Andrew Hoggard says the consenting experience facing some high-country Canterbury sheep and beef farms is “bloody tragic” and vindicates the Government’s move to abolish the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Hoggard says the RMA is only bringing uncertainty and turmoil to farming and he wants a commonsense approach from everyone until the new regulations kick in.
However, with the replacement legislation still in the pipeline, some
regional councils are using the RMA to hold costly publicly notified hearings to issue resource consents and review consent conditions.
In this case, four farms covering two main catchments of Ashburton Lakes, are facing lengthy and costly separate hearings at the hands of Environment Canterbury (ECan).
Three of the stations claim that ECan is showing a complete disregard for the RMA reform process and want the Government to intervene.
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds confirmed receiving a letter from the stations.
“I have received the letter, and
Collaboration is key
The Wairoa Manuherekia project, to improve environmental outcomes for the Manuherekia River and its tributaries in Otago, celebrated its first anniversary last week. Funded by the Government, the project has achieved great outcomes in its first year: planting 7.75 hectares with 15,000 plants on riparian, lake and wetland areas, building and repairing 67.7 kilometres of fencing, working with 12 landowners to support 14 wetland restorations through a contestable funding process, supporting willow removal and creating soil and landscape mapping to support farmers. Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard, pictured with project lead Clare Hadley, opened the celebration event and emphasised that collaboration was key to success.
the matter is of concern to me,” Simmonds told Rural News.
“Advice is being prepared for me, and I am discussing the situation with ministerial colleagues.”
Farmers say it appears that ECan are planning for separate hearings for each property with different timelines, despite the need for an across the catchment approach and efficiencies in cost and time management.
“There is little understanding of the financial impact or stress that this process has on farming families over an extended period of time – years in the process.
“ECan can be a leader of proposed
RMA reform but instead is pushing hard to get these farms through under the current framework with a tight timeframe with no regard for the future or the impact on the families or environment involved.”
The stations support a catchmentbased approach to improve water quality in the lakes but point out that public notification is likely to destroy the five years of work by the Otuwharekai working group.
Hoggard says he has spoken to the farmers but admits that the Government doesn’t have too many options.
“I just hope there is common sense;
A RECORD $10/kgMS opening forecast milk price for the new season means more money into Fonterra farmers pockets early, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.
The co-operative last week announced a wide range forecast of $8 to $11/kgMS for the 2025-26 season, which kicked off June 1. However, Fonterra has settled for a forecast price above the midpoint of the forecast range. Based on the $10/kgMS forecast, Fonterra farmers will get an advance rate of $7.50/kgMS for the first four months of the new season rising to $8.40/kgMS by May next year. McIntyre told Rural News that the high advance rate would mean more money into farmers’ pockets.
“This would improve cash flows; help farmers reduce bank debt and invest into farm machinery and maintenance,” he says. McIntyre says the record opening forecast milk price is also good news for the rural community.
“When dairy farmers do well, the benefits flow to the local communities and businesses.”
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says they expect demand to continue for now but acknowledged the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and the potential for a wider series of outcomes across the season. Fonterra also reaffirmed a milk price of $10/kgMS for the season that’s just ended.
THE GOLDEN weather of international trade is well and truly over, according to New Zealand’s top trade negotiator.
Speaking at DairyNZ’s Farmers Forum in Hamilton last week, Vangelis Vitalis, the deputy secretary for trade and economic warned that “the jungle is growing back”.
He told 300 dairy farmers and rural professionals that it wasn’t just the big powers like China and the US who are acting outside international trade rules.
35
“All the big players are starting to sit outside the rules, and the world is much more uncertain place for us now,” he says.
Vitalis says the golden weather for international trade began in 1985 and lasted until 2018 – a period where rules were enforceable.
He cited cases New Zealand took to the WTO and won: a dairy case against the EU, a sheepmeat case against the US and most recently, apple access into Australia.
He noted that Australia lost the case and had to open their markets to NZ apples.
“The rules worked; this was the golden weather. And protectionism, whether it was tariff or subsidies, they were coming down.”
Vitalis says in 2015 it was reasonable to assume that over the next 15-20 years, tariffs would really bottom out. However, this didn’t happen.
“This was the wonderful period; we
are not there anymore,” he says.
“The golden weather is well and truly over; the jungle’s growing back now.”
He adds that we are in a more challenging situation now, with the actions of US President Donald Trump.
But he says it’s not just the US behaving badly on international trade.
“Just ask Australia; they had their wine, sheepmeat and dairy trade cut off by China because then PM (Scott Morrison) Morrison made a comment about the origins of Covid.
“Within 48 hours, China had cut off all Australian exports. They’ve just, after nearly five years, just picked up that again.”
Vitalis says it’s not just about the US and China.
He says the big guys are all feeling that they can act outside the rules now.
“That is not something we are used to,” he says.
Consenting nightmare under RMA
if these farmers were seeking these consents into a year’s or two years’ time, they wouldn’t be facing this situation- it’s bloody tragic.”
Beef+Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland says the consenting experience of the four high-country sheep and beef farms shows an overhaul of the RMA is desperately needed.
“These farmers are likely facing costly and complex publicly notified consent hearings for the continuation of existing farming activities when a catchment approach is their preferred option,” Acland told Rural News.
She points out that these are not land-use change or intensification consents, and the costs of public
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hearings are untenable.
“We and the farmers involved are acutely aware this is a very sensitive receiving environment that is special and unique. These farmers have been working collectively and in conjunction with the wider community to improve the outcomes in the catchment.
“The current processes do not appear to recognise that these are existing farming activities, nor the huge amount of work these farmers are undertaking at the catchment scale to reduce impacts and improve water quality.
In a statement to Rural News, ECan’s regional leader consents delivery Henry Winchester says the
reforms initiated by the current government and a new planning regime for Canterbury may ultimately have an impact on lake health, but as the environmental regulator, ECan has an obligation to work under the existing RMA framework to progress the resource consent applications and consent reviews.
Winchester says ECan must follow the statutory process outlined in the RMA.
“This requires consent applications (including consent reviews) to be publicly notified where effects of proposed activities have “more than minor” effects on the environment.
Based on the current evidence available, an independent decision maker
has determined that (in 2 of the 4 cases decided so far) these activities require public notification.
“This does not mean that consent cannot be granted, but it does ensure that both the farmers and concerned members of the public can provide input as to whether the activities are appropriate and what mitigation may be required to address environmental effects.
“We acknowledge the landowners for their work to date and hope to continue working with their catchment group in future. Notification decisions are independent of this work.”
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Dairy conversions surge but no return to the heady days
ENVIRONMENT CAN-
TERBURY has confirmed a surge in interest in new dairy conversions, with four effluent discharge permits for conversions granted since the start of the year.
The surge is apparently prompted by the bumper $10/kgMS payout and the window of opportunity afforded by the repeal of the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater animal intensification regulations on January 1. However, industry players are not expecting a return to the heady days of the dairy boom of the late 2000’s – and Environment Canterbury (ECan) points out that while consents are no longer required for a change in land use to dairying, there are still consenting controls in place under the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP).
Karl Dean, Federated Farmers North Canterbury provincial president and former dairy chair, says the renewed interest in dairy conversions does not necessarily mean a big surge in cow numbers.
The rumoured 14 or 15 conversions had to be put into perspective, he told Rural News
“We’re not talking
about the big influx that we had when Southland had a whole lot of conversions, and Canterbury, in the mid to late 2000s.
“If anything, it might stop the cow numbers decreasing for a year, but the payout will do that as well.
“We’re not going to go back to the herd numbers that we had. Peak cow was about four or five years ago now, and we’re probably not going back to those numbers anytime soon.”
Dean says the expectation for any land use change now will be the protection of the environment, and the best way to do that is to use the technology now available to make sure they are being more efficient with all their systems including nutrients.
“It’s all about efficiency. The technology’s come a long way in the last 10 years.
“That’s just something you will expect to see in these conversions because they will be wanting to have their return off them very quickly.”
Dean points out that “there’s no new water” and the conversions would mostly be on already irrigated land. While some people will do a full conversion, others would be only partial.
A cropping farmer with 400ha might decide that 150ha would be better in dairy, and that would provide a more stable income than the cropping alone.
But for any farm in Canterbury, any con-
version will still have to meet the requirements of the Canterbury Land and Regional Water Plan, which has the nutrient allocation based on its existing nitrogen discharge baseline.
Dean said they still
NO NEW PEAK
FEDERATED FARMERS South Canterbury dairy section chair Jim Emmett said it would not be like the 2007 to 2009 period when there was some freedom to go and “chuck a dairy shed on any bit of land”.
“It’s going to have to be a very carefully considered and strategic piece of land that a dairy farm is suited to.”
A lot of farms that were already actively grazing cattle were probably suited to a dairying but it depended on what the new RMA defined as what can and can’t be done. “Over the last 20 years of the dairy industry we’ve got a lot of knowledge, and there’s a lot more
MY25 RANGER XP 1000 HD
won’t be able to release more nitrogen into the environment than they did in the 2009-2013 period. “It’s going to be done a lot smarter than just ‘smack the cowshed on and milk the cows’. It’s going to be a lot more
technology out there now so that we probably do things a lot more sustainably and responsibly.
“It’s just how we move forward as an industry with new conversions in a more responsible and sustainable way.”
Emmett believed the last dairy conversion completed in Canterbury was four years ago, close to where he farms at Rangitata.
“It is going to happen but it just might not be with the force and flurry that there was in that 2007-09 period that they called the dairy boom.”
Phil Read, a director and sales manager of Rangiora-based dairy shed manufacturer Read Indus-
maths involved, a lot more precision required.
“I think we’re going to see a bit of a jump for a year or so, and that’s going to be it. We’re not going to see another decade of conversions or anything like that.”
ECan’s general manager regulatory implementation, Paul Hulse, said that both existing and new dairy farms must hold consents for effluent discharges and may need a water permit for the take and use of water in the dairy shed.
He said that in the year up to May 22, ECan granted four effluent discharge permits for new dairy conversions. Three of them are within the Central Plains Water Ltd
trial, says they already have two confirmed conversion customers.
“Pretty much since the end of last year there’s been a number of farmers ringing up and looking at converting farms.
“A lot of them at the moment are just going through the process of seeing whether they are able to convert from whatever they are doing to dairying.
“And I think over the next few months, we’ll probably see a few of those come through.”
Read says conversions slowed down a lot over the last five or six years, and most of their new builds have been replacement sheds for existing dairy farms, the only
(CPW) command area, and the fourth in the Kurow Duntroon Irrigation Company command area.
The total maximum number of cows permitted across the four is 2,730. The land use change is from dairy support (two properties), one sheep and beef and one dairy support/arable.
A fifth consent, for a farm on Banks Peninsula, was originally granted in late 2024 and has also now been issued following the close-off of an appeal period in January. As of May 27, another two effluent discharge applications for new conversions are in progress, both in the CPW command area.
exception being a second shed going on the same farm.
“We’re still a long way off what we were 10 years ago as regards to conversions. But it seems to be that there’s a window of opportunity there at the moment and a few people trying to take advantage of it.”
The interest is not confined to Canterbury.
Anne Douglas, group director, Farm Source, said Fonterra was aware of a number of farms across the country converting or returning to dairy.
Those farms were in the early stages of the process and were still investigating their options.
NIGEL MALTHUS
Karl Dean, Federated Farmers, says the renewed interest in dairy conversions doesn’t mean a big surge in cow numbers.
Farmer trust in their banks still fragile
FARMERS ARE feeling more satisfied with their banks, but the situation remains fragile, says Federated Farmers.
Nearly 700 farmers responded to Federated Farmers’ May survey, with 60% of them ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their bank. That’s up from 53% in the November 2024 survey but well shy of the 80% peak rating recorded in 2017.
In the survey, 61% of farmers rated their bank’s communication as good or very good – the best result since 2020.
Just on 18% of farmers said they were feeling undue bank pressure, down from 24% six months earlier and the lowest rating recorded since 2018.
Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre says it’s good to see things are improving but farmers’ trust in their banks is still fragile.
“Where farmers have given positive feedback in the survey, it’s usually about their individual managers, not bank policy. When those individual staff leave, that trust can erode quickly,” he says.
“It’s helped that over the last year, banks have been grilled by the select committee inquiry on banking competition that Federated Farmers
pushed for,” McIntyre says.
He says that there has been a lot of scrutiny and banks have been feeling the pressure.
“So, it’s good to see them start to lift their game as a result.
“Many farmers said bank pressure has eased over the past six to 12 months, with some noting their bank had become more understanding or backed off earlier demands,” McIntyre says.
However, for those still under pressure, the situation remains serious.
McIntyre says a few farmers shared difficult stories with them, including being forced out of farming altogether.
The survey shows interest rates on farm mortgages have also eased by about 1% since late 2024 to an average of 6.52%.
“Even so, we’re still very concerned that, compared with average residential mortgage interest rates, farm mortgage interest rates are around 0.92% higher – and were about 1.12% higher late last year,” McIntrye says.
From 2016 until 2021, the margin of difference hovered between about 0.6% and 0.35%.
“These don’t seem like big differences, but when total agricultural lending is around $61 bil-
BIOSECURITY TOPS SURVEY
BIOSECURITY REMAINS the top priority for agribusiness leaders, according to KPMG’s 2025 Agribusiness Agenda released last week.
For the 15th year running, agribusiness leaders continue to view world-class biosecurity as the cornerstone of New Zealand’s agrifood reputation, particularly considering the incursions experienced in the last 12 months.
The leaders want ongoing investment and innovation in biosecurity systems to protect the sector’s long-term viability.
Now in its 16th year, the Agenda, titled ‘Turning talk into tasks’, draws on insights from almost 200 industry leaders, including farmers, growers, innovators, sustainability professionals, and emerging voices. It lists the top 10 priorities for leaders.
Ian Proudfoot, KPMG global head of agribusiness, says this year’s report is intended to be a provocation to the food and fibre sector around imagining what its potential could be in the future.
lion, a 1% margin difference puts $600 million of extra interest costs on the sector each year.
“It’s crazy how much more money farmers are having to shell out to the banks in interest payments.
“Part of the problem is the unnecessarily conservative Reserve Bank capital requirements, and the recent decision to review those settings is very welcome,” McIntyre says.
Richard McIntyre, Federated Farmers says farmers’ trust in their banks is still fragile.
On the road to recovery
Bay nigh impossible.
THE ROAD between Napier and Wairoa is on the mend.
That’s the message from Wairoa mayor Craig Little, who told Rural News he’s hopeful that when the next couple of stages of work are completed, it will make it even better.
Following Cyclone Gabrielle, the road was completely closed for three months, making the normal hour or so long journey to Hawke’s
For Wairoa residents, Hawke’s Bay is where they go for major medical appointments, it’s where the primary products go to the port of Napier and it’s the road that brings in normal supplies for the town.
It’s taken two years to get the road into a reasonable condition. At one stage when the road was opened it took at least another half hour to negotiate because of the repairs which reduced many sections of it to a single lane. Even now,
access across the Waikare river is by a single lane Bailey bridge and there are at least four sets of traffic lights in operation to allow repair work on the road to continue.
But on the positive side, Little says they have been blessed with good funding from NZTA which has made the recovery easier. He says the funding has logically come with specific conditions, but he says these have been fair and his council has not had a problem complying with these.
“Despite all this, I am 100% concerned about the overall fragility of the road and I keep reminding our people that what happened before could happen again. Quite honestly the state of the
present road, SH2, is still stopping people from Wairoa going to Hawke’s Bay,” he says.
Also, with the main SH2 being out for a long time, local roads to farms within the district have
RURAL WOMEN New Zealand (RWNZ) says it is delighted by the Government’s announcement that it would invest $250,000 in the organisation.
The investment was announced last month as part of Budget 2025 and is intended to help the organisation expand its reach during its centenary year.
RWNZ started out as part of the Farmer’s Union in 1925. Since then, the organisation has gone on to provide support and connection for rural women.
The organisation seeks to empower rural women and girls by encouraging members to develop
suffered even longer delays.
Little says the damaged infrastructure has caused major problems for farmers trying to get stock to the works or saleyards and getting sup-
skills through leadership roles within its branches.
In a statement on the organisation’s Linkedin page, it welcomed the Government’s investment.
“We are delighted with the announcement about funding to help us expand our reach during our centenary year and continue our vital role supporting rural families and communities,” RWNZ says.
Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg says that by backing RWNZ, the Government is investing in the strength and resilience of the rural sector itself.
plies for their farms. He says trucking companies haven’t been able to make two return trips from Wairoa to Napier in a day and this has added stress and cost to farmers and trucking companies alike.
“But it’s been a relatively good year for farming so the mood of people on the land has improved,” he says.
Little says the extra $219 million granted to the five local councils in Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti in the budget will help.
He says by the time it’s divided up amongst the five, the amount will not be huge, but it will help complete some important projects.
“This is about ensuring women have the resources and support they need to lead their communities into the next century,” Grigg says. “If agriculture is the backbone of the New Zealand economy, then rural women are its beating heart,” she says. “Rural women are at the heart of our rural economy – they lead businesses, care for families, and hold community together.”
The funding is part of a package of funding boosts announced in Budget 2025 valued at around $285 million. I ncluded in that package was $246 million over four years for a new Primary Sector Growth Fund; $2 million for a contestable rural wellbeing fund; $1 million additional funding for Rural Support Trusts; and approximately $36 million in funding for ongoing catchment group support.
PETER BURKE
JESSICA MARSHALL jessica@ruralnews.co.nz
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little
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Hustle through the storms
I’M UNASHAMEDLY
including in this op-ed a plug for one of AgriWomen’s Development Trust (AWDT’s) programmes. Not because there’s a shortage of things to write about — let’s be honest, there’s more going on in our sector than ever before.
I’m writing about it because now, more than ever, we need to bring our focus back to the basics – our business. The stuff we can control. In a world where the volume of white noise — regulation, politics, global pressure — keeps rising, we need to rebuild the muscle to tune it out, refocus, and navigate forward with clarity.
The weather is wild, markets are unpredictable, compliance keeps shifting, and conversations about social license, technology, and succession can feel like background static that never switches off.
But in all this noise, one thing remains constant: if you don’t know your own business, you’re in trouble.
That’s why programmes like Understanding Your Farming Business (UYFB) are more relevant than ever. They don’t offer a magic wand or predict the milk or meat price. What they do is something far more powerful – they help farmers build micro-strength. Everyday resilience that keeps the lights on, the animals fed, and the bank manager on side. They give clarity in chaos.
We talk a lot in agriculture about the big stuff. You all know I’m the worst; if its shiny and new, I’m talking about it – global trade, climate volatility, regulation, export markets. And yes, those things matter. But our ability to make the most of those macro waves comes down to what’s happening inside the farm gate. It’s about
micro decisions, the invisible daily grit, and the ability to make clearheaded calls in murky conditions.
That’s what Module 3 of the UYFB programme nails. It’s a practical tool – the FARM Decision Framework – designed to cut through the noise and help farmers make strong, structured decisions. And I don’t mean decisions in a shiny PowerPoint way. I mean the real stuff: Do we renew the lease? Do I need help to change my genetics?
Should we invest in that new piece of kit or land?
The tool itself sounds simple:
F
– Frame the problem
A – Analyse the parts
R – Review through SPOC (Systems, Processes, Operations, Commercials)
M
– Make and Monitor
You might say, ‘big deal, we already know that’. Yep, you do, but do you do anything with it? To know and not do is worse than not knowing. Because behind every farm decision is a storm
UNLOCKING BILLIONS FROM LAND
A NEW report from ASB and Lincoln University shows how smarter, more diverse land use could unlock billions in value for farmers and the wider economy.
The Future Use of Land and How to Fund It, a collaboration between ASB and Lincoln University’s Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agribusiness, outlines how land use optimisation across the food and fibre sector could significantly boost the country’s GDP, while also delivering
social and environmental benefits.
Developed with input from leaders across the primary sector, including dairy, horticulture, sheep and beef, agritech, finance and government, the report explores four possible futures for New Zealand. Each scenario focusses on a single factor that will impact the food and fibre sector, for example greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets, or the Government’s goal to double export values, and pushes them to the extreme, demon-
of variables – financial pressure, family dynamics, future risk, emotional fatigue.
What the FARM framework does is bring those variables into focus and filter the emotion with structure. It helps you ask better questions, test your assumptions, and pressure-test your thinking before the money’s spent or the fence is built.
One of the most profound things about this tool is that it doesn’t pretend certainty exists. It teaches us to make the best decisions without certainty. It accepts that life is complex, business is risky, and leadership is messy. And it says, “Cool – let’s work with what we’ve got”.
We’ve spent too long romanticising resilience as a character trait – like it’s something you’re born with or not. But resilience is built through structure. It’s built through systems and small wins and
strating the pressing need for change.
The research sets out seven transformational pathways, such as diversifying farm systems to introduce mixed revenue streams, increasing horticultural production, and unlocking underutilised Māori land. It demonstrates how better land use, paired with innovative funding, can unlock sustainable value across rural New Zealand.
Researchers have also developed a land transition model, providing
knowing your numbers. It’s built when you give yourself the tools to lead your business, not just react to it.
And that’s what UYFB gives people. It doesn’t lecture; it empowers. It builds confidence through clarity. It takes those often-invisible micro muscles and strengthens them so you can withstand the macro storm.
What I love about the FARM tool, and the broader UYFB Kaupapa, is that it honours gut instinct. It doesn’t try to replace your experience or tell you the ‘right’ answer. It sharpens your gut. It helps you back yourself with a bit more structure and a lot less stress.
If I could bottle up one thing from Module 3 and hand it out on every farm driveway in the country, it would be this:
You don’t need perfect information to make good decisions. You need a process, a mindset, and
land-use insights on a regional level. Agri-consultants can use the model to help inform potential paths forward for farmers.
“The food and fibre sector has always been a key driver of our economy, yet many producers operate on slim margins. We speak with farmers every week who are deeply committed to their land and legacy but grapple with viability, as they’re not getting the returns to operate sustainably into the future,” says ASB’s general man-
the confidence to move. Because here’s the truth — life has never been fair, and it’s never been certain. But that’s never stopped people from succeeding or stepping up to lead. Complexity isn’t a reason to give up on clarity — it’s the reason we need it.
In this noisy, volatile, demanding world, clarity is your competitive edge. It’s your anchor. And it starts by understanding your own farming business – not the mythical perfect farm, not the neighbour’s system, but yours. So don’t wait for certainty. It’s not coming. But you can build clarity. You can build confidence. And you can build a business that thrives, even when the forecast doesn’t.
Success isn’t just about surviving the storm. It’s about being strong enough to hustle your way through it.
• Julia Jones is the general manager of AWDT
ager rural banking, Aidan Gent.
“This research brings together the insights and tools to help landowners make informed decisions for future prosperity.”
Alan Renwick of Lincoln University says optimising land use by just 10% could add $10 billion in value to the economy if it’s done in the right way, and this or more could be achieved in the next 5-7 years.
JULIA JONES
Julia Jones
Fieldays 2025: MPI backing the primary sector to win
The Ministry for Primary Industries will be focused on agricultural science and practical help for farmers and growers at Fieldays 2025.
Across several sites, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will highlight the work happening across biosecurity, agriculture, science, forestry, trade, careers, and more.
Farmers, growers, and producers will find plenty of practical support and useful ideas, and MPI staff will be on hand to talk through the wide range of services available — including On Farm Support, farm and forestry advisory services, animal welfare guidance, Māori agribusiness support, and information on stock assessments and on-farm verification.
For our farmers, the Science for Farmers hub will feature tools, research, and insights that can help reduce emissions, manage environmental pressures, and improve on-farm productivity.
Farmers can also catch up with MPI’s On Farm Support team, who work directly with farmers and growers across the country to help better understand
regulations, adopt useful changes, and connect with funding and advice that fits your business.
Beyond the farm gate, visitors to MPI’s main site will get a look into New Zealand’s world-class biosecurity system and meet our frontline teams working every day to keep our country safe from harmful pests and diseases.
Visitors can learn more about our multi-layered biosecurity system and the processes that help safeguard our natural environ-
ment — and protect our multibillion-dollar primary industry exports.
MPI’s export advisers will be on hand in the Agricultural Pavilion, alongside New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), to provide tailored advice on requirements, market access, and how to grow your agribusiness. The release of the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report will provide an update on the export performance
MPI SITE: PD44
CAREERS HUB: E30
IT’S
of the food and fibre sector – and the road ahead.
New for 2025, the It’s Wool site shines a light on the future of wool, developed in partnership with MPI, Fieldays, and Wool Impact. Innovative companies like T&R Interiors (FLOC), Wisewool, and WRONZ will share more about how they are transforming wool into high-performance solutions for flooring, filtration, and furniture.
The Forestry Hub returns for its fourth year, with Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service and other sector organisations offering engaging exhibits on trees on farms, wood innovation, and sustainable forestry.
Visitors will see how trees on farms can boost productivity and resilience, how forestry adds value to our economy, environment and rural communities, and how wood-based innovation is opening the door to smarter, more sustainable land use.
Don’t miss the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards — celebrating people making a difference in native forest regeneration.
A few of MPI’s veterinarians, scientists, quarantine officers and fisheries officer will also be at the Fieldays Careers Hub (the Hub) to share about the wide range of careers in the food and fibre sector. From science to biosecurity to frontline roles, visitors can learn how they — or someone they know — can join a rewarding career in a growing sector.
New partners join Science for Farmers at Fieldays
Science for Farmers will return to National Fieldays 2025, connecting farmers and growers with some of New Zealand’s leading science and innovation to help boost on-farm profitability and improve environmental outcomes.
Following a successful launch in 2024, the site returns this year with an expanded group of sector partners showcasing the science driving more sustainable and productive farming across New Zealand.
The Science for Farmers site is a partnership between MPI’s On Farm Support service and industry partners AgResearch, AgriZeroNZ, LIC, Massey University, the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), as well as new collaborators DairyNZ and Pāmu.
MPI’s chief science adviser, Dr John Roche, says the initiative will give farmers and growers the opportunity to engage directly with experts, explore new innovations, and leave with actionable ideas to implement on their own farms.
“The interactive site aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and onfarm application, with exciting new exhibits focused on improving freshwater quality and on-farm performance featured this year,” Dr Roche says.
“One area of research will focus on genetic technologies designed to enhance on-farm efficiency and productivity, while another will explore strategies for farmers to adapt to a changing climate,” says Dr Roche.
“This includes studies on diverse pastures, heat-tolerant livestock genetics like the Slick gene, and the development of climate modelling tools to help support future-focused decisions.
“We’ll also be highlighting the latest tools and research to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, along with innovations and future
investment pathways.”
Another important feature of the site will be daily presentations from farmers and industry experts, offering practical insights to help farmers build more future-ready businesses.
The On Farm Support team and their research partners look forward to connecting
with more farmers and growers at Fieldays. Meet the team at the Science for Farmers site at E38 corner of E Street and M Road (previously the Sustainability Hub site).
For more information about On Farm Support visit www.mpi.govt.nz/on-farmsupport, call 0800 707 133 or email onfarmsupport@mpi.govt.nz
Latest developments in pasture management will be on show at the Science for Farmers site at Mystery Creek.
Science for Farmers showcases science driving innovation across New Zealand agriculture.
10 COMMENT
Changing global trade ties
I RECENTLY returned from a market visit overseas, including the United Kingdom and Europe. These are critical, historically important and increasingly high value markets for our red meat exports.
Over 45% of our lamb exports by value are sold into these markets. The EU is our highest value beef market and the UK is becoming increasingly important with growing sales under our bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The trip underscored how much the nature of our global relationships is evolving.
Where once our international engagements were dominated by tensions arising from our FTA negotiations, today there’s growing recognition that New Zealand is a reliable and consistent trading partner — one that plays a key role in keeping quality lamb on UK and European tables all year round.
More importantly, the trip confirmed we’re no longer seen as just exporters, but as partners facing many of the same
The conversation is shifting from competition to collaboration and the many opportunities we have to work together as farmers.
During the trip, I met with national farmer organisations across England, Wales and Ireland, as well as EU trade officials and industry groups.
Climate policy was a dominant theme, and the treatment of methane in international climate accounting was a shared frustration. Methane, a short-lived gas, is often bundled with long-lived gases like carbon dioxide, distorting its actual impact and unfairly penalising livestock farmers.
It does feel like we’re making some progress on this, however. Beef + Lamb New Zealand is working closely with key counterparts in the region on a joint position that reflects the latest science, which we’ll take wider to other groups and more countries.
We’re aligned in pushing for recognition of methane’s differ-
ent warming profile and advocating for fair, science-based targets in international frameworks like the Paris Agreement. With an expected UNFCCC review of how methane is treated in international policy in the next few years, now is the time to amplify this message and create a united global voice for sensible,
science-based policy.
On-farm, the discussions were equally strong. I spent time with farmers across the UK and Ireland comparing systems, discussing our different practices and the motivations for these.
Animal welfare was a central part of our conversations with industry and government, who
FMD AGREEMENT APPROVED
SHEEP AND beef farmers have voted to approve Beef + Lamb New Zealand signing an operational agreement between the agricultural sector and the Government on foot and mouth disease readiness and response.
OVER 96% of farmers voting in support.
reported that consumer expectations on this issue are increasing, with retailers playing a larger role in driving change.
This does increase pressure to continually demonstrate high standards, but New Zealand is in a strong position here. Our animal welfare and environmental standards are at least equivalent to, and often exceed, those in the UK and EU and farmer uptake of our farm assurance programme (NZFAP) was the envy of many.
In Brussels, EU trade officials acknowledged that visits to New Zealand farms were instrumental in reshaping perceptions during our FTA negotiations. Seeing our systems firsthand helped them understand that different farming practices can deliver equivalent animal welfare outcomes, not lesser — a critical point as we advocate for fair treatment in emerging barriers to trade.
In Wales, the conversation turned to biodiversity and government policies that incentivise land use change with schemes encouraging and incentivising farmers to
destock the hill country.
Local farmers expressed concern about the loss of their ‘upland’ farming heritage, the long-term impact on sheep numbers and the resulting impact on the rural economy.
Their worries mirrored ours in New Zealand, where we’re also grappling with the unintended consequences of policies like the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and increasing afforestation. These policy shifts, while wellintentioned, risk undermining food production and rural communities if not carefully balanced.
In the EU, we voiced concerns around the incoming deforestationfree supply chain regulations. We heard from a number of key EU stakeholders who share similar concerns. Leveraging these relationships could provide an opportunity to seek sensible changes in the coming months.
While the goal of sustainable supply chains is widely supported, the complexity and compliance burden of new rules threaten to disproportionately affect farmers who are already meeting high environmental stan-
dards. Regulations must support existing efforts — not duplicate or penalise them.
In every country we discussed defending the role of red meat and animal protein in a healthy balanced diet. There is already good work happening in this space, but it’s clear to me we need to work together to amplify that message. What stood out across all countries was a strong sense of shared purpose. Farmers everywhere are balancing production with sustainability, meeting consumer demands while navigating regulatory change.
This visit wasn’t just about protecting market access.
It was about strengthening relationships, aligning on common issues, and building a global narrative that reflects the realities of modern farming.
By working in partnership with like-minded nations, we can build a united front — one that ensures agriculture remains productive, sustainable, and respected on the global stage.
•
Voting, which was conducted online and was open to all farmers on B+LNZ’s electoral roll, closed on Friday 16 May. It was a weighted vote, although the weighted result was very similar to the one-farmer-one-vote result (at 95.05%).
The final return percentage (turnout) was 14.67%, being 2,039 votes received from 13,899 farmers.
Chair Kate Acland says she’s pleased B+LNZ can now sign the agreement.
“The board felt that signing the agreement was the best option for our farmers, but we needed farmer input and approval.
“I’d like to thank all those farmers who used their voice on this important issue.”
B+LNZ will sign the agreement at an upcoming event.
“Keeping foot and mouth disease out of New Zealand should still be our number one priority but it’s important that we’re as prepared as possible in the unlikely event it does arrive. It’s especially important that sheep and beef farmers have a voice in decision-making about how any response effort would be funded and the money spent.
Kate Acland is Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair
KATE ACLAND
Kate Acland
Budget spurs buying enquiries
A TAX advisory specialist is hailing the 20% tax deduction to spur business asset purchases as a golden opportunity for agribusiness.
Findex Tax Advisory Partner Craig Macalister says that since this tax incentive allowing tax deductions on new capital asset purchases was announced in Budget 2025, they are already fielding enquiries regarding purchasing new equipment, from multiple customers.
However, he adds that used ute sales might be under the gun under the policy dubbed ‘Investment Boost’.
Investment Boost is a component of a $6.7 billion operating and $4 billion capital spending plan by the NZ Government aiming to encourage investment, support economic recovery and drive productivity, particularly in the rural sector. Specifically, Investment Boost is equal to 20% of the costs of a new asset, deductible in the year of purchase.
Macalister describes the policy as “accelerated depreciation”.
“When agribusiness operators purchase a qualifying capital asset, they can deduct 20% in the year of purchase, along with normal depreciation on the balance. It is effectively
everything qualifying is on sale, essentially one fifth off.”
And that, he notes, explains the immediate impact.
“New, modern equipment can improve productivity and deliver operational efficiencies. Our farmers tend to have an eye on the latest technologies, but those of course come at a cost.
An effective discount through the tax system puts that new equipment within their reach – and that’s good for the overall economy.”
Minister of Agriculture
Todd McClay recently noted the importance of agribusiness, describing it as continuing to underpin the economy. MPI’s
Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report expected primary sector export revenue to jump by 7% to $56.9 billion in the year to 30 June 2025, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says.
Agriculture contributes nearly 6% to gross
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domestic product – so advantages for farmers can deliver advantages for everyone.
“This government policy reduces the cost of capital investment, making it easier for agribusinesses to grow,” Macalister adds.
Effective for assets
used or available for use from 22 May 2025, Investment Boost applies to new or previously unused assets in New Zealand, including imported machinery, equipment and vehicles. It also applies to new commercial and industrial buildings, despite the 0% standard depreciation rate applicable to such assets.
Importantly it also covers farming, horticulture, aquaculture, and forestry land improvements, such as dams or settling ponds, and improvements to eligible assets, like extending a milking platform or re-piling a woolshed. Certain petroleum and mineral mining develop-
ment expenditures are also eligible.
Excluded are assets that have previously been used in New Zealand, land, trading stock, residential buildings (dwellings), fixed life intangible assets (such as patents and trademarks), and assets that are fully expensed under other rules (such as assets that cost less than $1,000 that are fully deductible). The policy has no limit on eligible assets and applies to mixeduse assets based on business-use percentage. For instance, a manufacturer’s building premises with an owner’s apartment can claim 20% of the industrial portion’s cost.
SUDESH KISSUN
Craig Macalister
Good as gold kiwfruit season
PROBABLY THE smoothest season growers can remember. That’s how Kiwifruit Growers Association (NZKGI) chief executive Colin Bond describes the situation with fruit picking just past its peak. He says there haven’t been any of the major adverse weather events that have created chaos in past years.
Bond says there have been some spells of rain, but there doesn’t appear to be too much stress among growers. He attributes this in part to the fact that there was an early start to the season and quite a lot of fruit got picked before the rain arrived.
“So overall we can celebrate the good seasons when they happen, and certainly from a harvest perspective it is going relatively smoothly, and growers are delighted with the quality of the fruit and the size of their yields,” he told Hort News.
“Overall, I would rate the season a solid eight out of ten,” he says.
In the past there have been labour issues in the sector, but Bond says there is now a more consistent pattern of harvesting fruit with the red variety coming off first then green and gold. He says the early start to the season kept a lid on the number of labour units needed by packhouses and he says the industry is now benefiting from
post-harvest automation reducing labour needs.
“Thankfully we are in a much better labour situation than we were in previous seasons,” Bond says.
While the season overall is looking good, there are growers in Hawke’s
Bay and Tairawhiti still recovering from the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle.
ond says he’s still hearing from some about lingering health issues affecting their vines, but they are dealing with the
situation as best they can and making good management decisions about replacing some and nursing others back to health.
“A lot of those growers are not back to optimum production, but the majority will be returning
to profitability, which is important,” he says.
Logistics continue to be front of mind for the kiwifruit sector and a huge number of truck movements are required to get fruit from orchards to post harvest and then to port. Bond says traffic congestion is a bit of a “stone in the shoe” from time to time, but in general the supply chain is operating very effectively post-harvest. He says some worry about the reliance on the Port of Tauranga but he makes the point that it has been operating at a high level this season.
Bond says Zespri is doing a very good job getting the fruit to market and, with their long-term shipping contracts in place and the use of char-
ter vessels, they are the envy of some other product groups.
Overall, Bond says NZKGI is not blind to the challenges that exist in markets and at a macro level there are always issues around a slowdown in some economies, and cost of living issues. However, he believes that Zespri seems to be doing a good job getting kiwifruit into market.
He says red was nearly all sold and they are hearing that Zespri targets in all the key markets are being hit.
“This is a validation of the long-term trend that we have this fantastic product that is healthy and that is where the consumer trend is heading terms of what they eat,” he says.
GREEN KIWIFRUIT GROWERS FACE CHALLENGES
THE HEAD of the NZ Kiwifruit Growers organisation NZKGI says the points raised in a report about the sector by Waikato University professor Frank Scrimgeour were not a surprise.
Hort News obtained a copy of the report which commented on several issues, including the fact that less than half of kiwifruit growers are shareholders in Zespri. It also noted that in real terms, profitability has declined for growers of green kiwifruit.
Scrimgeour also notes in his comprehensive report that despite the success of the sector, it faces challenges around the quality of Zespri governance,
Zespri’s operational performance, post-harvest sector performance, the biophysical environment and the kiwifruit industry’s social license to operate. His report also says there is a need for optimisation of the kiwifruit supply chain.
“Current allocations of responsibilities result in excessive fruit wastage, and managers in both Zespri and post-harvest operators are not working to their comparative advantage.
“The kiwifruit industry structure has not changed since 2000, but the volumes exported have increased,” he says in the report.
Finally, Scrimgeour warns that if the industry ignores these
issues, its performance will be less than desirable.
While not dismissing the report, Colin Bond says the time in which the report was written needs to be considered. He says during the 2022 and 2023 harvests, grower profitability was challenged and those challenges will always lead to instability in the industry.
“If I think of green growers in particular, they were certainly under pressure during that period, but the returns from last year and the potential returns from this year should see the majority of green growers return to some pretty strong levels of
profitability,” he says.
Bond acknowledges that the industry has some challenges and one of these is the new RubyRed variety.
He says growers have told him the gold variety is easier to grow, but some of those who have been growing red for a long time don’t have any problems and are getting good outcomes.
“So, it’s important that we press Zespri to keep investing in research so that we can maximise the opportunities that red presents,” he says.
Regarding the Scrimgeour comments about the governance of Zespri, he says this is an issue
that applies to all industries – not just Zespri. On the issue of only 47% of kiwifruit growers holding shares in Zespri, Bond says firstly it’s not compulsory to be a shareholder and he says growers will have their own reasons for not investing in shares.
“Some may prefer to invest in their orchards rather than buy shares, or its possible people who have bought into orchards recently have decided not to purchase shares,” he says.
It’s believed that Zespri shares are currently worth about $6. Bond says NZKGI would certainly encourage growers to take a shareholding in their industry.
Peter Burke peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
The kiwifruit harvesting season is progressing smoothly, says Kiwifruit Growers Association chief executive Colin Bond (inset).
Zespri global sales top $5b
ZESPRI SAYS global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns. This has exceeded the goal set in 2015 of $4.5 billion by 2025. The farmer co-operative sold a record 220.9 million trays of kiwifruit in 2024-25, an increase from 164.2 million trays in 2023-24.
Direct returns to the New Zealand industry
reached more than $3 billion for the first time in 2024-25, with Total Fruit and Service Payments spread across New Zealand’s growing regions, including the Bay of Plenty, Northland, the East Coast, Nelson and the Waikato.
Zespri’s net profit after tax was $155.2 million, down from $173.3 million in 2023-24, mainly driven by reduced licence
revenue from a reduction in available hectares.
Excluding licence, the company’s net corporate profit is a record $79.8 million, up from $20.4 million in 2023-24. The expected total net dividend is $0.77 cents per share.
Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake says it’s pleasing to deliver such a strong result for growers and shareholders which
reflects an industry wide effort to deliver a record crop and strong sales in key markets.
“We’ve increased both volume and value in our key markets despite downward pressure in the category and surpassed a significant milestone in reaching $5 billion in global fruit sales, exceeding our longstanding sales goal set a decade ago.
“That’s a mark of pride for our industry and reflects the strong demand we continue to see for our fruit and the efforts the whole industry has put in to focus on providing another highquality fruit crop.
“We’re returning really strong value to our growers, with our highest ever recorded direct returns to the New Zealand industry, breaking the $3 billion threshold in 2024/25.”
At a per hectare level, returns are up and at
record levels for Green, Organic Green and Sweet Green off the back of the season’s improved yields following a challenging few years for growers.
Te Brake says they’ve been able to return strong value at a per tray level for all categories in a record crop year, with final average per tray returns above their February forecast.
He says corporate results are also positive, with net profit after tax excluding licence revenue reaching a record $79.8 million, and the New Zealand Supply segment delivering a profit of $56.4 million in 2024-25, up from the $10.2 million loss in 2023/24 on the back of the larger crop, strong value in market and a focus on greater overhead efficiencies.
Zespri’s Non-New Zealand Supply sales have also performed well, with
• Global operating revenue: $5.14 billion
• Global fruit sales revenue: $5.03 billion
• Total 2024 season New Zealandgrown fruit and service payments: $3.10 billion
• Trays sold: 220.9 million trays
• Net profit after tax: $155.2 million (includes licence revenue)
• Expected total dividends: $0.77 per share
sales of $652.4 million, with 26.5 million trays sold.
“ZGS plays a critical role in supporting the
launch of our New Zealand sales season and we’ll see offshore volumes increase in the coming years following last year’s successful producer vote to expand production, helping to deliver stronger returns to growers in New Zealand and around the world,” he says. He says 2024/25 was a positive year for the industry. He says sales have started well, particularly in Europe and the US, and they have made a strong start in Asia despite generally softer market conditions.
“At the same time, we’re looking ahead to the next 10 years, and how we can continue to deliver value for growers together, built around creating brand-led demand, transforming our global supply chain and our innovation programme to create the leading product portfolio.”
Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake.
Apple season exceeds expectations
Peter Burke
THE 2024-25 season apple harvest has “well and truly exceeded expectations”, says Apples and Pears NZ chief executive Karen Morrish.
She says in spring last year there were signs of a potentially good season, and the optimism has become a reality – this season is the best in a long time.
Morrish says this isn’t just the case in the major apple growing region Hawke’s Bay, but right across the country.
“We had perfect winter chilling, good chemical thinning results, the spring was stable, appropriate rainfall and a nice summer making for a great harvest,” Morrish told Hort News
“The fruit is very clean, there has been good pest and disease management, apple size is great, and the colour of the fruit has been spectacular,” she says.
Morrish says Hawke’s Bays’ crop has been very good, despite it having to bear the ravages of Cyclone Gabrielle, but notes that the past four growing seasons have been tough.
She says there is mix of ages of apple trees in the region and the reality is they are going to perform at different levels.
Morrish says considering the battering the trees took in the cyclone, people are amazed at the resilience of the trees and the fact that they have flourished this year.
“I would say the good
tree health is in many ways testament to the growers dealing to the situation appropriately – be that nutrition, pruning techniques and general attention – and that is paying dividends this year,” she says.
According to Morrish, the non-performing trees have been pulled out, but some others may still suffer a similar fate. However, three years on, things are manageable.
Despite this good season, everything in
Hawke’s Bay is still not back to normal. The owners of smaller family orchards are still in the process of working out what to do.
Morrish says some have decided to sell up rather than take on debt
to rebuild their businesses, while others have leased their land or have decided to grow another crop in the meantime.
“With the smaller orchards, it’s very much a personal decision because it affects the home as well
GROWER RETURNS A TOP PRIORITY
The CEO of Apples and Pears NZ, Karen Morrish, says the strategic focus of her organisation is to improve grower returns.
She says for the last couple of years the focus has been on resetting and recovering from the adverse events that have plagued the sector, but she says it’s now on “what does growth look like”.
“What levers can we pull to improve that return, because the billion-dollar story for exports is fantastic, but that doesn’t tell the whole story because it’s based on revenue and not return. There is still a lot of pain out there and
gazing about what the next five years might look like,” she says.
“One of the things I do hear from every single region is concerns the shipping,” says Morrish. She says there was a feeling that after Covid this would settle down, but it hasn’t. She there are continuing delays into Europe and the US and there is still a problem getting empty containers to NZ.
“There is also the issue with some shipping lines not wanting to come to NZ, full stop. So, it’s not like we have a platter of options,” she says.
followed by Nelson and Dunedin. Gisborne growers send their fruit to Napier, while Canterbury growers send theirs north to Nelson.
The mood in markets is strong, according to Morrish, but she quickly adds that, as per normal, these tend to ebb and flow. This year there was an early and positive start to the season with some fruit being picked a week ahead of normal.
“That actually provided a very good opportunity for people with the earlier varieties to be able to pick and get the fruit into market
positive,” she says. Morrish notes, however, it’s still too early to get a figure on the value of exports.
For Apples and Pears NZ (APNZ), better trade access and reduced tariffs are a high priority. NZ scored big time with the NZ/ EU FTA which saw tariffs on apples cut from day one. Now the focus is on India where NZ faces a 50% tariff on its apple exports and 35% on its pears. About 8% of the NZ apple crop is exported to India and APNZ is working closely with MFAT trade negotiators to get the present tariffs removed or
as their livelihood,” she says.
For those who decided to try and recover from cyclone, the question is how much debt they can wear and what varieties of apples they should plant to get the best return in five years’ time.
Others are known to be looking at securing additional investor capital to fund their recovery.
Morrish says even before Cyclone Gabrielle there had been considerable replanting of apples in the region. Some of these were lost in the cyclone, but Morrish says the replanting has still been a help.
“A lot of those new varieties are now hitting the five-year mark and that is adding to the positive vibes in the sector,” she says.
NZ horticulture delegation which visited India late last year. She says that in return for lifting tariffs on NZ apple exports to India, the NZ apple sector is assessing what it can do to help the local Indian industry. This approach is like other NZ primary sector groups interested in boosting exports to India, should a free trade agreement is negotiated between the two countries.. While trade is important, there are other factors linked to greater grower profitability and one that doesn’t ever seem to go away is rising orchard costs.
Karen
The 2024-25 apple season has been the best in a long time, says Apples and Pears NZ chief executive Karen Morrish (inset).
Calf Sheds
Gable Sheds
Implement Sheds
Helping young farmers upskill
MORE THAN 70 farmers from across the North and South Islands recently spent a dayand-a-half learning new business management and planning skills at Rabobank Ag Pathways
Programmes held in Invercargill, Ashburton and Hawera.
First run in 2015, the Ag Pathways Programme was developed by Rabobank’s Lower South Island Client Council
with the aim of developing young farmers skills and contacts to advance their careers in the agricultural sector. The programme has taken place annually in Otago/Southland across the last
decade with the ninth Lower South Island edition taking place in Invercargill last month.
The ongoing success
of Ag Pathways in the Lower South Island has prompted Rabobank’s Client Councils in the Upper South Island and
Lower North Island to replicate the programme in their areas, and the recent events in Ashburton and Hawera were the first of their kind in the Canterbury and Taranaki regions respectively. This follows inaugural Ag Pathways events in the Manawatu region in 2023, and on the East Coast (Gisborne) last year.
Rabobank Upper South Island client councillor Amanda Bowie sat in on the Ashburton event and says the programme provides participants with a range of tools to help them move forward with their agricultural careers.
ees’ brains ticking over as they listened in to the more experienced farmers and considered what they needed to do to progress their own agri careers.”
Bowie, who runs a 6,000 stock unit sheep and beef business in North Canterbury, says another major benefit of the programme was the opportunity it provided young farmers to network with others at a similar stage in their farming careers.
“We had farmers from several different sectors on the programme, and I think the participants really benefited from spending time with other farmers and sharing their farming journeys with them,” she says.
“Over the course of a day and a half, the 24 attendees heard from a range of speakers who covered diverse topics such as personality profiling, financial management, succession planning and business strategy,” she says.
“In addition, the agenda included a ‘war stories’ segment, where four local farmers shared their personal farming journeys and how they’ve developed their businesses over time.
“I know the ‘war stories’ component of the programme has proven really popular at the annual Lower South Island Ag Pathways events, and this was certainly the case here too.
“You could almost see some of the attend-
“This can be incredibly powerful as it provides attendees with a chance to bounce ideas off each other and to hear what has and hasn’t worked for those in a similar boat to them.”
As a follow-up to the programme, Bowie says, attendees would get together again in June.
“As part of this get together, they’ll present back to the group a business plan on what they want to achieve in the future,” she said.
“This follow-up meeting is hugely important as it helps ensure participants are immediately acting on the lessons from the programme and incorporating them into their roles on-farm.”
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
ONE OF the attendees at the Hawera Ag Pathways, Eli Vollebregt, says the programme had far exceeded his expectations.
“My wife Susannah and I are contract milking in Opunake and we both decided to attend the programme because we are always keen to learn and to push ourselves out of our comfort zones as this helps us grow as individuals and as a team,” he says.
“The agenda was well rounded with sessions that targeted the very things I was keen to learn more about. Things like communication, financial management, business planning, farmer journeys to farm ownership, leadership, governance and succession.”
Vollebregt says he felt there were two sessions
out.
Rabobank Ag Pathways Programmes attendees in Ashburton.
Fieldays team set to deliver an exciting four-day event
NEWLY APPOINTED National
Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.
He says with 1200 exhibitors locked in, there are still a few sites available. The four-day event kicks on Wednesday, June 11. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend.
Lindroos, who took as NZ Fieldays Society chief executive on April 7, told Rural News that he was feeling “very positive”.
“Everything is under control: the team is well planned - we are in a good space and really looking forward to delivering.”
He says that the Fieldays at Mystery Creek is the only show in town in June.
“Wherever you are in New Zealand and wherever you get your news from, you have to be here.”
The Society, which owns and runs the event, has embraced the ultimate “mullet strategy” – business in the front, party in the back – to bring together innovation, education and globalisation to this year’s event.
Lindroos says Fieldays has always been about combining the cutting-edge agricultural technology, networking, and insightful
discussions, all while celebrating the uniqueness of the rural sector and bringing town and country together.
New ‘business in the front’ initiatives include Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato, Fieldays Drone Zone, and the Fieldays Sector Spotlight - ‘It’s Wool’. The new initiatives join returning Fieldays Hubs, the Rural Advocacy Hub, Forestry Hub, Careers & Education Hub, Innovation Hub and the Health & Wellbeing Hub.
‘Party in the back’ initiatives include the Fieldays Family Fun Zone in the Heritage Village and Super Saturday – a campaign with exhibitors to deliver unbeatable prices and exclusive Fieldaysonly offers.
The 50th anniversary of Fieldays Tractor Pull in association with PTS Logistics will also bring excitement to punters.
Lindroos says entries are now open, and early indications suggest that we’re gearing up for another busy event with strong
turnout from both drivers and spectators.
When Rural News visited the Mystery Creek site two weeks ago, the ‘packing in’ part of the event was well underway, with buildings and marquees under construction.
Lindroos explains that while the Fieldays is run over four days, getting the site ready for the event and then dismantling structures after the event is a three-month process.
The ‘packing in’ covers six weeks prior to the event and is well staged and coordinated. Builders turn up first to construct sites, followed by tradies and exhibitor staff to set up the sites for visitors. After the event, the ‘packing out’ takes about a month to clear the venue.
Tickets can be purchased online via the Fieldays website, or at the gate during the event. Every ticket purchased is a chance to be in to win the ultimate Fieldays gate prize of a $50,000 JAC T9 Ute and $10,000 of Stoney Creek gear. Visitors can triple their chances to win during the event by visiting the JAC site at F90 and Stoney Creek at site F55.
Tickets on sale also include the Fieldays VIP Business Plus in association with KPMG; a VIP ticket including access to an allinclusive lounge developed to enhance the experience of business and rural leaders at the event.
GLOBAL REACH
THE NATIONAL Fieldays is more than just an agribusiness show; globalisation is also one of its key aims.
The four-day event also attracts thousands of trade visitors, from both NZ and overseas, who meet with primary industry exporters and government and trade officials to do deals.
Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says the first three days of the event is packed with meetings between NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), trade ministers and ambassadors.
While there is a domestic focus at the Fieldays, the Society also focuses offshore, with the aim of bringing large delegations to the event.
Lindroos says during his first five weeks in the role, he has hosted a Chinese delegation looking to expand its footprint in 2026.
“We have six exhibitors from China this year. While that’s not a big number, we expect that number to grow in 2026,” he says.
“We are also planning for a large Indian delegation next year on the back of the free trade negotiations between NZ and India.”
With NZTE, the Society is also looking at attracting delegations from Brazil, Argentina and Chile next year.
In his new role, Lindroos also aims to future proof the organisation, making it more financially resilient. This includes upgrading its assets and attracting more events to the Mystery Creek site.
He points out that with the Fieldays taking up three months of the year, the event centre is open for business for the remaining nine months.
“We have nine months to bring world class events. We can’t compete with ratepayer-backed councils, but we can push our competitive advantages - our scale, our location and we are greenfield site not restricted by stadia.”
SUDESH KISSUN
National Fieldays 2025 will be Richard Lindroos’ first since he took over as CEO in early April.
20
Innovation, deals at Afimilk site
SHOWCASING A legacy of innovation and cheap deals on product lines
will be the feature of Afimilk’s site at the National Fieldays this month.
Afimilk’s newly appointed general manager for Australia and New Zealand, Justin Miller, says anyone interested in milk meters and in-shed automation and technology must pay site E83 a visit.
“We will be showcasing our legacy of innovation, launching our latest software and of course we will have the best deal on offer across all our product line,” Miller told Rural News.
“If you’ve been thinking about collars, we are offering the dairy farmers’ dozen – buy 10 get 2 free, buy 100 get 20 free, 1000 get 200 free.”
A key feature of the Afimilk stand will be an
AI enabled photo booth.
Miller says this “will take your photo and digitally re-imagine you into a variety of digital screen scape and environment”.
Afimilk is a global manufacturer of dairy farm management solutions.
Miller, who took up his new role in March this year, is looking forward to the Fieldays.
He has an extensive background in sales, business development and leadership.
Afimilk says Miller brings over 15 years of international and national experience in sales and management, having previously held key leadership roles at Johnston Controls, Datacom, and Gallagher Security.
“Known for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence, Justin has consistently
demonstrated an ability to enhance operational efficiency and maintain
strong relationships with clients and stakeholders,” the company says.
enable dairy farmers to optimise productivity and sustainability.
He will work closely with their accredited dealer network, Headlands, Ace Electrical and Read Industrial, ensuring that Afimilk continues to meet the evolving needs of the dairy industry.
“The cow monitoring collar market has seen significant growth in recent years,” says Miller.
“I am looking forward to leading the Afimilk teams in New Zealand and Australia during this exciting time for the industry.
“Our solution gives farmers the data to make informed deci
Afimilk says Miller will and Australia, focusing on
Thinking about buying monitoring collars, Afimilk is offering ‘the dairy farmers’ dozen’ deal.
Massey to showcase leading research and innovation
MASSEY UNIVER-
SITY is returning to the Fieldays with a futurefocused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.
The university will display the laying of the genetic groundwork for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s working dogs.
Right Dog for the Job is a three-year research project led by Massey University, in collaboration with industry partners including Pamu and Focus Genetics. The project is co-funded by the Ministry of Primary Industries through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund and supported by Ancestry. com. The goal? To better understand the genetics of New Zealand’s unique working dogs and lay the foundation for future genetic testing and selection tools.
The project began with New Zealand’s first large-scale genetic study of working dogs, sequencing the genomes of 249 Huntaways, heading dogs
and crossbreds. This revealed over 19 million DNA variants, a vital first step in uncovering how genetics influence health and performance.
Researchers are now analysing the frequency of potentially harmful recessive variants, comparing them
to those known in overseas breeds. This work supports more informed breeding decisions and aims to improve the health, working ability and longevity of our working dogs.
Of nearly 400 known variants linked to health or physical traits in other
breeds, 27 were found in the dogs sampled with five appearing at high enough frequency to warrant further testing. Learn more about the five DNA variants.
Professor Matt Littlejohn and members of the research team will be at Fieldays to share insights
“The long-term aim is to enable future tools for breeders and dog owners, not just to avoid genetic disease but to select for the traits that really matter on farm.”
into the project and demonstrate how selective breeding can support healthier, more capable working dogs. Visitors can even get handson with an interactive ‘Tinder for working dogs’ experience, where they’ll be tasked to identify the healthiest breeding matches based on genetic compatibility.
Dog whistles will be up for grabs for successful participants, along with the chance to win a genetics kit, thanks to Ancestry.com.
As the project moves into its next phase, including collecting more DNA samples and collaborating with farmers and vets to track health and performance traits, Littlejohn says connecting with the farming community is key.
“The long-term aim is to enable future tools for breeders and dog owners,
not just to avoid genetic disease but to select for the traits that really matter on farm. If the research can help pick the best dog for the job, it will make a real difference to farm efficiency and the wellbeing of both dog and handler.”
Also, on display will be how to mitigate the cost of shearing through self-shedding sheep. With many farmers finding that the price of wool no longer offsets the cost of shearing, what was once a profitable process is now an increasing expense.
To explore alternatives, a long-term project at Massey’s Riverside Farm in Wairarapa is investigating the viability of self-shedding sheep, specifically Wiltshires which naturally shed their fleece once a year. The research has two key aims: first, to model the profitability of
transitioning from traditional Romney sheep to self-shedding Wiltshires, and second, to conduct a multi-year flock study tracking the production and performance of the sheep as the flock is gradually bred towards Wiltshire genetics. Read about the background of the self-shedding sheep project.
Running since 2020, the project has already yielded promising insights. By collecting animal performance health and wool data from sheep from varying proportions of Wiltshire to compare with the original Romney-type sheep, the study aims to better understand the genetic control of shedding. This study will continue to collect production data to support farmer decision making for the future of their flocks. The project will extend until 2028.
Dr Nick Sneddon and his team will be sharing more about the project at Fieldays, including its findings and what they could mean for the future of farming in New Zealand.
Site PE51
Henry getting measured by NS Vet Jill MacGibbon on a Pamu farm in Southland.
Latest Fastrac Icon on debut
HAVING TAKEN over the distribution of the JCB Agricultural product range early in the New Year to complement the JCB Industrial portfolio it already supports, Power Farming will be using Fieldays to highlight the latest Fastrac Icon Series.
First introduced in 1991, Fastrac has become the “go-to” purchase for users looking for highspeed transport capability, exceptional paddock performance, alongside versatility with the choice of front, rear and midpoint/upper mounting positions.
For the New Zealand
market, the company will focus on the 235hp Fastrac 4220 Icon as its main offering, or indent-only availability of the larger 348hp Fastrac 8330 as an alternative. Key features of both Series include equal sized wheel and tyre equipment, fourwheel steering, a 50:50 weight distribution and 4-wheel disc braking with ABS. Standard specification includes a 12-inch touch screen, advanced suspension, 4WD and diff lock, auto air conditioning, 60-degree seat swivel and a full-sized instructor/training seat.
Both models receive the iCON designation, signalling a sweeping electronics upgrade that
piece
■ Ideal for shearing sheep, alpacas, goats and cow tails.
■ Variable speed from 2600-3500 rpm.
■ Latest brushless motor technology means minimal heat build up
■ 1400gms means 100200gms lighter than standard handpiece.
■ At 2800 rpm the 12-volt lithium battery will crutch 300-400 sheep or trim 400-500 cow tails.
■ We customise cables for lifestyle shearers
comprises three sections: iCONFIGURE customisable control system iCONNECT integrated advanced precision agriculture and iCONTROL driveline software.
Power Farming’s JCB agriculture product manager – JCB, Steve Gorman, comments, “iCON gives operators unprecedented choice and convenience in the way they operate their tractor and fully-integrated GPS guidance and implement control applications that minimise the need for additional displays”.
The heart of the system is the seatmounted armrest console, housing the main joystick, auxiliary joystick, hydraulic control levers and PTO and hitch controls. Proportional control of electrically operated spool valves can
be allocated to any of the five buttons on the main joystick or alternatively, four buttons on the auxiliary joystick.
The high definition 12” colour touchscreen display presents key machine information across five screens. “The basic run screen layout will be readily familiar to existing Fastrac operators,” Gorman says.
“Swiping right brings up a more detailed running screen with settings for up to six front/rear electric spool valves.”
The next two screens display essential vehicle status information while providing a remote camera view or a ISOBUS 2 Universal Terminal screen for control of rear and front-mounted implements, he says. The fifth screen is dedicated to JCB’s new steering guidance and precision farming options.
The display can be positioned ahead of the controls for easy viewing or moved to one side to maximise visibility, while a 7” digital dashboard displays speed, engine rpm and essential vehicle status information.
JCB offers a fully integrated GPS guidance system based on a Novatel Smart-7 receiver, steering controller and JCB user interface. Alternatively, the GPS Ready option prepares the Fastrac for a range of thirdparty guidance and precision farming solutions. Section Control and Variable Rate Control
are available as unlock options.
The iCON models also incorporate JCB’s new Smart Transmission Control for improved powertrain efficiency and operator comfort. In use, the operator sets the required forward speed and the tractor will determine the correct gear ratio to maintain that speed under changing conditions.
For added convenience, the joystick and pedal driving modes are automatically selected when either control is used. Operators have the choice of the ‘classic’ or ‘pro’ joystick transmission control formats.
“In the Classic format, the operator selects the direction of travel by moving the joystick forwards or backwards, while speed is determined by moving the joystick left or right,” Gorman says. “The new Pro format transposes those functions – forwards and backwards to alter ground speed, left to operate the forward/reverse shuttle and right to engage the roller thumb switch for speed adjustments.”
Other operator assistance functions include JCB Headland Turn Assist, which can store up to 50 individual work sequences; JCB Rapid Steer, which reduces the number of steering wheel turns required; and JCB Twin Steer, which provides precise four-wheel steering on Fastrac 4000 Series tractors.
enables modern technology to be fully integrated
into the operating system.
The new platform
MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
Key features of Fastrac Icon Series include equal sized wheel and tyre equipment and four-wheel steering.
AI to give instant FEC results
DUNEDIN BASED Techion offers digital diagnostic solutions to complex disease and environmental problems.
Its FECPAK product offers an on-farm and in-lab parasite management system that processes FEC tests for sheep, cattle, horses, goats and camelids, providing results within minutes.
Its original, portable digital microscope – the MicroI 100 – takes photos of faecal samples and immediately sends the images via the internet to the FECPAK cloud platform for analysis by AI and/or trained technicians. The FEC results help farmers and their veterinary advisors understand which animals are at risk and which paddocks are parasite hot spots.
As farming is a 24/7 operation, Techion has announced the release of its groundbreaking Instant Faecal Egg Count (FEC) results, powered by a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) software model.
That means no matter the day or time when a FEC test is processed and submitted using the FECPAK unit, the test result is emailed to users within a few minutes, with no delays for holidays and weekends. This positions the FECPAK platform as the fastest and most efficient FEC test solution on the global market.
The AI software was developed and trained using more than 120,000 FEC tests, analysed by technicians from samples submitted by FECPAK customers over recent years. Over the past three months, the FECPAK AI software has been validated on more than 22,000 samples, giving results with up to 96% accuracy, exceeding that of many human interpretations.
Technicians will continue to review tests over the coming few months to ensure the AI model is meeting performance standards and providing a reliable service.
Founder and managing director Greg Mirams says, “Instant FEC results will significantly enhance productivity by allowing timely, real-time decision making onfarm. Farmers can quickly determine whether to bring their stock into the yards for treatment, optimising their management practices, saving time and ensuring healthier livestock”.
Mirams explains that Instant Results for FEC testing is the first in a suite of new products that will be released this year. These include a new digital microscope - the Micro-1 300 - with enhanced imaging capability that will enable a new range of tests including cattle coccidia; sheep coccidia, cattle parasite speciation, sheep parasite speciation, facial eczema and pasture spore counts. Visit www.fecpak.com
MARK DANIEL
FECPACK set up FEC test (right) and FEC egg count marked up (left).
Sponsor’s ute blitzes endurance record
RECENTLY RELEASED
in New Zealand and a sponsor of New Zealand Fieldays, the JAC (“Jack”) T9’s positioning as a reliable workhorse for Kiwi tradies has been reinforced by the remarkable achievement overseas that shattered a 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles.
Not unlike a Kiwi BBQ challenge, a group of motoring commentators in South Africa turned some beer-fuelled boasts into a headline-grabber for JAC.
The brand’s flagship T9 Ute (called a ‘bakkie’ in South Africa) officially broke the South African 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles, by clocking up 4,084 kilometres at an average speed of 170.1 km/h, at the Gerotek Testing Facility just outside Pretoria.
Taking shifts behind the wheel and completing more than 1,350 laps of the test track, the clear mission was to surpass the existing record set
“The T9’s proven resilience in one of South Africa’s most extreme motoring tests, combined with growing support in NZ, answers those questions.”
by Isuzu in 2010, which itself had bettered the Toyota Hilux benchmark from 2003. The JAC team beat the record, finishing over 20km ahead of Isuzu’s record, running for 24 hours straight with an average fuel use of just 16.5L/100km.
Andrew Craw, JAC NZ general manager, believes this achievement carries significant weight for prospective ute buyers in New Zealand, especially for those working in trades.
“Kiwis want to know if Chinese utes are up to the task, with questions such as, ‘is it reli-
able? Can you get parts? Will it hold its value?’” said Andrew. “The T9’s proven resilience in one of South Africa’s most extreme motoring tests, combined with our growing support here in New Zealand, answers those questions.
“It’s a true ‘JAC’ of all trades, with this record about more than just speed, it shows the T9 can handle the hard yards, take the heat, and still be ready for more –just what Kiwi tradies need and what this ute delivers.”
Visit www.jac.co.nz or site number F90.
DESIGNED AND assembled by David Short, a farmer and former shearer, Handypiece is a cordless shearing handpiece for portable shearing and tail trimming, powered by a long-life, rechargeable lithium battery. The brushless motor means the battery lasts longer, offering the ability to crutch up to 400 sheep from a single charge.
The design features a traditional Lister handpiece barrel with a direct drive brushless motor attached to the rear, making it slim to hold and familiar for anyone, takes all standard combs & cutters of any brand, while the sealed unit is robust and easy care. Portable, with no power or shed to be used, the unit is quick to set up and noticeably quiet to use.
Offering convenience to keep on top of those dirty jobs, with resultant improved animal health, lifestyle shearers can use an optional customised cable to allow greater reach down the long blows and between the sheep legs.
The Handypiece Pro has the added feature of variable speed from 2600 – 3500rpm, typically being used at a mid-speed of around 2800rpm for dagging, crutching and trimming cows’ tails, while anyone requiring a better cut can wind it all the way up to 3500rpm.
The device also allows alpaca shearers to use a traditional handpiece that is slim to hold, with the advantage of being able to reduce the speed to the same as a clipper.
Visit www.handypiece.co.nz
The JAC team officially broke the South African 24-hour endurance record for commercial vehicles.
Putting power into farmers’ hands
INPUT COSTS can make or break a season for farmers and electricity is one of the largest expenses.
Farmlands says it is partnering with Blackcurrent to change that equation with Farmlands FLEX, a joint solar and technology venture said to “put the power in farmers’ hands”.
The co-op says Farmlands FLEX delivers intelligent microgrid systems custom-built and managed to meet the demands of working farms and orchards. It says the system is designed to create energy independence for farmers and growers – slashing power bills, keeping critical operations running during outages and even generating a long-term
“Finding solutions for on-farm energy needs have been a part of Farmlands’ strategy for a long time.”
To better support the profitability and productivity of farmers and growers, Farmlands says it provides five-year electricity pricing certainty through its partnership with Meridian, and its three-year-old fuel jointventure, Fern Energy, is now the country’s largest rural bulk fuel provider.
Farmlands FLEX says it is set to truly transform on-farm energy sourcing and management as another key cornerstone of Farmlands’ total offering.
“The on-farm appli-
“Rising energy costs are a huge concern for our customers. Finding solutions for on-farm energy needs have been a part of Farmlands’ strategy for a long time.”
surge, keeping irrigation running during blackouts and protecting frost fans when electricity isn’t available or there’s an outage. Farmlands FLEX address real farm challenges,” says Houghton.
Farmlands FLEX is due for launch at National Fieldays. The Farmlands and Farmlands FLEX team are ready to talk about the benefits and start working with farmers and growers on a personalised plan.
The co-op says the benefits are:
• 30-40% reduction in
electricity costs
• Operational continuity during power outages
• Conversion of power expenses into a valuable on-farm asset
• New revenue potential from selling surplus energy.
Bay Shear near Oxford, an early Farmlands FLEX customer, initially expected to $400 – 500 monthly savings on their dairy shed’s electricity. Their first month delivered over $550 in reduced power costs.
@rural_news
Abbey Machinery’s focus on quality, sustainability
IRISH MACHINERY
manufacturer Abbey Machinery will be exhibiting on the Enterprise Ireland stand with longstanding partner and distributor Farmgard.
On this year’s stand will be a twin auger
VF2000 Feeder Wagon and a 2500 Premium Plus Recessed Slurry Tank, as well as information on the complete product range.
At the heart of Abbey Machinery’s offering is
a commitment to quality, sustainability, and advanced technologies. For example, the Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) systems enable farmers to reduce emissions, protect soil health and improve nutrient efficiency using advanced data capture to enable farmers to get the most from their land in a sustainable way.
Abbey Diet Feeders unique chopping and mixing action helps the animal to digest the maximum amount of nutrients from the consumed
feed, to drive performance and reduce environmental emissions.
Abbey Machinery is positioned to support the farmer to achieve their
best margins by achieving grants and incentives for more sustainably pro-
TWO NEW IRISH MACHINES ON DEBUT
RELEASED IN Europe in 2024 and having just arrived in time for National Fieldays, Giltrap Agrizone will be exhibiting two new machines from Irish manufacturer Malone Farm Machinery.
The Tedd-air 1128T, trailed tedder, becomes the flagship in the range, offering a 11.2 metre (36-feet) working width, to complement the existing Tedd-air 840 T (8.4m/ 27.6-feet).
First introduced in 2015, the range is built for arduous conditions, featuring a robust frame and heavy-duty drivetrain, sourced from well-known manufacturers Walterscheid and Comer.
Up front, the tedder is coupled to the tractor’s lower link arms using a two-point headstock, rear transport wheels, with individual wheels, supporting eight tedding rotors, each of 1.6 metre diameter, carrying seven, “double-hook” spring steel tines.
duced food.
The company says Fieldays presents an
The forward angled tines, configured with three-stage height adjustment allow the grass to be gently lifted, inverted and placed back on the ground behind the machine. Tipping the scales at 2860kg, despite its
impressive working width, the 1128 T, hydraulically fold to a transport width of three metres, a height of 2.9 metres and an overall length of 5.6 metres.
Operated via a 540 speed PTO input, standard equipment includes a
headland management curtain to keep crop away from fences lines, a locking system, lighting kit and 16 x 6 x 5.8 flotation tyre equipment, with a spare wheel/tyre mounted on the frame. Also new from the Malone stable
unmatched opportunity for Abbey Machinery to connect with farming communities, industry partners, and government stakeholders.
“We’re thrilled to be returning to Fieldays and to be doing so alongside our trusted distributor Farmgard,” says managing director, Clodagh Cavanagh, who will be attending this year’s event.
“It’s a chance to share our latest advancements, strengthen relationships, and gain valuable market feedback.”
is a duo of disc-only mowers, the Procut 3000 and 3400 FP models, with mowing widths of 3.0 and 3.4 metres, respectively. Featuring a heavy-duty frame, the mower assemblies are mounted using a parallel linkage that effectively “pulls” rather than “pushes” the mower, meaning it achieves much greater ground adaptability and rises over, rather than ploughing through any immoveable objects.
The cutter-bar and gearbox modules are once again supplied by industry leader Comer, with the former equipped with either, seven or eight disc assemblies, each carrying twin, 4mm thick blades. PTO input is 1000rpm, via a heavyduty Walterscheid assembly, protected by friction and over-run clutches, over-run protection and heavy-duty wear plates.
Visit www.gaz.co.nz or visit site G25
MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
Abbey’s Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) systems enable farmers to reduce emissions.
Two new machines from Irish manufacturer Malone Farm Machinery will be on display.
Valtra launches sixth-generation range
MANUFACTURED
AT its Suolahti factory in Finland, Valtra has released the sixth-generation S-Series tractor range for Australia and New Zealand.
The Series gains a new engine, transmission and cabin from the previous version, with six models from 280–416hp, each powered by a new AgcoPower 8.4 litre engine which, says Mark Hamilton-Manns, product marketing manager for Valtra in ANZ, meets Stage V regulations without the need for EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).
“Using SCR (AdBlue) and avoiding EGR improves the engine’s combustion efficiency and means the engine runs cooler,” he says.
A single turbocharger
layout and long-stroke engine develops maximum power at 1,850rpm, with peak torque produced at only 1,500rpm.
The flagship S416 produces up to 1,750Nm of torque – 9% more than its predecessor, while fuel consumption is reduced by 3%. In operation, the S416 always has maximum power and torque.
Its siblings have between 20–30hp boost for specific operating conditions where PTO, implement or transport conditions require additional power.
The ML260 CVT transmission, with field and transport operating ranges, uses an upgraded hydraulic pump and heavy-duty PTO drive train, while the rear axle
diameter is increased to 125mm to handle the higher torque output and effective power delivery to the ground.
“Combining the new engine with the updated transmission increases efficiency, and fuel consumption is reduced, compared to its predecessor,” says Mark HamiltonManns.
The S6-Series shares a similar cab frame to the latest N, T and Q Series models, offering improved air distribution at various levels around the cab, with the option of TwinTrac, reverse drive controls, or the Skyview cab for greater vertical visibility.
Valtra Unlimited features will be available
Give A
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We connect your water meter data with climate, soil moisture to give a real basis to irrigate or use water with:
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• Tank level – Axroma meters - pipe 15-50mm
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for all sixth generation S Series models, including the popular Central Lubrication System (CLS) and Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS). The latter is controlled via ISOBUS and displays actual tyre pressures on the SmartTouch screen.
The SmartTouch user interface is available with features including SmartTurn automatic headland turning, offering Part Field Mode, U-Turn, Y-Turn and K-Turn turning patterns.
“Our SmartTouch user interface makes Valtra smart farming technology the easiest in the market. We are working on new technology features which will soon benefit our customers,” explains Mark.
The S6 wheelbase is 93mm longer than the recently released Q-Series tractors at 3,092mm, with
weight distribution without ballast at 45% on the front axle and 55% to the rear, with a maximum gross operating weight of eighteen tonnes.
A rear linkage lift capacity of 12 tonnes is complemented by the optional front linkage with a maximum lift of 5.8 tonnes. Hydraulic oil requirements are met with the base Eco unit producing two hundred litres/min at just 1,650rpm, while the option of twin 200 l/min pumps is available, with six ESCVs including one with flow rates up to 170 litres/min.
The S6 has separate transmission and hydraulic oils, importantly eliminating oil contamination from shared implements damaging the transmission, with reduced service costs due to the long oil change intervals.
WITH THE price of guidance systems dropping like a stone over the last decade and substantial falls in the last 12 months, several nonmainstream brands have appeared in the marketplace.
FieldBee, headquartered in the Netherlands and founded in 2014, is an agricultural machine automation company with 100 employees and available in over 60 countries. The company has developed affordable, accurate and reliable tractor autosteer systems to help farmers farm profitably and sustainably, offering accessible intelligence and machine
automation for quality fieldwork on all farm types and conditions.
FieldBee’s PowerGuide and PowerSteer GPS Guidance and steering systems are distributed in New Zealand by Unearth Ag Ltd. PowerGuide is a simple to use
GPS Guidance System Designed to help you reduce overlaps and maximise efficiency when spraying and spreading.
PowerSteer is a retrofit tractor autosteer-
Setting the standard for premium comfort and warmth.
Quatro by Skellerup is a handcrafted technical gumboot designed for all-day comfort and warmth. Advanced multi-layer insulation keeps your feet warm in temperatures down to -50ºC, while the cushioned midsole offers ergonomic support and eases fatigue.
A secure ankle-locking fit prevents heel slip, and the mud-releasing outsole delivers exceptional grip, making Quatro ideal for the dairy shed.
Discover the full Quatro by Skellerup range or visit:
ing system designed to increase precision and reduce operator fatigue. Offering RTK accuracy as standard and compatible with all front-wheel steered tractors, key com-
ponents include the PowerWheel-to replace the standard steering wheelan all-in-one electronic controller, and a userfriendly Android app.
The system supports a variety of driving patterns, including straight lines, curves, headlands, and saved patterns, while also mapping fields and generating fieldwork reports in PDF and Excel formats.
It can be installed without the need for complex calibration or equipment upgrades and can support multiple vehicle profiles for easy switching between tractors.
The system is designed for simplicity, durability, and affordability, offering farmers a fast return on investment. Visit www.unearthag.com or Fieldays site S18.
A full RTK Electric Steering systems is available for under $10,000+gst. Offered with a 2-year warranty, FieldBee products are supported locally by Unearth Ag Ltd, while FieldBee also supports farmers seven days a week with a dedicated support team.
MARK DANIEL
PowerSteer is a retrofit tractor autosteering system.
Sustainability goals in place
THROUGH COLLABORATIVE efforts with exhibitors, visitors, and industry partners, Fieldays says it is reaffirming its commitment to environmental responsibility with new initiatives for 2025.
“Our goal is to not only reduce the environmental footprint of Fieldays, but also to inspire broader change across the sector,” says Janine Frohlich-Monk, community & sustainability executive at the New Zealand National Fieldays Society.
“From waste management to education, we want to embed sustainability into every part of the event.”
In the lead-up to the event, Frohlich-Monk has worked closely with exhibitors to help them set sustainability goals and implement waste reduction practices. She is also piloting a new sustainable exhibitor framework. Selected exhibitors who have previously engaged in Fieldays sustainability initiatives have been invited to participate in trialling the framework. The objective is to raise awareness and shape the future of sustainable exhibiting at Fieldays.
“This pilot is about building a robust, scalable, and genuinely impactful programme for exhibitors and attendees,” says Frohlich-Monk.
Among the new sustainability-focused updates this year, the Society is introducing a new initiative by lining all site-wide recycling, compost, and landfill bins with clear bags. Previously, only the recycling and compost bins were lined. This new change allows the event’s dedicated waste management team, Closed Loop NZ, to efficiently sort and triage the waste as it arrives.
Additionally, as in previous events, the cooking oil used by food vendors will be collected and sent to Direct Fats and Oils. The used oil undergoes an extensive filtration and cleaning process to remove contaminants.
This purified oil is then transformed into various products, including biofuel, soap, animal feed, and materials for roading.
The Fieldays Sustainability Awards, in association with Instep, will also shine a light on sustainable exhibitors. Introduced in 2019, the award has now expanded into two categories: Small Business Sustainability, and Large Business Sustainability - ensuring fair recognition across all sizes of businesses.
“These awards aim to celebrate the creative and impactful work businesses are doing, no matter their size,” says Frohlich-Monk.
For attendees, sustainability can part of the Fieldays experience, with environment-focused sessions in the new Fieldays Tent Talks, in association with the University of Waikato. Highlights include ‘Predator Control on Farms’ with Wildlife Biologist Cam Speedy and a presentation by Frohlich-Monk on the Mystery Creek Community Catchment, a unique local ecosystem working toward a replicable, selfsustaining environmental model. Her talk will detail the collaborative conservation efforts within the catchment area, home to the critically endangered Pekapeka (long-tailed bat) and other native species.
As part of the wider sustainability strategy, the Society recently disclosed its indirect emissions, known as Scope 3 emissions, to show the organisation’s commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility.
The report from Instep, an organisation supporting businesses in environmental reporting, details the Society’s indirect greenhouse gas emissions, offering a clearer understanding of its impact on the supply chain.
“We believe that it’s not about waiting until everything is perfect before sharing your story; it’s about sharing your journey as it unfolds. This
transparency and honesty can inspire others to take their own steps towards sustainability,” says Frohlich-Monk.
National Fieldays aims to not only reduce its environmental footprint but also to inspire broader change across the sector.
EDITORIAL
Time for some common sense
THE CASE of four Canterbury high country stations facing costly and complex consent hearing processes highlights the dilemma facing the farming sector as the country transitions into a replacement for the Resource Management Act (RMA).
The Government has announced that the Resource Management Act 1991 will be replaced with two new acts that clearly distinguish between land-use planning and natural resource management, while putting a priority on the enjoyment of private property rights.
Regional councils will no longer individually be able to set rules as in the past and one national set of standards will apply over such matters as freshwater, biodiversity and coastal policy. However, the new legislation is two years away. Until then, farmers are at the mercy of the regional councils.
In this case, some Ashburton Lakes farmers face potentially costly and complex publicly notified consent hearings for the continuation of existing farming activities when a catchment approach is their preferred option. Environment Canterbury isn’t wrong in pushing ahead under current RMA framework.
But farmers are right in questioning the need for costly and complex publicly notified hearing consents. They rightly question whether regional councils should ignore the work done by catchments groups, when the new regulations signal a shift to national standards.
At Ashburton Lakes, the O Tu Wharekai working group has been in place since 2019 working on a collaborative approach to catchment management with all affected parties involved.
Beef + Lamb NZ says that the current processes don’t seem to recognise that these are existing farming activities, nor the huge amount of work farmers are undertaking at the catchment scale to reduce impacts and improve water quality.
Rather than tying farmers up in inefficient and expensive consenting processes, as is currently occurring, they believe the farmers’ limited resources would be better directed to implementing farm and catchment scale mitigations to achieve real environmental gains for this catchment.
The Government is looking at its options. In this case, can the Government direct ECan to stop the public notification of the consent hearings? The Government’s options are limited.
All it can ask for is that common sense prevails. In the case of Ashburton Lakes and its farmers, even that option seems to be off the table.
RURALNEWS
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
“They remind me of our choices in the local-body elections.”
THE HOUND
Bugs for lunch
THE ONGOING saga of the quality of school lunches continues. So far, they have been too hot, too cold (frozen stiff), contained glass and plastic, and the latest find is arguably unwanted protein in the form of a well-cooked bug. Imagine MPs finding a grub in their cottage pie lunch at Bellamy’s. Your old mate suspects the outrage would lift the top off the Beehive and that caterer would be gone by lunchtime. There is an option, of course, if we are sort of happy with bugs. Why not get the West Coast wild food festival people to do the school lunches. Huhu bugs, possum meat, mountain oysters and all manner of creepy crawlies could be added to the lunches and that would cost even less and solve a pest problem as well.
Sliver Thin Farms
THE HOUND hears that tension was in the air at the recent Silver Fern Farms AGM, with the board reportedly dazed and confused at why their CEO would continue to hammer farmers to lower their emissions in perpetuity, without being able to state a dollar value for any of the touted premiums. Apparently, these elite global customers don’t give a damn that sheep and beef emissions in New Zealand have been slashed in half already. The co-op itself clearly missed the memo that a million stock units a year are being displaced by swaths of pine trees. At least there will be no emissions when there is no stock left to process.
PRODUCTION: David Ferguson .................Ph 027 272 5372 davef@ruralnews.co.nz
Becky Williams ......................Ph 021 100 4381 beckyw@ruralnews.co.nz
REPORTERS: Peter Burke ...........................Ph 021 224 2184 peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
MACHINERY EDITOR: Mark Daniel ..............................Ph 021 906 723 markd@ruralnews.co.nz
A hurry up!
PM CHRIS Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old ‘we’re still a new government’ line when challenged on a perceived lack of progress on various policy promises. After 18 months in office, that just won’t cut it anymore. Federated Farmers is the latest to call time on the current mob occupying the Beehive, demanding action on National’s pre-election promise to change KiwiSaver rules to help young farmers get a foot on the farming ladder. The Nats might be struggling to remember all the promises they chucked out last election, but Feds dairy chair Richard McIntyre remembers. “They made that campaign promise in Morrinsville, but 18 months later there has been no action.” The Hound agrees, it’s time for a change in policy to give young farmers a tangible pathway to ownership and investment in agriculture.
AUCKLAND SALES CONTACT: Stephen Pollard .........................Ph 021 963 166 stephenp@ruralnews.co.nz
WAIKATO & WELLINGTON SALES
CONTACT: Lisa Wise .................................. Ph 027 369 9218 lisaw@ruralnews.co.nz
Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz
Are they serious?
THE GREENS aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their fiscal fantasies. It’s worth noting though that NZ’s merchandise trade surplus in April 2025 was $1.4 billion, compared with a deficit of $12 million in April 2024, according to Stats NZ. New Zealand has had only four monthly surpluses over $1 billion. This surplus, and the others, are thanks to farmers. And yet, the ‘Green Budget’ includes a 2.5% annual tax on a couple’s net assets over $4 million and a 33% tax on inheritances over a $1 million threshold. This would see land held within the family for generations sold off just to pay the tax bill and, as Andrew Hoggard says, we’d see “a scarring effect on rural communities, a sledgehammer to rural investment, and food production shifted offshore”.
SOUTH ISLAND SALES CONTACT: Kaye Sutherland .......................Ph 021 221 1994 kayes@ruralnews.co.nz
DIGITAL STRATEGIST: Jessica Marshall ..............Ph 021 0232 6446
A need for good governance
INCREASED INTEREST
in ‘getting into governance’ is apparent across the country.
This is despite the weight of liabilities that directors of organisations face (search ‘Mainzeal’ on the internet to see the dire example), and the ever-present media (including social) coverage delving into backstories and private lives.
Governance courses have proliferated, associate positions on boards have multiplied, and the average age of people standing for election appears to have decreased.
In the past, governance was something that you might move into having had management and leadership experience and had budget control of funds greater than personal income. Now some people have it as part of their career path, and qualifications (which can be useful) are seen as short cuts.
What drives people to consider governance can generally be ascribed to power, money, personal development or passion. In the primary sector the drive tends to be the latter – the genuine desire to see an organisation do better, and a belief that the candidate considering standing for election has the skills, attributes and experience needed to achieve change for an improved future.
From the outside it is very easy to suggest changes.
Get on the inside and change turns out to be not quite the simple activity imagined.
Change costs more and takes longer than estimated – just like any of the renovation programmes featuring on television.
This problem is so clear from national and regional examples, that it is remarkable that people continue to stand for governance positions. Add in the liabilities that are increasingly being imposed in business, and people standing for any election must have a genuine drive.
That drive needs to be backed with more than enthusiasm. Experience
combined with knowledge allows questions to be asked. The naïve inquirer asks open questions without prejudice or prior opinion, but must know enough about the topic to be able to pose the questions in the first place.
The answers to the open questions might then add insight to understanding, from which improved decisions should be able to be made.
In this potential confusion, governance is as much an art as a science, which is why having experience assists, particularly experience with management and leadership.
It is also why there are an increasing number of associate roles to help would-be directors understand the issues and the interaction between board and management.
Rigour of debate is key.
The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has made the importance of rigour of debate between all parties absolutely clear. In 2019, AICD released a report on the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry. The Royal Commission found “evidence of conduct that caused substantial loss to customers while profiting entities, often breaching laws or community expectations”.
The report reinforced the fundamental tenets of governance by stating that boards and their ‘gatekeeper committees’ must:
• “sufficiently challenge management;
• “do all they can to satisfy themselves that they are receiving the right information and inputs from management to make complex decisions;
• “monitor, measure
and assess corporate culture and governance;
• “and provide rigorous oversight of risk, including non-financial risks”.
Clearly, directors need an understanding of various topics to be able to do all this. They need to be able to ask informed
questions during board meetings to contribute effectively to governance. Understanding allows them to challenge assumptions, seek clarity on complex issues, and ensure the board is making good decisions, based on sound reasoning.
For people thinking about getting into governance, consider what your role will be. What skills and attributes does the company need for the future? Which of these will you bring? What experience do you have as a foundation and context for questions? And
are you ready for the responsibility of making decisions about other people’s money?
Everybody making decisions about voting for candidates for national, local or business governance can, of course, ask the same questions.
• Dr Jacqueline Rowarth,
CNZM HFNZIAHS, Adjunct Professor Lincoln University, is on the board of directors of DairyNZ, Deer Industry NZ and Ravensdown, and of the World Farmers’
Understanding FE better
A SIGNIFICANT breakthrough in understanding facial eczema (FE) in livestock brings New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s devastating impact on farmers, animals, and rural communities.
Until recently, sporidesmin, the toxin responsible for FE, was thought to be made by the fungus Pseudopithomyces chartarum (formerly Pithomyces chartarum).
However, researchers from AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) have shown that few Pse. chartarum strains appear capable of making sporidesmin, and a new species, Pseudopithomyces toxicarius, is the primary sporidesmin producer, providing a clearer understanding of the disease’s causes, and
paving the way for more effective control strategies.
Facial eczema, caused by sporidesmin produced by the fungus Pse. toxicarius, has cost New Zealand’s economy an estimated $332 million annually.
The study to better understand the fungus associated with FE, which began before the launch of the B+LNZ Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme, is now an important part of the programme’s ongoing efforts to combat FE. By identifying the specific species responsible for FE, researchers have made a crucial advancement to inform where the fungus has now spread and how it can be better managed.
Dan Brier, general manager of farming excellence at B+LNZ, emphasised the signifi-
cance of the findings.
“Facial eczema has been a long-standing challenge for farmers.
This research is a vital step toward understanding the fungus and ultimately eliminating its impact,” says Brier.
“Identifying the species responsible gives us a clearer foundation for developing more accurate diagnostic tools and
effective management practices. This collaboration highlights the importance of working together to solve this issue, and we’re proud to contribute to this breakthrough.”
Dr Bevan Weir, senior scientist at Manaaki Whenua and lead author says the breakthrough is the result of years of hard work and dedication from research teams and the
farming community.
“Identifying Pseudopithomyces toxicarius as the primary cause of facial eczema is a critical step forward and a testament to the commitment of everyone involved.”
Christine Voisey, AgResearch, and lead author says that working on this project has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
“There is still much to learn about the biology of Pseudopithomyces, but this research brings us closer to developing tools that will help mitigate the impacts of facial eczema on New Zealand’s farmers.
“We’re grateful to the farmers who supported us by providing samples for this vital research.”
Dr Cara Brosnahan, principal scientist in animal health research at B+LNZ and co-author points out that FE is not just a disease; it’s a burden on many farmers and their livelihoods.
“This research is an essential leap forward, giving us the knowledge we need to tackle the problem head-on. By understanding the fungus behind the disease, we will be able to empower farmers with knowledge and better tools to safeguard their stock and secure their futures,” says Broshnan.
This research confirms that while some species of Pseudopithomyces do not produce the toxic compound sporidesmin, Pse. toxicarius, which resembles Pse. chartarum closelyand is easily misidentified, is the primary species associated with FE.
Facial eczema has cost New Zealand’s economy an estimated $332 million annually.
Kioti carves out a niche among the big boys
DISTRIBUTED BY Power
Farming Group, the Kioti tractor brand has carved a niche for itself over the past two decades by offering productive, reliable and well- priced machines in the sub-compact, compact and agricultural utility sectors, from 22 to 115hp.
A 2024 release saw the brand take the step into the increasingly important 100 to 150hp sector with the HX1301 and HX 1401, offering 130 and 140hp respectively, and a maximum output of 900N torque. It is powered by Kioti’s own 4-cylinder, 3.8 litre engine, delivered in Tier 2 format, removing the need for emission control systems or after- treatment.
The engine is mated to Power Shuttle/PowerShift transmission, featuring 4 ranges and 8-step powershift for 32F and 32 R speeds, with 24 speeds. Hydraulically engaged 4WD combines with a rear mechanical diff lock,
with a limited slip diff on the front axle to deal with difficult ground conditions.
Tipping the scales at just over seven tonnes, when fitted with a Trima loader, the combination of a 2.6m wheelbase and 4.2m turning radius, means the tractor is useful around the yard, while also at home in the paddock.
The PTO delivers up to 120hp, with 540, 750 and 1000rpm speeds, while the electronically
FARMERS ACROSS New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting the most from each pass of the paddock.
But there remains significant untapped potential to positively impact farm businesses through greater utilisation of technology.
Until recently, only farmers who purchased new equipment were able to access the latest precision agriculture (PA) innovations to maximise efficiency and productivity. The goal of precision agriculture is to maximise margins via a wide range of actions, from seed placement at the right depth, spacing and volume, through to targeted and efficient fertiliser and pesticides applications.
John Deere says achieving full potential in precision agriculture has now changed with its Precision Essentials packages, which can bring the latest technology to
controlled rear linkage with hook ends, offers a useful five tonne lift capacity. A closed-centre, load sensing (CCLS) pump layout offers up to 118 l/min output via four rear valves, with a cabmounted, multi-function joystick with third service included in the standard equipment.
In the cab, space is created with an overall width of 1700mm and a 5-post layout, meaning unobstructed views to the offside of the trac-
tor. To the right of the air-suspended swivel seat, a multi-function armrest takes care of key functions, including throttle, powershift and auto-powershift functions and rear linkage.
Tony Peters of Taranaki-based Progressive Grazing had already run a Kioti PX 90 for about 10 years at home and it had never been a moment’s bother.
“We quickly realised that the Kioti HX series was exceptional value,
all ages and makes of machinery.
Precision Essentials allows farmers to tailor the latest hardware and software to the specific needs of a farm business, by making it affordable, accessible and adaptable to all. Traditionally farmers bought their technology upfront, which of course, is still an option.
The company says Precision Essentials options will facilitate a lower upfront cost for a display, receiver and modem, alongside selecting a
pre-packaged licence for required elements, such as AutoTrac, Section Control and RTK.
Importantly, Precision Essentials equipment can also be retrofitted to aging equipment, and mixed fleets. As farming operations evolve, users can upgrade licences to suit their needs to ensure they have the greatest impact on farm. By being continually connected, farmers will be able to benefit from software updates.
A closed-centre, load sensing (CCLS) pump layout offers up to 118 l/min output via four rear valves, with a cab-mounted, multi-function joystick with third service included in the standard equipment.
when we started a new enterprise last year, so ordered a HX 130, fitted with a Trima front-end loader.
The combination of the heavy-duty Trima loader and the high-flow hydraulic system makes it ideal for feeding out.
“In the first twelve months, we clocked up
five hundred hours and handled over nine hundred wrapped silage bales. If the HX goes on to perform like the old PX has done over the last decade, we will be more than happy. It’s just a bloody good tractor.” www.powerframing.co.nz
Trailing model towed by a small vehicle
Kioti offers reliable and well- priced machines in the sub-compact, compact and agricultural utility sectors. MARK DANIEL
John Deere brings the latest technology to all ages and makes of machinery.
Pesticides and Parkinson’s
BENEATH THE rou-
tine of spraying crops
DANIEL M c GOWAN It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, but it is the world’s fastest growing.
lies a growing concern that has remained largely under the radar: the link between pesticide and herbicide exposure and Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that, over time, robs sufferers of many of their faculties and quality of life. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, but it is the world’s fastest growing.
Disturbingly, rates of Parkinson’s are rising particularly quickly in rural farming communities.
Our increasingly ageing population is a factor, but this does not alone explain the rapid growth in incidence, especially given that fact
that 20% of people living with Parkinson’s experience symptoms before age 50. Genes play a role too, with approximately 15% of individuals with Parkinson’s having a family history, but a lifetime of exposure to environmental factors, including herbicides and pesticides, industrial chemicals, and air pollution, is the key driver of disease. Indeed, a growing body of scientific evidence points to a strong connection between exposure to certain agricultural chemicals and the onset of Parkinson’s. This is supported by pop-
ulation-level studies (called ‘epidemiology’) showing a clear geographical relationship between the use of these chemicals and Parkinson’s incidence, as well as animal studies showing that exposure to these chemicals induces Parkinson’s like symptoms.
Cure Parkinson’s NZ will be at the Fieldays promoting its message to the farming community.
Studies from all around the world have shown that certain pesticides and herbicides—specifically paraquat, heptachlor, and rotenone—are associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s. Paraquat, for instance, has been found to increase the risk by as much as 200–600% depending on the level and duration of exposure, and it is now banned in many countries (it is restricted in NZ, and many paraquat-containing products have been banned, but not all).
What these chemicals, as well as air pollution and solvents like trichloroethylene (which is used in mining and dry cleaning) have in common is that they are thought to damage mitochondria—
the energy-producing parts of cells. The exposure doesn’t have to be massive or dramatic; the disease is likely the result of chronic low-dose exposures over decades combined with genetic risk/ predisposition and exposure to other potential triggers (such as infections and head knocks).
It’s heartbreaking that many people were never informed about the neurological risks of the products they regularly used.
Labels might contain safety instructions, but they don’t always spell out the long-term consequences. And for many older-generation farmers, protective equipment was rarely used or even available.
• Daniel McGowan is the chief executive of Cure Parkinson’s NZ.
Calf feeding boost
MAKE SHEARING
Many
over the challenges of managing individual 25kg bags, which can be physically demanding, timeconsuming, and messy.
Additionally, with most feed suppliers offering lower prices for bulk purchases, it might be time to rethink meal handling and storage for the upcoming season.
Offerings include the Smart Stakkas and Smart EZI Bins – portable side discharge hoppers that simplify the process for half or one tonne bulk bags.
For even greater efficiency, the recently launched Auger or Gravity feed-out trailers are designed to make handling easy.
For those looking to move from bulk bags and receive meal delivery in bulk truck loads, Advantage Plastics Smart Silos offer a range of bulk storage options, with capacities ranging from 1 to 30 tonnes, ensuring durability and longevity.
Visit www.advantageplastics.co.nz or Fieldays site K44.
