marker technology (footrot, extra muscling, cold tolerance and worm resistance) to identify the most productive and profitable animals for meat and wool production. Meanwhile, Wilson agrees that farming is difficult at the moment with all farmers struggling with low commodity prices,

higher interest rates and higher input costs. “So, what farmers do is just batten down the hatches and they don’t

spend any money. They’re in survival mode,” he says. It’s been going on for about a year now and

appears likely to continue. “It’ll be a year or two more. That will be a real challenge. And if El Nino

kicks in, which it is forecast to do, but hasn’t yet, then it’ll be a real challenge for most pastoral farmers.”

But Wilson says he is realistic rather than pessimistic. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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Growing natives to help waterways A NURSERY initiative to empower Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL) shareholders to grow their own native seedlings has proven successful. More than 2000 plants have been grown during the last two years at Brian and Rosemary Whyte’s Swannanoa farm. It is part of a wider biodiversity project that aims to improve waterways throughout the irrigation cooperative’s scheme with 297 sites of interest discovered during an initial biodiversity survey in 2018. Key areas for restoration efforts include the Burgess Stream, Hunter’s Stream, and the Cust River. The native seedlings have been planted along the first stretch of a 1.2-kilometre section of Burgess Stream, which flows through Whyte’s property and around a nearby irrigation buffer pond. WIL’s biodiversity project lead Dan Cameron says the site is an important part of the project due to its location near the springhead of

A WIDE RANGE OF PLANTS GROWN THE WHYTES have enjoyed growing a range of native seedlings suitable for the conditions at their planting site. The only part of the process which has been a bit tedious is the pricking out of individual seedlings, but Rosemary Whyte says having Cameron and Swannanoa School to help has made the process easier. “When you have 500 seedlings to plant out it takes a while which is why we were so grateful to have help from Swannanoa School, Dan, and a church youth group. Giving younger people a chance to get their hands in the dirt and plant something is important.” With most of the planting around the wet margins of the stream edge completed, the focus is now on the sections further up the banks and different seedlings are being grown for this area as the bank is exposed to hot dry winds and is composed of free draining soils. The Whytes would encourage other farmers to get involved in biodiversity initiatives and views it as having intergenerational benefits.

the Burgess Stream. “The restoration site is connected to the upper source of the Burgess Stream with four springheads converging to form the stream and once it gets to Brian and Rosemary’s property it forms the main stem, and not far beyond here it leaves the boundary of the shareholder land.” The section of the stream chosen for the

project has certain properties which make it ideal as an environmental restoration site, Cameron explains. “It’s relatively undisturbed, has a deep and wide well-defined riparian margin and stock have been excluded. There’s relatively moist soil near the water’s edge and meandering areas which lend themselves to establishing the types of plant

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS 13

Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL) biodiversity project lead Dan Cameron with Swannanoa farmers Rosemary and Brian Whyte and some of the 2300 native plants grown from seed at the Whytes’ property.

communities that would have been here before land use development.” Cameron says these plants improve water

quality by shading the stream and in some cases even assist with the removal of nitrates from water in a way that com-

plements on farm nutrient management. “Carex secta colonises denitrifying bacteria in its roots which helps to nat-

urally denitrify water and prevent sediment build up.” Back in 2019, when the first shareholder

meeting was held at a neighbouring farm, the Whytes weren’t sure what the biodiversity project would involve but were

happy for Cameron to visit their property and haven’t looked back since then. Brian Whyte was particularly interested

in attempting to propagate native broom, which grows along the roadside of their property, and planting it along the banks of their restoration site. “When Dan first visited, I showed him the native broom that was growing along the road. Getting seed off it and managing to grow some in our greenhouse has been quite thrilling for me.” Cameron says being able to reverse the decline of indigenous biodiversity and witnessing the broom naturally regenerate at the planting site has been one of the highlights of working with the Whytes. “Being able to harvest seeds from the native broom and growing what would have been naturally growing in the area before land use development is something quite rare. What is even more exciting is seeing broom naturally pop up at the planting site.”

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

14 SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

Solar power helping boost rural capacity NIGEL MALTHUS

ADDING SOLAR power generation to the rural economy is picking up pace, with one of the country’s leading solar generation companies

announcing plans for another 150 GWh (gigawatt-hours) per year at three Canterbury sites. Lodestone Energy says it has consents for agrivoltaic solar farms at Clandeboye, Mount Somers

and Dunsandel. Daniel Cunningham, Lodestone’s general manager development, says, “In keeping with Lodestone’s agrivoltaic approach for all farms, the Dunsan-

Lodestone Energy says it has consents for agrivoltaic solar farms at Clandeboye, Mount Somers and Dunsandel.

del farm, which recently received consent approval from Selwyn Council, is located on a 100-hectare block leased to Lodestone and will continue to maintain productive farming activity.

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“This combined use of agricultural and solar productivity results in more efficient use of the land and creates new value for the nation.” The Dunsandel farm will connect via Orion’s new Norwood GXP (Grid Exit Point, a facility where Transpower’s national grid interfaces with a local distribution network), while the Clandeboye and Mount Somers farms will connect to the Alpine Energy and Electricity Ashburton networks respectively. Construction for all three is planned from this year through to 2026. Lodestone came online last year with the country’s largest gridconnected solar farm, at Kaitaia, and has four more in development at Edgecumbe, Waiotahe, Whitianga and Dargaville. Lodestone managing director Gary Holden says diversifying into the South Island is a key part of the company strategy. “Getting enough volume, coming on-line with pace, is a critical part of satisfying consumer demand. “Our objective is to ensure the farms are welcomed by local councils and neighbours and to find as many like-minded customers as we can. In the end, those willing to invite these farms into their future planning will play a key role in the energy transition to an electricity market with 100% renewable energy.” Meanwhile, another agrivoltaic developer, Far North Solar Farm (FNSF) is seeking resource consent for a large development near Twizel and Lake Benmore in the Mackenzie basin. FNSF, which already has several North Island plants underway as well as one at Waipara in North Canterbury, says the 420MWp (megawatt peak) solar farm would

produce enough renewable electricity to power around 100,000 homes and also create the largest ecological restoration project ever undertaken in the area. The site is currently in cropping and dairy support. FNSF says it was chosen as it is flat and sits within an already highly modified landscape of existing power infrastructure beside the Ohau C hydropower station and national electricity grid transmission lines. FNSF director John Telfer says at least 89ha of the site would be ecologically restored and the company was actively working with stakeholders to refine how other conservation values could also be achieved. “The environmental restoration plans will see upwards of 500,000 native plants indigenous to the area reintroduced, providing a significant increase in the overall ecological value of the site as it currently exists. On top of that, we’re also looking at how we can use the solar farm to act as a sanctuary for some of the lesser known but equally threatened insect species we have in the Mackenzie. “Panels will only cover around 30% of the entire site and the perimeter will be fenced off from pests, so it’s perfect for invertebrates. Everyone involved is excited by the conservation potential we could achieve, and we’ve been told nothing else like it has ever been attempted in the Mackenzie on this scale,” said Telfer. Consent was refused for a solar farm near Tekapo due to ecological concerns but Telfer said a major difference with the proposed site is that farming activities have already destroyed any ecological value.

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS 15

Alliance cuts a Lorneville chain SOUTHERN MEAT processor Alliance Group will not be starting its sixth sheepmeat processing chain at its Lorneville meat works in Southland this season. The company has blamed a combination of increasing costs, falling sheep numbers and improved efficiency throughout its network for the move. Management at the Invercargill-based plant believes throughput will be maintained, with workers redeployed to minimise any job losses. Lorneville normally has six chains working by Christmas, but chief executive Willie Wiese says the decision not to start the sixth one this year only applies to this season. “We looked at the fiveyear average, the current

livestock census and the forecast farmer supply as it has played out, and we can accommodate that volume across our network,” he explains. He denies that the decision is in response to Alliance’s $97.9 million loss before tax recorded late last year. Wiese claims that loss was due to revalued inventory, soft markets and the cost from the early recruitment of staff early ahead of an anticipated dry summer that never eventuated. He adds that Alliance is focusing on becoming New Zealand’s most efficient meat processing company. “We are making sure that as we build to become the country’s most efficient meat processor, we can also look at what are our capacity

A combination of increasing costs, falling sheep numbers and improved efficiency is behind Alliance’s move not operate a sixth chain at Lonreville this season.

needs are.” He says the company

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chain, but that came with the added cost of finding

accommodation. Alliance’s process-

ing and safety manager Wayne Shaw says there will be no issues for farmers wanting to get stock killed. “We do not believe the proposed reconfiguration (dropping the chain at Lorneville) will have a material impact on the ability of farmers to get their livestock processed.” He says Alliance keep an eye on the situation – especially during extreme dry conditions. Shaw concedes that there will be fewer fulltime employees at Lorneville, but says it was too early to confirm how many workers will be directly impacted. It is believed that closing the chain at Lorneville will reduce Alliance’s reliance on overseas labour, which has peaked at around 200 people in recent seasons.

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

16 SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

Deer pioneers out on a high DAVID AND Lynley Stevens have finished up running the well-known Northern Southland Netherdale Red Deer Stud and have gone out on

a high. A final bid of $100,000 for an awardwinning stag was the highlight of the final sale for the velvet deer breeder. At the sale, held

earlier this month, a total, 24 three-year-old sire stags were sold for an average of $19,000 – including the top price of $100,000.

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from the UK and Europe to improve the genetics enhancing existing bloodlines. A Netherdale stag set a record price for the stud when it sold for $135,000 in 2022. During the 1980’s AI, embryo transfer and embryo splitting were carried out making for very exciting times within the deer industry. In 1996 a deer complex was built, at which stag sales have been held annually with the 37th and last sale being held in 2024. Over the years, Netherdale has featured consistently in the NZ National Velvet & Trophy

Antler Awards winning the three-year-old class many times. The 2024 sire sale saw an average of velvet weight of 9kg per animal. Stevens has also dedicated four decades of membership and service with the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association (NZDFA). He was national president from 1999 to 2001 and served as the past-chairman of the NZDFA Selection & Appointment Panel, a member of the NVSB, as well as maintaining an active role in the Southland Committee. In recognition of his remarkable commitment

to deer farming in NZ, Stevens was honoured in 2015 with a NZDFA Life membership and the esteemed Deer Industry Award. He was also given a life membership award in 2006 of the Southland Deer Farmers Branch. While the Stevens have wound down their stud operation, they remain committed to the deer industry. They will continue to live at Netherdale and farm a small herd of 100 hinds and a flock of Wiltshire sheep. Their daughter Tania and her husband Alan Clarke will continue to lease part of the property.

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Closing the stud will allow the couple to get away from the farm when they wanted. In retirement, they will continue to live and farm at Netherdale. Stevens says he will also provide advice to the Hudson family, of South Canterbury who have purchased the stud in 2022, to ensure a “seamless shift” of his deer into their farm operation. Stevens first went in deer farming back in 1982. In those early years, the herd was culled hard for temperament with strong emphasis placed on velvet production. Deer were imported

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS 17

Some real meaty issues ahead for red meat sector LEO ARGENT

THERE’S A glimmer of hope that NZ red meat producers will have a better year in 2024, despite Rabobank’s most recent annual Global Animal Protein Production Outlook report predicting a slowdown or decline across some protein types this year. Rabobank global strategist animal protein Justin Sherrard says NZ beef production for 2024 is expected to fall around 3% because of ongoing contraction in dairy and beef herds. “[However] the contraction in the US beef production system should support beef export

prices and, in turn, cattle prices,” he explains. “While increased Australian volumes will keep prices competitive. We believe a lift in US import demand should see New Zealand cattle prices trade slightly above the five-year average through 2024.” Meanwhile, improving ewe numbers and breeding conditions are expected to lead to higher lamb numbers and an increase in sheepmeat production and exportable lamb volumes in 2024. While 2023 had seen softer than expected global demand combined with higher Australian volumes, Sherrard

NZ beef production in 2024 is expected to fall around 3% because of ongoing contraction in dairy and beef herds.

believes there will be a gradual improvement in global markets in 2024 with slightly stronger prices, although ongoing large volumes from

Australia will still limit upside. “With forecast beef and lamb production close to the five-year average, New Zealand

producers will be looking for an increase in global demand to support livestock prices.” The report says ongoing pressure – particu-

larly environmental – on New Zealand’s livestock industries will continue in 2024 and prevent any major production growth. It also says producers and processors will need to adapt to sustain success amid tight margins. With higher production costs, adverse weather and tighter supplies is expected to push animal protein prices up. However, a constraint in global consumption may lead to pressure on processors to invest in upgrading production systems to serve emerging market needs, meet regulatory requirements and cater to changing consumer preferences around sustainability.

The report also points to demographic shifts that will see the labour market tighten and raise production costs, while reduced population growth will slow consumption. Production in the major markets is forecast to grow 600,000 tons to a total of 247 million tons next year, compared to a 2.1M ton growth in 2023. Sherrard says it was a testament to the resilience and flexibility of companies along animal protein supply chains that they continue to grow production and deliver on customers’ demands amid such challenging market conditions.

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

18 SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

Research identifies weeds as a billion-dollar potential threat IF NOTHING was done to stop Chilean needle grass, it could spread through most of New Zealand and eventually cost the country over a billion dollars.

That predication comes following newly published research. The potential ‘sleeper weed’ Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) is known to have already

taken hold in Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury, and Marlborough. It has sharp penetrating seeds that cause blindness in livestock, pelt and carcass damage – as well

as the loss in pasture quality and grazing access leading to farm production to take a financial hit. This weed is one of approximately 22,000

species of introduced plants in New Zealand. The scientific challenge is to identify those that pose an economic or environmental threat before they become

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Chilean needle grass has sharp penetrating seeds that cause blindness in livestock, pelt and carcass damage – as well as the loss in pasture quality and grazing.

widespread. These sleeper weeds can then be prioritised by authorities – such as regional councils and the Department of Conservation for management to prevent their spread. “The exciting part is that we now have the ability – through our research – to develop models and tools to identify sleeper weeds,” says AgResearch principal scientist Dr Graeme Bourdôt. “And predict how and where they will spread in a changing climate and estimate the economic and environmental damage that would result.” He adds that AgResearch has worked with Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research on analysing various management scenarios for sleeper pests in general. “We are currently working with regional councils, DOC and the Ministry of Primary Industries to develop a web-based tool that will enable informed decisions about investing in sleeper weed management programmes”. The newly published research about Chilean needle grass is in the science journal PLOS One,

authored by Bourdôt and AgResearch colleague Dr Chris Buddenhagen. The research combined climate niche modelling (to estimate the potential range of the species in New Zealand) and a spread model (to estimate the future economic losses under a “do nothing” scenario) to determine the benefits of stopping its spread. Under realistic low and high estimates of this weed’s spread rate, where it takes either 201 or 100 years to reach 90% occupation of its potential climatically suitable range covering 3.96 million hectares, the loss to the pastoral sector is $192 million and $1.16 billion respectively. These losses would justify annual expenditures to prevent the spread of $5.3m and $34m respectively, the research claims. “This bio-economic modelling reveals that a nationally coordinated approach to managing Chilean needle grass makes best economic sense,” Buddenhagen says. “This would include surveillance in susceptible regions and control measures in the infested regions.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

She’s shear class! BEN CHAPMAN-SMITH

THE RISE and rise of top-class female shearers is a growing phenomenon in NZ – especially during recent times. During the recent summer, a number of local female shearers set and then reset numerous shearing records. Included in this neverending role of honour were the world record efforts of the likes of Amy Silcock, Catherine Mullooly, Sasha Bond, Megan Whitehead, Sarah Higgins and Natalya Rangiwha to name a few. It is no wonder Gisborne teenagers Jodiesha Kirkpatrick is sharpening her combs and cutters for her first crack at full-time shearing. The 17-year-old recently grabbed the farming world’s attention recently when Federated Farmers posted a Facebook photo showing Kirkpatrick holding her 200th lamb shorn in one day. Kirkpatrick says she’s very much still learning, but she’s proud to have hit the milestone. “I started doing all the last sides for dad on his farm about two years ago, when I was 15. The last side is the easiest part of the sheep to shear, so he’d make me do that,” she explains. “I didn’t know how to shear a full sheep until last year and this main shear coming up over summer will be my first full-time shearing. I just want to get better, and my next goal is 200 ewes.” Kirkpatrick reached her impressive 200-lamb

tally in November while shearing for Federated Farmers national meat & wool chair Toby Williams, on his Pihitia Station just north of Gisborne. Williams describes the teenager as “a fantastic shearer” who takes her time and focuses on quality. “The big thing about Jodiesha is she didn’t rush out and try to do 200 – she just did 200 really well-shorn sheep,” he says. “There’s a saying among the good shearers that you focus on quality and the pace will come. Jodiesha’s parents, Ian and LilyBeth, have instilled that in her and in all their shearers. It’s about quality, with nice pink sheep coming out.” Those in the shearing community won’t be surprised at Jodiesha’s prowess with a handpiece, given her pedigree. Ian and LilyBeth were, until recently, long-time shearing contractors and organisers of the Gisborne Shearing and Woolhandling Championships at the Poverty Bay A&P Show. Jodiesha’s brother Ian ( junior) was the 2008 top-ranked intermediate shearer and winner of both the Golden Shears and New Zealand Shears intermediate finals, a treble he repeated in the senior grade in 2009. Meanwhile, her uncle John Kirkpatrick is a legend of the sport, winner of more than 200 Open titles worldwide, including World Championship 2017, multiple Golden Shears Open titles and New Zealand Shears Open titles.

There’s plenty of other shearing and sporting talent in the Kirkpatrick line. Jodiesha has already achieved competitive success too, including third in the junior shearing final and second in the junior woolhandling final at the Central Hawke’s Bay A&P Show in Waipukurau in November. Kirkpatrick says she finished school at 15 because she knew what she wanted to do for a living. “I left school to help my parents with their shearing contract – they needed some more workers – but mostly because I like doing it. Shearing is what I see myself doing in the future.” Shearing is far more than just a job, she adds. “It’s good money but it’s also a good lifestyle and it can take you heaps of different places, getting you out of your hometown. And working with heaps of older people is cool because I learn a lot from them, and I enjoy hearing their stories.” Kirkpatrick has already worked as a rousie in the South Island and is keen to shear in other parts of the country. Overseas destinations high on her list include Italy and Australia. People she’s inspired by include her dad, brothers, and boss Tama Niania, who owns the run formerly owned by her parents. Where does she see herself 10 years from now? “Still shearing, going faster,” she quips.

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS 19

Teenager Jodiesha Kirkpatrick grabbed the farming world’s attention when she recently shore 200 lambs in one day.

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

20 SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

‘Claasy’ hybrid combine harvester tested a combine harvester fitted with a part electric drive system. In addition, working with fellow German company Liebherr, it has also

MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

HARVESTING AND tractor specialist Claas has developed and field

developed a 100% electric telehandler. The semi-electric combine, concept allows selfpropelled machines that would normally be pow-

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The semi-electric combine, normally be powered by a 626hp (460kw) powerplant to run on a less powerful 536hp (400kW) engine.

ered by a 626hp (460kw) powerplant to run on a less powerful 536hp (400kW) engine. A further benefit is that the smaller engine can operate at 1600rpm, instead of the normal 1800rpm. This smaller engine and reduced speed is compensated for by a 40kW electric motor, that in more power-hungry situations, such as in high-yielding areas, travelling uphill or emptying the grain tank, provides the mechanical driveline with a short term electric power boost. Replacing the conventional maximum output provided by the diesel block, the electrical support enables peak loads to be bridged, allowing the combine to consistently operate in the optimum performance range. Flattening peak loads, the hybrid concept is claimed to reduce fuel

consumption by up to 10%. In easier conditions where the full power of the diesel engine is not needed, a generator provides a regenerative function, converting excess power into electricity to be stored in the 3kWh battery. The semi-electric system operates in the low, sub 60v range, so does not require the complex safety precautions associated with highervoltage drives. Claas says that this means maintenance can be carried out without any special training. At this stage, the project is still at the early concept and testing stages, and it is not yet known if the system will make it to the production stage. In other Claas news, the company is the latest to approve hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) for its products, although it

is already widely marketed as a direct dropin replacement for diesel fuel. However, the company notes in its latest bulletin that while battery power may be suitable for lighter applications, an electrically powered Jaguar forage harvester would need to be twice the size and weight to provide the same power and range as the current diesel models, so for the foreseeable future, “traditional” fuels will continue to be important. Keeping the diesel engine as the primary power source is seen as essential by the company. Dr Martin von Hoyningen-Huene, who heads the tractor division, notes that “there are no real alternatives to the combustion engine for highperformance agricultural machines in the foreseeable future”.

SEE US AT SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS - SITE 361A

The company also states that gaseous fuels such as methane or hydrogen also have significant disadvantages in terms of their energy density and thus their energy storage requirements, while the infrastructure for supply and storage of these materials is still a long way away. It would appear that for now, Claas has decided that there is no other viable or convenient method of supplying energy to a tractor, hence the company’s full backing of HVO as fuel to help reduce carbon emissions. From October 1, the company states that all tractors and harvesters leaving Le Mans will be fuelled at the factory with HVO and that Claas fully recognises it as a substitute for mineral-sourced diesel. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS 21

New technology shows a better way to spray markd@ruralnews.co.nz

AGRI-TECH INNOVATION company MagrowTec has announced a national distribution agreement with spray equipment manufacturer Croplands who operate via a network of more than 170 dealerships across the Australian and

users of the technology are seeing the benefits of improved crop protection but are also realising that their spraying program is becoming more efficient by either reducing the number of sprays required or by not having to increase their water rate to do a better job. “This technology will help optimise a grow-

“We are proudly partnering with MagrowTec to bring their magnetic spray technology solution to both Australian and New Zealand growers.” New Zealand territories. During the last three years of its decade-long global journey, MagrowTec has been introducing its magnetically assisted spray technology to the ANZ markets, so the new partnership aims to extend its reach to a wider number of growers in these territories. During the introductory period, the company worked with leading growers, conducting rigorous in-field crop science studies, consistently showcasing the substantial agronomic advantages of the ‘MagrowTec Effect.’ In practice, the “effect” involves the production of a higher quantity of appropriately sized droplets that adhere to the plant more effectively, resulting in enhanced foliage coverage, superior canopy penetration, improved water management, and reduced drift. The simplicity lies not only in the benefits imparted by the magnetic fields into the fluid but also in the fact that the system can be easily installed on new, or retro-fitted to any boom sprayer, requires no power, contains no electronics, can be transferred to new boom sprayers, and is virtually maintenance-free. James Turtle, for MagrowTec Southern Australia says, “Current

er’s chemical application and deliver an excellent return on investment. Every time you spray, you will land more droplets and therefore chemical on the target, resulting in improved crop health and better agronomic outcomes, putting more dollars back into your pocket.” Sean Mulvaney, general manager Croplands, says, “We are proudly partnering with MagrowTec to bring their magnetic spray technology solution to both Australian and New Zealand growers. “Equally exciting is that the solution can be retrofitted to existing boom sprayers or onto new builds.” As a subsidiary of crop protection company Nufarm Ltd, alongside agricultural seed company Nuseed, Croplands, with over 50 years in the industry, has a deep understanding of the importance of effective and efficient chemical application. With manufacturing and marketing operations based in Australia and New Zealand and WEEDIT optical spot spraying technology distribution agreements in Canada, the company designs and delivers spraying solutions and customer support to ensure growers stay at the forefront of agricultural production.

MagrowTec has been introducing its magnetically assisted spray technology to markets.

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T&Cs: Offer is available on new Suzuki KingQuad financed between 1/2/24 and 30/4/24 at participating Suzuki dealers. Finance offer is based on no deposit, 5.99% p.a. interest rate, and is fixed for 36 months. A PPSR fee of $10.35, a monthly maintenance fee of $2, a UDC loan fee of $130 and a dealer origination fee of $250 will apply. The loan is provided by UDC Finance Limited. UDC’s lending criteria and standard terms and conditions apply. Offer not available in conjunction with any other promotion, while stock lasts.

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

22 SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

Reduce your weed burden MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WEED WIPING has taken many formats over the last 50 years or

more, with some systems achieving much better results than others. The Ashburton-manufactured Rotowiper system applies more

chemical onto the plant than any other type of weed wiper applicator, delivering sufficient chemical to kill problem weeds in a single pass

across the paddock. The exceptional results, alongside reduced running costs and less chemical use compared to conventional spraying, raises the question why some farmers are not reducing their weed burden with such an efficient tool. With land values rising or even holding, giving over paddocks to weeds is hard to understand, with

Heiniger capital equipment, is trusted by New Zealand farmers, contractors and shearers to get the job done safely and efficiently.

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Rotowiper system claims to apply more chemical onto the plant than any other type of weed wiper applicator.

equipment

some farmers still failing to realise that problem weeds will not disappear on their own and there is an actual cost attached to letting them to survive. Weeds will choke out your grasses and clovers, resulting in reduced production, meaning reduced revenue and profit margin. For a small capital outlay, the addition of a Rotowiper to a farm’s

machinery fleet allows users to tackle this problem in a cost-effective manner, with the concept on using expensive chemicals when the problem weed encounters the applicator roller. The efficacy of the application is also greatly improved as the machine applies chemical to the more vulnerable underside of the leaf and the plant stem.

There are also ecological benefits as there is no spray drift, so applications can be undertaken even on windy days, there is no need for a blanket coverage as the applicator only applies chemical to the weeds that sit above the crop. Evolving since its introduction, larger Rotowipers have been added to the range, with the 9-metre FU 900 three point linkage machine released in 2022, while 12-metre machines have become more common and bespoke machines created with a 24-metre working width. As technology has evolved, these larger machines can now be equipped with auto functions and easy to use electric over hydraulic controls. www.rotowiper.com

A HANDY PIECE Evo Shearing Plant The world’s leading shearers trust the #1 selling shearing plant in the world, winner of multiple WorkSafe awards. The Evo delivers industry leading safety features, impressive performance and superb reliability.

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HANDYPIECE IS a fully portable shearing handpiece being used by thousands of farmers and ag workers, in diverse roles across the globe. While the main use is sheep shearing, it is also finding favour with those operators crutching, dagging, cow tail trimming and cattle branding, alongside alpaca and goat shearing, TB testing of deer, grass sampling and plant trimming. The Handypiece Pro has variable speed ranging from 2400 – 3500rpm. Dagging, crutching and trimming cows’ tails operate well at a mid-speed of 2700rpm, while anyone wanting to get a nice cut while shearing can wind it all the way up to 3500rpm. The brushless motor means the battery lasts even longer and it is possible to crutch up to 300-400 sheep from one battery charge. The Handypiece kit comes with 12 amp/hr and 6 amp/ hr batteries, battery charger, a belt, holster and pouch all made from heavy-duty leather, 5m extension cord and a carry kit bag.

SEE US AT SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS - SITE 361A

While the main use of Handypiece is sheep shearing, it is also finding favour with other operators.

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

S SOUT EE US AT HERN THE SITE FIELD DAY 261 S

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS 23 Plus-sized tractor manufacturer Buhler Industries has been bought by Turkish business ASKO Holding.

morrifield CELEBRATING

40 YEARS IN BUSINESS 1980-2020

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Turkish delight for tractor maker MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

LATE LAST year saw a lifeline thrown to plus-sized tractor manufacturer Buhler Industries, via its acquisition by Turkish business ASKO Holding. Başak Traktör, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of ASKO Holding, completed the previously announced acquisition of Buhler, which in turn is owned by Combine Factory Rostselmash Ltd – best known for building combine harvesters. In addition, Başak Traktör acquired all the outstanding debt of

Buhler Industries that was owed to parent company Rostselmash. The aggregate cash purchase price paid by ASKO Holding was CAD$60.5 million. The transaction, made up of CAD$28.2 million for the company shares, around $4 million in transaction costs and the remainder in settlement of the debt, with delivery of 96.7% of the Buhler company shares. Best known for its Versatile and Farm King brands, since the company started operating around 50 years ago, Versatile has the claim of being the first North American

manufacturer to massproduce and market articulated four-wheel drive tractors. Its plant on Clarence Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada has built over 100,000 tractors. Today’s line-up includes articulating fourwheel drive tractors from 405 to 620hp, tracked units from 530 to 620hp and fixed-frame frontwheel assist tractor models from 175 to 365hp. A complete line of tillage equipment is complemented by Farm King, whose products include grain augers, mowers, bale carriers, snowblowers and compact implements.

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

24 SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

Norwood appoints new CEO FARM MACHINERY importer and retailer Norwood has announced the appointment of Aaron Smith as the new chief executive officer of CB Norwood Distributors Limited. With a career spanning 34 years, Aaron started as an apprentice diesel mechanic and progressed through executive management roles in the capital equipment sector, most recently as chief executive officer of Keith Andrews Trucks, and previously as general manager at Gough TWL and Group Transpecs. “We are excited to welcome Aaron as he brings extensive experience in supplier relationships, retail sales, and aftersales service. The combination of his experience, knowledge, and drive makes him an ideal fit for the next stages of growth for Norwood,” says Men Form-Zuellig,

Norwood chairman. “I’m thrilled to be joining Norwood and look forward to working with the entire team to build on the legacy they have built over the last 75 years,” says Aaron Smith, incoming chief executive officer. Aaron will take over from Tim Fanning, who has filled the void since the departure of previous CEO Tim Myers, and who will take over the role of chief operating officer. “We want to thank Tim for leading Norwood during the interim period,” says Men. “This year has been tough, with challenging business and economic conditions. We look forward to working with Aaron and all the Norwood employees to continue serving the agricultural and construction sectors of New Zealand.”

Farm machinery trader Norwood has appointed Aaron Smith (inset) as the new chief executive officer of CB Norwood Distributors Limited.

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 25

Oz tractor sales in reverse MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

GIVEN THAT the Australian tractor and machinery market saw meteoric sales in 2021 and 2022, it was always expected that 2023 would be a little tempered. December followed a pattern of declines seen earlier in the year, with tractor sales for the month at around 1100 units and 35% behind the same month last year, bringing the year-to-date figure to 14,500, a 25% fall over the same period in 2022. The picture was a little brighter in dollar terms, with sales 13% ahead of the same month last year, but ending the year 14.5% in arrears of 2022, suggesting that the biggest declines had occurred in the smaller size ranges. Deficits were experienced in all categories, with the only exception being the over 200hp (150kW) range which climbed 117% on the same month last year and finished the year just 6% behind 2023. Much of the activity for larger tractors appears to have occurred in Western Australia, where a late rush to deliver machines by year end played a part in the final tally. The under 40hp (30kW) category was down 56% for the month of December and is now

30% behind 2022, with industry experts noting that this “leisure” market has always been susceptible to interest rate rises, which had driven the result. In the 40 to 100hp (30-75kW) sector, the result for the last month of the year was down 45% and finished 28% behind year to date, while the 100 to 200hp (75-150kW) category was down 37%, ending 26% behind YTD. Around the country, all states experienced significant drops in December, with Queensland, down 33% month-onmonth against 2022 and 23% behind for the year. NSW was down 35% to be 27% off YTD, while Victoria was off 49% and ended 31% behind the last year. Sales in Western Australia were down 8% and ended 18% behind last year; South Australia was down 15% against the same month last year, 16% behind full year; Tasmania was off 30% for the month, 22% full year; with sales in the NT finishing 19% down for the year. Sales of combine harvesters finished the year strongly, taking the full year tally to just under 1100 units, down 7% on 2022, while baler sales continued mixed fortunes throughout the year, down 20% on December and finishing the year just two units under last

year’s total. The outlook for 2024 suggests a return to more ‘normal’ levels, however the combination of things like the El Nino effect

Tractor sales in Australia fell last year.

and ongoing supply chain challenges makes accurate forecasting as challenging as it has ever been. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE TO KEEP YOU

GROWING

With 16 dealerships and 1 partner dealer holding up to half a million parts, over 60 highly trained field technicians, a team of dedicated professionals and an extensive range of new and used CLAAS and other leading brands, you can be confident CLAAS Harvest Centre is here to keep you growing.

CALL YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS

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RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

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BAY OF PLENTY Rotorua 07 345 5599

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CANTERBURY Ashburton 03 307 9400

OTAGO Dunedin 03 489 8886

SOUTHLAND Gore 03 263 1000

CENTRAL DISTRICTS Feilding 06 323 0101

TARANAKI Hawera 06 278 0020

Christchurch 03 341 6900

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WAIKATO Rukuhia 07 843 9100

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WESTLAND Greymouth 03 755 8450

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Waipara 03 314 6899

PUKEKOHE Roger Gill Agriculture

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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 30, 2024

26 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER

Something for everyone at 2024 farming expo INNOVATION AND excellence top bills the trade exhibits at the 2024 East Coast Farming Expo. Event organiser Sue Wilson says the goal is always to find the very best for the popular mid-week two-day Expo, hosted annually in Wairoa. “We are delighted with the calibre of trade exhibits this year,” she says. “There are some really exciting innovative stuff heading our way. There really is something for everyone.” Some of those exhibitors had kindly donated their fee and sponsorship from the cancelled 2023 Expo to support the rural communities with the Backyard BBQs run by the Wairoa Community Development Trust, who are also the backers of the Expo. Wilson extended a huge thanks to those businesses who had happily left their money in to support those hit so hard by the adverse weather conditions, and they will be recognised during the Expo. Included in the list attending the 2024 Expo are agricultural drone spraying, the latest technology from Gallagher, examples of limitless rotational grazing for the dairy and beef industries, advice on how to unlock precision pasture management and Halter guidance on a drive to more

profitable farms. “Farmers will hear the facts that are backed by the science,” she says. “The past couple of years of extreme weather have been very challenging for us all, and this is an opportunity to talk to people who can help them build back to smarter. It is all about innovation.” Gallagher Animal Management are first time exhibitors at the Expo, and for sales and marketing coordinator Sydney Richardson it is a chance to connect directly with local farmers. “It’s more than just business for us,” she says. “It is a chance to better understand their unique needs and tailor our solutions accordingly.” It is also an opportunity for the Gallagher team to gain insights from customers and understand the pain points inside the farm gate. That knowledge contributes to delivering product solutions through the voice of customer feedback. “We have launched some exciting new products throughout the year which we believe can add real value on farm, so we are excited to present these to our East Coast customers. We are about finding solutions to real problems to make life easier and more productive.”

Kelso Genetics’ Matt Holden (left) with Olivia Ellis are one of several trade exhibitors who will be back at the East Coast Farming Expo in February.

EXPO DETAILS WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: MORE INFO:

East Coast Farming Expo February 21-22, 2024 Wairoa Racecourse http://www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz/

Richardson says Gallagher understands the urgency of rebuilding infrastructure due to the impacts of the cyclone. “First and foremost, our attendance is about showing our support,” she adds. “It is all about looking out for one another. We want to contribute to the well-

being of farmers, their animals and their land for future generations.” The Expo is a hub for solutions, a place to exchange ideas and a platform to showcase innovations that directly benefit the local agricultural landscape. Ovis Management is a regular at the Expo.

“We partner with meat companies and farmers to raise awareness and encourage control of sheep measles as a subsidiary of the meat association industry,” says project manager Michelle Simpson. “We value the opportunity to discuss the impact of sheep measles with all dog owners to ensure that New Zealand provides the best quality sheep meat to our markets. The Expo is a critical event for us to be able to do this.” Kelso Genetics’ Matt Holden says the social value of the Expo is huge

SPRAY UNITS

for them – especially given the events of 2023. “Getting off farm and hearing from motivational and innovative speakers along with rubbing shoulders with fellow farmers and rural providers is invaluable,” he says. Kelso Genetics will have rams on display with the team happy to chat freely with clients and interested farmers about their ram breeding programme and how the company support their community. “The Expo brings out the amazing spirit that

30m Hose Reel c/w Spot 300 Spray Gun 650kg Break Strength Strapping

flows through our rural community,” Holden adds. “The social aspect is massive for family, friends, neighbours and work associates. Never underestimate a day off the farm at an event like this – it is educational, social and refreshing for our wellbeing.” The Expo is a key event for East Coast sheep and beef farmers and runs February 21-22. The cyclone forced the Expo to move to the Wairoa Racecourse but support continues to be huge for this popular event.

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CLOSING DOWN sale! BOOTS & RAINWEAR

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Thank you to all of our customers - it has been a pleasure serving you during Earthwalk’s 27 years of business!

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East Coast

Farming Expo 21-22 February 2024 Wairoa Racecourse

s r e m r a F st a o C C onne ct i ng East

Two days of exhibits, demonstrations & seminars for East Coast & Hawke’s Bay sheep & beef farmers Tickets available online or at the gate

eastcoastexpo.co.nz