Roaring into Sika New Zealand’s largest hunting and outdoor event is set to draw more than 10,000 people e to o My yste ery y Cre eek thiss mo onth. Re ead mo ore e on page 15 5. Photo / Suppplied
November 2026 Issue No. 313
Wild venison stocks food banks PG 4-5
Driving a safer forestry sector PG 6
Vegetable industry pools resources PG 10
Feed management, hay & silage PG 13
Country Lifestyle PG 20-23
Farm Vehicles & Machinery PG 25
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Discovering the realities of farm life
As city kids, we weren’t exposed to life and death. We were sheltered from it. It wasn’t discussed. When Cindy, the old calico cat, got sick, we were told she’d gone away for a while to get better. It was a long recuperation because, five years later, Cindy still hadn’t returned home. One day, my statesmanlike, besuited grandfather was holding court from his buttoned, rolled-arm Chesterfield chair, as he always did. Then, one day, he wasn’t. He was gone. Why? Where? No one explained. When I asked, all I got was a “shush”. How did that help my understanding of the life cycle? Shortly after, Nanna, a gracious woman with a twinkle in her eye, who occupied a much less fussy fireside chair and held far fewer opinions, also vanished. No explanation. Just gone. I didn’t ask this time. Both had simply been written out of the script.
Maeve
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It was the same when this boy from the ’burbs went to reconnect with Maeve, the house cow at the farm. We met Maeve last month: a ‘mulberry’, almost-black Jersey with a matching black switch at the end of her tail and friendly, big brown eyes. When she saw me, she would sashay over, those big flanks steaming in the morning chill. It looked as though she was about to spontaneously combust. Maeve, an Irish name meaning “intoxicating”. She certainly was that. A grand sight. Then she would ruminate and stare. Nothing needed to be said. She was my cow. We had an understanding. How many city kids had a cow? But then I didn’t. “I’ll come with you,” said The Hat when I abandoned my porridge to go and see Maeve. “You might be about to learn some hard farm facts.” What the hell? He was being unusually protective as he laid a big, calloused hand on my shoulder. Then came a loud “POP!” I sensed the day was about to get a whole lot worse before it had properly started.In Maeve’s paddock, under the macrocarpa, stood a white truck with a crane, like a tow truck.
Maeve was an almost fully black cow that stole Hunter Wells’ heart. Photo / David Fairey
Reality
I was struck by a bout of dizziness. My stomach heaved. An uncontrollable urge to vomit or faint. Or both. A body’s normal reaction to blood being spilled and trauma. Certainly a city kid’s body. A cattle carcass was splayed on a gambrel hook attached to the crane while a butcher went about his gory business. Maeve’s beautiful big brown eyes stared accusingly from a severed head on the ground beside the truck. “Why did you let that happen?” she seemed to be asking. The ruminating had stopped. There was a huge, heavy-duty plastic tub brimming with viscera. And I was brimming with tears. All the while, that big, heavy, calloused farmhand patted my shoulder reassuringly. I didn’t want reassurance. I wanted Maeve. “Way of the farm boy,” said The Hat. I wasn’t sure I liked the way of the farm. I just wanted to cry. And I did.
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El Niño: Farmers prepare for dry summer
The prospect of a long, hot summer under forecast El Niño conditions is putting feed crops, water supplies and stock numbers at the centre of farmers’ planning.
Page 3
Beef + Lamb New Zealand environment project lead Tom Orchiston. Phottos / Supppliedd “Cultivation Cultivation practices should also be they hey must plan carefully to mitigate any risks considered that mitigate sediment loss, associated with the practice. “A winter grazing plan is a valuable tool to with low-tillage options being suitable in help underpin management decisions around many situations.” the establishment, growing and feeding of He says it has been encouraging to see such winter forage crops.” significant improvements in the management Tom says factors to consider before planting of intensively grazed winter forage crops crops include soil type, slope, location of in recent years. Care needs to be taken to waterways and critical source areas, access to protect soil, water and nutrient resources shelter and stand-off areas, and placement of while ensuring animals remain well-fed.” water troughs and supplementary feed. Steve Edwards
From checking water supplies and reducing excess stock to securing summer feed in, farmers are weighing how best to prepare for dry conditions while keeping fertiliser costs in check.
A long, hot summer
Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers’ president Brent Mountfort says most farmers are “pretty much aware” of a potential drought looming. “They are getting rid of excess stock and checking that water supplies are up and running.” Brent says farmers are planning for the worst and hoping for the best. “We are not being over-cautious but are very conscious of the potential for a long, hot summer ahead. “Given the cost of fertiliser and its application, farmers know they must be more selective as to when and where they are using it,” he says. “With the weather and costs, they need to think strategically.” Brent farms on the Matatā hills and says soils there always need sulphur and potash “little and often”. Feed crops should be in now as it is dry enough, he says. “This is slightly earlier than usual, before any moisture deficit.”
Feed reserves
At a recent levy-funded Beef + Lamb New Zealand workshop, Agricom’s Allister Moorhead urged farmers to use short-term tools such as strategically applied nitrogen to maximise the spring flush and summer forage crops to help push feed forward into late summer. While soil temperatures are only just starting to rise, Allister encouraged farmers to get nitrogen on as soon as possible to help drive early spring pasture growth. “But pick your paddocks to power up.” Allister says the resulting feed will help drive lactation and pre-weaning growth rates. “It’s about trying to maximise spring surpluses as surpluses give farmers choices.”
Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers’ president Brent Mountfort. Having a spring surplus allows summer crops to be sown in the ideal window, he says. Other tools farmers can use as the forecast El Niño takes grip include de-stocking, using older run-out pastures as a feed pad. “By late summer, continuing to finish lambs on summer crops when you have skinny ewes is missing the opportunity for these crops to be used as tupping feed, setting up the following year’s reproductive performance.” Waikato Federated Farmers’ Arable Chair Don Stobie says cropping should be well planned this time of year, including booking contractors. “Farmers need to have the right maturity type crops for their region. Maize continues to be the most popular summer crop for Waikato dairy farmers, plus turnips, chicory and kale. ”If they are buying-in feed, they need to source supplies [maize and meal].” Don says soil testing is important for spring fertiliser application. “With the costs involved, farmers won’t be putting it on willy nilly. They will want the best bang for their buck.” Don says winter was “pretty kind” to Waikato farmers, while summer will be what it will be. “We can only control the controllable.”
Planning beyond summer
Beef + Lamb New Zealand environment project lead Tom Orchiston says with El Niño weather conditions forecast, farmers will be keen to make the most of early spring soil moisture to get crops established, but
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Page 4
Wild venison reaches 120 food
A charitable organisation supplying wild venison to food banks around the country will feature at the Sika Show. Formed in May 2025, the Wild Game Recovery Trust (WGRT) now supports 120 food banks nationwide through its Game Changer NZ programme. General manager Sarah Gagliardi says donors choose the food bank they want to support, with their donation funding that food bank. Hunters donate the animals, butchers prepare the meat, and the food bank distributes it to people who need it.
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“Every $120 donated helps turn one wild deer into quality meat for your chosen food bank.” Sarah says the Game ChangerNZ programme focuses on deer donation. “We have individual hunters, hunting groups and New Zealand Deerstalkers Association branches – a total mix. She says the WGRT “connects all the dots”, co-ordinates from hunter to food bank and pays processing costs across the country.
Programmes Current New Zealand-wide total meat distribution is 4487kg, which is 35,896 meals (based on a universal mince meal serving size of 125 grams). Regions include Bay of Plenty (Katikati to Rotorua) and Waikato (Coromandel to Wild Game Recovery Trust founder Wayne Langf gford f at the WGRT/Game Changer NZ Turangi). stall at the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Hunting & Wildlife Expo in July. Sarah says food banks have rallied around the programme, raising Hunters wanted funds to cover processing costs through Game Changer NZ. “As a result, processing funding isn’t the barrier – nearly all At the Sika Show stand, hunters can sign up on the spot to food banks have funds in place for continued processing and become a Game Changer NZ hunter and chat to the team are simply waiting for hunters to harvest and donate animals so about how it all works. they can get meat to the people who need it.” The WGRT will be sharing a stall with the New Zealand Game Animal Council (GAC). She says food banks really recognise the important role “We utilise GAC’s ‘Hunt and Share’ platform, which is hunters play and are incredibly grateful for their contribution. where hunters log their animal at the point of donation/ “They think it’s amazing that we have access to such a valuable harvest,” Sarah says. source of wild protein and see hunters as a vital link in getting Hunters complete a three-minute knowledge check when that meat to the people who need it.” they sign up to be a Game Changer NZ hunter, via the GCNZ Hunt and Share platform. “Our big CTA (call to action) for the Sika Show is to get hunters keen on and amongst this work and be part of something that’s making serious headway in food security, while contributing to wild animal management.” Sarah says each time $120 is raised, a registered WGRT hunter gets the green light to harvest a wild deer for that specific foodbank. The animal is delivered to an approved local butcher, professionally processed and packaged into 500g-1 1kg venison
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Deer being dropped off for processing.
COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
banks across NZ
Page 5
Half-herd calving trial shows profit A DairyNZ trial investigating whether calving and mating pressures can be reduced without sacrificing profitability has delivered encouraging results for dairy farmers. Three years of research at DairyNZ’s Scott Farm in Waikato examined an extended lactation system where only half the herd calves each spring, with cows calving every 24 months instead of annually. The study found Friesian cows in the extended lactation system achieved profitability ranging from 3% below to 4% above that of a conventional seasonalcalving system, while also producing more milksolids per hectare. The approach is designed to ease workload peaks during calving and
mating and reduce the number of nonreplacement calves born. DairyNZ senior scientist Lydia Farrell says the findings suggest extended lactation could be a practical option for some farmers seeking to spread labour demands more evenly while maintaining strong farm performance. However, early results from a parallel Jersey cow study showed greater variation, with some cows drying off earlier than expected and others continuing to milk much longer. Nearly half of the Jersey cows were still milking 60 days before planned calving. Further research and modelling are underway to assess the system’s suitability across regions and farm types.
Serious machinery for serious work.
North Auckland New Zealand Deerstalkers Association representative Will Rawlinson (right) dropping venison mince to an Auckland food bank.
mince portions. The foodbank collects the packaged venison directly from the butcher and distributes it within their community. One deer = 200 meals. Sarah says the WGRT exists to tackle two pressing realities head-on: the unchecked rise of wild animal populations across New Zealand, and the growing strain of food insecurity facing families nationwide. “Hunters are already out there doing what they love.” She says the trust’s role is to make sure that effort goes even further – backing hunters to manage wild animal numbers while getting quality protein into foodbanks.
Community impact
“This is hunting turned into community impact,” Sarah says. “Hunters are skilled and passionate about what they do. “This trust is about backing them with the funding, resources, and infrastructure to turn that skill into something bigger — reducing wild animal pressure on the environment and putting food on the
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table for families.” Sarah says wild animal numbers have nearly doubled across New Zealand in the past decade, causing significant destruction to conservation land, forestry and farmland. “The ecological cost is huge. “Overabundant wild animals are changing the composition of native vegetation, preventing forest regeneration and reducing the food sources and habitats that native species depend on. “Wild animals also pose huge challenges for farmers, causing an estimated $213 million in damage to farmland every year. “Currently, the problem isn’t being managed well enough — and that’s where harnessing the skills of hunters becomes critical to keeping wild animal numbers under control.” Sarah says at the same time, nearly 18 per cent of households are experiencing severe food insecurity. “Protein is one of the hardest items for food banks to source and, as the cost of living continues to rise, more and more families are going without it.”
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Page 6
Safetree helping drive safer forestry sector An industry body has helped dramatically reduce workplace harm in New Zealand’s forestry sector.
a cultural shift within forestry since the inception of Safetree.” Working with ACC, he says acute harm in the industry has reduced significantly. “Incidents are heading in the right direction.”
Run by the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC), Safetree provides resources and delivers programmes Contractor certification designed to support safe and successful forestry operations. Safetree/FISC chief executive Joe Akari People from across the sector contribute says there are currently 339 certified to developing its initiatives, including contractors, representing almost 70% of representatives of forest owners and all contractors, which is a strong uptake managers, contractors, farm foresters, for a voluntary process. ACC, WorkSafe, unions and workers. “We also have 224 workers certified for FISC was established following the high-risk tasks of manual tree felling a recommendation of the 2014 and breaking out, about 85% uptake. Independent Forestry Safety Review, and “We are launching new certification Safetree’s programmes are based on the streams for forest manager certification review’s recommendations. and a second tier of contractor These included leadership and a certification for contractors who forestry sector health and safety plan, a consistently exceed the Safetree standard, charter for industry leaders to commit to called Canopy Class.” change, clear and consistent standards to Joe says reducing fatalities and serious support safe work and workplaces, and injuries has been the driving objective an industry-led contractor certification behind safer forestry operations. scheme with supporting systems. “Manual tree felling has historically been the area wh where we have seen the most Forest Industry Contractors tractors forestry ffatalities occur. Association chief execu utive and “We arre fast approaching twoFISC member Rowan Struthers and-a-haalf years since the last says the Safetree portall was manual tree-felling fatality, a launched in 2016 and covers big imprrovement that has been “all things to do with health h and positiveely influenced by increased safety” in forestry. meechanised felling.” A great deal has happened Since the safety review, since then, including Rowan says technology the certification of has transformed the contractors and most hazardous area of workers in high-risk roles. Saffettree//Forestt Ind dusttry Saffetty Counciil forestry: tree felling. Around 85% of “There has been chief executive Joe Akari. Photo / Supplied • LOGGING • TREE REMOVAL • EARTHMOVING
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operations are now mechanised, double previous levels, reducing workers’ exposure to risk. The latest innovation is the mechanised removal of felled trees, known as breaking out, to a loading site. Rowan says this has been particularly valuable for contractors working on steep terrain, where workers previously had to manually attach logs for extraction. This has been replaced by technology likened to a ski lift. After trees are felled by machine, logs are grabbed by an electronically controlled device and transported uphill, where they are dropped for processing and branch removal. Logs are scanned by computer to determine grades, then cut and stacked accordingly before loading. Rowan says there is a shortage of skilled workers across the forestry sector. “The skills required have changed from manual work to machine operation and maintenance.” More women are also entering the forestry workforce, he says. Despite technological advances, Rowan says overall workforce numbers have not changed significantly.
Industry training
The forestry sector recently confirmed it will align its workplace vocational training with a new Engineering and Manufacturing Private Training Establishment (PTE) operating under Competenz. The decision follows extensive consultation with employers, contractors and training providers, led by the joint Forestry Training Committee (FTC) of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) and Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA).
NZFOA and FICA have endorsed the move, saying it provides the strongest platform to maintain consistent, industryled training across silviculture, harvesting, engineering and forest management while improving long-term capability. “Our employers invest heavily in training because they know a skilled workforce is essential for safe, productive and sustainable forestry operations,” says Forestry Training Committee chair Kevin Ihaka. “This arrangement gives the sector greater influence over how that training evolves in future.” Under the new arrangement, forestry will have: • A dedicated forestry team with its own cost centre • Retention of forestry programmes, systems, staff capability and intellectual property • Continued access to the national network of forestry trainers and assessors • Forestry participation in ownership through a shareholder arrangement • A formal forestry board seat, with candidates assessed against a skills matrix • A Head of Forestry role within the senior leadership team • Structured industry input through the FTC, which will act as the industry’s advisory group to both the forestry team and the PTE board • Transparency over financial performance and investment decisions Higher-level forestry qualifications, including diplomas, university degrees and other tertiary programmes, will continue to be delivered by existing universities, polytechnics, wānanga and other PTEs. The FTC is working with Competenz, the Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board, and industry stakeholders to support Steve Edwards implementation.
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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Rotorrua A&P Sh how returnss for 118th year A community favourite is set to return when the Rotorua A&P Show celebrates its 118th year on December 5, promising a full day of rural competition, family entertainment and hands-on activities. Held at the Rotorua Showgrounds, the annual event will feature traditional crowd favourites including shearing, wool handling and axemen competitions, alongside equestrian events, dairy goat and cattle classes, and Western riding. Organisers say visitors of all ages will find plenty to enjoy, with free entry and entertainment for children aged 15 and under. Attractions include horse and pony rides, a petting zoo, bouncy castles, a Ferris wheel, giant slide, face painting, pirate ship adventures and a roving balloonist.
Kiwifruit project earns award nod
Animal lovers will also have the chance to meet greyhounds looking for homes, donkeys from the Donkey Sanctuary and alpacas, while learning more about their care and welfare. Adding to the atmosphere, the Rotorua Symphonic Band will provide live music throughout the day. Competitive visitors can enter the King and Queen of the Mountain race, with shorter courses available for children. A colouring competition will also give young artists the opportunity to showcase their creativity and win prizes. Trade and food stalls will operate throughout the show, and dog owners are encouraged to bring their pets along for the free Dog Parade, where spot prizes and ribbons will be up for grabs. Tickets will be available at the gate, with adult admission set at $20 and free entry for children aged 15 and under. Free
Page 9
A collaborative Bay of Plenty-led project helping to decarbonise New Zealand’s kiwifruit post-harvest sector has been named a finalist in the 2026 Sustainable Business Awards. The Kiwifruit Post Harvest Industry Refrigerant Decarbonisation Project is a finalist in the Outstanding Collaboration Award category, recognising the impact of organisations working together to tackle industry-wide environmental challenges. The initiative brings together postharvest operators Seeka, Trevelyan’s, Apata, DMS, G4 Kiwi Supply and Hume Pack-N-Cool, who joined forces in 2024 to address the challenge of transitioning away from high global-warming refrigerants while managing ageing refrigeration infrastructure. Backed by $1.75 million in government and industry funding, the project has completed seven pilot projects, upgraded 29 refrigeration systems and reduced potential emissions by more than 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Winners will be announced on November 26.
The Rotorua A&P Show returns on December 5 for its 118th year,, bringgingg together rural competitions, family entertainment, live music, animals, rides and plenty of hands-on fun for all ages.
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Page 10
Pooling resources to make levy dollars go further The future of the vegetable industry is being shaped by a new collective entity.
Earlier this year, the New Zealand Vegetable Council (NZVeg) was set up by Onions NZ, Process Vegetables NZ, TomatoesNZ and Vegetables NZ, with the support of HortNZ. Appointed in August, chief executive Mike Brown has been on the road meeting growers, district associations, product groups, researchers, and government and industry partners. “Those conversations are helping me shape my understanding of what matters most to growers – and where NZVeg can make the greatest difference.”
Strong appetite
Mike says a few themes are emerging. “Smaller growers, in particular, are feeling vulnerable in the current environment. “There are questions about maintaining confidence in industry standards and bringing newer growers into the system. “We also need to do a better job explaining some of the emerging issues facing our industry, including the implications of gene-edited seed.” At the same time, he says there is a
“strong appetite” for the industry to think beyond immediate pressures. “Our role is not to replace the valuable work being done by product groups, but to complement it – providing a stronger collective voice while ensuring those groups continue to deliver for their growers. We need both levels of representation to work well.” Mike says NZVeg is building stronger strategic relationships, particularly with Government. “There is a lot to do. But there is also considerable expertise, energy and goodwill across our sector.” Mike says his focus is on bringing those strengths together – listening carefully, building the right relationships and ensuring NZVeg helps create a vegetable industry that is productive, resilient and ready for the future. NZVeg was set up to focus effort and ensure levies collected from vegetable growers go further. Mike says it is an umbrella organisation, repurposing Horticulture Executive Services Limited (HESL), which employs some vegetable product group staff. “In essence, this means we are not adding an additional organisation but refining and optimising the current structure.”
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Leading the new New Zealand Vegetable Council, Mike Brown (inset) is focused on uniting the sector and ensuring vegetable growers have a stronger voice in Wellington.
accountability to members as before. A series of roadshows were held at the end of last year for growers to “sound out” whether there was an appetite for changes in the sector. Mike says the review was initiated by group members and their respective Other benefits No wrong door: With staff in one entity, boards, who queried the status quo and whether the sector is set up appropriately there is no wrong door for members. for the future. In the past, there was confusion over “The belief is that by pooling resources, who to contact for different issues. reducing duplication and having a Reduced duplication: One staff member mightier voice together – a range of attending meetings in Wellington, benefits will accrue to all vegetable representing vegetable growers. growers in New Zealand. Technical specialists: Scale to employ “There was no one critical problem or technical leads and specialists, with the issue, but rather a package of problems and initial priority being trade and biosecurity. opportunities that, when bundled together, Accountability maintained: With presented a compelling case to consider product group boards and levies change and the future sustainability of the maintained, there is the same level of industry-good structure. “Greater collaboration across the vegetable industry will result in greater efficiency, which will mean we can achieve more with each levy dollar for every vegetable grower,” he says. “The current model served us well for the past 20 or so years, but what we need to do was challenge ourselves and work through the issues and obstacles to ensure a - Dairy Sheds new collaborative model is able to support - New/Alterations vegetable growers’ needs for the next - Lighting 20-plus years.” The New Zealand Vegetable Council and - Houses Potatoes NZ prepared a vegetable sector - Workshops manifesto before the General Election and engaged all political parties on it. - Water Pumps Mike says the manifesto outlined how the - Implement Sheds sector would like to work in partnership - Orchard Systems with the Government to give growers more confidence to invest in the future by addressing key issues including resource management reform, crop protection, energy for greenhouse production, and falling Steve Edwards vegetable consumption. He says existing product groups, boards and levies will be maintained, but they will come together as a unified sector to ensure the vegetable sector is heard and listened to by Government in Wellington.
AVOCADOS
Page 11
Exports to Australia help ease pressure in NZ Exports to Australia are helping to ease a glut of avocados on the domestic market.
Head of New Zealand avocado sales and marketing for Bay of Plenty-based Southern Produce Mike Swan says the domestic market is “very volumesensitive” and often struggles to hold its value when volumes get up and over 50,000 trays per week. Figures from industry body New Zealand Avocado show that this figure reached 101,531 trays in late August and 96,925 in the last week of September. October was tracking similarly, with 89,763 trays hitting the domestic market in the first week of the month. “It’s largely a population equation, and five million people just can’t eat enough avocados when the industry is in full swing,” Mike says. With this volume, he says it is hardly surprising values are under pressure on the domestic market. “This is a difficult time of the year as the industry moves from a local-only market phase into the start of much larger harvest and packing programmes for multiple export markets. “Much greater volumes of class two and class three fruit fall into the domestic marketplace and there is usually a period of flux while the market balances.”
Dual benefits
Mike says the sector is fortunate to have process (pulp) and oil options in New Zealand for surplus fruit, while class two exports to Australia are now in full swing. The domestic avocado scenario in Australia is the opposite to here, he says. “There’s been poor fruit set and pack out, plus a lack of water.” Marketers are hopeful it will have the dual benefit of reducing volumes (and helping values) here in New Zealand, while delivering better returns from exporting fruit that may otherwise have gone to processing, Swan says. He predicted that December should see “vastly improved” pricing for avocados in the New Zealand domestic market.
General manager sales and marketing with Bay of Plenty-based Darling Group Shaun Mckone has first-hand knowledge of the situation in Australia. He has been based across the Tasman for the last three years and spoke to Coast & Country News from Brisbane. An increase in supply on the domestic market is not unusual during the peak harvest September/October in the Bay of Plenty), Mckone says. “There’s a natural flow-on from it, with prices driven down on the supermarket shelves. “It’s simple supply and demand.”
Domestic-class avocados frr New Zealand are from finding a home in Australia.
Australian market
New Zealand avocado exporters are currently sending about 25,000 trays of class two and three fruit into the Australian market. Shaun says Darling Group is now exporting all four grades of avocado – one, two, three and processing – to Australia. “We had always done class one [export grade]. “In more recent times we have looked to gain whatever value we can extract from the other grades, without losing the value of class one. “This takes the pressure off the local market.” Shaun says in Australia, the New Zealand class two fruit goes into the retail sector as a pre-packed “value offering”. Food service channels include sushi bars, airlines, cruise ships and catering. Class three fruit from New Zealand similarly heads into the food service sector in Australia, with the processing class used for avocado oil. In Australia’s “off years”, Shaun says Darling Group turns its attention to Asia. Class two fruit is exported to markets including China and Hong Kong for the food service industry. Shaun says exports to Australia generally tail off at the end of January and end in early February. New Zealand has always had a presence in Australia, but is obviously challenged by local supply there, he says. “It’s a season-by-season thing.”
Challenging point
Brad Siebert, the CEO of NZ Avocado, says the current market reflects a normal but challenging point in the season. “Strong overall supply can place pressure on domestic returns throughout the season, particularly during peak export harvest. “However, the industry now has a broader range of markets and channels for placing all classes of fruit than in the past, providing greater flexibility to manage supply and respond to changing market conditions. “For consumers, the strong seasonal crop means excellent availability and value, making this an ideal time to enjoy fresh, locally grown New Zealand avocados.” Brad says the industry continues to develop its international markets, with consistent supply continuing across Asia and positive opportunities for increased volumes and value in Australia.
“While While seasonall fl fluctuations i in i volumes l and pricing are expected, the focus across the supply chain remains on building sustainable demand, maintaining consistent fruit quality and supporting what is expected to be a much more positive season for growers.” Looking ahead to the 2026 election, he says the industry has outlined its priorities for Government through its recently released industry manifesto. These include greater transparency in the domestic produce market, stronger support for developing high-value export markets, practical and enabling on-orchard regulations and continued investment in science and innovation to lift grower productivity. “These are important settings for ensuring the sector remains competitive and delivers positive outcomes to our hard-working growers,” Brad says. Steve Edwards
Progrowers LTD Hamish McKain General Manager/Avocado Grower Services 027 220 2005 hamish.mckain@dms4kiwi.co.nz Willie Herder Avocado Grower Services 027 667 3849 willie.herder@dms4kiwi.co.nz Ivona Kopecka Avocado Grower Services 027 266 4901 ivona.kopecka@dms4kiwi.co.nz
Warrenn Sargent AvoGreen Manager 027 900 0292 warrenn.sargent@dms4kiwi.co.nz Matt Royackers Avocado Grower Services 027 200 0788 matt.royackers@dms4kiwi.co.nz Toni Morrison Avocado Grower Services 027 265 4469 toni.morrison@dms4kiwi.co.nz
AVOCADOS
Page 12
Get your bees in the mood... Finally! Spring has sprung, and the avocado trees are getting ready to flower.
This next phase means that bees are some of the hardest working members on the orchard. We all know bees are important. But, in avocado pollination, there’s a little trick to getting the most from them: your beekeeper needs to prepare the hives for nectar gathering, not just
pollen gathering. Avocado flowers have both male and female parts. However, they use a unique timing trick called synchronous dichogamy. An avocado flower opens first in its female phase, when it is ready to receive pollen. It then closes before reopening in its male phase to release pollen (a sort of ‘one sex at a time sequence’). Here’s the important bit: nectar-foraging bees are the ones most likely to visit both female and male flowers – making them
Bees can be one of the hardest working members on the orchard in spring. Photo / NZME
th he coveted d ‘avocad do-polllinating’’ bees we want buzzing around the orchard. For Hass, the critical window for the opening of female flowers is generally around 9.30am to midday, and the cruncher? How do you keep the bees interested? Give them a reason to stay.
Flowers
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Avocado flowers aren’t necessarily the most irresistible option for a bee, so having other flowering plants in the orchard can help keep bees stay around and foraging. Flowering ground cover and regenerative strips can provide a useful source of nectar and pollen, helping encourage bee activity during avocado flowering; remember don’t mow the orchard floor - otherwise all their favourite hangout spots will be lost! If you don’t already have flowering strips, perhaps position portable garden beds around the trees to encourage activity.
Hives and d water
Hive placement matters too. Hives should ideally get good, early-morning sun, helping bees warm up, get active early and be ready for that important morning shift. Don’t forget the water. Pollination isn’t only about bees. The flower itself needs to be in good shape. Avocado flowers need to be fully hydrated – or turgid – to open and close properly. If the soil starts drying out, particularly if an El Niño pattern brings drier conditions, water stress could interfere with flowering and pollination. So, keep an eye on soil moisture and irrigate when needed. At Trevelyan’s, our Technical Team often visit growers to make these recommendations and ensure the orchard is positioned (literally!) for success, because a little preparation now could make the next 12 months a whole lot easier.
India trade deal opens doors for Bay horticulture Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growers, avocado producers and mānuka honey exporters are set to benefit from New Zealand's new free trade agreement with India, which came into force this week. According to Rotorua MP Todd McClay, the deal significantly improves access to one of the world's fastest-growing consumer markets. The agreement removes or reduces tariffs on most New Zealand exports to India, with horticulture
among the big winners. New Zealand kiwifruit will receive a tariff-free quota around four times larger than current export volumes, while tariffs outside that quota have been cut from 33% to 16.5%. Todd says Zespri has estimated Indian tariffs cost growers about $9 million last season. The deal also provides long-term gains for other horticultural sectors. Tariffs on avocados will be phased out over the next decade, while tariffs on mānuka honey will drop
from 66% to 16.5% over five years. “Te Puke is the kiwifruit capital of the world.” Todd says the agreement will put more money back into growers' pockets and create flow-on benefits for orchards, packhouses, contractors and seasonal workers across the region. The free trade agreement is expected to improve opportunities for Bay exporters as demand grows within India's population of more than 1.4 billion people.
Local? Global? Growers, we’ll help get your Avos there. 07 573 0085
FEED MANAGEMENT, HAY & SILAGE
Page 13
Dairy farmers plan early as dryy summer forecast Planning is the best defence against a potentially challenging summer, industry body DairyNZ says.
Farm systems team manager Steve Veix says regular farm walks, monitoring feed and pasture conditions, maintaining cow condition and making proactive timely decisions give farmers more available options to reduce possible impact(s) on both production and profitability. “While seasonal conditions will vary across the country, early planning is one of the most effective ways farmers can reduce the impact of a dry summer on cows, pasture and farm performance.” Steve recommends that dairy farmers regularly monitor pasture growth as part of good feed budgeting, alongside monitoring weather forecasts and having a summer management plan in place before conditions become challenging. “If there is grazing pressure, this can increase the possibility of over-grazing, which can delay pasture growth response rates.” Steve says hot weather can affect cow comfort before heat stress is obvious. “As heat load increases, cows may eat less and milk production can decline. “Farmers should ensure stock water systems can meet peak demand, provide shade where practical and minimise the time cows spend walking or standing on hot surfaces.” Adjusting milking times or frequency may also help reduce risk, he says. Cooling options such as sprinklers at the shed can also help reduce a cow’s heat load,” Steve says. Signs of heat stress can include faster
breathing rates, crowding around water troughs, reduced grazing and slower walking. He says attention should also be paid to young stock and calves, ensuring they continue to meet liveweight targets and have reliable access to water and shade. “Summer feed planning is critical,” Steve says.
Pasture monitoring
“Farmers should regularly monitor pasture availability in relation to demand requirements to identify early any looming feed shortage. “The early identification of true feed deficits will enable farmers to be able to either adjust feed demand d requirements and/or attain additionall purchased supplementary feed, provided it remains profitable. “Summer crop options such as turnips, chicory, plantain or fodder beet may also provide an option to fill a feed deficit period, however these need to be ultimately part of the seasonal feed budget plan.” Steve says farmers should protect pasture during dry periods by way of not overgrazing as this can directly impact pasture growth rates post grazing. Alongside this, continued overgrazing can lead to reduced sward persistency. “Maintaining appropriate grazing residuals is critical to preserve plant energy reserves and encourage quicker recovery, particularly as soil moisture returns, post a drier period,” he says. “In dry conditions, slower pasture growth often means rotation lengths need to be extended to allow pastures to reach the optimal two-and-a-half to
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Earth Sciences New Zealand say below-normal rainfall is likely for the Bay of Plenty and Waikato through December. Photo / Bevan Conley Left: DairyNZ Farm Systems team manager Steve Veix. Photo / Supplied
three-leaf stage before grazing. Steve encourages farmers to regularly monitor paddocks and crops for signs of insect damage or weed invasion and take action early when issues are identified. “Early intervention ensures that impact on crop yields is minimised.” He says facial eczema remains a significant summer risk in many dairy regions and farmers should monitor spore counts and work with their veterinarian to ensure prevention programmes are effective before symptoms appear. “As a fungus, facial eczema spores will be low when conditions have been consistently dry then increase rapidly following rain.”
ESNZ Forecast
Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) meteorologist Chester Lampkin says the central North Island will see continued
impacts from a very strong El Niño and warm sea surface temperatures to the west of the country, leading to a warm, windy and variable spring and early summer. The period through December is likely to remain warm and have an overall dry lean, he says. Areas in the west, mainly in western Waikato, King Country and Taranaki may see rainfall closer to normal due to the westerly fronts and windy periods. “Our official forecast is for likely below normal rainfall in BOP and Waikato, with likely normal/below normal rainfall for the Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki regions. “All areas are most likely to see above normal temperatures through December.” “Concerns for dryness will be the Steve Edwards overall theme.”
Since
1921
SIKA SHOW
Page 15
Over 10,000 expected at Sika Show More than 10,000 people are expected to descend on New Zealand’s largest hunting and outdoor trade show this month.
The Sika Show is at the Mystery Creek Events Centre, near Hamilton, on November 7 and 8. Organisers say about 200 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services for the weekend event, featuring more than 250 individual brands. “Whether you are into hunting, 4x4ing, camping, archery, alpine adventuring, butchery, game foods, back country art, pack rafting, conservation or photography, come and enjoy the amazing array of everything outdoors, not to mention the specials and bargains that only the Sika Show can bring. “It is the New Zealand hunting and outdoors’ gathering you won’t want to miss.” Organisers say all major national game organisations will be attending again this year including the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, New Zealand Game Animal Council, Sika Foundation, Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, NZ Tahr Foundation, Rakiura Whitetail Trust (Stewart Island) and NZ Pig Hunting Association along with representatives from the Department of Conservation, Fish & Game, Hunters
for Conservation, Predator Free NZ, OSPRI and the National Wallaby Eradication Programme. “They will all be there educating attendees and promoting what they do and why,” Sika Show organisers say. Running in tandem with the show is a hunting competition, with more than $60,000 in prizes up for grabs. The competition, which includes women’s and children’s sections, has 36 different categories covering deer, pigs, tahr, chamois and goats. All entries are on display for the entirety of the event, with prizegiving being held on the Sunday at 3pm. Prizes are awarded in each category, culminating in an overall winner in the Sika category. Entries for the competition can be harvested anytime between the annual shows, from anywhere in New Zealand. Organisers say the hunting competition usually attracts 150 to 200 entries.
Show origins
The Sika Show began life as a small hunting competition organised by locals in Taupō in 1993 at the Spa Hotel. Organisers say it grew to include other species and eventually evolved into a trade show that grew year on year until it became the impressive platform that it is today celebrating all things hunting and outdoors in New Zealand. “With h its exponentiiall growth h over th he years, it is now held at Mystery Creek to accommodate the large capacity of passionate New Zealand hunters and outdoor enthusiasts that attend the event annually. “Mystery Creek Event Centre is a world class, purpose built indoor event venue with ample room to accommodate over 250-plus exhibiting brands and, with unlimited free parking and central location, it makes it the ultimate destination for an event of this size.
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Sika Show organisers are expecting a large turnout at the event on Noovember 7 and 8. “The show is a tribute occasion to A percentage of hunting competition honour Sika and all of our precious NZ entry fees will go to the Sika Foundation. big game species.” It will also help sponsorship initiatives Activities for children include a bird and implemented by the foundation, along predator (soft toys) hunt in and around with support group Mental Hunts and the venue (with prizes), plus colouring the Rural Support Trust, plus Fiordland and photo competitions, and the everWapiti Foundation, Rakiura Whitetail popular deer roaring competition (for Trust, New Zealand Deerstalkers children and adults). Association and the Thar Foundation. Those attending also have a chance to Organisers say 16 food trucks will line win an amazing door prize of a Swarovski up at Mystery Creek to cater for those Optik package valued at more than attending the show this year, with an $14,000 and a $4000 four-day/threein-house café also operating at the venue. night heli glamping trip with Helisika, The Sika Show runs from 9am to 5pm flying into a private location in the on Saturday, November 7, and 9am to Kaimanawa Forest Park. 4pm the following day. Steve Edwards
SIKA SHOW
Page 16
The electric farm bike hunters are turning to For hunters, the hardest part of the day is often getting in close without being noticed. A petrol bike announces your arrival long before you reach the bush edge. Galvbike, a New Zealand-designed electric farm bike targeting dairy farming has also had strong interest from hunters due to the fact the machine barely makes a sound.
“Trial farmers have been reluctant to go back to petrol after time on a Galvbike,” founder Anthony Clyde says. The near-silent electric drive means less disturbance to animals, and farmers
can hear what’s going on around them, which is also ideal for hunters. Galvbike was designed from scratch for New Zealand’s brutal dairy farming conditions. Anthony has spent about 20 years in the New Zealand electric-bike industry and the last decade developing motorbikes. Raised in Whanganui as the son of a farm advisory officer, he leads a design team that all come from farming backgrounds. “I could see there was a need,” he says. “There was still nothing out there that could handle the extremes of the NZ dairy farm.” Those extremes suit hunters well. The frame is hot-dip galvanised steel, built for mud, effluent, water and repeated high-
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pressure hose-downs. With a direct-drive hub motor, no gearbox, no clutch and sealed electrics electrics, there is less to go wrong wrong.
Design
“We simplified design to maximise reliability,” Anthony said. The deep step-through layout makes getting on and off easy, while also enabling an extra-large rear rack, big enough to mount a dog deck (smaller dogs can also ride in the footwell area). The low step-through area is also handy for carrying heavy loads close to the ground. With a 200kg payload including the rider, there’s unrivalled two-wheeler capacity to carry. A reverse function helps turning around on tight tracks and off-camber spots. The 3kWh LFP battery gives a
claimed 40 to 80km of range, depending on terrain, and the bike has a top speed of 40km/h. 40km/h Galvbike’s first production run sold out at Fieldays, and the bikes are already working in on-farm pest control, on dairy farms, in kiwifruit orchards and in the equine sector. Ongoing trials with data loggers are recording how riders use the bike in a variety of conditions. The company is now scaling production with its suppliers and building a dealer network across New Zealand, with Australia to follow in 2027. Hunters can see the Galvbike kitted out for hunting for themselves at the Sika Show Mystery Creek on 7–8 November (site 105). For more information, see Galvbike’s advert on this page.
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Page 17
Built for Kiwi work and play Bringing the next generation to Fiordland Whether it’s tackling a day on the farm, heading to a job site or packing up for a weekend adventure, having the right ute setup can make all the difference.
Young adventurers joined their parents on a recent Pure Salt hunting and wilderness expedition through Fiordland’s spectacular Tamatea/Dusky Sound, creating memories while learning outdoor skills and respect for the environment.
A recent P Pure Salt S l h hunting adventure to Fiordland proved the outdoors is best enjoyed when shared across generations. Members of the Hunters Club returned in September for their fifth trip with Pure Salt, but this time they brought along a new crew: their children. Mostly dads and youngsters aged six to 12 explored the stunning landscapes of Tamatea/Dusky Sound, with the younger adventurers quickly setting the pace. Whether it was being first out of bed, first into the tender or the last out of
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providing the versatility to switch from work to recreation. An aluminium tray and canopy can provide a flexible option for work and adventure, while service-body configurations are designed with business use in mind. Internal storage solutions and accessories can also be added to keep tools and equipment organised, secure and protected. Lightweight aluminium construction provides a practical solution for demanding conditions, while simple designs help keep equipment easily accessible. Whether you’re a tradesperson, farmer, contractor or outdoor enthusiast, NZ Ute Solutions aims to deliver durable ute setups without the premium price tag. Solid ute setups, serious value. For more information, please see NZ Ute Solutions’ advert on this page.
the h water, the h children h ld b brought h endless dl energy to the trip and kept the adults on their toes. When they weren’t hunting on the hills or diving in the water, the group enjoyed fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and exploring the shoreline. Evenings were spent sharing stories and fresh kai aboard the vessel. The trip highlighted the importance of passing on outdoor skills, respect for the environment and a love of New Zealand’s wild places to future generations. For more information, see Pure Salt’s NZ Ute Solutions offers practical aluminium ute trays, canopies and service-body setups for Kiwi work and adventure. advert on this page.
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KIWIFRUIT
Page 18
Orchard demand drives dairy farm conversions A gold rush is on for kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty.
“Demand seems to be insatiable,” says Conrad Headland, rural sales advisor
with Bower Real Estate. He says the kiwifruit sector has rebounded in recent seasons after difficult years, particularly through strong export markets and better growing conditions making for
bumper harvests. This has seen conversions continue to increase, with dairy farms in high demand from existing and new kiwifruit growers. Conrad says scale is key, with “big players” (corporates) at the heart of the action. “Instead of 10-hectare blocks, they are after 50-hectare properties.” Some established private growers (families) are also looking to expand their holdings, while syndication is a popular path to orchard ownership, he says. While most conversions to kiwifruit involve dairy farms, Conrad says there’s been the occasional dry stock block change of use. In the year to October, multiple agencies sold nine avocado orchards for conversion to kiwifruit, with about 100 horticultural sales in the Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga. Conrad knows of potential buyers
Trueman & Co director Brent Trueman.
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who approached dairy farmers about purchasing and converting to kiwifruit 10 years ago. These have become a reality, with returns reaching $200,000 per ha compared to $45,000 for a dairy unit. He says most conversions have been centred in or around the “golden triangle” of Te Puke, Pongakawa and Paengaroa. “The triangle is expanding.” Conrad says it takes three years to get a crop from a new orchard. “Conversions will continue.”
Bower Real Estate rural sales advisor Conrad Headland.
Without successsion plans, Brent says sales to kiwifruit investtors “makes perfect sense” with the money on offer. He says confiden nce has returned to the kiwifruit sector affter tough times through Covid, staff shorttages and weather events. “It’s settled dow wn.” Brent says this iss combined with strong returns for kiwifru uit in recent seasons and promising forecassts. New kiwifruit sp pecies have also helped the market’s comeeback. “There’s a brightt outlook.” Brent says with new buyers – chiefly corporates and syyndicates – some existing dairy farmers are converting all or part of their properties too kiwifruit. With land north of Tauranga mostly taken for horticulture, he says kiwifruit now stretches from Te Puke to Whakatāne.
Farm conversions
Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers president Brent Mountfort has seen “quite a few” dairy farm conversions to kiwifruit, with some “slicing a bit off” their farm to diversify operations. “It (conversions) has become quite a thing.” Brent, who runs a sheep and beef operation at Matatā, says he sees “a whole lot of plastic (kiwifruit canopies)” as far as Edgecumbe. Avocado sales Corporates and syndicates are “definitely Trueman & Co director Brent Trueman where it’s going”. says the kiwifruit sector is driving larger“It’s simply down to who can pay the scale avocado orchard sales. most.” With demand for land, he says the sector Brent says he doesn’t have an issue with is also turning to dairy farms and dry conversions to kiwifruit, as the land stock units for purchase and conversion to remains productive. kiwifruit. “That’s a plus.” He points to the cost of buying an A spokesperson for Bay of Plenty-based existing avocado block ($350,000/ha), kiwifruit marketer Zespri says growers and plus conversion costs, compared with landowners will make their own decisions buying a dairy or sheep and beef unit about how they use their land and crops ($100,000-$150,000/ha). they choose to grow. “It makes dairy farms attractive.”
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FERTILISER
Page 19
Fertiliser tips to deal with the big dry Put back with Fertco’s
Post-harvest Blend Apply some spring fertiliser to get pasture growing strongly before the dry hits.
Formulated to replace the nutrients removed with your silage, baleage, or hay crops
When you farm or grow anyythingg, planningg is second nature. But with El Niño conditions being forecast to continue through summer, this might be more important than ever. How will you cope with extended dry periods or drought should these occur? One way is to make sure crops and pasture are growing strongly before the dry hits, taking advantage of any rain we might still get by applying some carefully timed fertiliser. Drystock farmers for example, may like to reconsider their fertiliser plans and apply some spring fertiliser to ensure growth into autumn. And wherever silage, baleage or hay has been made, a post-harvest dressing applied now will support pasture recovery and a faster return to the rotation.
Split application time
Although autumn is traditionally the time for drystock farmerrs to dress their pastures, in a season where dry weather is forecastt, it may work well to split fertiliser application times across different farm areas. For example, pastures used for finishing beef and lambs could benefit from an early dressing of nitrogen and sulphur since plants are actively growing, and soil reserves can be lower at this time of year. In a case like this, DAP (diammonium phosphate) could be the choice. But while it can create a flush of growth very quickly, DAP won’t provide the extended growth needed to build a pre-drought feed wedge going into summer. However, if you choose a fertiliser blend containing both fast-acting and controlled-release nutrients, you can address immediate nitrogen and sulphur shortages while also supporting sustained pasture growth for several months. A phosphate source that can provide a slower nutrient release is dicalcic phosphate (Dical or DCP). Unlike DAP, the phosphate in Dical is not soluble but is released more slowly into the soil. It is also less acidic around the granule, making it less prone to being ‘locked up’ by iron and aluminium ions in the soil. When rain finally comes, the phosphate in dicalcic fertilisers remains available.
A little inventive
A further reason to be a little inventive and find alternatives to applying DAP for late spring growth is that DAP is expensive and is likely to be so for the next few seasons. In NZ, we import all our DAP. So a weak $NZD doesn’t help this situation. But a major contributing factor to the high price of DAP is the extremely high international cost of sulphur in the form of sulphuric acid, significant quantities of which are required in its manufacture. A cost-effective alternative to DAP would be a blend of dicalcic phosphate, polymer coated urea (PCU), and sulphate of ammonia (SOA). Adding the SOA to the blend provides a cheaper form of sulphur and some ammonia, a quick-acting form of nitrogen that is less susceptible to volatilisation. Another example where being a little inventive may pay off concerns potash. Potash drives clover growth and the natural nitrogen cycle. Since potash has not suffered the same inflationary impacts as sulphur, nitrogen, and phosphate, it might work well to apply a small amount of potash and nitrogen when a rain event is forecast.
Post-harvest fertiliser
Recently harvested paddocks where nutrients have been removed should be fertilised now to avoid a drop in soil fertility, a slow recovery and a delayed return to the grazing round. Any exposed soil allows weed seeds to quickly germinate and establish. Nutrients likely to be needed are potash, phosphates, sulphur, and magnesium. A small amount of nitrogen will also help the pasture quickly recover the soil. You can find all these nutrients in the correct ratios in Fertco’s Post-Harvest Blend. As always, we recommend soil testing before application. With weather forecasters already reporting drier-than-normal conditions in many regions, you might like to consider taking advantage of whatever rain does fall by applying some fertiliser now.
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Page 20
Living the good life in the food forest “Food forest” is a popular term to describe how plants can be grown in a fashion that nature uses and not grown in orchard-style rows.
Radiation therapist Selena Hardman moved to her property in Welcome Bay, Tauranga, four years ago with her young family and has devoted her non-work hours to planting her own food forest and sharing her successes and failures with other like-minded people. “My family has always been into growing food. My mum has a veggie garden, and I’ve always put in veggies and fruit trees wherever I’ve lived. The Tauranga area has a great climate for growing food,” Selena says.
you need to have a system and a plan alongside knowledge of the different plants and their requirements. There is a process to follow, and it starts by understanding and knowing your land. “I’m really lucky because my partner Rowen does all the building work. He’s put in paths and steps to make it easier
The vision
“Our one-acre property has a steep gully with a shadier side and a sun trap northeast facing slope. It had some scrappy tall trees and some mature fruit trees including the staple lime, mandarin and lemon trees, along with Luisa plums and avocados.” Having both shady and sunny areas opened up the possibilities for a huge variety of trees, bushes, vines and plants. “You can’t just plant,
Pink velvet banana and Vietnam white dragonfruit. Photo / Supplied
Nutritious and fresh - babaco, mandarin, red cherry guava, Selena Hardman at the viewing platform built by her partner Rowen. Photo / Catherine Fry tamarillo, oak leaf papaya, cape Recently he’s built a rustic wood viewing There is a cost to setting up, so Selena gooseberry, aronia platform, and he’s brought two beehives grows a lot of her plants from seed. berry, dragonfruit onto the property.” She created the Facebook group and choko. Photo / Supplied Food Forests Tauranga which now has Where to start more than 1200 members. This local to navigate the community provides a way of sharing “From day one I’ve used a garden map steep gully. knowledge, with events at each other’s app to keep track of everything I plant “He built an food forests and seeing what and how out in the forest. It’s important to know amazing 7.5m x others grow. where, when and what was planted and 3m greenhouse “We get to try fruit, talk about local when fruiting will start. by upcycling old growing and swap plants and I’ve picked “Over time, especially after planting windows and wood up some more unusual species.” over 370 fruit trees, excluding the from a burn pile and put up a 10m Selena enjoys growing rare fruits, pushing bananas, vines and berries, I’m really x 3m polytunnel. limits of local growing conditions. glad I did use the app.”
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Farmers urged to step up footwear safety Farmers are being encouraged to take a closer look at what is on their feet, with Safer Farms warning that worn or unsuitable footwear continues to contribute to farm injuries across New Zealand.
Slips, trips and falls remain among the leading causes of injuries on farms, often resulting in time away from work and lengthy recoveries. To raise awareness, Safer Farms has launched its “#BootsOfShame” campaign, encouraging farmers to share photos of old, worn-out boots for the chance to win a new pair worth $729. Safer Farms ambassador Lindy Nelson says footwear is a simple but important safety measure that can help reduce the risk of injury.
“Boots with good grip, toe protection and the right level of support can make a real difference when working around livestock, machinery and uneven terrain,” she says. Canterbury arable farmer David Birkett understands the risks first-hand after rolling his ankle and chipping a bone while moving irrigation equipment. The injury kept him off work for three weeks and required a further three weeks of rehabilitation. Figures show more than half of farm slips and trips occur while working with livestock, with poor footwear and slippery surfaces each contributing to around half of incidents. Farmers are encouraged to check tread, ankle support, toe protection and overall fit when choosing footwear.
Selena Hardman working in the greenhouse on her Welcome Bay property. Photo / Catherine Fry
Managing the canopy trees is always ongoing as their growth affects what is growing in the layers beneath them. This is where knowledge of the requirements of the different plants comes in. It’s a constantly changing environment. “If any plant dominates, I review it.” There is a little more thought for veges, as crops like asparagus and seasonal vegetables need closer attention for harvesting. Some, such as pumpkins, are allowed to run wild. “Perennials like okinawa spinach can be foraged for and malabar spinach climbs wherever it’s planted. From December to May, we can harvest tomatoes, so that’s six months of fresh tomatoes.” The current project is a covered berry garden on the north-facing slope.
Maintenance and harvest
Selena prefers a no-water system, with minimal irrigation within the food forest. The polytunnel and greenhouse have a water sup pplyy. “I use chop and drop for keeping the soil covered and to deter weeds.” Comfrey and tithonia (Mexican
sunflower) grow fast and Selena uses them around the forest, chopping and dropping them as required to give an in-situ source of nitrogen and potassium to the soil instead of bringing in manure. “We have a compost bin and a worm farm, and I use the worm wee for my new plantings. Several colourful bantams provide chicken manure as fertiliser, but that needs to compost a bit before it’s used on plants.” This food forest provides more than enough fresh fruit and veggies for the family of two adults and four children. They all participate in foraging and tasting and enjoy year-round frozen smoothie ingredients and preserves from the excess. Excess produce is also taken to the Welcome Bay Community Centre and Tauranga Crop Swaps. “Our goal is to create a diverse, seasonal system that produces food year-round while supporting a thriving ecosystem. “We love showingg peop ple around and seeing them enjoy the sensory experience in a calm, natural environment.” Catherine Fry
The greenhouse was built by Selena’s partner Rowen from upcycled windows and wood.
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Page 22
A ‘lifestyle block on steeroids’ in Karangahake High up in the hills at secluded bush above the Karangahake Gorge at the southern end of the Coromandel, Sue Austen is continuing her parents’ legacy on a property owned by the family for the last 40 years.
“My parents, Jan and Keith Austen bought Bullswool Farm in the mid-80s and knew the 30-hectare block was never going to be a viable farm, but what they developed was definitely a lifestyle block on steroids!” says Sue.
Sue Austen with Nubian goat kids.
popularity earned the family an episode on TVNZ’s Country Calendar in the 1990s.
Photo / Catherine Fry
Running a farm park
“During this time, I was living overseas, and I kept hearing all these stories about people who wanted to visit the farm and meet dad, who was becoming a bit of a
Goldfish and poetry era
Jan and Keith bought a couple of goldfish for a pond on a rural West Auckland property and when they unexpectedly spawned, the couple suddenly found themselves with 1000odd baby goldfish. Jan thought there could be money in this, Sue says, so she developed a large goldfish farm, “Which did make some good money for a number of years.” When they retired early to Bullswool Farm, Jan became immersed in breeding rare farm animals, such as alpacas, llamas, donkeys and miniature horses. She also bred dogs on a large scale but that was scaled down when the farm park opened. Sue’s father Keith wrote a book called Bullswool and Barbed Wire which became a self-published runaway success. It contained humorous and mainly true rural yarns, set to verse and illustrated by Malcolm Evans. What they were doing at Bullswool with the rare breeds and Keith’s book’s
Jan and Keith Austen created Bullswool Farm. Photo / Supplied
“Our museums are an ongoing work in local celebrity, and see the exotic animals progress, and we enjoy curating displays mum was breeding.” around how farming life used to be. We Sue returned to New Zealand in 2003. have a good collection of old implements, Farm parks are big in the UK and the tools and machinery from the past.” family decided to open up the farm by bookings only and with paid entry. Rare breeds Bullswool Farm Park opened in 2004. Sue continues with boutique breeding of “Quite a lot of work was involved in the rare and high-value animals. initial set up. We made a fenced route “Animal fads come and go, and my rule around the farm which includes a bush of thumb is that if there is no demand for reserve walk, a view point up the hill, a neutered male of a breed, then it is no a play paddock, and several sheds were longer viable to breed that type of animal.” converted into rural life museums.” Every animal on Bullswool farm serves a The park offered children who may not purpose. Breeding is carefully considered have had much to do with animals to walk and Sue says that currently donkeys are from paddock to paddock and have face- a big thing, especially miniature donkeys to-face interaction with them, and it still and Irish donkeys. fulfils that purpose today. “With larger companion animals like donkeys, we want them to leave us as well-handled and trained as possible. This helps ensure they are a pleasure to own, and consequently are always easy to rehome, as is often necessary with such long-lived animals.” The goats love a walk through the bush reserve on the farm and closely follow Sue like dogs. Apart from the donkeys, Bullswool has Baby Doll sheep, which Sue says breed easily with other sheep.
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They also have great fleeces and good meat for eating. At the moment, Sue is concentrating on breeding Baby Dolls with the typical traits of the breed. Several coops house chickens, ducks and some exotic looking golden pheasants. The animals are in large paddocks that are usually breed-specific, with cattle, sheep, Nubian goats, miniature horses, donkeys, kunekune pigs and alpacas. They are fed as near to what they would eat as undomesticated animals as possible, so a pasture-based diet. Sue says the farm has plenty of grass available and the pelletised lucerne they get from visitors is the cherry on top for the animals. The animals are friendly and hand-fed by visitors.
Future plans
Sue is always looking for ways to diversify and maximise the income sources as her entrepreneurial parents did. She runs an Airbnb and has the Goats in the Garden coffee and ice cream cart. “Our next ventures include an adult’s bike track, promoting our feijoa ice cream and expanding our gift shop to have more core New Zealand brands and products.” Catherine Fry
Page 23
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Springs, Methven, Fairlie, Omarama, Cromwell and Cardrona. Day one includes a journey through the eastern side of Molesworth Station, providing an early taste of the remote highcountry country that features throughout the tour. A second option, the five-day West Coast Explorer, will run in April and November, although the April 2027 tour is already fully booked. Beginning in Hanmer Springs, the route showcases the dramatic contrast between the rain-soaked forests of the West Coast and the
drier eastern high country. Its first day takes travellers through Molesworth Station and St James, with the wider itinerary focusing on beech forests, rivers and valley floors. The tour includes two nights in Murchison, one night in Westport and two nights in Reefton, giving travellers time to experience the region’s rugged terrain and historic townships. Both itineraries are guided 4WD experiences, and participating vehicles must have all-terrain tyres and low-range capability. Each vehicle is supplied with a radio so travellers can follow
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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY
Page 25
Small tractors, big ingenuity
A tractor, left, a traction engine and another tractor all made using old sewing machines as the starting point.
Another tractor nearly finished. Photos / Catherine Fry
Retired mechanical engineer Murray Kitchen parts Brown worked for many years as a On closer inspection the models have kitchen implements as part of their structure, which is a playful touch. maintenance engineer at the Hautapu “I started to use frying pans, which when cut to size make dairy factory outside Cambridge. the perfect mudguards for the tractors
He has taken his skills into retirement, building model tractors, traction engines and other vehicles using unwanted sewing machines as the main structure. “I saw one online in 2017 and it looked really flimsy, but I liked the idea. So I thought I’d try and made my first one using one of the old black and gold Singer sewing machines… and I’ve never stopped!” Murray has made 46 models since he started and admits it’s quite addictive. People he knows give him old sewing machines and he trawls Trade Me for bargains. He says that sadly there is no real value in old sewing machines these days, so he picks them up cheaply. “Sometimes they are still operational, but they aren’t by the time I’ve finished with them!” Experimenting with different styles and improving his technique to make them look more realistic is what drives Murray to keep building his models. As an accomplished welder and fitter, with an extensive workshop of metal working tools and equipment, Murray uses a lot of day-to-day objects in his tractor builds and if needed, he fabricates parts himself. “I start with the sewing machine and build around that, using cast iron wheels from old push mowers for the larger rear wheels on the traction engines. I machine out sections from smaller cast wheels to match the rear ones for the front or make them from scratch. “The rear tractor wheels are sourced from a specialty supplier while the front ones come from Bunnings.”
and look very realistic.” The tractor seats are stainless steel ladles fashioned into shape. Small-scale gear sticks, foot pedals and steering wheels have been made by Murray. Some of the tractors are fitted with linkage machinery complete with PTOs and hydraulics. Murray doesn’t often paint the bodywork itself unless there are rusty parts used or the machine needs a specific paint job, such as the shiny, stunning red fire engine he built. “My collection has spread into the house, and people seem to be quite interested in what I’m doing with these Catherine Fry old sewing machines.”
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DAIRY
Page 26
Why both dolomite and lime may be required The movement away from the reliance on synthetic nitrogen for sustained pasture growth is gaining momentum. The price of urea is the primary driver, and increasingly high responses are already required for its use to be cost-effective. Nitrogen fixed by clover is the alternative. It’s low cost, and the superior quality of clover relative to grasses for lactating and rapidly growing animals is never debated. All lamb fatteners appreciate that as a single provider of nutrition, clover is the ultimate. Growth rates of all young ruminants are fastest when fed a diet of clover-dense pasture. A large part of the reason for this is the much higher calcium concentration in clovers relative to grass. Grass typically does not exceed 0.7% calcium while clover contains close to twice that, with mature red clovers up to 2.5%. A further reason is that the digestibility of clover is higher, which means animals can
physically eat more kilograms off pasture in a twenty-four-hour period. A question often asked by those contemplating growing more cllover in their p pasture is: does it have to t be planted?
No easy answer
We are yet to find a situation where clover does not flourish when the right nutrient conditions are met, although broadcasting seed may well provide peace of mind. Clovers flourish in soils where pH is close to 6.3, often reached when the Base Saturation calcium levels are 65–70%. Lime is required to lift soil pH levels from a typical grassland 5.8 and as a rule of thumb, 2.5 tonne/ha of high-quality ag lime is a good start. The extra calcium applied will necessarily reduce the availability of magnesium and
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th his is where dolomite becomes a serious cconsideration. Intensive dairy operations require aanimals to ingest extra magnesium regularly g y and as the late Professor Tom Walker of Lincoln University stated, “...If my diet were deficient... I would rather correct it by daily increments...” Dolomite from Golden Bay, the site of the only dolomite mine in the country, contains 11.5% magnesium and 24% calcium, with a similar liming effect as the same amount of lime. Although based on some soil test models, a heavy dressing is recommended, experience over the last 30 years shows that 220kg/ha is sufficient for plant magnesium levels to lift to between 0.22 and 0.25%, the level necessary for optimum animal performance. A truck and trailer load of 30 tonnes is sufficient to cover 136ha. Where this is not
enough to cover all available hectares, targeting lambing and calving paddocks along with the better performing areas provides a marked lift in overall farm p performance. Dolomite is an ancient seabed deposit and therefore carries with it a wide range of trace minerals. Although at very low concentrations, they do help replace those lost through weathering and drainage over past years.
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Unlike more soluble magnesium fertilisers where any beneficial effect is limited to a few months, the benefits of dolomite last a minimum of twelve months. This means that an autumn application ensures very few clinical calcium/ magnesium related issues in late winter and spring, and any animals that may require extra support are normally quickly restored to full health. For more information call 0800 436 566 (4Dolomite)
Changing seasons, changing hands The passing of Ken Ring, better known to many New Zealanders as the “Moon Man”, marks the end of a distinctive chapter in our national conversation about the weatherr.
I believe the housing market will remain stubbornly flat for a while yet, adding to the feeling that many people are no better off. Like many others, I have a significant portion of my capital invested in residential property, wh hich has been a drag on returns for years. It’s hard to understand the continued appeal of being a landlord when modest returns, tenant challenges and an ever-changing regulatory environment make it increasingly unattractive. Many of us continue hoping that capital gains are just around the corner.
Whether or not people agreed with his predictions or his unconventional lunar methodology, he certainly got people talking. Farmers have always taken a keen interest in anyone claiming to know what the seasons might bring. I’ve followed the Moon Man’s Property predictions over the years, as First-home buyers may enjoy he has been accurate on several the upper hand for a while longer, and specific occasions, including around the rain good on them. Without more favourable that contributed to the slips and flooding lending conditions, a significant lift in in Tauranga this year. While traditional house prices seems unlikely. If interest forecasters are warning of a super El Niño, rates rise, affordability will become even Ken dismissed this as “pure sensationalism”. more challenging. His predictions suggest Another factor is the extended dry periods, large amount of property particularly in February and held by baby boomers who April. My take is that droughtmay be waiting for better like conditions remain a real market conditions before possibility, and farmers should selling. As more properties prepare accordingly. The eventually come onto the trouble is that when everyone market, buyers could have prep pares for the same risk, feed plenty of choice, keeping supplies can tighten and prices prices subdued. can rise. This generational transfer “Moon Man” Ken Ring. of wealth will extend well Photo / Glenn Jeffrey Predictions beyond housing. Over the next couple of decades, farms and small Predicting who will win the election is businesses will also change hands as their even harder than predicting the weather. owners retire. The challenge will be finding At the time of writing, it appears to be on enough buyers with both the financial means a knife edge. I haven’t been this undecided and the appetite to take them on. before about who I will vote for, although I know which side of the political spectrum I Ownership lean towards. I worry about what a change of government might bring and hope voters For rural New Zealand, this raises an look beyond hollow promises to consider important question: will the next generation the practical implications and unintended have the opportunityy to buy into the consequences of the policies being proposed. farms and businesses that underpin our The good news is that an agriculturecommunities, or will the cost of ownership led economic recovery is beginning to put them beyond reach? The answer will help gain momentum. Strong dairy and red shape not only who owns these assets but also meat prices, alongside good returns from the future of our regional economies. horticulture, are helping underpin export As always, please get in touch if you need earnings. The primary sector is doing what it maize silage or other supplementary feed. has so often done for New Zealand: bringing We’ve recently planted a large area of lucerne money into the country, supporting regional and still have some availability, although the first year’s crop will be relatively small. We businesses and providing a foundation for also have reasonable supplies of maize silage wider economic recovery. However, it may available and would be pleased to discuss take some time before urban households your requirements. genuinely feel better off.
DAIRY
Page 27
That line on your phone isn’t your boundaryy
The boundary line on your phone may not match the legal boundary on the ground. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Digital maps make it easier than ever to view your property, but the line on your screen may not reflect the precise legal boundary. It has never been easier to get a bird’seye view of your property. With a few taps on a phone, farmers and rural landowners can view aerial imagery, check property outlines and get a better understanding of how their land sits alongside neighbouring properties. These tools are incredibly useful, but there is one important distinction to understand: the boundary shown on the council GIS or Google Maps is not necessarily the legal boundary on the ground. While a useful guide, it can’t be relied on. Online maps provide a helpful overview of property boundaries, but the information may vary in accuracy depending on the underlying survey records and mapping methods. This is particularly relevant in rural areas, where properties can cover large areas, fences may have been in place for generations, and original survey information may date back decades. An aerial image might show a fence running along what appears to be the edge of a property. However, that does not confirm the fence sits on the legal boundary. Fences can be built inside or outside property lines, and replacement fences may follow an existing fence rather than the surveyed boundary.
Calling a surveyor
A digital map is a useful starting point, but it cannot establish the precise legal position of a boundary on its own. If you are planning to build a shed,
replace a boundary fence, subdivide land or resolve a disagreement with a neighbour, it pays to get professional advice before work begins. A licensed cadastral surveyor assesses relevant title information, historic survey plans and physical survey evidence to determine or reinstate a boundary’s position. This may involve locating existing survey marks and undertaking measurements on the ground. Getting clarity early can help avoid costly mistakes, including relocating fences, altering building plans or dealing with unnecessary boundary disputes. It is also worth seeking advice when buying or selling rural property, particularly if the position of an existing structure, accessway or boundary is important to the transaction.
Know your boundaries
Digital maps remain a valuable tool for rural landowners, providing convenient access to property information and helping with general planning. The key is knowing when to look beyond the screen. Before committing to a fence, building project or decision based on an uncertain boundary, take the time to have it checked properly. A little certainty upfront can save considerable time, money and stress later. At Surveying Services Limited, we work with landowners across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel, helping them understand their land and make informed property decisions. Because when it comes to your land, the line on your phone is a useful guide but it isn’t the final word.
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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Page 28
Committed for the long In March, the Māori trust, Waipa-Ranui Incorporation, started the process to find a new lessee for their 1120ha, steep to rolling sheep and beef farm in Waingaro, northeast of Raglan in the Waikato.
They were seeking exceptional farmers who would match their mission – “To administer and protect our taonga tukuiho, to promote economic, social and cultural development for future whanau”. PGG Wrightson rural and lifestyle sales consultant Richard Thomson was approached by the Board of Trustees to conduct the tender process. “While the goal was to get the land leased, the focus was on the people who would be taking over the care of the land,” Richard says. “The response was huge with 200 enquiries, more than 50 people attended five open days, and I presented 14 offers to the Trust Board. This was shortlisted to four who had face to face interviews with the Trust Board.” “The Trust Board accepted Simon Wood and Grace Bradley’s tender,” Trust Board negotiator Quinton Moore says. “They had done their homework in researching the land and soil conditions along
with the output ratio to what the farm was capable of carrying in terms of stock units. “We could see that they possessed good values, morals and a work ethic which aligned with our vision and aspirations for protecting and caring for our farm for future generations. “We are extremely happy with our selection and are looking forward to a great future ahead for all.”
A solid background
Simon and Grace originate from Taranaki and were born into dairy farming families. Grace has completed some Primary ITO courses. She was given two working dogs by the late Neil Hadland, which she says gave her a huge step up for her first proper job on a Hereford stud. She loves the lifestyle, dogs and horses. Simon has worked on sheep and beef farms since his teens, building experience and knowledge as he went. He is grateful for ongoing support from ANZCO’s Danny Smith. The pair still have a lease block in Hawke’s Bay and manage both blocks between them and a worker, Henry Cox. “Henry approached me in Hawkes Bay for work, and I jokingly said if he found me another lease block I’d give him
work. Less than 24-hours later he sent me a Facebook post of the Waingaro tender,” Simon says.
A 20-year lease
Simon and Grace took over the Waingaro property on June 1 and hit the ground running. They brought in 2000 breeding Romneys, breeding cows and trade steers “to get animals on the ground straight away”. Their pride in the land is evident, and the property is stunningly beautiful hill country with 360-degree views including Whāingaroa harbour and Raglan. “The 20-year lease gives us time to spend money and actually see the results. We can really focus on the land and improving it and making it more productive,” Simon says. The tracks and races are in good condition and extend all through the 530 hectares of effective land. Natural springs fill tanks that are gravity-fed to troughs and there are troughs along all the ridgelines.
Future plans
While not against technology, Simon prefers to check on stock personally by driving around the farm. “I’d rather see the stock frequently and regularly drive around the farm so we
Simon Wood and Grace Bradley have five working dogs each and others in training. Photo / Catherine Fry
immediately see issues with fences, gates, water and stock where they shouldn’t be.” Grace takes it one step further and when the job is suitable, she uses one of her four horses which take her where vehicles can’t go. The couple have five working dogs each and use different dogs for different jobs. They also have other young dogs and pet dogs. Experienced working dog triallist and breeder Kevin O’Connor, Grace’s cousin, helps on the farms and Grace says he has taught her a lot about how
to use dogs. “I’m breeding using his 50-year-old bloodlines and I love working with the dogs, especially when I’m on horseback.” Immediate plans include some re-grassing, a summer rape crop, re-metalling some of the tracks, reducing wild goat numbers and tackling gorse. “Longer term we want to move towards stocking with traditional breeds of Romney for the sheep and Angus and Hereford for the cows.” Catherine Fry