Rural News 7 April 2026 by Rural News Group

Rural economy boost

sheep and beef farm

and

According to Beef+Lamb New Zealand’s Mid-Season Update report, average farm profit is forecast to climb to $287,600/farm in 2025-26. Red meat farmers are expected

CELEBRATING RUBIES

to generate $8.5 billion on farm this year and spend $16 million every day on goods and services, largely in their local communities.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins says a return to profit this financial year will be a welcome relief after some tough seasons.

“The extra revenue will flow straight into rural communities,” Dawkins told Rural News

ABOUT 200 people joined Overseas Trade Minister

Todd McClay (right) and Zespri chair Andrew Flowerday at Parliament last week to celebrate in style the success of the kiwifruit industry.

The event showcased the early Ruby Red variety which has just been harvested and guests were given special packs to take home.

Flowerday told the audience that so far it’s been a smooth harvest, but there are obvious concerns about the fuel crisis. This he stressed highlighted the importance of market diversification and he voiced his strong support for Parliament to ratify the NZ-India free trade deal. Guests included politicians from all sides of the aisle, diplomats, government officials and industry leaders. Story p4

“Farmers will spend on day-to-day running costs but also on catching up with delayed maintenance.

“This will be on things like extra fencing, weed control, pasture renewal or fertiliser. That keeps the money circulating through our support industries and rural communities.”

For many farmers, deferred repairs and maintenance are top of the list, alongside paying down debt.

“We all know commodity prices

go up and down, so building a more resilient business is key,” adds Dawkins.

B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says the report painted a positive picture for the sector with farmers cautiously optimistic.

“Farmgate returns for 2025-26 have moved materially since our New Season Outlook in September, with stronger global red meat demand and tighter international supply underpinning

livestock prices here at home.

“This is a welcome lift for New Zealand’s sheep and beef farmers.”

Dawkins agrees that farmers are riding a real high.

“Strong returns across sheep, beef, and wool, along with a favourable climate, sensible policies, and decent interest rates; this combination is rare, so there’s a lot of optimism out there.”

But B+LNZ warns there’s still a high degree of uncertainty with geopolitical risks on many farmers’ minds, including the US tariffs situation and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“We are seeing volatility in key input costs because of the disruption to global supply chains,” says Acland. Dawkins says that while farmers are enjoying conditions right now, they are wary of fuel availability and rising costs.

“On top of that, softer schedule prices are forecast, so global uncertainties have taken some shine off.”

However, market fundamentals are sound with strong demand for beef into North America and for lamb into the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Demand and pricing in China remain softer, but overall the global picture is far more positive than it has been in recent years, according to B+LNZ.

SUDESH KISSUN

Farmers want parties to clarify key policies

SUDESH KISSUN

sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

THREE FARMER lobby groups are applying the blowtorch to political parties on key issues facing the primary sector ahead of the general elections.

In a joint letter to four parties, National, Labour, ACT and New Zealand First, the groups are seeking clarification on rural, environmental, and agricultural issues.

The three groups – Groundswell NZ, NZ Farming and the Methane Science Accord – claim to represent 424,000 members and followers.

They are asking the four parties to clarify their positions on maintaining NZ’s current Paris Agreement and net zero commitments.

They say “very large” areas of previously productive, grazable farmland have been converted into carbon forestry.

“Current figures report over 300,000 hectares since 2017 have moved into permanent or long-term carbon farming.”

They also list the Freshwater Farm Plan proposal as a major concern for farmers and want to know if the parties support farm plans as governmentprescribed legislation and that it be mandatory.

The proposed gene technology bill

is also of concern to the groups.

“Our groups are not opposed to innovation or science. However, we believe any change of this magnitude must be approached cautiously, with full consideration of trade implications, farmer consent, and long-term impacts on New Zealand’s agricultural identity,” they say.

The three groups also claim that rural New Zealand is carrying “a disproportionate share of inflationary cost increases”.

“Escalating rates driven by expanding bureaucracy, sharply rising electricity prices linked to climate and renewable energy policy, and increasing compliance costs have combined to place severe pressure on farm businesses.”

They want to know what specific changes the parties will make to energy and climate policy to prevent Paris Agreement-driven renewable mandates from continuing to increase electricity costs for farmers and rural businesses.

A spokeswoman for the three groups, Helen Mandeno, told Rural News that all grassroots farmers in NZ would like to know the answers to the questions in the letter.

“We also tried to phrase the questions so that we can hopefully get direct answers.

“Politicians are notorious for

not answering questions directly or answering them in a very wishy-washy way.”

Asked if the groups would be guiding their supporters on how to vote on the back of the responses from the four parties, Mandeno says their role isn’t to tell supporters how to vote.

“What we can do – and what matters – is ensure they have clear, honest answers from all parties. Grassroots farmers deserve transparency so they can make their own informed decisions.”

Mandeno says the three groups aren’t opposed to environmental stewardship and farmers are, and always have been, environmental managers. “However, they believe current policy settings are undermining productive land use, food security and rural communities.

“We would welcome clear, public positions from the parties on these matters and look forward to constructive engagement as the election approaches.”

NEW CEO FOR BELEAGUERED WINE GROWERS

UNDER PRESSURE wine growers say the appointment of a new chief executive will bring a fresh perspective, renewed focus, and a clear, united vision for the industry.

New Zealand Winegrowers chair

Fabian Yukich says Anishka Jelicich’s appointment comes at an important

moment for New Zealand’s wine industry. After more than three decades of export growth, New Zealand continues to build its global reputation for distinctive, premium, and sustainable wines.

Yukich says the industry’s longterm prospects remain positive with growth across export markets, a strong indicator of consumer preference for New Zealand wine.

“However, the sector is navigating a period of heightened global uncertainty, with a range of serious pressures currently facing growers and winemakers.” He says that against this backdrop, Jelicich’s appointment brings an opportunity for a refresh.

“Anishka was a stand-out candidate for us with her deep understanding of the New Zealand wine industry, combined with extensive global knowledge and experience.”

Helen Mandeno says their role isn’t to tell supporters how to vote.

Strong kiwifruit returns forecast

PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

DEPSITE THE ongoing bad news on the geopolitical front, New Zealand kiwifruit growers may be in for a good payout.

Zespri has just released its March ‘guidance’ on the range of prices that growers may

get for the coming season and the top of the range price per tray for all classes is above Zespri’s February forecast. For example, the top price for SunGold is $12.75, Green $10.75 and RubyRed $17.50. Organic prices are also up on February’s forecast.

Zespri chief executive

Jason Te Brake says their

ZESPRI’S BIG RED NIGHT

OVERSEAS TRADE Minister Todd McClay and Zespri chair Andrew Flowerday were among more than 200 people who gathered at Parliament in last week to celebrate in style the success of the kiwifruit industry.

It was Zespri’s annual ‘thank you’ to all those who have contributed to its huge success in the past year and guests included the Prime Minister, politicians from all parties, diplomats, government officials and industry leaders. The event showcased the

initial guidance reflects positive demand for their fruit and the removal of US tariffs.

He says the guidance is based on assumptions about the cost of bunker fuel and freight taken from the latest information available, as well as the estimated impact from the conflict in the Middle East,

early Ruby Red variety which has just been harvested, and guest were given special packs to take home.

Flowerday told the audience that so far it’s been a very smooth harvest, but there are obvious concerns about the fuel crisis.

This he stressed highlighted the importance of market diversification and he voiced his strong support for Parliament to ratify the NZ-India FTA.

“Unlocking the value in the Indian market is hugely important to Zespri,” he says.

allowing for the potential of wider supply chain disruption.

“Despite heightened geopolitical uncertainty from the ongoing tension in the Middle East, our shipping programme is tracking well, with fruit moving steadily into market, with fruit to Europe shipped via the Panama Canal.

McClay also emphasised the value of the NZ-India FTA and added that the kiwifruit industry delivered jobs and put money in the pockets of Kiwis from the Far North to the top of the South Island.

“Much of the kiwifruit that is produced comes from the heart of my electorate and I am incredibly proud of the growers who produce this high-quality food and the team behind them that are letting the world enjoy it,” he says.

“We have a strong pipeline of vessels arriving in New Zealand over the coming weeks and continue to work with our longstanding shipping partners on monitoring the expected impact of freight costs.”

Te Brake says the 2026/27 season has started well with the industry making good

progress with harvest, supporting a fast start with another large crop of around 220 million trays to sell.

“The RubyRed harvest is close to finished, with almost all of this season’s five million trays now packed, and volumes are up from around three million trays on last year.”

Sales of this fruit have extended to include

Australia, Vietnam and Canada for the first time, he says.

Te Brake says the March guidance is a preliminary forecast, with forecasts updated through the year when there is a firmer view of fruit and market performance, as well as on the scale and duration of the conflict in the Middle East.

RubyRed harvest is close to finished, with almost all of this season’s five million trays now packed.

Fieldays venue embarks on a 15-year infrastructure upgrade

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

THE VENUE for National Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agribusiness show, is getting a major infrastructure upgrade.

An ambitious 15-year plan which includes another pavilion has been unveiled by NZ Fieldays Society chief executive Richard Lindroos.

The plan includes upgrades to water, energy, buildings and footprint (roading, parking and access) at the 114ha Mystery Creek property.

A major upgrade to the site’s water infrastructure is

underway. The $3.2m project is partly funded through a $1.35m government loan includes replacing the existing reticulated water network and installing a 600,000litre water tank.

Lindroos told journalists that a fit-forpurpose venue is needed to host the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agribusiness show and other events.

“And I’ve been hell-bent, and I don’t apologise for that, I’m making that message very clear - we need to improve our assets and what we offer people who hire Mystery Creek venue,” he says.

Lindroos says his “four-pronged attack” is spread over 15 years because it must be managed. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t host events, we’d be just a construction site.”

Lindroos made the case for why they need central government support to get the upgrades done.

“We’re a society that is a private venue,” he says,

“There are only two private venues in New Zealand of scale, Spark Arena and Mystery Creek - the rest of them are funded by the ratepayer. We’re not. So, we have been investing in our site

as a society for 58 years, paying our way.

“We will continue to do that, but with some government assistance we can fast-track that and future-proof us, because we’re very ambitious of where we want to head to.”

The next part of the upgrade is energy resilience – making the site more resilient with different sources of energy.

On buildings, Lindroos points out that some of the buildings on site have “probably have served their purpose”.

The Society recently demolished (“retired” is the word the Society

uses) one of its oldest buildings and will use the space as a village green area at this year’s National Fieldays.

Lindroos believes that to have a fit-for-purpose venue where multiple events can be held at the same time, they will need another pavilion, estimated to cost $45 million.

He says they would require government assistance to build a new pavilion.

On footprint, Lindroos says this will be improving entry and access ways into site, landscaping and car parking.

Lindroos believes the upgrades would allow more large-scale events to come to NZ.

“Right now, they don’t come because we don’t have the facilities to offer them. There are not many venues that can host mega large-scale events.

“So, that’s part of my plan with government, for them and us to identify these mega events and bring them here.”

FONTERRA SETTLES BUTTER LABELLING CASE

A DAY after selling its consumer businesses, Fonterra has settled a civil claim, filed by Greenpeace, out of court.

In a joint statement with Greenpeace, Fonterra accepts that labels on Anchor Butter with the two phrases ‘100% New Zealand’ and ‘Grass Fed’ in combination with each other were likely to mislead some New Zealand consumers, particularly those unaware of the nature of the

feeds that are provided to dairy cows.

Fonterra also accepted that the labelling was in breach of s9 of the Fair Trading Act 1986.

The Anchor brand is part of the $4.2 billion sale to Lactalis. However, Fonterra will continue to own the Anchor brand in Greater China.

The sale was completed last week.

Fonterra farmer shareholders and unitholders will receive a $2/share dividend from the sale, amounting

to $3.2b. The payment will be made on April 14.

The civil proceeding concerns claims by Greenpeace that a label on Anchor butter sold in New Zealand supermarkets between December 2023 and April 2025 was misleading and in breach of the Fair Trading Act 1986 because the diet of cows whose milk was used to make the butter included non-grass feed including palm kernel expeller (PKE).

Fonterra has removed the label from its Anchor butter packaging and has undertaken not to use the label on its packaging in the future.

In a separate statement, Fonterra says that it stands by its Grass Fed claims.

However, it recognises that the combined use of the two phrases would have been likely to mislead some consumers and has accepted this in the settlement with

Greenpeace, the details of which are confidential.

Fonterra says its cows are 96% grass fed and Fonterra’s Grass and Pasture Fed Standard has been independently verified as meeting the requirements of the New Zealand Dairy Grass-Fed Administrative Standard. Grass is defined to include grass, grass silage, hay and forage crops (including legumes and brassicas).

National Fieldays Society chief executive Richard Lindroos.

Kiwifruit trader keeping an eye on rising fuel costs

OUR

JOB is not to panic but to professionally manage our way through this predicament.

That’s the response from Michael Franks, chief executive of one of the country’s largest kiwifruit packhouse and orchard management companies, to the present Middle East crisis, which is driving up fuel prices and creating uncertainty. He says the immediate issue for Seeka is the cost of diesel for their numerous transport operators who get bins of fruit from the orchards to the packhouses and

export produce from the packhouses to the wharf. Franks says they have applied a fuel adjustment factor (FAF) which means that every week Seeka adjusts the price it pays truckies according to the fluctuations of the price of diesel.

“If we didn’t pay them for the extra cost of fuel for handling our fruit, they would not be able to carry on and would run out of money,” he told Rural News

“So, the more sensible and more mature way is to put the FAF in place;

MORE THAN JUST FUEL

THE ISSUE that occurred during the Covid crisis was the problem of disruption and shortage of containers, but Michael Franks points out that not a lot of container ships go through the Straits of Hormuz.

He says the Middle East is mainly a point of destination, not a point of transit, and so he’s not too nervous. But what concerns him is, if and

the first week it was 6% more and the second week it was 15%. We have a rate that we pay them per bin based on the distance they transport our fruit and, of course, the growers will have to pay, but at least we will get our fruit to market,”

when the war stops, and if and when the fuel starts moving again, how long it will take for the refineries to get back up and running. Franks says there could be some impact in July, August or September.

“As I understand it, this is not just as simple as you go somewhere else and get your crude from some other place, because the crude around the world is quite different and not every

he says.

Franks says grower returns will suffer nominally, but notes that fuel is only one component of the total transport cost. He says the ships are still sailing ,but there is uncertainty, and it is too early to say

refinery can take every type of crude. Our fortunes are what is happening in Korea and Singapore, in terms of where we get our fuel from,” he says. Finally, Franks says the issue goes beyond fuel with supplies of fertiliser coming from the western Sahara Desert. And he adds that the whole petrochemical issue includes the production of plastics used for packaging in the kiwifruit sector.

what effect the rising costs of fuel will have in markets.

“For example, what will it do to demand and consumer trends and will the people who supported us in the past continue to do so?” he says.

Franks says most of the fruit handled by

and other trade routes. He says Zespri also sells a lot of fruit into Asia, so that doesn’t go anywhere near the Middle East.

Seeka is sold by Zespri and, of that, only a very small volume is sold in the Middle East. He says the bulk of the kiwifruit goes to Europe via the Panama Canal

Michael Franks, Seeka chief executive

Ireland, NZ ‘share common goals’

PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

IRELAND AND NZ

have concluded a deal to extend a joint research programme on climate change.

This took place during a recent visit by Ireland’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Noel Grealish, who says this reaffirms the fact that the two countries have an awful lot in common – especially in relation to agriculture.

The deal signed by Grealish and NZ’s agriculture minister Todd McClay involves extending and enhancing the present successful joint venture, which

saw $34.5 million set aside to tackle agricultural greenhouse gas emissions without reducing production.

McClay says the new partnership arrangement will see scientists from both nations continue to develop vital research to support the development of tools to give farmers options to deal with GHG emissions. As part

SPECIAL DAY

of the deal, MPI and the Irish Ministry of Agriculture will identify further project to progress.

While in NZ, Noel

Grealish visited several of the 11 projects underway and says they have helped accelerate understanding of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

“Agriculture is at

NOEL GREALISH, from Galway in the west of Ireland, wanted to be in NZ for St Patricks day. Each year Ireland sends its politicians to all parts of the world to help celebrate this special day with Irish people in individual countries.

“I think I got the jewel in the crown by

the heart of the Irish and New Zealand economies, and we share the common goal of lowering emissions in pasture-based farming, while supporting farmers to produce more,” he says.

Grealish says while in NZ, he and a senior Irish science official Dr Karl Walsh, who was travelling with him,

being sent to NZ. Our two nations have so much in the common and the Irish diaspora is strong in NZ with one in every six people claiming Irish heritage. We have strong sporting links as well with Irishman Dave Gallagher being the first All Black captain,” he says.

visited a number of farms, research institutes and Massey and Lincoln universities. Dr Walsh also had talks with DairyNZ.

Grealish says both countries face similar challenges in the GHG emissions space and it’s logical and cost effective for both to collaborate. He says the benefits of this research will surface when it comes to selling agricultural products on world markets.

“When I go overseas I keep getting asked what are you doing about climate change. People point to the severe weather events they are now experiencing and

blame this on climate change and want to see food producing countries reducing their greenhouse gas emissions,” he says. Noel

NEW SEED CERTIFICATION SYSTEM UNVEILED

THE NEW Zealand seed industry has reached a significant milestone with the completion and approval of the new seed certification system.

The Seed Certification Information System (SCIS) is a modern, secure, and fully digital platform.

It’s the result of a six year, $7 million project, initiated and led by the New Zealand Seeds Authority (NZSA), with funding support of over $2 million from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures). Development of the SCIS has now been completed, and its functions and roles have been formally approved for use by MPI.

A project steering group, comprising representatives from NZSA, AsureQuality, and MPI, oversaw the development, with each organisation playing a critical role

in New Zealand’s seed certification ecosystem:

• MPI is the regulator of the OECD seed varietal certification scheme in New Zealand.

• AsureQuality delivers contracted seed certification services to the industry and is the country’s sole Independent Verification Agency (IVA) for official seed certification schemes.

• NZSA provides governance and policy direction for certification schemes, representing seed growers, processors, and seed companies through its industry based executive.

George Gerard, chair of the NZSA, says that “the new SCIS replaces the existing legacy system, which had become outdated, unsupported, and no longer met modern digital security expectations”.

“It introduces a fully online, role based digital environment, eliminating all manual paper based processes previously used in seed certification administration,” says Gerard.

A key innovation within SCIS is its use of geospatial technology to map certified seed crops, enhancing traceability, accuracy, and compliance. These features directly support MPI’s objective of strengthening the OECD varietal assurance framework and improving the integrity of New Zealand’s certification processes.

SCIS is currently in a pilot phase with select industry users, operating on crops from the 2026 harvest. The system will be used for the full administration of certified seed crops in the 2026/2027 cropping season.

The introduction of SCIS represents a new era in seed certification; one that its creators say enhances

security, transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability for New Zealand’s vital seed industry.

Grealish says both countries have great science programmes and great scientists.

Irish Minister of State for Agriculture, Noel Grealish.

George Gerard

Arable farmers switching to dairy

NIGEL MALTHUS

SOME ARABLE farmers are getting out of arable and converting to dairy in the face of soaring fuel and fertiliser prices on top of a very poor growing season.

Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett says dairy conversion is “a logical move” for anyone who wants to get out.

“The ability is there to do that in certain locations. Or they’ll bring more livestock into the system,” he told Rural News

“Those are the changes people are making these days.”

His comments come as diesel prices have doubled because of the Iran war, with fertiliser prices tipped to follow

suit, following a season where poor weather has played havoc with crop yield and quality.

Birkett said there was still some harvesting to be done in Canterbury and the quality was yet to be determined.

“We’re just still waiting to see what the quality is like, but yes it has been a tough year and then these increasing costs have exacerbated that problem.

“What we’re currently doing is trying to work out a mechanism in which we can pass on those costs, because at the moment, particularly in arable, we don’t have the ability to pass on any cost.

“We sign a contract now and we have to stick with that price for the whole year. And that’s pretty hard going.

Whereas everyone else in the value chain is able to pass costs on.

“We’re going to struggle to survive if we have to absorb these costs anymore.”

Birkett said the Iran war had basically doubled diesel fuel costs, from around $1.50 a litre on-farm delivered, to around the three dollar mark, even for bulk deliveries.

“Some of the gear we’re using now is pretty big. A combine harvester can be up to a thousand litres a day, and then we’ve still got all the auxiliary tractors and trailers to cart product away.”

Arable farmers were also replanting for the autumn.

“About 70 percent of our crop will go in in the next six weeks. It’s a pretty busy time,

particularly on an arable farm.”

Birkett said it was important for farmers to start looking at how they are using fuel.

“There are some jobs that just need to be done, particularly around getting food and product in the ground so that it’s growing.”

But there were other jobs which could be delayed.

“It’s important that everyone’s thinking if the job they’re doing today is really essential for that fuel use.”

He said that those planting out may need to ask whether they need to do “that last

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pass across the paddock” to get it perfect.

“Because every time we turn the key, as soon as you put your hand on the key, it’s costing you significant money these days.”

Farmers were also starting to consider changing to crops that needed less care and attention in spring and were therefore cheaper to grow. While that might mean taking a hit on the final value of the crop, the reduced costs could still leave them in a better position.

FERTILISER COMPANIES are trying to make sure people don’t panic buy, by making it clear that they’ve got supply for autumn application.

But Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett says spring fertiliser prices also looked likely to double from where they were.

“It sounds like they are locating different suppliers in the spring so they’re hoping that the supply will be okay. But the unknown is the price, and we’ve already seen in Australia

that the urea price is about A$1600.”

Birkett said the feds had been talking with the Government about agriculture being an essential service, just as it was during Covid. While the Government was certainly listening, it was about global economics and influence.

“You know, the Government here in New Zealand is really along for the ride, to a degree.”

Birkett said future thinking should be about how to build up domestic

resilience.

“We’ve done a great job increasing exports but we’ve probably done it at the expense of our domestic economy, and when we have events like this, the domestic economy becomes more and more important.

“A little bit more focus on that domestic economy would put us in a stronger position when we have these types of events happening, which do seem to be happening more often,” he said.

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Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett says dairy conversion is “a logical move” for any arable farmer one who wants to get out.

Weather hits Ahuwhenua Trophy hort field day

staff and not being able to hold the field day will not in any way disadvantage them. This has happened before.

CASUALTY of the storm that hit the Bay of Plenty recently was the cancelation of a field day at a leading Māori kiwifruit orchard at Te Puke.

Matai Pacific Iwi Collective (MPIC) are one of three finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy competition to determine the best Māori horticulture operation in the country. But just a few hours before the field day was scheduled to take place, MPIC cancelled it because of the severe weather warnings and the likelihood that conditions could deteriorate during the day.

A huge effort had gone into preparing for the day, with food on hand for an estimated 200 plus people, marquees were in place and a big screen had been erected at the beautiful Hei Marae for presentations by MPIC.

But the chair of the collective, Tiaki Hunia, says it was the right call to cancel the day. He says the reason was based on their values of kaitiakitanga, meaning caring for people, and they didn’t want people to be travelling in the dangerous, stormy weather.

“We wanted to be sure that people who came to the event could get home safely, and given the orange weather warning and the experience we have had with weather events in the Bay of Plenty, it was a no-brainer to call off the event,” he says.

Hunia says they will hold another field day for the public sometime in the future when the weather is settled.

The one bit of good news was that the judges for the competition spent the previous day with MPIC trustees and

While the actual field day did not go ahead, representatives of the other finalists – the Ngati Hine Forestry Trust from Northland and the Otama Marere Trust from nearby Paengaroa – had arrived for event. It was decided that they and some of the staff from MPIC and a few special guests would be welcomed onto the marae with the Ahuwhenua Trophy and given a brief presentation and later kai. But while this went ahead, the rain just continued to pour down.

Hunia says the very downsized event was about thanking the marae and all those who had worked to make the day a success.

SOME GOOD NEWS

WHILE WEATHER forced Matai Pacific Iwi Collective (MPIC) to cancel their field day, some exciting news came their way a few days later: Two of their staff Charles Russell and Tom Heeney were named the Bay of Plenty Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for building a large-scale kiwifruit operation grounded in cultural values, environmental stewardship and strong commercial performance.

Judges praised the strength of the collective’s governance and clarity of direction, citing their clearly articulated objectives and strategy, embedded within tikanga, with strong reporting systems that demonstrate accountability and measurable progress.

“Decision making consistently balances environmental responsibility, cultural integrity and commercial performance, creating a resilient and futurefocused enterprise,” said the judges. They noted environmental stewardship was visible across the orchards, with 13,000 native plants established in 2025 alone, alongside extensive wetland creation and riparian restoration. Also, that the orchards serve as research sites, hosting trials on native pollinators and supporting biodiversity outcomes.

“Clearly articulated objectives and strategy, embedded within tikanga, with strong reporting systems that demonstrate accountability and measurable progress. Decision making consistently balances environmental responsibility, cultural integrity and commercial performance, creating a resilient and futurefocused enterprise,” said the judges. They also noted that innovation was a key driver of the business an example of which included recycling 450km of growing string annually into plastic pallets, as well as the use of drone

technology for pest plant management and ongoing investment in emissions reduction through native planting under the Emissions Trading Scheme. Judges also said that MPIC displayed thoughtful leadership, uplifting community and honouring the stewardship of both past and future kaitiaki of their land.

Matai Pacific Iwi Collective (MPIC) leaders carry the Ahuwhenua Trophy onto the marae in the rain.

Tom Heeney (left) and Charles Russell

EDITORIAL

Happy days return

AFTER TWO long years of hardship, things are looking up for New Zealand red meat farmers.

Latest data reflects strong global demand for beef and lamb and tightening supply, with average farm profit forecast to climb to $287,600 per farm in 2025–26 – nearly double last season’s result.

Real farm profit before tax (FPBT), accounting for inflation, is expected to sit about 80% above the decade average. And when farmers do well, the rural economy does well.

Red meat farmers are expected to generate $8.5 billion on farm this year and spend $16 million every day on goods and services, largely in their local communities.

At a regional level, on the East Coast FPBT is forecast to double to an average $330,300 and in Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, it is set to rise 73% to $324,500.

As Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins notes, the extra revenue will flow straight into rural communities.

Farmers will spend on day-to-day running costs but also on catching up with delayed maintenance on things like extra fencing, weed control, pasture renewal or fertiliser.

That will keep the money circulating through support industries and rural communities.

And market fundamentals are sound with strong demand for beef into North America and for lamb into the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Demand and pricing in China remain softer, but overall, the global picture is far more positive than it has been in recent years.

Wool prices are also showing signs of meaningful recovery after several challenging years, although much of the lift is being driven by lower stocks globally.

Overall, farmers are riding a real high.

Strong returns across sheep, beef, and wool, along with a favourable climate, sensible policies, and decent interest rates; Dawkins describes this combination as rare.

While there’s still a degree of uncertainty with geopolitical risks on many red meat farmers’ minds, this is a time to celebrate the rebound in meat prices and profits.

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

EDITOR: Sudesh Kissun ......................................Ph 021-963 177 sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

THE HOUND EDNA

“We not only save on fuel, he’ll spread manure as he goes!”

Calling all mutts

YOUR COUNTRY needs you now.

The Hound proposes a major muster at parliament, having heard from a reliable pooch in Wellington that over recent weeks parliament has descended into confusion as each poll result comes out, threatening the future of many obscure and high-profile politicians, who if the polls are right will be jobless in November. Wild, undeliverable promises abound from across the political spectrum. It is well known that once every three years the main focus of politicians is to get re-elected at any cost. My highly placed mutt in parliament says the place has gone ‘barking mad’, hence the need to assemble every well trained and sensible farm dog in the country to be let loose in the corridors of power and muster these errant ego maniacs into pens where they can chill out and come to their senses!

Price of gas

IS ANYONE talking about anything other than the price of diesel at the moment? Even chats about something positive like good prices down at the saleyards and high milk cheques seem to circle back to the inevitable, ‘yeah, but the oil prices are going to push the cost of Super through the roof’ type of comments. Unlike the genius on One News who had bought an electric car which he was going to “charge for free” at home, Rural Contractors NZ have at least been talking sense when it comes to the fuel situation. It says contractors and farmers need to have ‘mature and calm conversations’ about fuel. “This will pass and business relationships and businesses need to survive. We’re pushing the message to our members to talk to farmers in the same way they would if it was a flood, fire or drought situation.”

EDITOR-AT-LARGE: Peter Burke ...........................Ph 021 224 2184 peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

REPORTERS: Nigel Malthus ........................Ph 021-164 4258

Leo Argent

MACHINERY EDITOR: Mark Daniel ..............................Ph 021 906 723 markd@ruralnews.co.nz

PRODUCTION MANAGER: Becky Williams ......................Ph 021 100 4381 beckyw@ruralnews.co.nz

Backing losers

WITH OIL prices through the roof, it was probably inevitable the creaky old refinery at Marsden Point would be thrown back into the line-out for another round of political footy.

Your old mate agrees with Matua Shane Jones that the then Labour government ‘could’ have intervened to prevent the refinery being closed, but disagrees that the state ‘should’ have thrown good taxpayer money after bad - Marsden Pt was well past it and was closed for good reason. Final word on this to Chris Hipkins: “The Labour Government did not approve the closure of Marsden Point; it was a private business... On the definition that Shane Jones is now creating, the McCain Foods factory, the Wattie’s factory, the Kinleith factory, the Winstone factory have all been closed by this Government.”

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

Finally

YOUR OLD mate is quick to bag the mainstream media for failing to hold His Majesty’s Royal Opposition to account, while trying to trip up the PM on the smallest, inane detail. So, credit where due, it was nice to see RNZ and the Herald at least holding Chris Hipkins’ feet to the fire over his failure to convey health advice about the risk of double dosing teenagers during the covid pandemic. If explaining is losing, then Hipkins’ attempts on RNZ to dodge responsibility for that particular clanger was the panic of a drowning man. “The health ministry will have to speak to that…”, “the Director General had responsibility…”, “the context around that advice is important…” etc, etc. The only Kiwis he didn’t throw under the bus were the All Blacks reserves bench, and had the interview gone on a bit longer, he would’ve got to them too.

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

DIGITAL STRATEGIST: Jessica Marshall ..............Ph 021 0232 6446

Digging deep into soil education

“THE WORST thing that agriculture does is take land from nature.”

Dr Steve Wakelin (Scion section of the new BioEconomy Science Institute) is not the first person to say this, but he made the importance clear by setting his Norman Taylor Lecture (the premier acknowledgement of research contribution awarded by the New Zealand Soil Science Society) in the context of New Zealand soil, pasture, feeding people – and the role of science in minimising food’s footprint.

Dr Wakelin is a soil biology expert with a PhD from Lincoln University. His research over the years has covered ecological genomics, molecular microbiology, microbial ecology, biogeochemistry,

COMMENT

Jacqueline Rowarth

soil-plant-microbe interactions and ecosystem function and stability.

In his lecture he was able to include different aspects from his work to make the case that we are still finding out about interactions between living organisms in the soil – and we should be doing more. He didn’t dwell on the difficulty of attracting funding for research, nor the reorganisations that are occurring in science with

institutions merging last year, he simply made the case for improved understanding of where progress could be made.

White clover and nitrogen fixation by rhizobia was one of the examples used.

Rhizobia number somewhere between 1000 and 1,000,000 per gram of soil (a teaspoon being approximately 5g). These rhizobia have been calculated to save farmers $3.9 billion dollars a year in nitrogen (though fixation does have a cost in terms of the plant’s energy and dry matter production). Despite the value of the microorganisms, most of the research on breeding in pasture has concentrated on breeding better plants.

Dr Wakelin suggested rhizobial research should also be funded, particularly as the

current rhizobia came from Australia. His point was not that Australia as a source was a problem in itself, but that the introduced rhizobia are only partially effective with white clover. Attempts to introduce new rhizobia last century resulted in the conclusion that displacing the current, environmentally welladapted, rhizobia was challenging. Improved understanding over the last 30 years could change the outcome for high performance pastures.

For the future, Dr Wakelin highlighted the role of science.

“Science is literally the instruction manual for our world – and we need improved education in many areas to ensure that the population is at the forefront of understanding.”

Understanding builds trust and with trust progress is enabled.

New Zealand ranks among the top countries for trust in scientists, with strong public belief in their expertise and need for involvement in policy. This was reported at the beginning of last year from global research. Trust was reported to be strongest and highly rated in competence (qualifications) and benevolence (honesty), but public trust in the openness of scientists to opposing views was lower – 79% of New Zealanders believe scientists should communicate more.

The question then might be how this should occur? Could society cope with more newsletters, press articles, radio interviews, TV programmes, and

blog posts on social media? Of importance, how would information be distinguished from the misinformation and disinformation that is rife?

Asking ‘what does the person stand to gain if I believe him (or her)?’ can help.

Dr Wakelin’s interest in soil science was stimulated through the field of plant pathology and soil-borne diseases.

“Soils,” said Dr Wakelin, “with the exception of carbon from the air and energy from sunlight, give plants all the essential minerals for growth. Understanding the processes regulating the occurrence and availability of these nutrients, and how plant roots acquire them, is not only fascinating, but crucial – the understanding

literally underpins our bioeconomy. Soil is the most complex ecosystem and the most complex biomaterial known. It’s a fascinating ecosystem to work in.”

Dr Wakelin won’t be the last person to make the point about creating the smallest footprint possible for feeding the global population. Nor is he likely to be the last person urging an improved education system.

But he has linked the two: “Education is the foundation – as is the soil.”

• Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Adjunct Professor Lincoln University, is a farmerelected director of DairyNZ and Ravensdown. She is also a member of the Scientific Council of the World Farmers’ Organisation. jsrowarth@ gmail.com

Input efficiency can reduce costs

increasing fuel and fertiliser prices, driven by the Iranian conflict, are a daily and ongoing concern.

While they have little

control over pricing, FAR technology manager Chris Smith, says that making the most of a range of available tools to ensure that inputs are being used efficiently as possible will help address those worries. Many of these are already available in tractor cabs or farm offices.

“One of the most reliable places to start is with guidance and auto‑steering technology, with manual steering inevitably meaning overlaps, often at 5 to 10% across a typical day’s work. Auto‑steer helps trim that down to between 1 to 3%. The small adjustment in accuracy can deliver a surprisingly large

payoff, while straighter passes, besides looking tidier, also help reduce throttle variation, lower operator fatigue, and keep machinery working more efficiently,” says Smith.

Smith says that those gains become even more pronounced when visibility drops, whether that’s spraying at night, working with wide implements, or operating in the flat, hazy light that often blankets the Canterbury Plains. Typically, most users who move from a manual to an accurate guidance system can expect to burn between 5 and 12% less diesel over a typical season.

Chris notes such technology doesn’t have to be expensive.

“Of course, not all GPS systems are equal, but choosing the ideal level of accuracy can prevent unnecessary spending. A range of offerings include SouthPAN, which is free and works anywhere with a clear sky view, while delivering enough accuracy for mapping tasks and jobs that don’t require precision.”

Moving up a level, services like CentrePoint RTX offer near‑RTK accuracy once they have converged, making them ideal for spreading or spraying where consistent two‑to‑three‑centimetre repeatability is valuable.”

Smith explains that farmers wanting instant, high‑accuracy

performance for tasks like precision planting or strip‑till will still find RTK difficult to beat; although they should realise that RTK will never pay for itself through fuel savings alone. Rather, its value

PRODUCT PLACEMENT CAN ALSO DELIVER SAVINGS

PRODUCT PLACEMENT is another area growers should be considering in terms of input efficiency, noting that even a basic guidance system can typically knock between 2 to 7% off chemical or fertiliser inputs.

When complemented by the addition of section control, it often delivers total savings of more than 10% once overlaps are removed on headlands and awkward field shapes.

The next real step change comes from variable rate application (VRA) that across typical New Zealand paddocks offers nitrogen savings of 5 to 20%, alongside phosphate and potash reductions by 10 to 25%. Results suggest that lime spreading is often the standout, with well‑mapped paddocks showing reductions of 20 to 50% as over‑supplied zones are corrected rather than blanket treated.

FAR technology manager Chris Smith says to make VRA genuinely effective, several data streams need to come together, such as soil sampling, canopy imagery, crop sensors, remote

sensing, and yield maps to provide the guidance system with real intelligence.

“These layers feed into prescription software, where maps are turned into application zones and ‘what‑if’ scenarios to estimate savings before any applications take place. Rate controllers, terminals, and ISOBUS systems then execute the plan, while as‑applied maps and yield monitors show what happened post event,” says Smith.

“The cost of upgrading to VRA‑capable equipment is typically around $20,000 over a standard machine, but payback can come surprisingly quickly.”

In addition, users should also be considering optimum fertiliser rates, where those applying high rates to chase maximum yields, might be better off accepting lower yields, but increased margins.

Further points for consideration include choosing the right tractor or implement for a particular job. Many jobs simply don’t

comes from several factors including time savings, reduced overlap, less fatigue, and the ability to manage inputs more precisely.

require a large tractor, meaning that using less horsepower can cut fuel use by 20 to 40% on lighter tasks. The difference is easily demonstrated by comparing a 100hp tractor, burning 8 to 10 litres an hour, with a 200hp machine typically burning up to 20 litres per hour.

Tyre pressures are also an important consideration, reflected by correct inflation offering fuel savings of 5 to 10% in light duties or up to 20% in heavy draught applications. Constant monitoring means lower pressures in the paddock helps reduce wheel slip and improve traction, while higher road pressures for transport applications, helps reduce rolling resistance on the trek home.

“The key message is that small refinements, applied consistently, can deliver significant savings,” says Smith. “All growers can implement some or all of the ideas suggested and, over time, move towards using them to their full potential.”

FAR technology manager Chris Smith.

HORTNEWS

More local fresh produce landing on dinner tables

an important part of how they build their menus.

LOCAL GROWERS and farmers are set to benefit from a refreshed offering from meal kit provider

Hello Fresh.

The introduction of a new Green Box sees weekly recipes jump from 43 to 59, bringing greater menu variety and more New Zealand produce and proteins to consumers.

Around 95% of Hello Fresh produce, protein and dairy is sourced from New Zealand.

Hannah Gilbert, head of culinary at HelloFresh Australia and New Zealand, says local growers and suppliers are

“Like most food businesses, some ingredients may come from offshore depending on seasonality, availability and quality requirements, but local sourcing remains a major focus for us,” Gilbert told Rural News

“Fresh vegetables and proteins are a big part of what we source from New Zealand suppliers each week.

“That includes everyday staples that appear right across the menu, as well as more premium ingredients featured through the refresh.”

Examples include lamb rump from Otago and Southland, hapuku from Bluff, and vegetables such

as Campari vine tomatoes, baby silverbeet, oyster and shiitake mushrooms, and mini capsicums from regions including

Pukekohe and Waikato.

One grower supplier, Dave Hyland, Mercer Mushrooms, says they are proud to supply

HelloFresh because “it means our mushrooms are going almost directly from our growing rooms into Kiwi kitchens”.

“The partnership gives us a reliable route to market, supports stability for our team, and allows us to keep investing in quality and innovation here in the Waikato,” he told Rural News.

Hello Fresh sources produce from range of regions across both the North and South Island, depending on seasonality and availability.

Food safety, quality, consistency and reliability are all critical in how the company selects suppliers.

‘We want to work hand in hand with people who can consistently deliver high-quality ingredients and who share our focus on freshness and a great customer experience,” says Gilbert.

“We stay close to our partners through regular touchpoints and planning, so we can keep quality consistent, respond to seasonal changes and make sure we’re delivering what customers expect every week.”

Gilbert says the refresh is all about giving customers more choice and better quality.

AI REMOVES WEEDS WITHOUT MOVING SOIL, CROPS

MAJOR NEW Zealand fresh produce grower is tapping AI to manage weeds on one of its farms.

LeaderBrand, with funding support from Ministry for Primary Industries under the Primary Sector Growth Fund, has welcomed the world’s latest technology in weed control to its Gisborne farm.

The new Carbon Robotics G2 Laser Weeder is the latest technology innovation out of America, and it uses high-resolution cameras,

artificial intelligence, and laser technology. It detects and removes weeds as tiny as the top of a ballpoint pen, without disturbing the soil or impacting the crops.

This new technology will be pivotal in helping the farm reduce carbon emissions, improve soil health, increase productivity, and produce a more consistent quality of crops, which will ultimately help Kiwis have more access to affordable leafy greens.

LeaderBrand’s general manager of farming, Gordon McPhail, says that reducing emissions, better soil management, as well as finding new ways to farm sustainably with cutting-edge technology is an important focus for the team.

“We’re always looking for different ways we can be more sustainable, and soil health is a key driver; this new weed management technology is another step in the right direction. This is a huge milestone for us.

“This is a first of its kind to be used on salad leaf production of this scale, here in New Zealand. We are incredibly grateful for the funding support from the Ministry for Primary Industries under the Primary Sector Growth Fund so that we can commit to this project. There is no doubt this technology will revolutionise the way we farm, and it’s not often that we get to say that, let alone experience it right here in Gisborne,” says McPhail.

Sudesh Kissun sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

Hello Fresh says local sourcing remains a major focus for the company.

Gordon McPhail, LeaderBrand general manager farming.

Seeka’s kiwifruit harvest underway

Peter Burke peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

SEEKS

CHIEF executive

Michael Franks says while it’s still early days in terms of the kiwifruit harvest, things are looking pretty good.

Seeka handles around 47.1 million trays of kiwifruit annually, of which 19 million trays come off their own orchards. The remainder of the fruit come from other orchards and is packed at one of their 11 packhouses based in the major kiwifruit growing regions around the country.

Franks says they have just about completed harvesting the red

kiwifruit and he says the fruit size is a lot bigger, which is good, but fruit quality is a bit more indifferent.

“The red fruit poses more challenges for us because it is more like a berry rather than kiwifruit, and I think the industry is still getting its head around that,” he says.

Franks says they are about quarter of the way through the SunGold harvest and are also waiting for that green fruit – the Haywards –to come on. He says the weather has mostly been kind this season, apart from the cyclone, and regular rain has been

helpful.

“Labour supply has generally been pretty good, although we have had some issues getting

it to settle down across our 11 export packhouses. Because of this, there is some regional variability, and it hasn’t been as

A PLACE TO CALL HOME IN CHRISTCHURCH

straight forward as we had hoped,” he says.

Franks says like most companies in NZ, Seeka is facing inflationary pressure with such things as electricity.

“Generally, we have had a pretty good run over the last couple of years, and we are trying desperately to have another one,” he says.

WORLD SOYBEAN HARVESTING RECORD

Mark Daniel markd@ruralnews.co.nz

OPERATING WITH a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.

The system is said to offer lower investment costs, reduced fuel consumption and labour demand, while minimising soil compaction and delivering maximum efficiency and improved profitability. Featuring a gantry layout, with offset cabin, the Nexco harvesting module was designed to complement the main Nexat unit in 2019, setting the new world record less than seven years later. Recently, its capability and performance, saw a Nexat gantry set a new World Record, by harvesting 637.76t of soybeans off 158.16ha in just eight hours.

Breaking the previous record by 150t, the successful event took place in the Brazilian state of Bahia, utilising a Nexco harvesting module, equipped with a 15.2m FD250 MacDon FlexDraper header. Operating at an average speed of 13.6kph, average throughput achieved was 79.72t/hr, at a moisture content of 14%. Fuel consumption was 7.5l/ha with recorded losses of less than 0.5%.

Seeka handles around 47.1 million trays of kiwifruit annually.

A love for back-country adventures

A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of the South Island back-country have gone the length of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final run to the river-mouth, tells their story

THE TEAM have mounted about 30 mostly-South Island adventures over the last 15 years or so. The core group are a collection of about a dozen 60-something-yearold doctors, a dentist, a pharmacist, a landscape designer, a farmer, together with a few other additions and extractions over the years.

Waiau Toa Clarence River has always been a source of fascination for retired dentist Andrew Findlay. Fuelled by that interest, he put together an expedition with a twist, taking on the length of the river in a single trip.

Andrew had rafted part of Waiau Toa with a group of families about three years ago, but this time it was a seven-dayer and the buildup was a bit different.

“I had a bike accident a couple of years ago, basically broke my back, and then I had a fleeting experience with paraplegia. So, I figured that was going to be it for a lot of things, but after the initial surgery things came back surprisingly quickly. I’ve still got a couple more operations to go but it’s been about getting yourself back into your head, back to normal life again.”

There were many intrepid moments for the team but their ultimate memory must surely have been a bottle of Waiau Toa Clarence, scooped from a bubbling source near Belvedere Peak, at the head of the catchment.

Supported by Ben

Judge’s crew at Clarence River Rafting, the team drove down from Blenheim to St Arnaud before setting out for the Clarence’s interior.

First steps; a 50km mountain bike section along the Rainbow Station to Hamner high country road to camp 1, which was situated just short of Lake Tennyson at Sedgemere Flat.

Day 2 was a morning bike followed by a sixhour tramp around the Lake to the Belvedere Peak base camp. Day 3, Eureka! the source was discovered after a long, hard 14- hour return tramp/climb to the peak and retracing back to Lake Tennyson.

The source of Waiau Toa Clarence is just below Belvedere, which has a unique, but littleknown geographical feature. It has four watersheds which lead to three South Island coastlines: the Clarence flowing to the Pacific, two joining to form the source of the Wairau River which leads to Cook Strait and the East Sabine which connects to the headwaters of the Buller and ultimately the Tasman Sea.

“The Māori history is that it was significant to them because they could get to three different coastlines with their waka, the Pacific, the Tasman Sea and then Cook Strait with their waka. They could paddle down there with any produce, food or whatever they could, or even just for transport - they could go across the country.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

HIGH COUNTRY adventures connect you to people in a different kind of way, Andrew Findlay says.

When we went from Lake Tennyson up the valley, you realise that you can see this classical, U-shaped glacial valley. It’s quite different to a flooded river valley, which is more a V shape. Suddenly it dawned on me that Lake Tennyson is actually the terminal lake right at the end of what was once a glacier.”

The team had a few clues trying to find the source, namely topo maps and their knowledge of South Island high country.

“The topo maps trace out the course of the upper reaches of the river and where, in theory, it should start where the river goes and then and eventually where it stops. In real terms however, to find the true and accurate source, you need to read the terrain to where the water actually pops out of the side of the hill. And in this case, it was out under snow.”

They took ice axes but didn’t really need them as in the middle of the summer, a lot of the snow has melted, “so we just sort of searched through the rocks and scree until eventually the water source disappeared underground”.

The team still kept searching even higher up, to find the actual source – and Andrew says it all comes down to listening for water under the rocks.

“You put your ear down, dig down a bit and there it was. So now I’ve got a scoop of it in a bottle.”

Completing the trip in one go from source to sea felt like a special

achievement for the whole team.

“We like to think that nobody’s actually done

the whole thing in one go before. Certainly, people have done separate sections and we know

people

But I

believe they would

Most of the ideas for these trips start at a dinner party over a couple of beers or wine “and then someone suggests things, and it snowballs from there”.

“Because we’ve done quite a number of trips that involve high country stations, you’re staying in huts, shearer’s quarters and homesteads. A lot of the expeditions have been around the lower half of South Island. Everyone likes to pretend they’re sort of the true southern man, don’t they? In our jobs we associate with people from all walks of life, but we particularly enjoy meeting people from the agrarian sector. They’re good, solid people and meeting them on our expeditions, allows us to form a connection in a different way.”

The team have got their drill down pat. “We’re ready for the next adventure,” Andrew says.

have gone from Tennyson up to Belvedere Peak and back.

don’t

have then biked, walked and rafted and then got all the way down to the ocean,” says Andrew.

Rafts in the gorge where the team camped.

Setting beef calves up to beat worms

AUTUMN ON the farm

usually means a busy time in the cattle yards.

Cows and calves are mustered, and the weaning process gets underway. As this is often the first yarding since calf marking, it’s a good chance to not only weigh calves, but assess cow condition, cull nonperformers and map out a plan for the winter. For any calves staying on farm, whether future mums or future steaks, a weaning drench is recommended in nearly all situations.

In most beef breedingonly systems, the overall worm challenge is fairly low. By the time beef calves are weaned at around five to six months of age, they have already passed through some of their most vulnerable

months for worm infection. Well-grown calves with good weaning weights are better equipped to handle the transition away from mum and the milk-bar that she provided.

However, weaning can still be a tough time for calves, particularly for those weaned early or at lighter weaning weights.

Good nutrition is a calf’s best defence against worms. The quicker they grow, the less time they are vulnerable to a worm challenge, needing less drench overall. Starting weaners on high quality feed with low larval contamination is the key. Aim for post-grazing pasture covers of 1600kg DM/ha.

Remember calves in their first year are the main source of pasture

contamination for other cattle.

Some will be wormier than others, depending on how well grown they are, how well mum was still milking, and the quality of pasture they’ve had up until weaning. For the warmer parts of the country, larval development on pasture continues for longer into winter and weaned calves can continue to be a source of pasture contamination for next spring. Avoid having weaned calves by themselves in a rotation if possible, as they’ll likely be creating a worm ‘hot spot’.

Using a drench product demonstrated to be effective on your farm is also very important if you want to avoid populating weaner grazing areas

Don’t put good fertiliser on compacted soil which can’t absorb it. If your soil can’t support 15cm root growth and good worm population check for compaction. You could need aeration. In dollar terms, what would 20% production increase mean to your yearly turnover?

YOUR GREATEST ASSET IS THE SOIL YOU FARM. DON’T DESTROY IT!

with drench resistant worms. Leaving worms behind after drenching is also not a smart move for promoting great liveweight gains in your weaners either.

So which drench should you use?

In terms of formulation, the best option for calves at weaning is an oral combination drench.

A pour-on or an injection might seem easier, or just what you’ve always done, but they simply don’t stack up the same. Studies have shown they are not as effective as oral drenches when it comes to tackling drug-resistant Cooperia. This worm is common in calves in their first summer and autumn, so using an oral combination drench in their first year of life is the best option. An added bonus is that

oral products tend to be cheaper as well. Another time-bomb for calves is Ostertagia. This worm tends to become more of a threat as cattle approach their first winter. Historically, ‘Mectin drench products have been more effective against Ostertagia than the Benzimidazole and Levamisole products and it is recommended that combination treatments for calves should contain a ‘Mectin component from late autumn onwards.

Drenching the calves isn’t the end of the story. Assuming the product is doing its job without checking may result in calves not thrivingdrench resistance is not just the realm of sheep farmers anymore!

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DRENCH CHECK

DOING A drench check at weaning is worth the effort and can inform your drench choices for the rest of the winter. Ideally collect fresh poo samples for faecal egg counts (FECs) and worm species identification on the day you give your drench (so you know what was there to start with) and then repeat the samples 10-14 days after drenching. Ideally FECs will have dropped to zero after your treatment. Your vet can help you set this test up correctly.

When to drench next depends on the age and size of calves at weaning along with quality of feed available and the level of worm contamination where they are grazing. FEC monitoring may be appropriate in calves six months of age or younger, and/or weaned at light bodyweights. FECs don’t tell the whole story, knowing what worm species are affecting your calves can mean a targeted approach to drench treatments. Ostertagia is a low egg producer but can still pack a punch due to the burrowing of immature larvae as well adult worms into the abomasal wall, so an infection can fly under the radar until it is too late.

Use larval culture or the newer fast-turnaround GIN PCR to pinpoint what worm species are present. GIN PCR can give you a result within a few days, enabling timely drench decisions. Monitoring growth rates is also a valuable part of tracking how calves are going.

So, make sure your beef weaners are set up to win the war against worms. Provide good nutrition, try to wean them onto an area that’s likely to present a low cattle worm challenge, use an effective oral combination drench and do a quick check of the treatment to set your calves up for a strong start.

NEWS IN BRIEF

GENETICS UPDATE

FARMERS WILL get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) event in Christchurch on May 18 brings together stud breeders, scientists, and industry professionals from across the country.

This year, the FORUM runs alongside B+LNZ’s Out the Gate farmer event and awards dinner. B+LNZ says attendees can look forward to a full day of updates, discussion and interactive sessions focused on sheep genetics and the New Zealand Genetic Evaluation. The forum will also give delegates a first look at a new genetics tool rolling out via nProve later this year.

Developed through the B+LNZ-led Cool Sheep Programme, the tool will allow farmers to track the impact of sire genetics on their flock, by showing how those genetics flow into their replacement ewe flock, as well as their flock’s genetic trends over time.

The forum opens with presentations from B+LNZ chief executive Alan Thomson and head of genetics Jason Archer, who will outline B+LNZ’s strategic priorities for 2026/27 and how sheep genetics fits within that broader direction.

Beef + Lamb NZ Wormwise consultant, vet and farmer, Mary Bowron outlines how to set beef weaners up for success in the war against worms.

In most beef breeding-only systems, the overall worm challenge is fairly low.

MS 8S Xtra raises the bar for fuel efficiency

WITH THE rapid rise of diesel prices since the start of the Iran conflict, farmers and growers are taking fuel consumption seriously as their bottom line is being eroded.

Recent trials, using the wellknown independent and standardised DLG PowerMix tests, said to be the benchmark for tractor fuel efficiency, compared the MF 8S Xtra Dyna E-Power and Dyna-VT models with their main market segment competitors, highlighted the performance of the Massey Ferguson engines and powertrains.

Comparing performance in a series of working environments designed to replicate farm operations, PowerMix includes 14 transport and field

applications at varying speeds and operational loads, alongside looking at tasks using PTO and hydraulicallydriven implements.

The Massey Ferguson 8S.265 Xtra Dyna E-Power “achieved exceptional results for fieldwork”, beating its six competitors in the 209kW +/-20kW (330 maximum horsepower) category, taking first place overall with fuel savings of 4-22g/kWh. The MF 8S.265 Xtra Dyna-VT also scored highly, achieving second place in the CVT transmission category ahead of several key competitors.

Massey Ferguson’s marketing team notes that by using less energy (g/kWh) than other brands and models in the same market segment, across varied applications. the MF 8S Xtra series tractors could help users achieve fuel savings up to 3.74 l/hr, or

18,727L over 5000 operating hours. Alternatively, this translates into working more hectares while using the same amount of fuel, reducing owners’ costs of operation.

With a continuously variable transmission designed for optimum

precision and flexibility, the MF 8S Xtra Dyna-VT also impressed averaged 247g/kWh specific fuel consumption across the range of field tasks. The latest MF 8S Xtra series offers six models from 205hp to 305hp and is powered by AGCO Power 6 cylinder, 7.4L engines, delivering strong power, torque and performance at low engine speeds, helping to reduce operating costs. The alternative choice of transmissions allows customers to select the most suitable drivetrain for their situation.

Formulated to provide ultimate parasite protection and performance for your cattle. ECLIPSE offers the ability to withstand the elements, ensuring reliability in all conditions, much like this 90 L Gear Bag yours with qualifying purchases of ECLIPSE products this season.

The Massey Ferguson Xtra Dyna E-Power achieved exceptional results for fieldwork.

18 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

John Deere announces upgrades to combines, header equipment

MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

JOHN DEERE has announced a range of updates and enhancements to its model year 2027 X9 and S7 combines and header equipment.

John Deere production and precision ag marketing manager, Royce Bell, says the changes can influence success at harvest time, including getting crops off as quickly as possible.

Harvest Settings Automation offers faster starts by automatically setting concave clearance, fan speed, rotor speed, sieve clearance, and chaffer clearance,

based on the combine model, crop type and geolocation. After the operator sets limits for grain loss, MOG and broken grains, the system automatically adjusts the aforementioned settings to stay within the selected limits.

Currently available for wheat, barley, canola, corn, soybeans and rice, for MY 2027, the system has been expanded to deal with oats, lentils, peas, rye, triticale, and sunflower crops.

First offered for MY 2025, Predictive Ground Speed Automation (PGSA) controls the combine’s ground speed based on crop height and biomass measurements

taken pre-harvest from satellite scans and on-the-go measurements made by cab-mounted cameras.

In operation, cabmounted cameras add real-time detection of conditions such as downed crops or dense weed patches, ensuring speed regulation through these areas for optimal performance. For MY 2027, PGSA features Green Crop Detection, using enhanced data processing power and a specific algorithm, to accurately detect green crops within an otherwise-mature stand.

Other MY27 features include Tru-Thresh concaves with remote

concave and separator grate adjustment, alongside new halflength concaves allowing modular installation and improved durability, for new MY 2027 X9 combines, which will also feature factory precut openings in the clean grain elevator, allowing easier retro fitment of the HarvestLab systems.

“The changes can influence success at harvest time, including getting crops off as quickly as possible.”

All MY 2027 X9 and S7 combines will be available with a new power folding ladder option, while a new 35ft (10.7m) unloading auger on the X9 creates an additional 1.22m (4ft) of clearance between the header and unloading auger, allowing the use of wider headers or

controlled traffic farming unloading-on-the-go on a 12 metre system. The new 550-bushel grain tank on the X9 allows for longer time between unloads and more capacity when opening larger paddocks, while also including heavy-duty final drives. In addition to MY 2027 combine updates, there are changes to front-end equipment, including a new 27-row folding corn head (CF27) on 50.8cm (20in.) spacing. Corn head automation will be an optional feature on 2027 heads which will automatically control deck plate spacing and back-shaft speed, resulting results in more productivity, efficiency, and grain loss reduction.

John Deere is also launching Precision Upgrade Combine Automation Packages, allowing customers with a MY25 or newer S7 or X9 customers that have the Select Technology Package from the factory, to upgrade to Premium or Ultimate Technology Packages.

John Deere says changes can influence success at harvest time, including getting crops off as quickly as possible.