Farmers Weekly October 23 2023 by AgriHQ

4 Celebrating beef and sheep’s best Vol 21 No 41, October 23, 2023

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Job check snarls visa processing Neal Wallace

NEWS

Employment

NEW process to fasttrack the work visa applications of skilled migrant workers is proving slower than the one it replaced, leading to concerns of a worker shortage in the new season. Immigration NZ (INZ) is taking between six and 10 weeks to process Accredited Employer Workplace Visa (AEWV) applications, a process introduced in October last year to accelerate processing of this class of visa. “It is slower than the previous scheme and my members are telling me it was easier during covid to get an airline ticket and a place in MIQ for a foreign worker than dealing with this,” Rural Contractors NZ chief executive Andrew Olsen said. Rural Contractors NZ, the Meat Industry Association and BusinessNZ said Immigration NZ needs to improve its performance. Olsen said he believes delays are due to the requirement that employers, even though they are accredited, must advertise and prove there are no New Zealand residents available who want the job. Sources said this requirement was introduced after an INZ whistle-blower revealed some migrants were arriving in NZ

to ﬁnd that the jobs they were promised were not available. Olsen said depending on the season, his sector may need up to 500 specialist machinery operators. This is the ﬁrst year it has operated under the policy and he is unequivocal about what should happen. “The piece that needs to be thrown out, not overhauled, but thrown out, is the job check requirement. “Employers have to go through the time and expense of advertising a role to NZ residents that no one is going to apply for.” Being a regulation, it can be easily changed, a point he has made to prime minister-elect Christopher Luxton. A government requirement of those accessing skilled migrants is that they must pay rates at or above the median wage, which Olsen said has driven up wages. In February the median pay rate for the sector will be $31/hour. The Alliance Group told farmers at a road show this week that it is concerned it may be unable to source the required number of skilled migrants. Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said her members are experiencing delays in the processing of skilled migrant visas, which the MIA has raised with INZ. Continued page 3

Wetland takes shape in Otago Clint Hughes, left, the owner of Matukituki Natives, and Thomson Catchment Project Committee member Roger Williams take a break from constructing the 5ha Thomson Wetland near Omakau in Central Otago. Photo: Nicola McGrouther

New hope for possum control Researchers have mapped the genetic code of the brushtail possum, which they say could provide new control options, like using the gene for the scent in urine to lure them towards traps. Photo: Tim Hore

NEWS 5 Redundancies at Massey University will impact primary sector research and stafﬁng.

Sector leaders identify key areas they say demand attention from the new government.

News ﬂash, the country’s media are not actually out to get farming, Daniel Eb says.

NEWS 3

POLITICS 6,7

OPINION 15

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SALES CONTACTS

Bryan Gibson | 06 323 1519 Managing Editor bryan.gibson@agrihq.co.nz

Andy Whitson | 027 626 2269 Sales & Marketing Manager andy.whitson@agrihq.co.nz

News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

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Andrew Fraser | 027 706 7877 Auckland/Northland Partnership Manager andrew.fraser@agrihq.co.nz

People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Claire Robertson Sub-Editor claire.robertson@agrihq.co.nz

Jody Anderson | 027 474 6094 Waikato/Bay of Plenty Partnership Manager jody.anderson@agrihq.co.nz

Neal Wallace | 03 474 9240 Journalist neal.wallace@agrihq.co.nz

Palak Arora | 027 474 6095 Lower North Island Partnership Manager palak.arora@agrihq.co.nz

Gerald Piddock | 027 486 8346 Journalist gerald.piddock@agrihq.co.nz

Omid Rafyee | 027 474 6091 South Island Partnership Manager omid.rafyee@agrihq.co.nz

Annette Scott | 021 908 400 Journalist annette.scott@agrihq.co.nz

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Richard Rennie | 027 475 4256 Journalist richard.rennie@agrihq.co.nz

News in brief

Contents

a2 mediation

Real Estate . . . . . . . . 23-35

The a2 Milk Company has entered into mediation with Synlait over the cancellation of its exclusive manufacturing and supply rights agreement. Last month a2 Milk announced it would end the arrangement with Synlait covering infant formula base Stages 1 to 3. It said Synlait’s performance in 2023 has fallen below the required level. In an announcement to the stock exchange, a2 Milk said negotiations have not resolved the dispute and the matter will now be submitted to confidential binding arbitration.

Marketplace . . . . . . . 36-37

SealesWinslow sale

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . 12-15 Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Federated Farmers . 19-22

Livestock . . . . . . . . . . 38-41 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . 42-47 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Real Estate | 0800 85 25 80 realestate@agrihq.co.nz

Big Feed back

Word Only Advertising | 0800 85 25 80 Marketplace wordads@agrihq.co.nz

Nigel Stirling | 021 136 5570 Journalist nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

The second annual rural telethon The Big Feed is back this December. The telethon aims to raise money for as many meals as possible to distribute to families in need, and to bring rural and urban communities together across the country. The Big Feed will be hosted on Thursday, December 14, running for approximately 14 hours from 6am.

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our pioneering

spirit tells us

nothing’s

Animal nutrition company SealesWinslow has been sold to Farmlands, subject to Commerce Commission approval. The regulatory process could take up to four months. In 2011 Ballance AgriNutrients joined forces with Seales Ltd and Winslow Feeds and Nutrition to create a new nationwide business. The operation, SealesWinslow, was 51% owned by Ballance Agri-Nutrients but two years later it took over full ownership

Rabobank board REVIEW: Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese says a challenging year for the company has prompted a review of its strategy for the next five years.

Tim Deane, the owner and managing director of New Zealand clothing manufacturer Norsewear, has been appointed to the board of Rabobank NZ. He replaces Anne Brennan, who is stepping down after 12 years. Deane’s appointment as an independent director will take effect on November 15.

STORY P8

Back in 1860, exporting meat to the other side of the world seemed about as easy as nailing gravy to the ceiling. But a few determined kiwis took the bull by the horns and now our grass-fed beef and lamb is sought-after all around the globe. At AFFCO, we see the same pioneering spirit alive and well in farmers today. We’re playing our part too – exploring every opportunity to take New Zealand’s finest farm-raised products to the world.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Massey layoffs bad news for ag industry Neal Wallace

NEWS

Education

HE possible redundancies of 100 Massey University academic staff will impact research and the supply of skilled graduates to the primary sector, leaders warn. The university is proposing to restructure natural sciences, food technology and advanced technology faculties to help address a $50 million deficit caused by falling enrollments and rising costs. Tertiary Education Union organiser Ben Schmidt said the proposed job losses equate to 60% of academic staff in natural science, food and advanced technology departments, involving every academic level from tutors to professors. Qualifications under review include engineering, supply chain management, logistics and quality systems and plant science. The School of Agriculture and Continued from page 1

With the prospect of a dry summer looming, Karapeeva said, processors need to ensure they have capacity to meet any increase in processing demand. “We appreciate the challenges the department is facing, but the lack of visibility on when the delays will be resolved is a concern.

Employers have to go through the time and expense of advertising a role to NZ residents that no one is going to apply for. Andrew Olsen Rural Contractors NZ

Environment is not included in the restructuring, and it remains committed to food technology courses at its Manawatū campus. Jon Hickford, the past president of the New Zealand Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture Science, called the proposal “shortsighted”. Plant science not only underpins NZ’s biological economy, it has relevance to conservation, domestic gardening and forestry, he said. “This strikes me as absolutely perverse.” From a purely economic perspective, Hickford said science students attract up to four times the government funding per student as economic or art students, which reflects the importance the government places on the discipline. “Somewhere in the wash Massey has decided science is not valuable to them at the same time it continues to fund arts’ students.” Thomas Chin, the manager of NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association, is concerned at the impact of “Processors need certainty to plan their business operations, and in turn inform farmers about processing capacity for the upcoming summer. “Our industry is still experiencing severe skill shortages, and this is where access to skilled staff through the immigration channel is vital.” Rachel Simpson, BusinessNZ’s education, skills and immigration manager, said companies have found INZ is not meeting their expectations. “Businesses need an effective and efficient immigration service to get the international skills and talent they need, at the right time,” she said. “Particularly for seasonal work and exporters, the lead-in times and planning for the workforce are

conditions and the need to reduce costs and generate income to ensure its financial sustainability.” It affects courses at both the university’s Auckland and its Manawatū campuses. A final decision, once consultation is completed, is due next month. Information provided by the university reveals food technology courses under review include process engineering and product technology with postgraduate level qualifications at the Auckland campus also proposed to end. Within the College of Sciences, all postgraduate qualifications relating to plant science are tagged for closure, including plant breeding and related qualifications in biological science, conservation biology and zoology. Bachelor, master’s and postgraduate courses in engineering, supply chain management, logistics and quality systems course will cease. Geor said the proposed changes will ensure the disciplines remain albeit with some campus consolidation.

the job losses on plant science and research, but also to provide qualified graduates to work in the grain and seed sector. “The loss of any specialist capability and teaching expertise will be a major negative for the

wider primary sector,” he said. “The loss of that course or teaching capacity will have an impact on students and ultimately it will impact the workforce for the sector.” Schmidt acknowledged the university is facing a challenging time but said the areas under review are recognised as leaders that can attract more students and engage with industry and the government. He said the cuts will impact the primary sector with the reduction in plant sciences and the closure of genomic services. “To address the financial challenges, axing over half the staff in these departments is not the way to go.” He wants the university to engage with the new government about funding arrangements. Professor Ray Geor, Pro ViceChancellor, College of Sciences said the Proposal for Change is needed to address financial issues. “Like others in the tertiary sector, the university has recently been signalling difficult financial

critical to make sure companies can maximise production and quality.” INZ director visa Sarah Clifford said there have been adjustments to the assessment approach to the AEWV. “We are making more requests for further information from employers to confirm job vacancies are current, vacancies are genuine and whether employers can support the migrants they plan to hire. “This necessarily increases the time taken to process employer accreditation and job-check phases of the AEWV. “Our advice to businesses is to allow at least six weeks to apply for an accreditation and six weeks to apply for a job check with current processing times.”

STAFFING: Meat Industry Association Chief Executive Sirma Karapeeva said her members are experiencing delays in the processing of skilled migrant visas.

CUTS: Tertiary Education Union organiser Ben Schmidt says the proposed job losses at Massey equate to 60% of academic staff in natural science, food and advanced technology departments.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

News

BLNZ celebrates beef and sheep’s best Staff reporter

PEOPLE

Sheep

HEVIOT sheep and beef farmer Ben Ensor has landed the Regional Leadership Award at this year’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards. The awards, held at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre last Thursday, recognise the people, technologies and innovations that contribute to New Zealand’s world-leading red meat sector. The judges said Ensor was a worthy winner after leading North Canterbury’s dryland farmers through a difﬁcult period in North Canterbury farming history. Faced with a regulation that threatened their viability, North Canterbury’s dryland farmers grouped together under Ensor’s leadership to ﬁght the regulation, which was eventually changed. This proved they were continually working to reduce their environmental footprint. Out of this adversarial situation, Ensor was instrumental in turning the dryland farming group into the Hurunui Landcare Group. “Ben is recognised for his integrity, and this combined with his inclusive leadership style has opened doors and built bridges with a diverse range of stakeholders, from regulatory organisations, environmental groups and local iwi,” the judges said. Beef + Lamb NNZ (BLNZ) chair Kate Acland said she was blown

away by the calibre of this year’s finalists. “Sheep and beef farmers are often quite humble in their nature, but it is essential we put ourselves forward, that we celebrate our success and share our stories with wider New Zealand.” Acland said it is going to be a tough season, and in tough times it is more important than ever to celebrate the sector’s many achievements. Nine awards were handed out throughout the evening, in front of a crowd of about 300 people. The Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award was won by the Low-Methane Sheep Genetics Programme. This programme has led the world in the development of the world’s first livestock genetic selection tool for methane reduction. Judges said it is worldleading research and globally significant in its application for NZ sheep farming. Silver Farm Farms/Lynker Net Carbon Zero Mapping Tool took out the Datamars Livestock Technology Award. The mapping technology and associated processes provide a practical and cost-effective way to create a brand and reward farmers for their on-farm vegetation, the judges said. It enables farmers to capitalise on the vegetation on their farms while meeting consumer demand for red meat produced with a smaller environmental footprint. The Gallagher Innovative Farming Award was won by the Marlborough-based fence post recycling company Repost Ltd.

LEADER: Ben Ensor led North Canterbury’s dryland farmers through a difficult period in North Canterbury farming, the judges said. Using waste posts from the viticulture industry, Repost Ltd turns them into low-cost fence post options for sheep and beef farmers. Owned by St Arnaud farmers Dansy and Greg Coppell, Repost Ltd is, said the judges, a fantastic example of farmers ﬁnding a solution to an on-farm challenge and turning it into a unique recycling business. The Silver Fern Farms Market Leader Award was presented to the recently formed veal company Pearl Pastures.

Owned by Alan McDermott and Julia Galwey, Pearl Pastures began by identifying the needs of the customer, in their case chefs, and worked backwards to produce a veal product that met their requirements. The judges said there was no better example of market leadership with Pearl Pastures striving to be an exemplar at every stage of the supply chain while also providing a novel solution to the issue of wastage in the dairy industry.

Darfield-based Amy Hoogenboom took out the AgResearch Emerging Achiever Award. The award judges described Hoogenboom, who is NZ beef genetics manager for Zoetis, as a great example of a hard-working young professional. They said she has clear goals, a massive passion for the sector and its success and is highly motivated. The Rabobank People and Development Award was won by the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust. The judges said the trust, which manages the Nuffield Farming Scholarship and the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme alongside other initiatives, offers highquality, fit-for-purpose leadership programmes for the primary sector. The FMG Rural Champion Award was won by the nationwide farmer mental health and wellbeing initiative Surfing for Farmers. Surfing for Farmers has grown to reach a large national audience – last season it hosted over 4000 farmers at 28 locations – it is novel, enables connections and has high impact in supporting farmers wellbeing, the judges said. The Alliance Significant Contribution Award was taken out by Canterbury-based Farm Systems Scientist Tom Fraser. For over six decades, Fraser has been translating science into farmer language and has provided farmers with the tools, approaches and wisdom that has helped drive productivity, profitability and environmental outcomes, the judges said.

Sir Tim Wallis 1938-2023: A deer pioneer Annette Scott

PEOPLE

Deer

DEER industry pioneer Sir Tim Wallis, who has died at the age of 85, will be remembered as one the sector’s foremost entrepreneurs. His keenness to hunt deer led to the establishment of a venison business in the early 1960s. Then, harnessing his deep passion for aviation, he launched a new era for the industry when he hired a helicopter and a pilot to recover deer from the Wanaka area. This was the beginning of heli deer capture, with a large wild population of deer providing a ready source of stock. Wallis bought his first helicopter in 1965 and learnt to fly it. By 1970 more than 60 helicopters were being used for shooting and deer recovery for deer farming, prompting the formation of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association in 1975 with 25 founding members, of whom Wallis was one. The first deer auction was held on his property in 1977. Prices for the 383 animals sold ranged from $750 for mature stags to $250

THE AVIATOR: Deer industry pioneer Sir Tim Wallis, who flew in by helicopter for the golden celebration of AgResearch at Invermay in October last year, was met by deer farming science co-founder Ken Drew. HOT was Sir Tim’s original helicopter identification code for aerial deer hunting and capture.

for weaner stags. Six-month-old weaner hinds fetched $550. In 2005 more than 1.7 million deer were being farmed in NZ, compared with 5.1 million dairy cows, almost 40 million sheep and 2.8 million beef cattle.

NZ led the world in deer farming, both in its technology and its relative contribution to the national economy. The Wallis family has owned and operated Wanaka-based Alpine Helicopters and Minaret Station

for 55 years, and Wallis, who survived 15 air crashes in his lifetime, founded the Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow in 1988. Known as a humble man who kept his feet on the ground, Wallis

was knighted for his service to deer farming exports and the community in 1994. He passed away at his home in Wanaka, surrounded by family and with a helicopter parked outside his window.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Possum control options as genome is mapped Neal Wallace

NEWS

Conservation

ESEARCHERS have mapped the genetic code of the brushtail possum, which they say could provide new control options. One potential option is utilising the gene responsible for carrying scent in urine and using molecules produced from these genes to lure possums towards a trap or to keep them away from pest-free areas. The international group of researchers, led by scientists from the University of Otago, spent ﬁve years mapping the gene code, which included determining where and when genes are expressed. The research could help control the possum in NZ where it is considered a pest. In Australia, however, the animals are treasured and protected, study lead, Associate Professor Tim Hore of Otago’s Department of Anatomy, said. Having the full genetic code is important for both countries, with the respective contrasting

population management evolving using DNA sequencing in areas such as chemical communication. “Possums are nocturnal, so nonvisual means of communication are really important,” Hore said. “We uncovered possum genes responsible for carrying scent in urine, and found that although they are silenced in newborns, they are switched on in adults, particularly males.” In the same way that mapping the human genome has allowed for signiﬁcant molecular advances in human health, Hore told Farmers Weekly, this breakthrough will enable the development of molecular techniques to control the possum pest. An immediate application is using DNA to determine the origins of possums that have repopulated areas previously free of the pest. Molecular control techniques are more of a medium-term option and in the long term, he said, scientists could use DNA information to interrupt reproduction.

We uncovered possum genes responsible for carrying scent in urine, and found that although they are silenced in newborns, they are switched on in adults, particularly males. Professor Tim Hore University of Otago Professor Dan Tompkins, Science Director at Predator Free 2050, said targeted, efﬁcient and humane ways of removing pests are needed. “Deciphering their genetic code provides us with an invaluable new knowledge base that underpins and enables exploration of a range of better approaches to do just that, from possum-species toxins to fertility control, and the exciting new ideas leveraging scent communication proposed here.” More than $150 million a year is spent controlling possums in NZ. Study co-author Dr Donna

CONTROL ISSUES: The successful mapping of possum genetics could lead to new control methods. Photo: Tim Hore Bond of the University of Otago’s Department of Anatomy said possums were collected from Otago Peninsula and other sites near Dunedin and found to be genetic hybrids traced back to populations in Tasmania and the Australian mainland. “Although the possums

introduced in the 19th century were low in numbers, perhaps a few hundred, because they are mixed up from at least four different Australian populations, the New Zealand animals we tested had more genetic diversity than those from Australia,” she said.

Banks revise forecasts as Global Dairy Trade index improves “Fundamentally, there isn’t anything shocking or noticeable NEWS for WMP at this auction; there is Dairy a slight forward lifting curve with steady increases through contract ASB and Westpac have lifted their periods and a slight premium for milk price forecasts in response to instant,” she said. the latest GDT auction price rise. Skim milk powder made a similar The 4.3% rise saw ASB and gain, up 4.3% to US$2659. AMF Westpac adjust their forecasts jumped 7.1% to US$5310, butter to $7.35/kg MS and $7.25/kg MS was up 2.9% to US$4940, cheddar respectively. lifted 0.2% to US$3,858 and lactose It was the fourth lift in a row at was up 0.2% to US$599. the GDT auction, with all product Westpac senior agri economist categories making gains. Nathan Penny said in the bank’s Whole Milk Powder lifted 4.2% fortnightly Agri Update that the to US$3059/T. result shows that the feeling in the NZX Dairy analyst Alex Winning market has changed, indicating said the product has lifted over that the worst of this price cycle 20% in the last two months and may be over. has clawed back from a ﬁve-year Farmers Weekly NZ_Sep2023.ai 6/09/2023 2:27:57 PM “Looking at sentiment, three low to respectable numbers in 1line things have helped turned the with November 2020.

Gerald Piddock

CMY

price tide. Firstly, prices hit very low levels, and this has led to increased buying interest, notably from the Middle Eastern and European buyers – after all, everyone loves a bargain. “Secondly, the declaration of an El Niño weather pattern has increased the risk of a drought and a contraction of supply later in the season. “Lastly, oil prices have lifted over recent months, and this may have given further impetus to demand from Middle Eastern buyers.” That said, Penny was still cautious, pointing out that there has been no material improvement in Chinese demand, and Chinese economic data is also inconclusive at this juncture.

This is a point also noted by ASB economist Nathaniel Keall, who said China was still not that active compared with its usual presence on global dairy markets. “The North Asian region has typically bought only around 25-50% of the WMP on offer since the beginning of June – roughly the same proportions of volumes it was purchasing this time last year during China’s zerocovid period,” he said in the bank’s Commodities Weekly publication. Keall said the auction lifts had made that August fall look increasingly like a near-term ﬂoor. “All of the WMP contracts (stretching well into the season) have lifted, and the curve has been consistently ﬂattish to slightly upward-tilting.

“That’s a sign that underlying demand is indeed ﬁrmer and it isn’t only a near-term shortage or some other squeeze skewing the overall ﬁgure. “That’s all good news for farmers in a season where that has been in fairly short supply thus far.”

That’s all good news for farmers in a season where that has been in fairly short supply thus far. Nathaniel Keall ASB

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

News

‘Take water out of the political realm’

DIRECTION: IrrigationNZ chair Keri Johnston says there should be a minister for water with oversight of all regulation and infrastructure relating to water.

Annette Scott

POLITICS

Policy and regulation

RRIGATION New Zealand is calling on the incoming government to prioritise the creation of a cross-agency water group to design a long-term strategy for freshwater in New Zealand, led by a minister for water. The industry body wants to see

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integration of all aspects of freshwater management into one holistic plan and approach, including freshwater farm plans, drinking water regulation, water storage, wetlands, biodiversity, integrated farm management, hydroelectricity, dam safety legislation and unlocking the productive potential of iwi-owned land. “This minister would have oversight of all the fingers currently in the water pie of regulation and infrastructure,” IrrigationNZ chair Keri Johnston said. “It would be the co-ordinated strategic approach that is so lacking at the moment.” It is calling for the incoming government to commission a report on the national economic and social benefits of irrigation and on catchment objectives including economic, wellbeing, and environmental contributions outcomes. This should be underpinned by research to improve freshwater outcomes at a catchment level, increase the resilience of food production, lift productivity and develop climate-resilient and adaptive infrastructure. “We need to look at land use change opportunities across NZ, taking into consideration our highly productive soils, and match reliable water planning to ensure long-term improvements of environmental outcomes, ensuring resilience by facilitating water capture and storage opportunities. “Freshwater is important to every New Zealander. This conversation is about communities’ ability to survive and NZ food security. Whether in a pipe or in a pond, infrastructure needs a longer lifespan as we can’t have this being a political football every three years. “It will take commitment, investment and vision, so we need all political parties on the same page. We do not want a question of who is in power, we need to take it out of the political realm.” A criteria checklist for regionally significant water storage and distribution projects would ensure they provide multiple benefits for the community. Johnston said IrrigationNZ will be working with all political parties to find common ground as it guns for enabling policy that promotes innovation, supports investment, demonstrates flexibility, shares information and supports education. Reducing uncertainty needs the provision of long-term consent options for water storage projects in order to attract and retain investment in infrastructure. Beef + Lamb New Zealand said a key focus will be addressing farmers’ concerns over poorly crafted regulations that put farming businesses at risk. BLNZ chair Kate Acland said the industry organisation is looking forward to working constructively with the incoming government. “We want to find enduring solutions for our sector and secure farmer-led outcomes that benefit the environment while still allowing us to farm productively and profitably,” she said. “We have a proud history of innovation and adaption and we need the incoming government to enable farmers rather than restrict them.” Acland highlighted key priority areas BLNZ wants the new government to focus on including the introduction of urgent measures to curb the sale of sheep and beef farms into carbon farms; changes to the Indigenous Biodiversity National Policy Statement; amendments to the unfairly high methane targets; and fixing the low slope map for stock exclusion.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Rule review must be new govt’s priority Richard Rennie

POLITICS

Policy and regulation

ITH votes continuing to be counted and political czars negotiating in the background, sector leaders have identified the Emissions Trading Scheme, regulatory reform and labour force rebuilds as key areas demanding attention for the government in coming weeks. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford reiterated his organisation’s 12 policy priorities for the government and took comfort from the support National had for them prior to the election. Langford said the election was about restoring farmers’ confidence and the election result was a positive first step in achieving that. “There was a real mood for change out there, particularly in our rural communities, and it looks like change is what the election has delivered,” he said. All three of the parties currently around the negotiating table supported a number of those policies, leaving Feds feeling positive about the direction of travel for the next three years. “Our biggest priority this side of Christmas will be trying to fix up some of the impractical and unworkable freshwater rules that have been a real headache for farmers. “All across the country right now regional councils are having to work on new rules, driven out of Wellington, that will completely undermine the viability of rural communities.” Resetting Resource Management Act reform is another regulatory priority Feds seeks to deal with. Feds’ 12-point wish list is shared to some extent by DairyNZ, with the organisation releasing five policy wishes prior to the election.

Like Feds, DairyNZ is expecting a review of regulations across all areas, greater collaboration on workforce development, and a reexamination of methane targets. Both Feds and DairyNZ want greater collaboration with the government on immigration levels for the sector. Rob McNab, president of the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management, said its members are demanding greater clarity on what it is that is wanted from farmers, and provision of the tools from the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry for the Environment to enable them to achieve this. “At the moment it is government that is the handbrake. Farmers and communities want to make a difference, but everything seems to be in conﬂict,” he said.

At the moment it is government that is the handbrake. Farmers and communities want to make a difference, but everything seems to be in conﬂict. Rob Macnab President, NZ Institute of Primary Management Signiﬁcant progress has been made with farmer catchment groups, which will require certainty of funding to keep up their momentum. But Macnab said regional councils also need the resources to be capable of managing the environmental regulatory demands placed on them. “And as government requires more input from rural professionals, we would like to see career pathways standardised to ensure industry standards will be recognised.” One of the key tools missing

to help farmers respond to climate change and greenhouse gas reductions is gene editing, something the Science New Zealand group hopes to see revisited. The group, representing the country’s Crown research heavyweights, has called for a national conversation on the technology as the rest of the world ramps up its application in agriculture. Chief executive Anthony Scott said there were positive moves to revisit the technology before the election, with Labour intimating it needed to be discussed. “I think we will have to wait and see but it is time to review regulations that are now 20 years old. “NZ could benefit from it and we are falling behind the rest of the world. Some of our organisations are having to do trials offshore, but they should be able to do them here in NZ.” His call for a review of GE technology is shared by Organic Aotearoa NZ (OANZ) CEO Tiffany Tompkins. She said there is a need for a more open conversation nationally on the technology, for the sake of organic farmers as much as conventional ones. “We do not want to see organics impacted by GE technology, and there would need to be rules set around how the two could operate in NZ.” Meantime she is hoping the new government will appreciate the value of organics as the world’s fastest growing food category, and how NZ could benefit. That includes pushing through the final stages of the Organic Products and Product Act 2023, which still has some vital standards to be completed in order to harmonise with European Union legislation by next year. Grant Dodson, president of Forest Owners Association,

WELCOME: Fed Farmers president Wayne Langford has welcomed the shift to a bluer government, and hopes freshwater regulatory review will be high on its list in coming months. said member frustration at ETS regulations and reform has been high, and he welcomed the new government’s generally positive view on forestry. National has stated it will not nationalise the NZ carbon unit market, one of four suggestions outlined in a reform plan by Labour.

However, he is concerned about National’s Fieldays announcement last year, seeking to limit farm-toforest conversions to only 25% of a property’s land area. “This is an own goal for farmers who may be wanting to get out of farming and see forestry conversion as a means to do so.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

News

Alliance heading for a loss on the year Neal Wallace

NEWS

Food and fibre

LLIANCE Group will next month report a loss for the 2023 financial year in what the board says will be its worst result since 2012. This follows a record $73.6 million net profit after tax in 2022. Chair Murray Taggart told farmers it has been a tough year for livestock farmers and

REVIEW. Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese says the challenging year has prompted a review of its strategy for the next five years.

meat processors alike. Livestock manager Murray Behrent said markets remain soft. From October to December Alliance expects lamb to be worth $6.80/kg-$7.30/kg and handpicked premium lamb $7-$7.50. Sheep will make $3-$3.50. Handpicked premium beef is expected to be worth $6.10-$6.60, prime $5.30-$6 and bull $5.20-$6. Handpicked venison prices are expected at $10.20-$10.50 and prime $10-$10.30. Behrent said prices for lamb are likely to remain soft due to the effects of global inflation, but beef prices are stabilising in China and North America. Taggart said Alliance’s financial year ends on September 30 so the 2023 performance was hit when lamb prices fell sharply from October to December 2022, requiring the co-operative to write-down inventory by $55m. It will release its annual results next month, but Taggart said weak sheep meat markets had a disproportion impact on Alliance as New Zealand’s largest ovine processor. A further factor affecting its performance was the earlier-thanusual pre-Christmas gearing up of staff at its Lorneville plant in Southland, responding to fears that dry weather would require

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farmers to quit stock early. The weather was not as dry as expected and killing space was not needed, but the company had to carry the costs of the extra staff. Taggart told a farmer roadshow at Middlemarch in Otago last week that consumer confidence in China remains low and stems from heavy investment in Chinese real estate, which has subsequently collapsed. This in turn has created a debt crisis and lifted youth unemployment rates to 20%. Another factor depressing global markets is large volumes of cheap Australian sheepmeat. Taggart said Australian exporters are paying $5/kg for lamb compared to $7 in NZ, which means they can sell it more cheaply. Fears of a dry summer have prompted Australian farmers to quit livestock early, adding to global competition. Taggart said the Australian domestic market for ewes has collapsed, with some selling for $1/head or they are being shot and buried on farm. Chief executive Willie Wiese told farmers the challenging year has prompted a review of its strategy for the next five years. The fundamental aims remain: ensuring livestock farming is viable, growing market value and

CHALLENGING: Alliance chair Murray Taggart warns the co-operative is headed for a financial loss. being an efficient processor, and developing new products. It recently started recovering cattle reproductive organs and selling them for $251/kg. It is also introducing throughout its seven plants a meat probe that measures marbling, tenderness and intramuscular fat in ovine and bovine, which impacts eating quality. The probe has been tested on 300,000 carcases and Wiese said the data will be fed back to farmers to help with their breeding and management decisions while Alliance will use the information to identify superior eating animals that it can market to affluent customers.

Wiese said they have listened to shareholders who want greater rewards for loyal suppliers. That includes ensuring shareholders have sufficient shares to match the stock they supply, and this season Alliance will be retaining 50c/head from those needing to increase their shareholding. It is also increasing and making changes to its loyalty payments and its volume suppliers. Wiese said in the coming year it will be talking to farmers about how to reduce its greenhouse gas, or Scope 3, emissions, plus Alliance is looking closely at its waste to landfill and water use.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Wool gets a clip round the ears over shed prep Annette Scott

NEWS

Wool

EMAND for New Zealand strong wool is increasing but the industry needs to get the basics right to achieve full value potential, WoolWorks president Nigel Hales says. Recently returned from China and currently in Europe, Hales said “there are very good signals out there” for NZ wool but clip preparation has deteriorated to the extent it needs some serious correction. “It comes back to the very basics done in the shearing shed and if preparation is not handled correctly, it means punishment in the marketplace,” he said. WoolWorks is NZ’s only wool scouring service provider, operating the largest wool scouring facility in the world. “With demand improving, we have to get it right and now is the time to have a reset in the shearing shed,” Hales said.

The Chinese openly stated that they are prepared to pay more for NZ wool, but not until it is handled correctly at the source. Nigel Hales WoolWorks president Having attended the Nanjing Wool Market conference, the largest wool industry conference globally with wool participants from across the world, Hales said it had been extremely disappointing to hear complaints about the NZ wool clip. NZ was also represented at the conference by Rosstan Mazey, chair of the NZ Council of Wool Interests, Wool Impact and exporters. “Unfortunately, and of great concern to us all, the Chinese were complaining bitterly about the deterioration of the NZ strong wool clip,” Hales said. This included poor clip preparation, particularly yellow fribs, medullated ﬁbre being left in the body wool, poor length characteristics and general non-wool contamination – “all the basics in the shed”. “The Chinese openly stated that they are

UP TO FLUFF: WoolWorks president Nigel Hales says staff cannot keep up with the recording of non-wool contaminants as it’s at such a high volume.

prepared to pay more for NZ wool, but not until it is handled correctly at the source. “Further to this we are having an epidemic of non-wool contamination finds in the South Island wool. “Our staff cannot keep up with the recording of finds as it’s such a high volume. “It is unbelievable how quickly the wool clip in the South Island has changed and it is now a greater problem in the South Island than the North Island.” Hales said WoolWorks has done its absolute best to mitigate the contamination issues over a long period of time, at great expenditure and cost to shareholders. “The last couple of months has been brutal for us.” WoolWorks has a staff reporting system where it pays its staff a premium to identify non-wool contamination and trace it back to the farm. For August, in the South Island alone, this cost WoolWorks $20,000 in staff premiums. For September it was $14,000. “Quite frankly, something has to change as we cannot continue to find such bad behaviour and poor practices in the shed. “Unless something changes in the shed then this industry will fail, it’s that simple.” The feedback coming from buyers is positive. “The Chinese want knit wools at the moment and of all the four major wool producing countries globally, the feedback is NZ, with sound genetics, quality characteristics and specialised facilities, best fits their requirement. “A price change is coming if we get it right, because the Chinese want knit wool and NZ wool is most suitable for dyeing. “Good coloured wools that can be dyed more naturally have always been attractive for overseas buyers but we will never reach full-scale potential with poor shed preparation. “There are many good things happening in the industry but we just see there is a disconnect between the marketplace, producers and shed hands,” Hales said. Addressing the recent NZ Woolclassers Association North Island industry day, PGG Wrightson wool representative and industry mentor Ian Hopkirk made it clear there is value in adding value. “There is no denying the importance and value of upholding quality preparation in the shed,” Hopkirk said. “That is the ultimate aim of wool preparation – to prepare the farmers’ wool to achieve best commercial advantage. “Remove to improve is key to the reputation and integrity of NZ wool.” The preparation for wool has to happen in the woolshed, he said. “Adding monetary value is the difference between poor and good preparation. An extra shedhand might be $250 a day. At 12.5 cents a kilogram that could achieve up to a 50c/kg improvement in price achieved, a reasonable return on investment.” Hopkirk urged shed staff to have a “cando, will-do attitude”. “It’s about value in adding value; dollars in reputation and satisfaction. Good preparation increases competition to purchase and improves options for end use and contracts.”

PREVENTION: Nigel Hales says WoolWorks has done its absolute best to mitigate wool contamination issues over a long period of time, at great expenditure and cost to shareholders.

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13/9/2023 4:26 pm

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Determined team heading into Wayleggo Craig Page

NEWS

Skills

T is redemption time for the New Zealand sheep dog trial team. The squad of Neil Evans and Tess of Canterbury, Brian Dickison and Jake of Southland, Leo Jacentho and Tess of Waikato, and Ian Stevenson and Zac of Canterbury, are looking to reclaim the Wayleggo Cup and restore Kiwi pride when the Trans-Tasman Test Series in sheep dog trialling gets underway in Ashburton on October 27. The Wayleggo Cup, which was first contested in 1994, was mothballed for three years due to covid but resumed in Tasmania last year, only for New Zealand to lose the test series 2-1. NZ Sheep Dog Trial Association president and team manager Pat Coogan said last year was a tough event, not helped by flight interruptions and flighty Australian Merino sheep. “We couldn’t get direct flights to Tasmania because of covid restrictions so there was a lot of waiting around,” he said. Then there were the wayward Merino sheep, which two of the New Zealand team were unable to pen. Coogan said this year the team is

looking to take back the title and add to the 17 tests previously won by NZ. Evans will captain the team. Dickison, Jacentho and Stevenson are all newcomers to the NZ team but have proven themselves at national or island competitions. “There are lots of things we look at when selecting a team. The age, strengths and weaknesses of the dog is also important,” Coogan said. The test will be competed over two days, October 27 and 28, as part of the Ashburton A & P Show. The competition is conducted over a special course with its own rules, developed specifically for the Trans-Tasman competition and a mix of both New Zealand and Australian rules. The course consists of four obstacles – a gate, a Maltese cross, a ramp and a pen. Australian rules apply as far as the gate, followed by a NZ drive through the Maltese cross and over the ramp, then back into an Australian carry to the pen. In the New Zealand sections competitors are allowed to assist their dog more than in the Australian section. The course must be completed in 15 minutes. There are two judges, one from each country, and their scores are averaged.

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News N Island mustering support for sales held on farm Suz Bremner

MARKETS

Livestock

HE on-farm sale trend is growing in the North Island and stock agent company Hazlett Limited is leading the way in this domain. The company is on the cusp of a busy lead-up to Christmas with six large on-farm sales planned on the east coast of the North Island, stretching from Waikura Station in Gisborne to Tautane Station in Herbertville. Hazlett stock agent Rowan Sandford and the team have been working hard over the past three to four years to get the sales off the ground. “I started with Hazlett in the South Island, where on-farm sales are popular. The company is well-established in holding these down there and those South Island sales gave a good insight into how successful these sales can be,” Sandford said. “Over the years we have built a solid livestock team of eight in the North Island and then it was about building the clientele and selling the on-farm idea.” Sandford said it has taken time for the idea to catch on, but a turning point was the inaugural on-farm sale held at Mangakuri Station, Elsthorpe, last year. “Mangakuri Station broke the ice for these sales. Others were interested and the success of that sale convinced a few others to give it a go.” Sandford said that the timing of all the sales coming on board was not led by concerns around the effects of El Niño on the east coast.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

ICE-BREAKER: Hazlett agents, from left, Duke Loe, Ed Marfell (auctioneer) and Rowan Sandford at the inaugural on-farm sale at Mangakuri Station, Elsthorpe, which helped break the ice for other on-farm sales in the North Island.

Same Cows. Same Pasture. Still Twice-a-Day. No Milkers.

None of these have been triggered by the fear of the dry or anything, and timing of the weaning is about normal for these guys. Rowan Sandford Hazlett Ltd “None of these have been triggered by the fear of the dry or anything, and timing of the weaning is about normal for these guys. A change in selling method has been the driver, and for the more isolated places it opens up the opportunity to more buyers.” This year the sales will start at Mangakuri Station on October 24 and neighbouring property Te Manuiri Station will offer up lambs on the same day. Next come Brooklands Station, Puketapu (in conjunction with PGG Wrightson) on October 30; Tautane Station, Herbertville (in conjunction with Carrﬁelds Livestock) on November 7; and Taurapa Station, Ocean Beach on November 9. The year will wind up with Waikura Station, Gisborne on December 12, where 14,000 lambs, 1500 ewes and 300 yearling Angus heifers will be offered. Most of the earlier sales are offering undrafted terminal lambs with yardings ranging from 2000 head up to 7000 head, as well as ewes and cattle at some properties.

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12 Editorial

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Letters of the week Groundswell enviro record speaks for itself Jamie McFadden Groundswell environmental spokesperson

From the Editor Turning green ﬁelds blue Richard Rennie

Senior reporter

HE surge of blue votes that washed through the country’s green provincial landscape last Saturday may represent something of a reset, a return to normal transmission in New Zealand’s electoral order. Back in 2020 that same landscape was rinsed red as rural voters kicked out at their usual party of choice. It was jittery after multiple leadership changes, and barely kept a united front throughout that campaign. This time around the rural sector has endured more punishing and seemingly endless rounds of water quality reform, greenhouse gas regulations and, for good measure, some biodiversity policy settings. Regulatory fatigue has become well entrenched. If you happen to farm in Waikato, you also shared the misery of a second extended and difﬁcult lockdown with Aucklanders to the north. To add to rural malaise, the sector experienced Cyclone Gabrielle’s wrath and a further fraying of its infrastructure, which

it bore with admirable stoicism. Meanwhile, urban centres’ broken sewers and dodgy water mains got plenty of attention, and almost overnight repair. Roading networks have worn paper thin, with some local roads unlikely to ever be re-opened, and medical services in some districts are completely absent. Living in many parts of rural NZ feels more isolated, difﬁcult and even dangerous now than it ever did in the second half of

Interestingly, sector leaders are not calling for wholesale ejection of any and all regulations by the new government. the previous century. But, picking through the issues, it appears it is regulatory settings and reform that have preyed most on rural voters’ minds over the past three years. Rural leaders have been calling for more constructive, thoughtful approaches to regulations around water, greenhouse gases and biodiversity. Ones that acknowledge and include farmers, many who have already embarked on their journeys in those areas. As difﬁcult as the broken bridges and damaged roads have made life in parts of rural NZ, it says much about the sector’s “get on with it” approach that it is these regulations rather than those roads that reversed the colour of so many electorates

on election day. Interestingly, sector leaders are not calling for wholesale ejection of any and all regulations by the new government. There is a maturity and acceptance that water, greenhouse gases and biodiversity all need attention and improvement. The willingness to do so is already witnessed in the growing success of district catchment groups, which farmers themselves are leading, and dearly want to see continued by whoever takes over. And there should be pressure from the rural sector to have many of the rules and regulations already in place revisited and revamped. The sector risks falling well behind its global counterparts in areas like gene editing, now accepted practice in Australia, the United States and South America and being considered by the usually GE-shy European Union. Meantime methane inhibitors, a key tool needed to reduce gas emissions, remain elusive. They are trapped at the border by slow, clunky regulatory processes that again have us falling behind our trade competitors. The new agricultural minister would be wise to push for reform and acceleration of these rules and regulations. Doing so would unlock the tools farmers so badly need to meet many of the demands made by the latest regulations – regulations that also contributed to the last government’s downfall among rural voters.

THE opinion piece by Marnie Prickett and Chris Falconer, “We have found common ground beneath our feet” (September 21), criticising Groundswell and Federated Farmers, leaves readers misinformed about the role and positions of these organisations. It also makes claims about the environmental regulations that are false. Despite Groundswell on numerous occasions spelling out its position, the opinion writers persist in taking cheap shots to deliberately mislead readers. Contrary to their assertions, Groundswell supports the need to change in proactively addressing environmental issues. The records of Groundswell leader Bryce McKenzie as co-founder of the nationally acclaimed Pomahaka Watercare Group and my environmental work with hundreds of farmers and community initiatives spanning 25 years speak for themselves. To back that up we have developed an alternative to the unworkable regulations and ﬂawed environmental reforms called the Groundswell Solution. Our solution starts with a vision that all New Zealanders can share in – For New Zealand to be a world leader in environmentally sustainable produced food and ﬁbre. We believe all farmers (and indeed all people) should join in the environmental journey addressing all issues including freshwater, indigenous biodiversity, and emissions. The writers state that Groundswell and Federated Farmers claim to be the voice of farmers, followed by the bizarre assertion that they are not. Both organisations are a voice of farmers and with the membership of Federated Farmers at 13,000 in 2021 and Groundswell with an email supporter base of over 100,000 (and growing) we collectively have a substantial representation role on behalf of farmers.

Continued next page

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Opinion

13 In My View

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

In my view ...

Hunt is on for food’s golden tickets Victoria Hatton

Dr Hatton is chief executive of Food HQ

HAVE been very fortunate, six months into a new job, to travel to the United States and Australia to learn, to calibrate my thinking, test ideas and form new ones. I have also built new friendships and new collaborations. After such a fabulous trip, its important to distil my thoughts, and share those that are relevant so that others can learn from my experience. There are three key takeaways. The global food story is evolving. No one would argue that innovation is what led to simple things like scrambled egg becoming a staple in our diets, or the good old sourdough bread that kept us occupied during covid. And who is to argue that Violet Beauregarde’s experience and her three-course-dinner chewing gum ideated by Willy Wonka may not yet become a reality. Indeed, we have been growing, creating, cooking and selling food for centuries; it is societies’ response to changing circumstances. While we haven’t stopped innovating in our food system in New Zealand, I think we have become quite single-minded in what our food system looks like. To evolve and keep up with the rest of the world we must become more open-minded to allow our food system to diversify and innovate, and our scientists, farmers, growers and chefs to create new, tasty, nutritious food. Whether it is sourced from the sea, the paddock, the lab, a field, a stainless-steel fermenter or an orchard. Whether it is grown indoors or out, horizontally or vertically, in or out of space. We need to move away from the desire to debate what we call this new chapter of our food story; it is

Continued from previous page Another false claim is that Groundswell (and others) are advocating for a catchment-based approach because we want to “get rid of bottom lines so that any level of pollution is legal”. This is both spiteful and false. As part of the Groundswell Solution, we propose a proactive approach to prioritising actions to where they are most needed and bottom lines have a key role in ensuring freshwater is not overallocated in terms of water quantity and contaminants. Every river is different and over the past 80 years the catchmentbased approach has proven to be a successful way to fix water quality issues. Prickett and Falconer then attempt to paint a picture of the environmental regulations that is far removed from reality. They

NOT an alternative story. I think we need to move away from the infatuation we have with protein, it is about more than that. We are emerging into a new period of “food” that we must embrace. One where new food will be “complementary” to our existing food, and I hope, as our food story evolves, that this new food will be mainstreamed into our food choices as soon as possible, as soon as it’s safe to do so. New Zealand is small. Usually, I would argue that size doesn’t matter but I think when it comes to attracting investment to support innovation, size and scale are everything. Creating new food costs a great deal and margins for those involved in the ecosystem are small. There is no doubt we are world class in our food innovation, research, science and development, and our skills at ideation are second to none, but we struggle to scale efficiently and cost effectively beyond the pilot stage. There is a giant hole in the support mechanisms beyond the pilot and into commercial scale-up phases. We are trying to fill this hole with investment raising rounds overseas and here in NZ, trying to pitch to build commercial scale infrastructure that gets used by a single player, innovator, scientist or producer. What I have learnt is it’s all about the cost curve and doing it this way is inefficient and makes for a poor return on investment. And failure appears to be high among our new food innovators because of how we are scaling our commercial efforts. New food has no price parity on the supermarket shelf. We need to change how we behave if we are to evolve our food story. We need to create scale for investment but also for price parity – for the new food to be competitive. Rather than innovators and producers doing it

suggest communities “all over the country” have been pushing to have stronger regulations. This is incorrect and should have read “environmental lobbyists”, not “communities”. In our district of Hurunui, the wider community were frustrated by outside environmental lobby groups’ continual demands for regulation. When our council initiated a process to remove all mapped Significant Natural Areas from the district plan, it was widely supported by the community and there were no appeals against this decision. One of the reasons we have so many unworkable regulations is that for too long policy makers have kowtowed to the demands of environmental lobbyists. To add weight to their argument that regulations have been overstated, Prickett and Falconer used the example that Waikato

FANTASTIC FOOD: Who is to say we won’t live to see a real-life version of Violet Beauregarde’s three-coursedinner chewing gum as ideated by Willy Wonka, says Dr Victoria Hatton. alone (which is a very Kiwi way), we need to get better at sharing knowledge, insights and most importantly, equipment, which is where the true cost lies. We need to do this to create scale to attract investment whether it’s from government or from outside investors. Speed is everything. Being openminded and collaborative, dare I say it, doesn’t come easily in NZ but we honestly don’t have time to procrastinate, stare into the ocean and fight among ourselves. Markets are changing. Interest in new, novel, innovative food is growing and not just because the consumer desires it. Equitable access to food is a growing global concern. Governments are writing and

implementing domestic food strategies that include investment in innovation and technology to evolve their food systems (for example, Singapore, Qatar, Canada). Whether it is indoor, outdoor, in the lab or using vertical farms, post-covid, being food secure is paramount at any cost. The race is on to deliver sustainability and climate change targets. “Big food” producers need to remove their Scope 3 emissions from their supply chains; these largely consist of methane emissions from rice, meat and milk production. Sourcing ingredients that can replace these products, that are produced with zero methane emissions, (that is, without the cow), is fast-tracking

investment in lab-based and fermented ingredients that have great taste and texture.

has had only one new statutory requirement in the past five years. However, they neglected to mention the recent Freshwater Farm Plans and Indigenous Biodiversity requirements,

winter grazing regulations, Sites and Areas of Significance to Māori, the ute tax, and new regulations emanating from plan reviews and changes from the 10 district councils and Waikato Regional

Council. I suggest they read the recent report by Beef + Lamb NZ that found more than 20 new regulations, laws, and reforms impacting farmers in the past six years.

Got a view on some aspect of farming you would like to get across? We offer readers the chance to have their say. Contact us and have yours. farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz Phone 06 323 1519

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS: Groundswell’s Jamie McFadden says the record of leader Bryce McKenzie as co-founder of the nationally acclaimed Pomahaka Watercare Group speaks for itself.

14 Opinion

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

This could prove a hard ACT to swallow Alternative view

Alan Emerson

Semi-retired Wairarapa farmer and businessman: dath.emerson@gmail.com

HE good news from election night is that we now have 18 MPs with a farming or horticultural background and they are spread over different parties. We have Miles Anderson (National), Andrew Hoggard (ACT) and Mark Patterson (New Zealand First), who are highly effective, massively experienced and have worked together at Federated Farmers. That’s great news for our sector. Overall, however, my view is that little of significance will change post-election, certainly as far as

the cost of living crisis and interest rates are concerned. Further, I don’t believe there’s much difference between National and Labour. Compare the Key approach to that of Helen Clark’s government. Both parties like to stick around the centre. ACT is unashamedly of the right. NZ First is deeply conservative. That makes a coalition of National, ACT and NZ First interesting. Currently National and ACT have 61 seats in Parliament, with special votes still to be counted. Historically those votes will go to the left. That will mean NZ First will have to be part of the government. In addition there is the “overhang” rule, which on current voting will increase the size of Parliament to 121 seats and there’s the additional complication of the by-election at Port Waikato. The difference in policies between National and ACT are considerable. For example, National has categorically ruled out scrapping the zero-carbon legislation that it voted for. ACT has promised to repeal the legislation and disband the Climate Change Commission. It is also committed to “scrapping unrealistic [emissions] targets”. ACT has also promised to repeal the controversial gun register

legislation. National has said it will keep it. ACT has promised to tax charities. National has said it will exempt churches, for whatever reason. ACT has promised to have one law for all and stop race-based policies. National has been a little coy but I believe the race card was a large reason for the change in government. It is interesting as, while Labour committed to Māori, the Māori electorate largely rejected Labour. Both National and ACT have pledged to cut the public service but National has come up with two new ministries, ACT with one. There will be a new minister and ministries of both hunting and fishing and space, for whatever reason, plus a minister and ministry of regulation. If we’re going to have three new ministries, the already established ministries are going to need major surgery. What will they cut? What services will be affected? Then add NZ First to the mix. National has said it will effectively cut all benefits by a change in indexing. Will NZ First agree to cuts in the pension, let alone change the age of entitlement? National is going to tax foreign house buyers on properties over $2 million. NZ First has already fired a salvo at National over continuing

“to hock off the country to wealthy foreigners”. NZ First has considerable experience in coalition governments and will be well aware that compromise means electoral obscurity. For example I thought NZ First was a welcome and effective partner in the 2017-2020 Labour-led government. The electorate didn’t and voted it out. Now it is back and I can’t see NZ First making that mistake twice. That will also be a salutary lesson for ACT. Agree and acquiesce and you are history. I believe if ACT sticks to its guns it will double its vote next election. If it doesn’t, it’s toast. The cabinet negotiation process will also be interesting. ACT has David Seymour and Brooke van Velden who would both do well in the cabinet. Add in Nicolle McKee, Andrew Hoggard and Mark Cameron, who would make excellent ministers. I can’t see NZ First not insisting on Winston Peters and Shane Jones in ministerial roles and Patterson is certainly ministerial material. My old electorate of West Coast Tasman certainly threw an odd ball. Incumbent and accomplished politician Damien O’Connor lost his seat to National by just 915 votes. Independent candidate

EFFECTIVE: National’s Miles Anderson is a highly effective and massively experienced farming face in Parliament, Alan Emerson says. Patrick Phelps took 5246. Fortunately O’Connor is back on the list. Finally, we’ve had MMP for 30 years and our politicians haven’t learnt much in that time. My view is National not giving the Ilam seat to The Opportunities Party was incredibly stupid. If it had it wouldn’t have needed NZ First. As I said last week, buckle your seat belts.

The unintended consequences of the ETS Meaty matters

Allan Barber

Meat industry commentator: allan@barberstrategic.co.nz, http:// allanbarber.wordpress.com

REPORT on recent land use change commissioned by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and long-term data collected by its Economic Service demonstrate a major reduction in sheep numbers and the accompanying downward slaughter trend. These combine to show a huge threat to the economic and social future of a number of rural communities. They also underline the danger of the unintended consequences that arise from the often misguided, if wellintentioned, policies of successive central and local governments.

Land use change will always occur naturally according to market forces or (as in the 1980s) because of the removal of subsidies, but more recently it has been driven by artificial factors, mainly linked to the carbon price set by the Emissions Trading Scheme. The logical consequence of the ETS is the sale and purchase of large areas for plantation forestry, either to generate carbon credits to offset emissions or for government-funded programmes like planting a billion trees to meet our international commitments.

Is eczema a problem? Do you have drench resistance? Do you want high producing sheep?

Agriculture, being the largest driver of economic activity, has regrettably been blamed by vocal minority groups with incomplete knowledge of the facts for causing over half NZ’s emissions. These groups exert undue influence on the politicians who may only have three years to attempt to make their mark for posterity. Although it is impossible to develop workable policies that will address enormously complex issues in such a short timeframe, one electoral cycle after another we cast our votes and inevitably end up with a bunch of

inexperienced amateurs who are motivated by the main issues of the day. Climate change, which now appears to be undeniable, has become the major driver of policy, but the policy response lacks balance. In its haste to burnish NZ’s environmental and planetsaving credentials, the Labour government, encouraged by James Shaw as minister for the environment, has ignored the recommendations of the Climate Change Commission and the scientific facts by persisting with

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Continued page 15

Opinion

15 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

The media are not out to get farming Eating the elephant

Daniel Eb

Daniel Eb helps Kiwis connect with farming through his agency Dirt Road Comms and Open Farms. His family farms in Kaipara. eating.the.elephant.nz@gmail.com

OMPARED to what some people dream up, the big city media newsrooms I’ve been to look pretty normal. There’s no Marxist literature in the waiting room. There’s mostly cow’s milk in the fridge. At the morning editorial meeting, reporters pitch or get assigned stories about farming – just as they would about politics, sports, business or culture. Some of these reporters are my friends and I can confirm that many of the accusations made about them in country pubs are true. They tend to lean left politically, sip a lot of Continued from page 14 the demand for unachievable methane reductions. The persistence with measuring methane emissions as though they are the same as carbon flies in the face of reality. The continuing ability of fossil fuel emitters to offset 100% of their emissions puts carbon farming at an unjustified advantage over alternative land uses like traditional hill country sheep and beef production. While the previous Labour government claimed to recognise the importance of agriculture to NZ’s prosperity, citing its work to complete trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union as evidence, the massive focus on regulations without due consideration of their impact suggests it was only paying lip service. While acknowledging the sincerity of the Greens in their desire to minimise NZ’s impact on climate change, I also believe they are naïve enough to think money grows on trees (literally and figuratively) and do not understand the need for a productive economy founded on our natural resources and growing conditions. Beef + Lamb NZ (BLNZ) Economic Service figures show pastoral land declining by 4.2 million hectares or 41% over 30

lattes, live in places like Ponsonby and know very little about what happens on farm. But I want to be clear – this idea that a deep-seated bias against farming runs through these people and their work is baseless. First the facts. As part of my work I regularly see media sentiment tracking about farming issues. In general, media coverage related to farming is around 30% positive, 65% neutral and 5% negative. Sentiment is harder to discern on social media, because it’s crazy there. For a sector that employs one in seven Kiwis, contributes 10.7% of GDP, is consistently navigating dozens of highly emotive issues – like animal welfare, biodiversity loss, food security or water quality – I think that balance of coverage is exceptional. There may even be an argument that any media bias is in farming’s favour. Apart from being par for the course for a sector of this size, consider that those few poorly framed, inaccurate or provocative stories are more a reflection of disruption in the media market than the integrity of a single editor or journalist. In the past two decades cheap, effective and engaging social media competitors have eaten advertising market share. In response, editorial teams drove efficiency – producing more content from fewer reporters. On the ground that looks like

one reporter doing the work of two or three, every day. Can you really expect perfect reporting, covering all the angles and nuance, from someone in that position? Add in the mental toll from online trolls and the sub-standard pay, and we start to see today’s journalists for what they are – undervalued members of society who play a critical role informing the rest of us and holding the powerful to account. Higher up the editorial chain, the distributive power and clickbait nature of social media can pressure editors towards controversial headlines. Not out of personal bias, but to keep their people employed. I don’t know about you, but I’m biased towards keeping my job too.

years, with sheep and beef falling by 5.1 million hectares, partially offset by an increase in land for dairy production. The remaining loss of pastoral land is attributable to multiple factors, including blanket forestry, tenure review, Department of Conservation Estate purchases, viticulture and horticulture, and urban subdivision into smallholdings and lifestyle blocks. Over the same period since 1990, NZ’s population has increased by 53% – a lower growth rate than India and Saudi Arabia, but much greater than Germany, France, the UK and United States – from less than 3.5 million to 5.11 million. Unfortunately, successive NZ governments have failed to invest sufficiently in infrastructure to cope with immigration, while the country’s per capita productivity has failed to improve in compensation for the amount of input. Agriculture has consistently done more than its share to earn wealth and overseas exchange to pay for what New Zealanders consume, but has been penalised for its inevitable greenhouse gas emissions profile, especially since 2017. The Economic Service has carried out a net present value (NPV) analysis of the respective uses of a Class 4 hill country farm, which shows sheep and

THE FACTS: Media sentiment tracking shows that in general, media coverage related to farming is around 30% positive, 65% neutral and 5% negative, Daniel Eb says.

Looking more broadly, the media market may be a blueprint for how farming might adapt to disruptions like alternative meat and milk. In response to new competition and rapidly changing consumer trends, media heritage brands are innovating fast. To get ever closer to their customer,

they’re constantly experimenting with the type of content they produce or building new capability like podcasts or ondemand video. They are partnering up, too – either with competitors or, where their work specifically serves the public interest (think local council meetings), with government. Do these challenges and possible solutions sound familiar? The blanket accusation of bias also limits our ability to build things that might help mainstream media better report on farming. One idea is a Farming Media Centre. Modelled on the Science Media Centre, which better communicates science in media, this platform would run farming familiarisation days for journalists, host a database of expert farmers for on-the-ground comment on specific issues

or provide cross-sector panel perspectives for mainstream media to better understand nuance across the production systems. I understand the reflexive pushback many farmers have to negative media. Farming is an identity. It’s hard to separate the job from the self, so criticism of a practice or a production system often gets felt personally. Nothing in this article will take the sting out of those stories. But like farmers, journalists operate under pressures and systems that don’t always generate great results. Also like farmers, their work really matters to society and they can be an easy target when things go wrong. I think our society undervalues both the role of the farmer and the role of the journalist. So if you can afford it, pay for good media.

beef production has a 36% higher return over 30 years than straight harvest forestry. But adding in ETS units at a notional value of $70 per unit blows traditional sheep and beef farming out of the park by increasing the NPV to over 2.6 times what that is worth. Carbon farming alone without harvesting further worsens the calculation, making me wonder if the whole ETS system is not just an artificial market distortion. The Economic Service makes the point that the increase in afforestation has the perverse effect of hollowing out rural

districts with the removal of livestock and, in the case of sale to a foreign owner or as a carbon farm, a lack of resident input to sustain local businesses and employment. Hill country farms are the most likely to be sold for forestry conversion. Over the five and a half years from January 1 2017 to June 30 2022, there have been 210,000ha of whole farm sales for afforestation with an estimated backlog of 11,000 ha to be planted awaiting seedling supply. Almost half of these sales have required Overseas Investment Office approval, and prices of

land bought on the open market for forestry have risen 95% in the North Island and 84% in the South Island since 2019. Little wonder landowners are willing to sell, when the land value justified by sheep and beef production is multiple times lower. We must hope the next government, whatever its composition, takes a more balanced and realistic approach to NZ’s obligations. • In my next column I will assess the potential impact of the reduction in livestock numbers on meat processing capacity and the communities in those regions.

The blanket accusation of bias also limits our ability to build things that might help mainstream media better report on farming.

TREE LINE: Beef + Lamb NZ Economic Service figures show pastoral land declining by 4.2 million hectares or 41% over 30 years.

16 People

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

People

Steady Cheviot wins new fans all the time Annette Scott meets sheep farmers who swear by one of the oldest – and cleverest – breeds in New Zealand.

NE of the oldest breeds of sheep in New Zealand is proving a winner as farmers look to easier lambing and improved wool return. The first Cheviot sheep arrived in NZ in 1845 and the breed has remained an influence in the NZ sheep industry ever since. Now it is increasing in popularity, particularly for its hybrid vigour and hardiness. Bred to thrive on the bleak Cheviot Hills in the border between England and Scotland, the Cheviot is a hardy, lowmaintenance sheep that is able to do well on hard country. It has been tested on all sorts of country in NZ, on rich heavy land, very high cold places and moderately grassed pasture with tussocks and thrived without any artificial treatment. This put them in the NZ Flock Book in 1895 ahead of the Merino.

Why struggle trying differing breeds when one pure is available and proven? Joe Harrison Lochaber Station, South Canterbury The Cheviot Sheep Society was established in NZ in 1948 and currently has 24 members across the country with the breed’s resurgence coinciding with the society’s 75th anniversary. The popularity of the Cheviot breed is increasing, especially as a terminal sire for their hardiness, easy lambing and rapid growth rate, and as a hogget sire for the increased lambing percentages achieved. Society president Blair Gallagher said many flocks are now performance recorded with the production of the breed being continually improved. The Cheviot of today still maintains all the qualities of yesterday and more as it is now a proven sire for hogget mating, with high lambing percentages and

TOUGH: Cheviot sheep are renowned for their vigorous lambs and hardiness. Photo: Annette Scott

low mortality overall. Gallagher said many people refer to the Cheviot as the Rolls-Royce of the sheep breeds for hogget mating. “The lambs are small, vigorous, produce a good carcase and help reduce the incidence of prolapse in the ewe hoggets.” In the North Island most lambs are sold as two-tooths but in the South Island a lot more ram lambs are used. Last year Gallagher’s Rangiatea Cheviot Stud sold 35 two-tooths and about 80-90 ram lambs. “Cheviots are increasingly crossed over terminal ewes, principally Beltex Southdown and Suffolk, and these crosses are very popular now but in their background the Romney, Perendale and Coopworth have been well used.” Springvale breeder Stephen Whittaker of Fairlie is a longtime member of the society and a firm believer in the breed, more recently noting increased interest from hill and high country farmers for use over the Merino. He said the Cheviot has “been proven to be a consistent performer producing even runs of lambs that are eagerly sought after for both finishing and prime stock”. Whittaker was first introduced to the Cheviot in his first year home from school for the holidays. “The old man had been tearing his hair out with the Romneys: stuck lambs, bearings out, they would see you coming, lie down and wait for you.” He went to the Cheviot. “I came home from the holidays and was told to look after the twotooths – Romney-Cheviot cross. I thought bloody hell, but I had the easiest lambing. “While trends have swapped and changed over the years, the Cheviot is still available, offering huge potential to sheep farmers,” Whittaker said. Joe Harrison of Lochaber Station in South Canterbury swears by the Cheviot. “My Merino two-tooths traditionally never went to the ram but looking at what to do with

FANS: Joe Harrison, Stephen Whittaker and Hamish Orbell are all supporters of Cheviot sheep. ‘Man, the Cheviot lambs hit the ground running,’ Harrison says. Photo: Annette Scott them to make more money out of them I read an article about using Cheviot over the two-tooths.” Harrison, who runs a 3000-ewe breeding flock, tried it and was very quickly sold on it. “It was a proven sustainable breed, renowned for its vigorous lambs and hardiness. The ewes are hardy, good foragers, offer easy lambing, and they are smart. “I was getting better lambing percentage from the two-tooths than the terminal ewes. I stopped using the South Suffolk at all this year, even over the older ewes. “Why struggle trying differing breeds when one pure is available and proven? “The main thing for me is I set stock, I don’t shepherd on the hill. They are smaller lambs so I don’t have stuck lambs and they don’t kill my ewes, but man the Cheviot lambs hit the ground running. “It’s taken me 10 years to get

to this and there’s no going back now.” Harrison buys his rams from Whittaker and sells his lambs as stores to neighbour Hamish Orbell on Calyton Station, who wants them at 25kg liveweight. “The opportunity came about to change my breed type form Romney-Texel to half-bred and quarter-bred mainly because I was sick of shearing sheep for nothing,” Orbell said. “I had done all I could in terms of fertility and constitution but one thing I couldn’t change was the wool. “We also want long-term lambs, historically it’s just fat lambs for us, low cost, low maintenance, good finish ability all gone end of winter and we can get on with calving and deer work. “These [Cheviot] lambs are low cost to finish, I can cart them through the winter relatively cheaply, make money – shear 30%

of them with the Cheviot giving me a 21-micron clip average, then kill them at premium. “It works for us, we put in a summer rape crop, depending on the season. If we don’t need it, I can buy in lambs.” Orbell runs 5500 ewes. This year he traded 6000 lambs with 2500 over winter including all the Cheviot-Merinos. The mothering ability, ease of lambing and milking ability of the ewes are all qualities that pass on to their offspring. For Sam Saunders on summer dry hill country at Te Wharau near Masterton, the Cheviot stands a cut above the rest. Previously a shearer and 41 years a sheep farmer, Saunders knows his sheep, what works where and what makes the best money. “The wool on the Romneys and the Perendales was getting too coarse. To fine it up and make a little bit more money I needed to change. “The first year all Cheviot, I haven’t shorn the hoggets yet, but the Cheviot wool will make the difference when I sell the wool this season.” As for the lambs? “They are smart, mustering they see an open gate and they are gone; they are very clever sheep. It does make you tidy up your fences as they will jump or go through them. “I lambed just one sheep this year so anything with less input the better. “We have been using Cheviots for six years and we like them, the handling ability, low maintenance and better wool cheque. “You can’t complain,” Saunders said.

Technology

17 Technology

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

More than hot air to ozone crop treatment A crop treatment with zero residue and a limitless raw material supply seems too good to be true, but a Bay of Plenty company is about to trial just that. Richard Rennie reports.

BAY of Plenty company is hoping to win over more growers with a crop treatment technology its director says will help New Zealand adapt to market demands for signiﬁcantly lower crop chemical residues. John Clements of HortO3 says he is concerned NZ grower groups and industry face the pressure of having to meet tighter European Union Green Deal conditions by 2030, but are going to hit the end of this decade underprepared for the deal’s demands. “What it includes is an expectation that by 2030 chemical residue levels will be reduced by 50%. In addition, many of the chemicals we currently used will not be permitted, and the approval process means we are risking having few options with only seven years to run.” He and longtime Bay of Plenty market gardener Allan Noble established HortO3 after seeing overseas operators opt for ozone as a treatment alternative. Their technology focuses on using ozone-treated water applied to crops and soils as a sanitising, disinfecting and treatment agent, replacing some conventional spray treatments. The tech is based on a sprayermounted ozone generating unit that takes air from the atmosphere and concentrates the oxygen to 95% purity. Through electrical discharges it converts oxygen (O2) to ozone (O3). This is then injected into a water tank and sprayed on as a treatment. Extensive research papers into ozone highlight the chemical’s ability to be an economic and sustainable replacement for synthetic crop chemicals, with zero residue and a limitless raw

material supply in the form of the atmosphere. Uses overseas include as a treatment agent for poultry drinking water, washing fruit postharvest, and treating fungicides in seedling soil beds. Studies have shown it to be as effective as chlorine, a common treatment agent used for sanitising. As an agent chlorine will become problematic under the new EU rules due to the chlorate residuals it leaves on produce. The Green Deal requires these be signiﬁcantly reduced. Ozone gained a ﬂurry of attention over a decade ago here as kiwifruit growers desperately searched for treatment options to reduce the impact of the Psa outbreak.

I am ﬁnding it is doing a good job controlling thrip, mite and leaf roller and seems to be helping with fungal levels also. Russell Whiteman Bay of Plenty At present Clements is running a trial on the use of ozone in avocados. Athenree grower Russell Whiteman has split his 4ha orchard in half, to treat one half with ozone spray and the other with conventional sprays. Whiteman says the treatment appeals because he is wanting to reduce his use of sprays, and he is aware of the success overseas in using it on the likes of olive crops. “I am ﬁnding it is doing a good job controlling thrip, mite and leaf roller and seems to be helping with fungal levels also,” he says.

In April he intends to analyse the two halves of the orchard for differences in fruit and leaf composition. Professor Nigel French of Massey University and director of the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, says ozone is a proven water treatment agent and is used in greenhouse applications for removing pathogens. Outbreaks of E coli-type diseases in leafy greens in Europe and United States have accelerated its uptake as an effective tool against pathogens, he said. “It is regarded as being well trialled.” Ozone has also proven to be an effective sanitiser in the dairy processing sector. The International Journal of Dairy Technology has reported it has also been used to successfully treat mastitis with an efficacy rate comparable to antibiotics. A Plant and Animal Health NZ spokesperson says the organisation supports ozone as another tool in farmers’ toolbox, but notes it has limitations, including cost-benefit issues. It comes at a higher capital cost and involves double handling, but is useful when being applied to treat mites. It cannot be used for biosecurity decontamination because it does not target every pest and disease. However, it does not require Environmental Protection Authority approval and is more environmentally friendly than the likes of methyl bromide. Allan Noble, an ex-HortNZ board member, says he was drawn to try ozone in the wake of the profile it gained during the Psa outbreak and has been treating his plants with it for nine years. “We get far healthier seedlings by spraying them with ozone-treated water, and yields are up. “Our broccoli grew that much more we had to raise the height on our harvesting tractor,” he says. He claims a 15% gain in his

GASSED: John Clements, left, and Allan Noble of HortO3 say that tech such as ozone treatment needs to be adopted sooner rather than later to keep ahead of impending changes in export markets’ spray residue rules. crop’s nutritional density from the application. HortO3 is about to also embark on a trial in Nelson treating boysenberries with ozone to reduce botrytis fungal infection, something it is also used to treat Italian grapes for. Clements is careful to qualify that ozone is not a silver bullet solution for NZ growers and farmers. However, he says he is concerned NZ is on the precipice

of a global shift in produce production where not only are consumers demanding lower chemical residuals in their produce, but other countries are moving faster to meet those needs. “Europe is adopting ozone at scale, and it is something we need to get on top of quickly. “The year 2030 means growers have to start now on solutions, to give themselves time to invest and adopt the technology.”

Rich farming news for time-poor farmers. GET in FOCUS WEEKLY

P ODC A S T

18 World

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

World

Close eye on EU anti-greenwashing drive

EW Zealand exporters are closely monitoring pending new European rules that tighten up claims made by manufacturers about green credentials, the Green Directive. Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the directive appears to be designed to offer consumer protection rather than a trade requirement. “As far as we can tell, this legislative proposal is part of a package of other measures to give strength to the circular economy and the European Union’s Green Deal. “It applies to all products, not just food and beverage, that are being sold in the EU that make a green claim regardless of that product’s origin.” A claim that something is carbon neutral will have to be backed by evidence, she said. Information available on the EU website says the directive is designed to stop companies making misleading claims about the environmental merits of their products and services. Consumers are confused, losing trust because of a proliferation of labels and claims that the EU said is little more than greenwashing. Tightening the rules will boost the

competitiveness of businesses that have verifiable claims, it says. Verification must be by an accredited independent third party. Survey data released by the EU says 53% of green claims give vague, misleading or unfounded information, 40% have no supporting evidence and half of all green labels offer weak or nonexistent verification.

Rules on labelling should be based on credible science and not used as a means of protectionism. Sirma Karapeeva Meat Industry Association Karapeeva said the proposed rules will affect but not preclude traders selling product in the EU. “Rules on labelling should be based on credible science and not used as a means of protectionism. “This is why policies such as the one on deforestation and trade is so problematic. It is so broad in its target that in effect it becomes a trade barrier.” Karapeeva said they will be watching closely how these

regulations are implemented to ensure they are not overly onerous. An analysis by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) says the EU expects the rules to save the equivalent of 7 million tonnes of CO2 over 15 years, but will cost business up to €10 billion (almost $18bn). Aggregate scoring of a product’s overall impact will be prohibited but offsetting emissions through CO2 removal projects will be permitted. These must be reported separately to other environmental performance claims appearing on product labels. Exporters will face additional information and compliance costs in supporting evidence and demonstrating those claims. Justine Arroll, Fonterra’s manager of trade strategy and stakeholder affairs, said the dairy co-operative is monitoring the implications for New Zealand exporters. Arroll said Fonterra has one of the lowest carbon footprints globally for dairy production at scale, and it aligns reporting standards with international best practice and uses independent third-party accreditations for verification. An MFAT spokesperson said it

CONSUMER: Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says the European Union’s Green Directive appears to be designed to offer consumer protection rather than introduce a trade requirement.

is too early to know the impact of this policy on NZ exports as negotiations are still underway between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. “This process is expected to

take a year, and EU member states will have a further 18 months to implement the measure into their respective legal regimes. “It will be operational in their jurisdictions six months after that, so not before the year 2025.”

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FEDERATED 19 Feds

FARMERS Vol 1 No 7, October 23, 2023

fedfarm.org.nz

Govt must hit the ground running Wayne Langford Federated Farmers president

f the new Government is serious about restoring farmer confidence, it will need to hit the ground running in its first 100 days – and that needs to start with listening. The past six years have been incredibly challenging for farmers, who have been overwhelmed by the pace, scale and impracticality of change pushed down on us from politicians in Wellington. The pressure has been unrelenting. At times that frustration has boiled over, but the tragedy of it all is that a lot of the regulatory mess we’ve found ourselves in could have been avoided entirely if the Government had actually listened to grassroots farmers to begin with. Any farmer worth their salt could have told the Government that their freshwater reforms were unworkable, that their methane targets went too far, or that the ‘Ute Tax’ would unfairly impact those who lived rurally. In fact, we did, but our concerns were completely dismissed. Sure, there may have been a lot of ‘consultation’, but was any of the feedback truly taken on board? Looking at where things have landed, I think the answer is a resounding ‘no’. The end result is record-low farmer confidence. For Federated Farmers, this election was all about restoring that confidence, putting the fun back into farming, and getting our

communities humming again. That’s why we released a rural roadmap that included 12 policy priorities for the next Government to pick up and run with. The good news for farmers is that National, ACT and New Zealand First have all adopted a number of those policies and have campaigned on a platform of reducing red tape for farmers – but these were just campaign promises.

For Federated Farmers, this election was all about restoring that confidence, putting the fun back into farming, and getting our communities humming again. Wayne Langford Federated Farmers president We know all too well that the job is only half done, and the real work starts now. It’s now up to Federated Farmers to hold the new Government to account. We need to make sure those campaign promises translate into real change – and there is a lot of change needed. Farmers will quite rightly expect to see a new Government move quickly to deliver on their promises to reduce red tape and compliance costs, and the freshwater reforms need to be the first regulations put under the microscope.

The Government needs to take a much closer look at things like unworkable wetland rules, input controls like the fertiliser cap, and the need for winter grazing resource consents. Freshwater Farm Plans should be a workable and affordable alternative to a resource consent, not an expensive duplication. All these issues could be resolved quickly through simple amendments, and with immediate effect. There is also a need to urgently put a stop to David Parker’s highly restrictive 2020 National Policy Statement for Freshwater, which requires all 16 regional councils to have new freshwater rules in place by 2024. Otago has been first to release their draft plan under the new rules, and it paints a grim picture of what could be to come for farmers across the country if there isn’t political intervention. The national direction is so restrictive that Otago’s proposal requires a fertiliser cap of just 100kg of nitrogen per hectare (much less that the 190kg national cap) and a stocking rate cap of 2.5 cows a hectare in most catchments. These requirements would completely undermine our rural communities and leave thousands of farming families across Otago first, and then the rest of the country, unable to make ends meet. Farmers have been calling for change for a long time. I just hope we now have a Government who are prepared to listen.

BLUEPRINT: Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford takes the organisation’s ‘rural roadmap’ to Wellington straight after the election, outlining 12 key policy priorities for the next Government.

Rural Roadshow 2023 Join staff from Horizons Regional Council to hear about our upcoming freshwater reform engagement on water quality targets. For more information visit horizons.govt.nz or freephone 0508 800 800.

2.30pm Thursday 2 November, Āpiti Tavern, Āpiti 2.30pm Friday 3 November, Te Matapihi - Bulls Community Centre, Bulls 2.30pm and 6pm Monday 6 November, Whanganui Jockey Club, Whanganui 10.30am Thursday 9 November, Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club, Woodville 2.30pm Monday 13 November, Rangatira Golf Club, Hunterville 5.30pm Monday 13 November, Ohakune RSA, Ohakune 10.30am Tuesday 14 November, Taumarunui RSA, Taumarunui 2.30pm Tuesday 21 November, Levin RSA, Levin 6pm Wednesday 22 November, Palmerston North Cosmopolitan Club, PN

Federated Farmers

October 23, 2023 – fedfarm.org.nz

Gold Standard animal exports back on the table L ive animal exports look set to return, but not without new ‘gold standard’ requirements to protect animal welfare and

safety. National, ACT and NZ First all committed during election campaigning to reversing the ban on live exports and putting enhanced animal welfare standards in place. Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre says the election outcome could mean live export is back on the table. “We’ve been arguing that the ban should be repealed, and we expect to see this happen under the new Government.” McIntyre says live exports are a significant earner for farmers when domestic market and environmental conditions, such as droughts, are unfavourable. Live exports have earned New Zealand around $300-$400m a year (that jumped to $524m last year, with the ban on the horizon). The Government’s 2021 Regulatory Impact Statement noted: “…livestock exports make a small but important financial contribution to individual farmers by helping diversify their income streams. “In addition to fetching premium prices, if export cattle are sold as yearlings, farmers can receive an earlier than normal return on investment.” In the 10 years to 2021, around 5000 farmers across all regions of New Zealand had supplied breeding cattle for export, the Regulatory Impact Statement said. McIntyre says Federated Farmers

also welcomes stronger welfare standards. “New Zealand farmers already have high standards for animal welfare on-farm, and we expect the same with exported animals. This is about protecting our international reputation, but it’s also about maintaining our reputation here in our communities.” Earlier this month, a 1News Verian poll found 51% of Kiwis wanted the live export ban, which came into effect in April 2023, to continue. Some 30% wanted to see the trade resume with increased animal welfare and safety standards, while 6% wanted the practice to restart with no new requirements, and the rest ‘didn’t know’. The question asked was: ‘Should live animal exports be restarted or continue to be banned?’ McIntyre says the 1News poll highlighted that New Zealanders value high standards of animal welfare. But he says the average New Zealander is not likely to be aware of the live export industry-initiated ‘NZ Gold Standard’ animal welfare precautions put forward as a caveat on any re-start of cattle and sheep being shipped live from our shores. “Often with these surveys, how the question is framed and what context those surveyed are provided with, has a big bearing on the answers. “With live exports, it’s important for people to understand what the Gold Standard would look like, and how far ahead of the rest of the world Kiwi farmers already are – and will continue to be.”

It’s also important that people understand New Zealand live cattle exports are entirely for breeding purposes, he says. “People sometimes confuse live cattle exports with the live export for religious slaughter trade, which New Zealand won’t be doing.” Live Export NZ (LENZ) chair Mark Willis describes the Gold Standard animal welfare criteria, including post-arrival care and sustained monitoring in the animals’ country of destination, as unmatched internationally. He says LENZ commissioned independent research on the same topic in September last year. Of 2100 randomly selected respondents, 59% agreed that rather than banning live animal exports, New Zealand should raise the standards required of the industry. McIntyre says that although New Zealand put a ban in place, other live animal exporting countries have carried on, likely filling any customer demand we abandoned. “The global live cattle trade will continue but from countries and by exporters with lower animal standards filling the gap enforced on us.” Few countries match the prevoyage and voyage animal welfare standards the New Zealand trade employed before the ban, let alone the enhancements now proposed, he adds. Figures for 2019 show 39,700 live cattle were shipped from New Zealand. In comparison, Australia exported 44 times that number at 1.77m, the EU exported more than a

BON VOYAGE: Richard McIntyre, Federated Farmers dairy chair, expects to see live animal export return under the new Government.

million cattle, Brazil 535,289, Canada 746,300, and Mexico 205,230. Figures for live export of sheep and goats show similar ratios. And yet, Willis and McIntyre agree, if New Zealand was still involved, our high animal welfare standards would push others to lift their game. “Thanks to the ban, we’ve also lost the opportunity to have influence, via commercial relationships, over the welfare of exported animals after they’ve arrived in countries such as China,” McIntyre says. One of the “myths” Willis is keen to knock on the head is that live export sees our best genetics shipped offshore, to countries we seek to sell our read meat and milk to. “It’s just not true. Farmers keep the best genetics for themselves; they’re selling their surplus stock. “Trade in best genetics [happens in] semen. New Zealand imports semen from all over the world in order to be able to get to better genetics. So, the idea that we’re not going to be able to sell our own products because we export cattle is somewhat fanciful.” LENZ has argued for several years the previous regulations were not fit for purpose “for the modern world”, says Willis.

“During the transition period, the industry was working really, really closely with MPI to ensure positive animal welfare outcomes over that period, and a lot of improvements and changes to practices were made. “So, in many ways, we’re a fair way down the path of creating that industry practice Gold Standard, but there’s still more work to be done.” An export licensing system needs to in place, Willis says. “Previously there was no ability for MPI to be able to place conditions on an exporter, to suspend or revoke the licence or whatever.” Willis’ estimate is that legislation could be ready to be put in front of the Parliament by April next year, and the export trade re-started by around August. “We’d need to talk to a lot of people who can assist us with making that happen. Political leaders will, ultimately, be responsible for that timeline but we’ll do everything we can to supply them with the information they need to be able to make those decisions.” It won’t take long for farmers to gear up if the ban is lifted. “The feedback we’re getting is that the opportunities in this space are sorely missed,” Willis says.

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Federated Farmers

fedfarm.org.nz – October 23, 2023

Prime time to ease pressure on farmers

estoring farmer confidence must be a top priority for the new Government. That was the message from Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford in an interview on TVNZ’s Q + A with Jack Tame just six days out from the general election. Speaking up for farmers on the highly viewed current affairs show, Langford was unequivocal about the need for urgent change. “How can we get confidence back in the rural communities? How can we continue the same direction we’re on but do it at a pace that our farmers and communities can keep up at? The pace we’re going at the moment is just not sustainable, so we need to change that.” Langford said Federated Farmers’ July survey showed farmer confidence is at historic lows. “To be so low at the moment, particularly having come off some pretty record prices, some good times in farming, was really concerning. We need to look at what we can do to lift that confidence.” Central to that will be easing the amount of regulatory change, and the speed at which farmers must adapt, he said. “What we’re seeing at the moment is that if we move too much and we go too quickly, and we do it without the science or the proper targets in behind it, is that we could decimate our farming community.” He cited the Government’s October 2022 proposal to price agricultural emissions, which modelling shows would result in a more than 20% reduction in sheep and beef production and a 5% drop in dairy production. A reduction of that scale “destroys rural communities”, Langford said. “That doesn’t mean we do nothing. We continue to lead, we continue to push other countries to reduce their emissions by trying to compete with us, but we can’t break rural New Zealand trying to achieve these unattainable goals.” Methane emissions targets should

CENTRE STAGE: Wayne Langford joined Q + A host Jack Tame to discuss farmers’ biggest concerns.

Let’s lay out a pathway so that our farmers can get there. If you go too far, if you reach too far, the farmers just say, ‘We can’t do it. We can’t get there. You’ve got no tools; we can’t get there’. Wayne Langford Federated Farmers president be lowered from the current level of 24-47% by 2025, he told Tame. “We’ve seen that, when we look at it through a split-gas approach, that the methane reductions don’t need to be as high as that. That’s what the scientific studies are saying. “So, we’ve just had a study brought to us and that says 15-27%, which, surprisingly, was a bit higher than we thought it was going to be, but at least it gives us a direction of travel.” Consequently, the targets should be made more realistic for farmers.

“Let’s lay out a pathway so that our farmers can get there. If you go too far, if you reach too far, the farmers just say, ‘We can’t do it. We can’t get there. You’ve got no tools; we can’t get there’.” Questioned about the future of He Waka Eke Noa, Langford said there’s still an opportunity for the Government and industry to work together to lower on-farm emissions and form a pricing structure. “We’d be absolutely silly not to be working on that and we need to keep working to see what it looks like. We don’t know where these onfarm emissions are going to end up,” he said. “If those targets are reviewed and they’re in a more sensible position, then we think that maybe there is a pricing mechanism there, but do we actually have to use it? I hope not because I hope that we can get there without it.” With financial pressure being another major cause of stress for farmers right now, Langford shared a

first-hand example for Q + A viewers. “My Fonterra milk cheque in June and July was half of my interest bill – so it is significant,” he explained. “It’s no different to what many New Zealand families are feeling with their homes that they’ve purchased recently. On top of that, we’ve got on-farm inflation, which is sitting around 16-17% compared to the general household inflation of about 8%.” Asked to describe the political mood in rural communities, Langford said farmers see a shift coming. “You could say that we saw Labour come surfing in on a red wave. I think they may have fallen off those surfboards.” Langford finished the interview by sharing what can happen when the stress of farming mounts up – his own battle with depression in 2017 – and how that led to him becoming an advocate for rural mental health. “It was an extremely tough time for both me and my family. I don’t

actually think I wanted to go public with it – it just happened. “And when you saw the number of people who reached out and the number of people who were battling – not just rural but urban – and I could note that just by me sharing what I was going through each day, that others could get something out of that. That is probably what has kept me going. “What I’ve tried to highlight is that mental health is not all dark and dreary. It’s not all sadness and tears. Mental health can be smiles and happiness, but you will have those dark days and it’s how you get through those troughs and those dark patches that’s really key. “And if we want to have a vibrant rural community, if we want to lift that farmer confidence, we need to increase those numbers of good days and smiles.”

See the full interview at tvnz.co.nz/ shows/q-and-a

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October 23, 2023 – fedfarm.org.nz

Federated Farmers

New forestry rules good news for rural communities

ringing in new rules to deal with forestry slash “had to be done”, says Federated Farmers national board member Toby Williams. From November 2, slash longer than two metres, and with a largeend diameter of more than 10cm, must be removed after harvesting from erosion-prone land unless it’s unsafe to do so. That’s a minimum standard; councils can apply more stringent requirements if they choose. Where foresters are unable to meet these standards, they will need to obtain resource consent, meaning councils consider the risks and impacts on a site-by-site basis. Environmental damage from poor harvesting practices had to be addressed, Williams says. “There’s no way we could carry on down the route we’ve been on. Huge damage has been caused on the East Coast, and in Hawke’s Bay and other districts, when avalanches of slash block rivers, smash infrastructure, and cover farm pasture,” he says. “In Tairāwhiti we’ve tried the voluntary methods for the last five years. While things have improved, they haven’t improved sufficiently to really make the changes needed for when these devastating weather events come through.” Williams is Federated Farmers’ meat and wool chair but, like many farmers in that sector, he also diversifies his income by planting trees. His Gisborne farm has about 100 hectares in forestry, “and we’re actually looking at putting more in”. Sheep and beef farmers know

what it’s like when regulations come in hard and fast, “so look, I think there’s a large amount of sympathy out there over this”, he says. “We know it’s tough on those who will need to step up very quickly, but they’ve had opportunities. In 2018, when we had the flooding in Tologa Bay, that delivered a small-scale preview of what could happen. That should have been a warning.” Williams says there are already plenty of forestry operators taking a “design engineered” approach to harvesting, taking out one area then returning a year or two later to do another area – “not clearing a whole catchment at a time”. The National Environmental Standards (NES) for Commercial Forestry will also give much more say to territorial and regional councils over what trees are planted, and where forests are located and developed – including carbon-only forests. Federated Farmers endorses this approach for an elected local council, accountable to the community they represent, to make the decisions, he says. “As with so many land use issues, we need a catchment-by-catchment approach. “Those local and regional councils understand the land around them, and the feeling for their community, so they’re best placed to be able to do this.” There’s still a question over how that work should be resourced. “We can’t keep dumping more and more onto local ratepayers to fund,” Williams says.

NEEDED: Federated Farmers national board member Toby Williams says the new forestry regulations are a tough ask for foresters but they needed to be introduced.

Federated Farmers has been pushing for these sorts of measures, and for those planting permanent forestry for carbon credits to be subject to controls put on plantation forestry operators. Farmers have been incredibly frustrated that more than 200,000 hectares of productive farmland has been converted to pine trees and carbon farming – and it will probably never be farmed on again.

In Tairāwhiti we’ve tried the voluntary methods for the last five years. While things have improved, they haven’t improved sufficiently to really make the changes needed for when these devastating weather events come through. Toby Williams Federated Farmers national board member As the pines have moved in, the people have moved out, and the life of small rural communities has gone with them, Williams says. Federated Farmers generally holds a view that landowners are

entitled to make their own decisions about how to use their land but, in this case, rules and regulations have completely distorted the market. The NES announcement on October 3 came as something of a double whammy for the forestry sector. MPI recently announced a new $30.25 per hectare charge for forests, as well as new fees for 22 other services, such as changing the classification of exotic or indigenous areas. The rationale is that those who benefit from having forests in the Emissions Trade Scheme (ETS) should pay relevant costs, not the taxpayer. However, a group that includes the Forest Owners Association and Ngā Pou a Tāne/The National Māori Forestry Association have filed for a judicial review of the new charges, labelling them “excessive, unreasonable and disproportionate”. They claim the charges will add up to at least $14m each year in fees for foresters enrolled in the ETS. Williams agrees the fees are “quite a sting in the tail” for foresters, and those farmers who diversify into woodlots and forests. One could argue the people doing the sequestering and benefiting from carbon credits should pay, but

equally it could be argued those doing the emitting should meet the scheme administration costs, “or a combination of both,” he says. Consultation is happening on whether scattered poplars, willows and other vegetation should qualify under the ETS. “If fees are going to be extended to those too, it makes it a lot less attractive for the landowner.” Williams believes the slash problem is also an opportunity. “When we harvest pines, half of the product is being left on the sites. What about biochar, or micro power plants where we chip and burn that product, creating energy in these small rural townships?” Perhaps that energy could be used to produce hydrogen, to power the trucks and other equipment needed to collect and transport slash, he says. “We need to get on with those conversations and investigations quickly. “We don’t want to see people losing their jobs over these new rules. Regulations should be about correcting behaviours that haven’t been addressed voluntarily, not closing stuff down. “Timber is still a very important part of our national economy and GDP.”

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23 Real Estate

Ian & Chelly Maungatautari 1213 Maungatautari Road Open Day

Ideal farming environment 114 ha (more or less) dairy unit located only a short distance from Cambridge and enjoys the backdrop of the Maungatautari Reserve is designed with simplicity and is presented at the highest level. This is a high producing dairy unit milking 300 cows with a three year production average of 203,000 kgMS. Farm buildings include a superior 30 ASHB with in-shed meal feeders, covered feedpad, five bay calf shed, four bay lockable implement shed with concrete floor, four bay implement shed, two extra-large concrete bunkers and 4.5m litre effluent storage pond. Housing consists of three good homes and further accommodation options. The main homestead is a lovely refurbished four bedroom, plus office weatherboard home that is nicely positioned and enjoys great views over the farm. If a great location and a well set up dairy farm is what you are looking for, then this farm has a huge amount to offer. Expressions of Interest by 15 November 2023

For Sale By Negotiation + GST (if any) View Tue 24 Oct 1.00 - 2.00pm Tue 31 Oct 1.00 - 2.00pm Tue 7 Nov 1.00 - 2.00pm Web pb.co.nz/MAR171039 Ian Morgan M 027 492 5878

E ian.morgan@pb.co.nz

Chelly Aitchison M 022 697 8779

E chelly@pb.co.nz

Richmond Downs 189 + 231 Walton Road Tender

As good as it gets This 100 ha (more or less) dairy unit is located in the highly sought after Walton District and is presented to the market in excellent heart. This flat contoured farm has been in the same family ownership for 55 years and is comprised of two titles with a long road frontage. Quality farm infrastructure includes a 40 bail rotary cowshed with the convenience of inshed meal feeders along with a full range of support buildings. The property is very well raced and subdivided, milking 315 cows with a four year production average of 120,000 kgMS. The main brick homestead is bathed in natural light and exudes charm, featuring a spacious kitchen with open plan living complemented with mature gardens. The second dwelling is a five bedroom home providing excellent accommodation for farm staff. Properties in this location are often hard to find, therefore contact the Vendors' agents for a full information pack or to arrange a viewing now.

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes 2.00pm, Wed 22nd Nov, 2023 (unless sold prior), C/- Farmlands, 127 Mangawhero Road, Matamata View Tue 24 Oct 10.30 - 11.30am Tue 31 Oct 10.30 - 11.30am Web pb.co.nz/MAR171312 Ian Morgan M 027 492 5878

E ian.morgan@pb.co.nz

Chelly Aitchison M 022 697 8779

E chelly@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

Matangi 450A Matangi Road

Galatea 4260 Galatea Road Auction

Tender

Must be sold With 32 ha of flat land just 1.6 km from Matangi and 5.7 km to Hillcrest, Hamilton, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Matangi is recognized as one of the Waikato's premium locations and it is easy to see why. The soils comprise of Horotiu Sandy Loam, one of the finest soils for horticulture New Zealand has to offer. Infrastructure includes two x 3 bedroom houses (currently tenanted) and a large workshop. The property has a central race running the length of the property and established shelter belts on either side and down the middle of the farm.

Receivers say 'Sell' Auction 12.00pm, Thu 23rd Nov, 2023, (unless sold prior), Hautapu Sports Club, 211 Victoria Road, Cambridge View Mon 30 Oct 12.30 - 1.30pm Mon 6 Nov 12.30 - 1.30pm Web pb.co.nz/CBR171280

David McGuire M 027 472 2572

Located right in the very heart of the Galatea Valley is this immaculately presented property. Featuring 36.92 ha of flat to gently undulating land across two terraces that has been developed as a support unit but could equally be operated as a larger lifestyle block/small farmlet with all associated infrastructure. Highlights of the property are the 2015 built three bedroom plus office, two bathroom brick clad home with internal access triple garage as well a separate four bay implement shed. Divided into eight paddocks that are accessible by a race system and a recently updated water system with new troughs that has water supplied to the property from a bore on neigbouring property.

Tender closes 12.00pm, Fri 3rd Nov, 2023, Property Brokers Rotorua Office - Farmlands Building, 36 Marguerita Street, Rotorua View Wed 25 Oct 10.00 - 11.00am Wed 1 Nov 10.00 - 11.00am Web pb.co.nz/RTR170619

Phil Badger M 0273575704 Phillip Berry M 027 478 8892

Lichfield 937A Wiltsdown Road Tender

Waipa Dairy Waipa Dairy is approx. 277.66 ha consisting of a 248 effective ha dairy platform milking 725 cows and consistently producing 302,000 to 308,000 kgMS. The 54 bail rotary shed is nicely complemented with a large calf shed/implement shed and silage bunkers plus feed pad. It is well subdivided with the fences in good order and races maintained by the on-farm Rhyolite deposits. This property was converted from forestry around 18 years ago and has been a dedicated dairy operation since its development. The balance of the land has been planted in mixed variety forestry trees. There are three houses, two of which have three bedrooms and the manager's house is a nicely appointed four bedroom brick home. The property is located in Lichfield just 9 km west of the Litchfield dairy factory.

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes 3.00pm, Wed 15th Nov, 2023 (unless sold prior) View Thu 26 Oct 11.00 - 12.00pm Thu 2 Nov 11.00 - 12.00pm Thu 9 Nov 11.00 - 12.00pm Web pb.co.nz/MOR169936 Peter Lissington M 027 430 8770

E peterl@pb.co.nz

Katie Walker M 027 757 7477

E katiew@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

Woodville 562 Troup Road Deadline Sale

Troup Road - 116 ha Located centrally between Woodville and Pahiatua townships, Troup Road is a 95 ha (platform) dairy property that will satisfy the most discerning of buyers. The property boasts superior soils coupled with a consistent investment in fertility providing some of the districts most favourable growing conditions. Improvements include a 25 ASHB shed complete with modern plant and 250 cow rectangle yard and ample shedding to suit all farming practices. Dwellings include 2 x three bedroom homes with one currently tenanted. With a three year production history of just over 91,000 kgMS with the majority of MA cows wintered on, this unit will attract interest from across a range of agricultural sectors with its high productive capability and well suited infrastructure.

Koitiata 607 Turakina Beach Road

Deadline Sale closes Wednesday 29th November, 2023 at 2.00pm, (unless sold prior) View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR166453

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496

E jared@pb.co.nz

Jamie Smith M 027 220 8311

E jamie.smith@pb.co.nz

Woodbury 133/141 Four Peaks Road New Listing

The Plains - 391.28 ha Discreetly located off State Highway 3 in the Rangitikei District. 'The Plains' offers a huge diversity of potential land uses, with the sand based soils complemented with approximately 290 ha of centre pivot irrigation. The free draining soils coupled with the warm coastal climate provide the perfect environment for winter production and the pivoted area provides the security of summer production. Within the surrounding area, land uses include intensive horticulture, cropping, livestock finishing, dairy, support and breeding with annual pasture production being measured up to 16,000 kg of dry matter per ha.

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes 11.00am, Tue 28th Nov, 2023, 54 Kimbolton Road, Feilding View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/FR170860

Stuart Sutherland M 027 452 1155 Blair Cottrill M 027 354 5419 Ted Shannon M 021 833 536

166.55 ha - Te Moana Dairy Limited Sustainable dairy situated in the prize South Canterbury farming location of Four Peaks - Woodbury, Property Brokers are privileged to bring our vendor's dairy farming operation of 166.55 ha Te Moana Dairy Ltd. The property is very well presented with attractive shelter plantings, a foothills setting and is only 13 km to Geraldine with a full range of schools, services and amenities. An intergenerational farm which has been nurtured over a century of ownership, with well thought out development of the eight year old conversion, transforming the farm to a well presented and low input dairy unit. Quality dairy infrastructure has been added featuring a 40 ASHB dairy shed.

For Sale Buyers $5,350,000+ View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/AR115024

Greg Jopson M 027 447 4382 Chris Murdoch M 027 434 2545

Proud to be here

Oxford 160 and 210 Stubbs Road

Darfield Homebush Road New Listing

New Listing

Ellislee Dairy Farm Excellent opportunity to secure a 317 ha dairy farm where the vendors are open to an outright sale or purchase options on 170 ha with a lease to buy on the balance, presenting an outstanding opportunity to purchase a farm with genuine scale without the full capital outlay upfront. Located near Oxford in the Waimakariri District currently milking 780 cows on a semi self-contained basis, with a history of intensive winter grazing. Featuring a 60 bail rotary cowshed with meal feeding complemented by four houses. Irrigation from groundwater and Waimakariri Irrigation Scheme and applied over approximately 250 ha.

Trifecta of location, size & soils Tender closes 1.00pm, Tue 21st Nov, 2023, 68 South Terrace, Darfield View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/DFR117288

Gareth Cox M 021 250 9714

Darfield 182 Beattys Road

Tender closes 3.00pm, Tue 28th Located near Darfield in Central Canterbury this 108 ha property Nov, 2023, 68 South Terrace, has all the key attributes of a first-class mixed cropping farm. Darfield Featuring centre pivot irrigation with water delivered under View By appointment pressure from Central Plains Water Irrigation Scheme the added Web pb.co.nz/DFR164422 benefit of environmental compliance being authorised and managed under the scheme's global consent. Quality arable soils providing consistent performance from a wide range of crops grown, including cereals, potatoes, garlic, peas, ryegrass and radish Gareth Cox seed multiplication along with winter brassicas for lamb finishing. M 021 250 9714 This property will appeal to those looking for a strategic addition or Matt Collier relocating to this highly regarded location. M 027 205 6626

Leeston 1011 Selwyn Lake Road New Listing

Quality dairy support - Central Canterbury Longford Farm is a fully developed 306 ha dairy support farming asset located within 45 minutes of Christchurch. Five centre pivots covering 283 ha. Superb layout to maximise efficiency and dry matter production with central lane servicing the majority of the property with 40 main paddocks. Te Pari yards with concrete base are equipped with three way drafting and weighing capacity. Five bedroom family home in a mature setting. Consistent Lismore soils across the property provide the basis for exceptional wintering ability along with growing young stock. Strong dairy support history and associated nutrient status makes this a perfect option for dairy grazing along with livestock finishing.

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Deadline Sale

Tender closes 3.00pm, Thu 23rd Nov, 2023, 68 South Terrace, Darfield View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/DFR163034

Matt Collier M 027 205 6626 Gareth Cox M 021 250 9714

Millbank

This superb 107 ha mixed cropping property in the 'golden mile' of Deadline Sale closes Wednesday 22nd November, 2023 at 4.00pm, 68 the highly regarded Ellesmere farming district, only 35 minutes South Terrace, Darfield from Christchurch City. Featuring some of the most versatile arable View By appointment soils found in Canterbury, the adaptability of this property, the Web pb.co.nz/DFR166529 favourable coastal climate and low-cost reliable spray irrigation makes this a sought-after asset. Growing a range of high quality cereals and seed multiplication along with processed vegetable crops with strong and consistent yields achieved. An attractive four Gareth Cox bedroom homestead set in mature grounds complemented by a M 021 250 9714 range of sheds plus the ability to subdivide the homestead onto a Simon Anderson separate title completes the package. M 021 0828 5532

Proud to be here

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Pleasant Point 87 Monument Road

Waimate 147 and 153 Mount Harris Road Auction

Tender

Monument Road Farm 397.42 ha

403.51 ha farming opportunity Auction 5.30pm, Thu 23rd Nov, 2023, (unless sold prior), 83 Sophia Street, Timaru View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TMR97305

A fantastic opportunity to buy an irrigated dairy farm with a difference. The vendors are currently milking 660 cows and running all younger stock on the farm, but with current environmental rules, there are now very good options with forestry and carbon. This will give very good returns both financially and environmentally. With two homes, plus a tiny home, a 60-bail dairy shed well set up, De Laval plant with automatic cup removers, and an All Pro system. Don't delay, enquire today. Price plus GST (if any).

Michael Richardson M 027 228 7027

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Discover this outstanding property of 403.51 ha, boasting an expansive 131 ha of land under reliable irrigation. This versatile farm presents a unique blend of capabilities, catering to both dairy support and sheep and beef farming needs. The property is well equipped with top tier infrastructure and provides excellent access, ensuring optimal operational efficiency. Whether you're a dairy farmer seeking reliable support land or a sheep and beef farmer looking for an ideal location for breeding and finishing stock, this property offers a perfect solution.

Tender closes 1.00pm, Wed 22nd Nov, 2023 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TMR167961

Michael Richardson M 027 228 7027

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

OPEN DAY

KATIKATI, BOP 53C Woodland Road Rural Retreat - Space and Views Stunning, wide Mount Maunganui, Pacific Ocean and Tauranga harbour views. 17.1ha with 300 (approx) irrigated (own bore) and fertigated 17 year old table land avocados. The elevated, designer farmhouse boasts air conditioning to six bedrooms - an ideal BnB venue. The Tahawai Stream flows through for whitebaiting and summer fun in the swimming holes. Plant the stream edge to create protection lots and enable further subdivision. Protected wetlands ensure the native planting will continue to grow and thrive. Excellent four bay shed with power and lockable orchard office and smoko room. pggwre.co.nz/TAR38008 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

FINAL NOTICE

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 12.00pm, Thurs 23 Nov

VIEW

12.00-1.00pm, Thu 26 Oct 2 Nov 10.30-11.30am, Sun 29 Oct

Andrew Fowler M 027 275 2244 E afowler@pggwrightson.co.nz

PIARERE, WAIKATO 66 Pahihi Road Productive and Profitable in Tirau This well-presented dairy farm of 119 hectares (subject to title - more or less) - 100 hectares effective located 4.5km from Tirau. Production comes from 265 cows with split calving and winter milk contract in place with a three-year average of 103,000kg MS pa through a 24 ASHB shed. The soils comprise predominantly of Tirau Ash soils, on a mixed contour with rolling to medium with the balance in stepper sidling's. Infrastructure includes a four bedroom double storied homestead with other well maintained farm buildings. The farm is in very good heart and worthy of inspection to appreciate.

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Tuesday 31 October

VIEW 12.00-2.00pm

Thursday 26 October

Trevor Kenny M 021 791 643 E trevor.kenny@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/MAT38294 Helping grow the country

Te Akau 45 Te Akau Coast Road

Large scale waterfront farming

682.5205 ha

Comprising 682ha in seven titles, very rarely are we able to offer a property that comprises opportunity, size and location. Currently operating as a sheep and beef unit, Ranworth Farm winters in excess of 3,400 M/A ewes and 140 cattle. Ash soils with a limestone base and easy hill country have benefitted from a sound fertiliser history. An excellent array of infrastructure includes a four-stand woolshed, implement shedding, covered sheep yards and a first class air strip. Nine ha of stunning QEII covenanted native bush and 1.4km of exclusive beachfront access is an oasis that few have the chance to live alongside. Occupying a commanding position on the farm is the sprawling main homestead set in established grounds, with a further two three bedroom dwellings to accommodate staff and a beachfront cottage. Situated less than an hour’s drive to Hamilton or 45km to Huntly.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Tue 14 Nov 2023 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 11am-1pm Tue 24 Oct & Fri 27 Oct Peter Kelly 027 432 4278 Angus Kelly 021 165 5031 Russell Bovill 027 273 9025

bayleys.co.nz/2314629

SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Hawke’s Bay 1262 - 1520 Maraetotara Road, Waimarama

Maraetotara magic

472.3324 ha

For those serious about farming in the picturesque Maraetotara Valley look no further than this 472-hectare sheep and beef property. Ascetically pleasing, the farm is an easy 26 kilometres drive, via sealed roads to Havelock North. Located in a district that is regarded as summer safe, the farm is a compact shape, is mostly easy medium contour and is intensively subdivided. A spring fed, solar powered water system has recently been reticulated to much of the farm, complementing good streams and dams. A set of buildings and yards at each end of the farm provides for excellent workability and stock handling. Originally an amalgamation of two neighbouring farms, the offering provides for parties to purchase the whole or one of the original farms, Kotare Farm 231 hectares and the Taylor Block 240 hectares.

Tender Closing 4pm, Fri 3 Nov 2023 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz James Macpherson 021 488 018 james.macpherson@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2853388

EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

NEW LISTING

Manawatu 1217 Rangiotu Road, Rangiotu

Productive 205ha dairy unit

205.7836 ha

Located only 10 minutes from Palmerston North and State Highway 1 is a well-presented and highly productive 205-hectare Dairy unit. Currently milking 630 cows and supplying Fonterra production has exceeded 300,000 kgms. Improvements are maintained to a high standard with a 60-bale rotary and in-shed feed system, 300 cow feed pad, silage bunker and pad, implement sheds plus wool shed and covered yards utilised for calf rearing. Quality laneways provide access across the property and the farm benefits from a pasture renovation plan with fertile Parewanui silt loam soils assisting production. Accommodation is provided with a tidy three-bedroom home at the front of the property and a second dwelling is available for purchase if required. This is a property close to town, well-appointed and presented to a high standard.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 1pm, Tue 21 Nov 2023 49 Manchester Street, Feilding Phone for viewing times Mark Monckton 021 724 833 mark.monckton@bayleys.co.nz Jack Monckton 027 394 3705 jack.monckton@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/3100531

MID WEST REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

NEW LISTING

Boundary lines are indicative only

Piopio 953 State Highway 3

Tirau 653 Overdale Road

Large scale dairy support

447.91 ha

This large-scale beef and dairy support farm comprises of 447.9100ha (more or less) of freehold land within eight titles. The property has two main separate landholdings, with the northern block comprising of 160 hectares and the southern block making up the remaining 287 hectares approximately. Both have good farm accommodation, farm support buildings, good quality stockyards, internal subdivision, quality lane ways, fencing, and water sources. The property currently operates in conjunction with 102.50 effective hectare (more or less) Māori Lease Block.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Thu 9 Nov 2023 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Wed 25 Oct Scott Macdonald 027 753 3854 scott.macdonald@bayleys.co.nz Peter Kelly 027 432 4278 peter.kelly@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2314276

SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Larger lifestyle, grazing or both! Located more or less midway between Tirau and Putaruru, this block is well positioned to exploit a multitude of farming and lifestyle options. Approximately 65% of the contour is tractor country, suitable for harvesting supplements or growing maize with the balance being of a mixed nature. Mostly fully deer fenced, currently growing prime beef cattle, it would be perfect for those looking for a quality dairy support or be appreciated by horse lovers. Nestled in the landscaped grounds is a four bedroom refurbished contemporary home, featuring two bathrooms, large kitchen, dining and family living area plus separate lounge. Great block, great location, call now!

52 ha Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Tue 21 Nov 2023 65 Arawa Street, Matamata View 11am-12pm Tue 24 Oct, Tue 31 Oct & Tue 7 Nov Sam Troughton 027 480 0836 sam.troughton@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2400597

bayleys.co.nz

NEW LISTING

Hawke’s Bay 3986 Puketitiri Road, Patoka

Mangaweka 28 Soldiers Road

Mid season settlement on offer

Fertile flats, Rangitikei River access and fully deer fenced

Are you looking for summer safe farming on fantastic free draining fertile ash soils? Then look no further. Ben Alpin, a 351ha dairy farm, located in the premium Hawke's Bay farming district of Patoka. Boasting approximately 200ha of mainly flat and easy milking platform with 90ha of support land and a further 51ha of QEII bush for recreation, this well set up dairy unit must tick all the boxes, and with a quality herd, the combination provides an amazing opportunity. Improvements include two dwellings, staff quarters, a 2009 built 60 bail rotary shed with cup removers and in shed feeding, excellent housed calf rearing facilities for 350 calves and numerous implement sheds. An ideal self contained unit providing an excellent return on investment.

351.8563 ha Auction 12pm, Fri 10 Nov 2023 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Monty Monteith 027 807 0522 monty.monteith@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

A little gem with 37 hectares of flat and terraced land, fully deer fenced and with superb access to the pristine Rangitikei River. Located 4.5 kilometres south of Mangaweka, this stunning little deer farm is set up for finishing and velveting with added options for fodder/cereal cropping, or cattle or lamb finishing. An older homestead with a double carport and double garage, set well back from the road via a mature tree-lined driveway, in a sheltered, established, and attractive setting. This ultimate small farm/large lifestyle property offers easy and private access through scenic and sheltered terraces, down to the river.

37.6358 ha Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Wed 29 Nov 2023 View by appointment Pete Stratton 027 484 7078 peter.stratton@bayleys.co.nz BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2900628

bayleys.co.nz/2853182

NEW LISTING

Boundary lines are indicative only

Oueroa 338 Te Awa Road Honest 223ha sheep and beef unit Situated 21km from Waipukurau is this high performing sheep and beef unit on 223.3358ha. The property is predominantly easy hill with a small portion of steeper sidling's. A feature of the farm is the Farm Road water scheme which holds three connections and is supported by numerous dams. 68ha in Pinus Radiata in various age groups, eligible in the ETS. Well maintained infrastructure with a four-bedroom family home with open plan family living and lounge with panoramic views from the deck overlooking parts of the farm. Three stand woolshed with sheep yards, cattle yards and set of satellite sheep yards along with four bay implement shed and numerous other shedding. A turn key opportunity.

bayleys.co.nz/2870987

bayleys.co.nz

Irwell Selwyn Lake Road 223.33 ha Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 12pm, Wed 22 Nov 2023 26 Takapau Road, Waipukurau View by appointment Andy Hunter 027 449 5827 andy.hunter@bayleys.co.nz Andy Lee 027 354 8608 andy.lee@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Exceptional bare land holding Currently operating as a cropping, lamb fattening and specialist seed property it has been very easy to run in conjunction with another block or operate as a standalone property with numerous building sites providing stunning views to the North and across to Banks Peninsula. Irrigation is via a lateral for the bulk of the property with six gun runs to complete the approximately 104 hectares under irrigation. Water is provided from two wells, one at a rate not exceeding 38ltr/sec. In two titles with a yard area at each end of the property, ensures the future owners options for both agriculture, horticulture, vegetables and lifestyle all driven off a fantastic location close to amenities and an easy commute to Christchurch, backed up by fertile soils and excellent water.

bayleys.co.nz/5522250

106.5029 ha Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Thu 9 Nov 2023 3 Deans Avenue, Chch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

NEW LISTING

Leeston 560 Hanmer Road

Leeston 121 Rushbrooks Road

Land, location and lifestyle

128.5 ha

‘Heartfield’ is an immaculately presented, fully irrigated landholding offering purchasing options. The property as a whole of 128.5 hectares or 49.5 hectares in two titles with a house, woolshed, and sheds, irrigated via Ocmis gun and 79 hectares in three titles fully irrigated with Roto Rainer, sheep yards, and haybarn. Whether it be as one, or separately, both blocks are exceptionally well presented with an ‘A’ Grade Audit Report and a full complement of supporting farm buildings. Complementing all the numerous farming attributes is a very well- maintained family home set amongst established gardens. The home is a representation of the rest of the property, being immaculate throughout. Viewing is essential!

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Tue 21 Nov 2023 3 Deans Avenue, Chch Phone for viewing times Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Evan Marshall 027 221 0910 evan.marshall@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/5521726

Rushbrook Farm Rushbrook Farm is an environmentally sustainable, large-scale landholding. Currently operating as a fully self-contained dairy operation, milking approx. 1,050 cows, dropping back to approx. 850 cows through the winter with an average of approx. 575,600kg/MS over the past three years. Double 53-aside Herringbone shed and 1,000 cow barn. The majority of the property is able to be irrigated, with the bulk via five pivots and the balance by Rotorainer, gun, and some sprinklers. Complementing the operation are seven dwellings ranging in sizes. ‘Penrose’ run in conjunction with Rushbrook located nearby is also available to purchase.

347.9208 ha Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Thu 9 Nov 2023 3 Deans Avenue, Chch Phone for viewing times Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Evan Marshall 027 221 0910 evan.marshall@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/5521574

DEADLINE SALE

317 Aotearoa Rd - Dairy

119 ha

Wharepapa South Infrastructure + Grass = Profit

Fairlie 63 O'Neills Road “Clearview” “Clearview”, a highly productive property situated in Fairlie comprises of 867.9081 hectares (more or less), subdivided into approximately 115 paddocks and 10km of central laneways. The property comprises two four-bedroom residences, a standalone single-person quarters, a raised board woolshed with five stands, approximately 900sqm of covered yards, three sets of satellite sheep yards and three sets of cattle yards. Clearview” has an average rainfall of approximately 850-900mm, water is supplied via a group scheme and gravity fed troughs and the dwellings with two 30,000 litre and eight 25,000 litre tanks.

bayleys.co.nz/5522057

867.9081 ha Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 2pm, Tue 14 Nov 2023 View by appointment Hamish Lane 027 685 6204 hamish.lane@bayleys.co.nz Georgie Murray 027 562 4100 georgie.murray@bayleys.co.nz

Milking 300 cows through a 32 ASHB dairy, your farming operations will run smoothly with the convenience of this well-equipped shed. Ample shedding for your equipment, calves and hay. Water supply is via 2 bores and the effluent system is a weeping wall and 120 days storage irrigating approximately 25ha. Average 3 year production is 123,538 kgs/ms. Approximately 85% of contour is flat to rolling with 15% steeper. The main home is spacious with four bedrooms and there is also a three bedroom cottage, perfect for staff. Centrally located between Te Awamutu and Putaruru. Contact Jack for more information.

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

matamata.ljhooker.co.nz/KENHR1

Deadline Sale Closes Thurs 23rd Nov, 3pm (unless sold prior) ___________________________________ View Wed 25th Oct 1pm - 2pm, Wed 1st Nov 1pm - 2pm ___________________________________ Agent Jack Van Lierop 027 445 5099 LJ Hooker Matamata 07 888 5677 Link Realty Ltd. Licensed Agent REA 2008

Link Realty Ltd. All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any waranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own enquiries.

Real Estate New Listing

New Listing

Open Days

TENDER

138ha

894 Rangiatea Road, Otorohanga Location and scale is on offer here with this property consisting of a primary milking platform of 138ha approx (STT) featuring a state of the art 24 aside double up rapid exit dairy, plentiful support buildings and excellent fertile soils. Also available are a 67ha integrated lease option and a 60ha support block (see listing TEA30688) just 3km down the road. Too good not to view. rwteawamutu.co.nz/TEA30598

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

TENDER

60.2708ha

356 Lurman Road, Otorohanga

Tender Closes 15 November 2023 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Awamutu, may not be sold prior. Price is + GST (if any)

Noldy Rust 027 255 3047 noldy.rust@raywhite.com

View Wednesdays 25 Oct & 1, 8 Nov 11.00am - 1.00pm

60ha (approx) runoff/support property ideal for grazing beef or youngstock with an added bonus of being of having plenty of easy contour suitable for maize growing. Good cattle yards, haybarn and water supply. Only 3 kms from dairy listing TEA30598, whether sold as a standalone or alongside this other wonderful offering.

Tender Closes 15 November 2023 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Awamutu, may not be sold prior. Price is + GST (if any)

Noldy Rust 027 255 3047 noldy.rust@raywhite.com

View Wednesdays 25 Oct & 1, 8 Nov 11.00am - 1.00pm

rwteawamutu.co.nz/TEA30688

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

364 Maungatautari Road, Cambridge

Auction

Known as “Dingley Dell” this superb 165 ha dairy farm has been in the Vosper family for over 140 years and is now on the market for the very first time. Situated just 8km from the centre of Cambridge and just a short walk or bicycle ride along the cycleway to the international facilities of Lake Karapiro. With road frontage of over 1km this location is second to none.

66 Pharazyn Road, Feilding, Manawatu 4

LAND: 5.78 ha (more or less) FLOOR: 290 sq m (more or less)

Ultimate Lifestyle Minutes from Town A high-end lifestyle property and magical country setting boasting a large 292 sq m (more or less) industrial-sized new workshop. For workshop enthusiasts, a hydraulic hoist and plenty of room for cars, boats, a motor home or storage requirements will appeal. The mouthwatering Tuscan influenced Kiwi country home overlooks a few paddocks and is perfect for a family or couples. Something special.

AUCTION: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday 15 November 2023 in New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Manawatu Office, 176 Broadway Avenue (unless sold prior) VIEW: nzsothebysrealty.com/ PNT13359 JOHN VAN LIENEN: M +64 27 446 4683 john.vanlienen@nzsir.com MICHELLE VAN LIENEN: M +64 27 249 8361 michelle.vanlienen@nzsir.com

Each office is independently owned and operated. Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.

Most of the infrastructure is near new (2019) including the 40 aside herringbone Chapman dairy shed, DeLaval milking and effluent systems and is in excellent working order. The farm has been leased out for approximately the last 37 years to a very well-respected farming company. It has been operating with two other smaller neighbouring leased properties milking a total of around 630 cows producing a 3-year average of 219,335 kgMS. Included with the property is the stately Dingley Dell homestead. This 1928 Category B Heritage building, designed by Cambridge’s most successful architect of the day, James Douce, is a two-storey Arts and Crafts style bungalow with six bedrooms and two large living rooms. Features of note are the large front porch, stained glass entranceway and grand staircase – lending dignity and charm of yesteryear. Within the established grounds of the homestead are fruit trees, grass tennis court and swimming pool. There are also two, threebedroom staff houses with northerly aspects. The view from the 1962 Hinuera stone house on the hill at 398 Maungatautari Road, provides a wonderful view of nearly the whole farm. Multiple sheds both new and old are close to the family homestead. With fertile ash soils and mainly flat to rolling pastures, this superbly located property will appeal to a wide range of people and would suit a variety of applications - from equine, to horticulture and of course dairy farming. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a large farming operation so close to Cambridge and Lake Karapiro. This is your chance to create your own chapter in the history of this iconic and treasured property. Please do not hesitate to give me a call if you have any questions. AUCTION: To be held Thursday 2nd November 2023 at 1.00pm at the Cambridge Community Pavilion, Corner of Dick Street and Cambridge Real Estate, MREINZ, Queen Street, Cambridge (unless sold prior).

Licensed: (REAA 2008)

47 Alpha Street, Cambridge 3434

View: Tuesday 24th & Thursday 26th October: 12.00pm-1.00pm Matt Seavill Rural Sales Consultant p: 07 823 1945 m: 027 444 3347 e: matt@cambridgerealestate.co.nz

Cambridge Real Estate, MREINZ, Licensed: (REAA 2008) 47 Alpha Street, Cambridge 3434

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Pirongia 480 O’Shea Road

Te Kūiti 135 Whataroa Road Large Dairy Opportunity with Multiple Purchasing Options

If enviable contour, compliant effluent storage and a good track record of production up to 176,000Kg/ ms sounds like a bit of you, then a price guide under $30,000/ha will probably sound even better. Located just 17km East of Te Kuiti the challenge is on to find a better farm for this kind of money. - 214 .9184 hectares (513 acres) - Milking 497 cows - 170 hectares flat, balance gentle to medium rolling - 40 Bale Rotary Cowshed - Good standard of support buildings - Two Houses, both 3 bedroom dwellings Seriously for sale and not just testing the market, with the option to buy the entire property as a going concern or a split into a smaller 136 hectare dairy unit, 70 hectare support block and 7 hectare lifestyle proposition.

For Sale Tender closes Fri 10 Nov, 1pm (unless sold prior) View Open Days: Tues 24 Oct, Tues 31 Oct, 11.00am-1.00pm blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/property/OH22322

Kerry Harty M 027 294 6215 E kjharty@harcourts.co.nz Blue Ribbon Realty Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Ōtorohanga 27 McRae Road Super Tidy Farming Operation

Super tidy and a credit to the current owners this 79 hectare dairy unit located 11 kms East of Otorohanga is going to score a 10 out of 10 for presentation and infrastructure. • Currently milking 220-230 cows • Production history exceeding 89,000kg/ms • Immaculate 20 aside herringbone cowshed • 300 cow feed pad • Numerous sheds in excellent condition • Three bedroom plus office Intalok home and self-contained 1 bedroom sleepout. An opportunity to step into a farm where all the hard work has been done, in a highly sought after area renown for its fertile soils, grass growth and warm and inviting locals. Seriously for sale with realistic vendors looking to retire from farming.

Real Estate

Dairying with a Difference

Nestled on the northern slopes of the mountain and only a couple of minutes’ drive from the village 480 O’Shea Road will make an enviable first dairy proposition with a good mix of contours, attractive patches of native bush throughout and a large investment made in recent years to fertility, fencing and improvements to both farm buildings and the house. - 180 cows milked producing up to 73,000kg/ms - 18 aside herringbone cowshed with in shed feeding - Compliant lined effluent - Usual support buildings - Good sized 3 bedroom weatherboard home. Hard to judge from the road this improving dairy unit still has potential for increased production as grass species and fertility improve, with location and rainfall being key this really is a farm worthy of your inspection this spring.

79 Ha For Sale Tender closes Wed 1 Nov 2023, 1pm (unless sold prior) View Open Days: Wed 11 Oct, 11.00am-1.00pm, Wed 18 Oct, 11.00am-1.00pm Wed 25 Oct, 11.00am-1.00pm blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/property/OH22247

Kerry Harty M 027 294 6215 P 07 873 8700 E kjharty@harcourts.co.nz Blue Ribbon Realty Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Advertise with us

Reach hundreds and thousands of rural New Zealanders every week

Call 0800 85 25 80 realestate@agrihq.co.nz

For Sale Tender closes Thurs 16 Nov, 1pm (unless sold prior) View Open Days: Fri 27 Oct, Fri 3 Nov, Fri 10 Nov, 11.00am-1.00pm blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/property/OH22255

Kerry Harty M 027 294 6215 E kjharty@harcourts.co.nz Blue Ribbon Realty Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Te Aroha 43 - 84 Te Aroha-Gordon Road

For Sale By Deadline 3pm Thursday 2 November 2023 View Thu 12, 19, 26 Oct 11am-12.30pm harcourts.co.nz/L25023587

163.2427 hectares

Grazing/Cropping Options

Two superb grazing opportunities. Whether you need a larger unit of 163ha or a smaller individual unit of 113ha or 49ha. We have options for you. Situated on the outskirts of Te Aroha township these properties offer superb dairy grazing or cropping opportunities. Our serious seller calls for all offers to be presented on the 2nd November at 3pm.(Will not be sold prior).

Kevin Deane Real Estate

Eureka 1291 Tauwhare Road 122ha

Often Admired Dairy Unit This easily managed 122ha dairy unit at Eureka offers so much to the discerning purchaser. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, a terrific range of infrastructure in place and a strong history of production. Throw in the handy location, plenty of schooling choices and the additional option to purchase another home if required - Truly a must view. With our long term farming family ready to go this is a super opportunity.

Kevin Cowley M 027 240 7676 Kevin Deane M 021 970 902 Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Kevin Deane Real Estate

Auction Thursday 16th November 11:00am (unless sold prior) View Tuesday 24, 31 October, 7, 14 November at 12.30pm - 2.00pm www.harcourts.co.nz/ML8367

Kevin Deane M 021 970 902

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Eureka 1536 State Highway 26 162ha

Add up the options here

This super popular Eureka located 162ha dairy units offers a number of purchasing options. 1) Property in it’s entirety. 2) Dairy platform of 145ha less the executive home and run-off. 3) Executive home on 4ha. 4) 13ha run-off. With production running to 195,000kgMS, a top level of infrastructure in place this exceptionally well presented property is a must see. Seriously motivated Vendors offer flexibility of settlement, going concern options etc.

Tender Thursday 16th November 12noon (unless sold prior) View Tuesday 24, 31 October, 7, 14 November at 10.30am - 12.00pm www.harcourts.co.nz/ML8373

Kevin Deane M 021 970 902

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

36 Marketplace

Marketplace

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

HIGH COUNTRY JOURNEYS

LEASE BLOCK WANTED

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS Under Woolshed/Covered Yards Cleaning Specialists www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

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✁ Contact Scotty to discuss all that needs to be done Ph 0800 27 26 88 • Mobile 027 26 26 27 2 • scottnewman101@gmail.com

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Young couple wanting to lease a Sheep - Beef property suitable for a breeding/finishing block, 4500 S/U. South Island We are currently leasing but farm is on the market. References available. Further inquiries to Jackson 0274 137 830 or jacksongemmell@hotmail.co.nz

Limited spaces available for 2024

Contact John Mullholland Phone 027 228 8152 • RANFURLY info@highcountryjourneys.co.nz

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Digging out and remetalling cattle yards and calf sheds. Also specialising in flood damage and silt removal.

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BRIDGE & STRUCTURE MAINTENANCE

2023 Notice of Election to Forest Growers Levy Trust Board

Providing affordable repair & maintenance solutions for your

The Board of the Forest Growers Levy Trust Inc invests the levy income from the 2019 Harvested Wood Materials Order for forest industry good programmes under the Commodity Levies Act 1990.

expensive assets. Waterhouse Complex Civil are specialists in

Nominations for three board members are called. Two are to represent forests more than 1000 hectares and one to represent forests fewer than 1000 hectares.

repairing & maintaining bridges, stock underpasses, culverts, &

Nominators need to own forests, but the person they nominate does not need to own forests.

waterway remediation.

Farm bridges and structures showing signs of age? Don't let these valuable assets deteriorate any further!

Go to http://forestvoice.org.nz/ to nominate or contact info@forestvoice.org.nz for a nomination form

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Nominations close 5pm Monday 30 October.

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Marketplace

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Herd Owning Sharemilker – Morrinsville – 370 cows Our client is seeking a herd owning sharemilker for their 370 Jersey cow dairy farm, near Morrinsville. This property is 112 hectares (110 hectares effective), well maintained rolling land. This is a System 3 farm using PKE and molasses in shed, as well as bought in maize and grass silage. Production history is strong and consistent, targeting 150-160,000kgMS per season. The ideal applicant will: • Have a minimum of 2-3 years sharemilking experience • Have a Jersey herd • Be able to demonstrate excellent pasture management and feed budgeting skills • Demonstrate good financial literacy • Have or be able to recruit a solid team of people • Prioritise the learning, development and progress of their team and themselves • Have a tertiary education • Computer skills and competent with reporting (to owners and the dairy company)

Trees produce truffles at around year 7, producing up to 1kg a year by year 15. Currently black truffles are selling at $2,500$3,000 per kg, with high demand. Great stock shade and shelter with 0% loss of grazing land. Stock protector options are available for cattle, sheep & deer. Fantastic stock feed which is low tannin and high in carbohydrates. Produces up to 1 ton of acorns per tree each year.

The owners are looking for someone who is motivated, trustworthy, continually develops themselves and their team, and has a good reputation for keeping a farm and its housing immaculate. Attention to detail is a must for this property and its owners.

Extremely resilient. Fire resistant, stabilises erosion, frost & snow resistant to -9 degrees. Drought & heat tolerant over 40 degrees. Add value far into the future. Trees last over 200 years. Cork harvest income at year 25, then every 10 years. Potential carbon credits at 30% with a minimum 1ha canopy cover.

LK0116740©

For tree availability call 021 327 637 or visit truffles.nz

MOWER MASTER TOWABLE MOWERS Towable Flail Mower

14.5HP. Vanguard Briggs & Stratton Motor. Electric start. 1.2m cut 3 year Briggs and Stratton Commercial Warranty. 2 year Mower Master Warranty Assembled by Kiwis for Kiwi conditions – built to last. GST INCLUSIVE

LK0116486©

GO THE MOA!

$4900

To find out more visit

www.mowermaster.co

Phone 0800 422277 or 028 461 5112 Email: mowermasterltd@gmail.com

Heavy duty, long lasting incinerators

JW114362©

Three sizes available Phone 021 047 9299 irontreeproducts.co.nz

Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand, be drug free, and provide an up-to-date CV with references, including their current employer. Please send applications to recruitment@agfirst.co.nz

Join the team! Marketplace Partnership Manager Farmers Weekly is celebrating its 20th birthday this year and we’re looking for someone new to join the party. If you’re self-motivated, love connecting with people, and are passionate about the food and fibre sector then we’re keen to talk! For more information about the role contact hr@agrihq.co.nz or visit agrihq.co.nz/ careers Applications close: Friday October 27, 2023.

SH0116971©

CORK OAK TRUFFLE TREES

LK0116926©

It grows under them.

Applications close: Friday 3rd November, 2023

ANIMAL HANDLING FLY OR LICE problem? Electrodip – the magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides. Incredible chemical and time savings with proven e f f e c t i v e n e s s . Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t ro d i p. c o m CRAIGCO SHEEP JETTERS. Sensor Jet. Deal to fly and Lice now. Guaranteed performance. Unbeatable pricing. Phone 06 835 6863. www.craigcojetters.com

DOGS FOR SALE

GIBB-GRO GROWTH PROMOTANT

LEASE LAND WANTED

DELIVERING AND BUYING NZ Wide. https:// w w w.youtube.com/@ mikehughesworkingdog Phone 07 315 5553.

PROMOTES QUICK PASTURE growth. Only $6.50+gst per hectare delivered. 0508-GIBBGRO [0508 442 247] www. gibbgro.co.nz. “The Proven One.”

DAIRY OR GRAZING FARM wanted. Open to leasing, equity, share farming or developing land in partnership. Rangitīkei, Manawatū or HB areas. Phone Michael 027 223 6156.

2 YOUNG HUNTAWAYS. Both ready for work, good bark. Phone 027 243 8541. YOUNG HUNTAWAYS AND Heading dogs. Top working bloodlines. Check out our website www. ringwaykennels.co.nz Ringway kennels. Phone 027 248 7704.

ELECTRO-TEK ENGINEERING

BALAGE FOR SALE EXCELLENT QUALITY, $85 per bale plus GST. Unit loads available. Phone 021 455 787.

ATTENTION FARMERS

DOLOMITE NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser

ZON BIRDSCARER electro-tek@xtra.co.nz Phone: 06 357 2454

DOGS WANTED

For a delivered price call ....

WORKING KELPIE PUP wanted when available. Male preferred. Phone 09 236 3698 or 021 0243 9736.

0800 436 566

FORESTRY

FOR ONLY $2.30 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly. Phone 0800 85 25 80.

CHILLERS & FREEZERS

SEE TradeME #2251190054 Ph JC: 021 441 180 E: frigidair@xtra.co.nz When only the best will do!

WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide. We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase. NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 027 688 2954 Richard.

GRAZING AVAILABLE DAIRY HEIFER grazing available. Bulls /Marton areas. Phone 027 223 6156.

GIBBOOST INCREASE PASTURE growth and dry matter. $5.50 per/ha ex store + GST. Phone 0508 733 343. www.vernado.co.nz

GOATS WANTED FERAL GOATS WANTED. Pick-up within 24 hours. Prices based on works schedule. Phone Bill and Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916 / 027 363 2932. GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

LEASE LAND 185 HECTARES AT Whakatane-Opotiki. 1/3 flat, 1/3 easy, 1/3 steeper. Currently dairy grazing. Expressions of interest sought. All propositions considered by retired owners. Email fiona.laming@yahoo. co.nz. Phone 07 315 4832.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE MERINO MAIDEN EWES. 70 for sale, 2 shear micron 14. Pure Saxon, white bright wool. Merino stud rams, 2 shear microns 12-13. 300 1 shear wether hoggets, microns 11-13. Footrot, lice and Johnes free property. Phone 021 264 6250

TO ADVERTISE here call us on 0800 85 25 80.

HYPNOTHERAPY FARMING FAMILIES, online hypnotherapy support for everyday challenges. Contact Shirley Henderson at shirl@ shirl.nz for a chat. For more info: http://www.facebook. com/handsforhealthnz

SALE TALK

HIGH PRESSURE WATER PUMPS, suitable on high headlifts. Low energy usage for single/3-phase motors, waterwheel and turbine drives. Low maintenance costs and easy to service. Enquiries phone 04 526 4415, email sales@hydra-cell.co.nz

A man goes to the doctor complaining about his leg. He tells the doctor, “The problem is very hard to describe but put your ear on my thigh and you’ll better understand.”

RAMS FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Open Day 27.11.23, 2-5pm Auction 28.11.23 11am 15 Oruanui Road, Taupo Saleyards. Phone David 027 277 1556.

STOCK FEED MOISTURE METERS Hay, Silage dry matter, grain. www.moisturemeters.co.nz 0800 213 343.

WANTED TO BUY HOUSES AND SHEDS for shifting, relocating and removal. Phone 020 473 2394.

WANTED TO LEASE

HORTICULTURE NZ KELP. FRESH, wild ocean harvested giant kelp. The world’s richest source of natural iodine. Dried and milled for use in agriculture and horticulture. Growth promotant / stock health food. As seen on Country Calendar. Orders to: 03 322 6115 or info@nzkelp.co.nz

PUMPS

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

nzsheep.co.nz/poll-dorset-breeders

SHEEP AND BEEF breeding farm. Approx 600-1000ha plus. Taupo, Hunterville, Taihape, Hawke’s Bay, Dannevirke, Pahiatua, Gisborne and Wairoa areas. Experienced Leasee. Contact Pete Hammond. Phone 027 412 1466. trekh.b@xtra.co.nz

The doctor puts his ear on the man’s thigh and hears a tiny voice coming from inside saying, “Can you give me $20? Please, I just need to borrow $20.” Confused, the doctor looks up at the man. The guy says, “Weird right? Now put your ear on my knee.” The doctor puts his ear on the man’s knee and hears a tiny voice coming from inside saying, “How about $10? Can you just lend me $10?” Perplexed, the doctor tells the man, “This is quite unusual indeed.” The guy says, “That’s not all, put your ear on my ankle.” The doctor puts his ear on the man’s ankle and hears the voice again pleading, “Just $5! Can you please just give me $5?” The doctor gives the man a concerned look and says, “Sir, it appears your leg is broke in 3 places.”

Advertise with us Call Debbie 027 705 7181

38 Livestock

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

NEW SEASON TERMINAL LAMB SALE TOTANGI FARM LTD

jeremy@jrnlivestock.co.nz

Thursday November 2nd

STOCK REQUIRED

10.30am | Matawhero Saleyard Comprising: • 3500 New Season ms terminal lambs By Sufftex, Suffolk & Oxford Down Rams Contact:

Jamie Hayward 027 434 7586

28 x 2th SIL recorded purebred Wiltshire rams Friday 10th November 2023 - 1pm 3rd Annual Ram Sale at 15 Arnold Rd, RD 25, Pohokura, Stratford

Alex Chrisp 027 801 0104

SOUTH ISLAND WIDE Helping grow the country

Contact Colin 027 285 5780

1YR Angus Bulls BVD & EBL Tested Suit Dairy Sector 340-400kg Romney Crypto & Ewe Lambs 30kg Phone Ross Dyer 0274 333 381 www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

A Financing Solution For Your Farm www.rdlfinance.co.nz

ECZEMA TOLERANT ROMNEYS

Advertise with us

In conjunction with Glenochy Perendale’s 1st Annual Ram Sale

STOCK FOR SALE

R1 bulls 200kg to 380kg R2 bulls 380kg to 600kg R2 Steers 380kg to 550kg Service bulls R1 & R2 Larger lines of R1 & R2 store cattle. Cull cows. Prime cattle and bulls. LK0116953©

06 762 8080 027 664 8835

STOCK REQUIRED

1YR Angus Steers 280-380kg 1YR Exotic & Beef Bred Heifers 250-320kg 2YR Ang & Ang X Steers 450-550kg 1YR Frsn Bulls -300kg

RAMGUARD TESTING SINCE 1985 • 5 star rating • Bred on challenging hill country • Robust functional sheep that survive • Structurally sound • Selecting for parasite tolerance and less dags • No ewes worm drenched, dipped or vaccinated

Call Andrea 027 602 4925

15 Arnold Road, RD 25, Stratford 06 762 3520 millvalleynz@gmail.com millvalleyshorthorns

KEITH ABBOTT, RAGLAN 027 463 9859 | www.waiteikaromneys.co.nz @waiteikaromneys

ORARI GORGE GENETICS Breeding MORE PROFITABLE & MORE SUSTAINABLE sheep in the HILL COUNTRY for the HILL COUNTRY.

“Home of the Beef + Lamb Genetics Low Input Progeny Test”

Orari Gorge Romney, RomTex actively select for

FEWER DAGS AND GREATER RESISTANCE AND RESILIENCE TO WORMS.

Body condition score is proven to not only help ewes handle tough times and bounce back but also as a key driver of colostrum production.

Do you have bull sale results to share?

     

SIL Dual Purpose Body Condition Score

........ 1811 DP Flks Avg

580 460

DPBC - Cents

The end of the spring sale season will soon be here… Contact Andrea to have your results published in our bull sales e-newsletter and the Farmers Weekly end of season review. [Deadline 24 October 4pm]

700

340 220 100 2010

livestock@agrihq.co.nz 027 602 4925

Years

2020

-20

Please contact us any time for more information or to arrange a visit.

LK0116957©

Subscribe today: agrihq.co.nz/bull-sale-results

Robert & Alex Peacock |

03 692 2893 |

robert@orarigorge.co.nz

Orari Gorge Station, RD 21, Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

MANA STUD

TOP QUALITY HIGH PRODUCING FRIESIAN IN-MILK COWS SHORT NOTICE AUCTION

PERFORMANCE SHEEP GENETICS 2023 RAM SALE Malcolm Wyeth 06 3727875 Tuesday 14th November at 1.30pm

Date: Wednesday 25th October 2023 Address: Carrfields Matamata Sale Yards (Dairy Pavilion) Start Time: 11:30am will be available for online bidding

FE tested rams at .52mg/kg LWT available for sale

COMPRISING: 98 x Friesian In-milk cows BW163, PW289, LW262, RA95%

Rams selected on structural soundness and high performance data

SIL Maternal worth indexes from 2500 to 3300 All enquiries: Please contact Malcolm Wyeth 027 252 7151 Tom Suttor/PGG Wrightson 027 446 9967 or Simon Smith/PGG Wrightson 027 444 0733

DETAILS: High capacity strong uddered, nice dairy type cows milked through a Herringbone shed. 60% of the cows are 4 years and younger. 43 cows with PWs over 300. Top cow BW338 PW780. For the previous 4 years these cows have been mated to Samen semen.

Genetic Trends

GE Analysis #40701 28/7/2023

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: These high producing cows are available due to a change in farming policy. Currently milked twice per day and come forward in excellent condition, ready for mating (some have already been mated to Samen semen). PAYMENT TERMS: Payment due 14 days after sale date Immediate Delivery CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENT: Jack Kiernan 027 823 2373 Kelly Higgins 027 600 2374

Cents

Herd test 18th October (Updated Profile with information will be available asap).

560 520 480 440 400 360 320 280 240 200 168 120 80 40 0 -40

2010

LK0116928©

Call Andrea 027 602 4925

50 Stud and Top Commercial Romney Rams to be sold at Auction Romney and Romdale rams also available for private sale

LK0116895©

On Farm 127 Admiral Road, Gladstone, Masterton. Inspection invited from 1.30pm

A/c Cochrane Farm Ltd (Reporoa)

Advertise with us

for all Flocks Analysis Flocks: 1, 2, 7, 8 + 1409 others

SIL Terminal Sire Meat Yield

TS Flks Avg Rpt Flks Avg

Averge of all Terminal ﬂocks Average of all Charollais ﬂocks

Charollais rams simply the best better than all the rest 2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

Charollais Sheep Genetics NZ Contact Nigel 021 1407827

560 520 480 440 400 360 320 280 240 200 168 120 80 40 0 -40

2022

LK0116536©

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

The influence a sire has over his progeny is huge. Nikau has 50 years of recording and is well linked to industry. Proven Genetics to lift performance.

46th Annual Ram Sale Friday Nov 3

Growth top 20% on SIL. Achieved with minimal drenching and a tough season.

122 Kokonga West Rd, Waikaretu.

Open Day Tues Oct 31

Fertility wean 150% +. Successful hogget mating and outstanding maternal ability.

High Performing Rams at Low Input Progeny Test. Winner Sheep Industry Award for Parasite Resistance.

High Maternal Worth plus FE and Parasite Tolerance Nikau sires consistently appear on NZGE Leader List for health traits.

Frankton Saleyards 12:30pm

www.nikaucoopworth.co.nz

Use pure genetics from a registered sheep breeder/member to gain a hybrid

www.nzsheep.co.nz

09 2333 230

“What’s going on with the scanning result - it’s down again. And what about these ewes that are scanned in lamb, why so many dry ones at weaning??” “Ewe losses are so much higher than the neighbour? and ewe condition is lower than it should be.” “I am feeding really well, why is the weaning weight not improving??”

GENETICS you can TRUST

“I only get a few clinical FE cases.... maybe there are more affected than I thought?”

Sound familiar?

Maybe it’s time to invest in FE Gold Rams If you want the best, buy the best

www.fegold.co.nz

SUFTEX A NEW ERA IN TERMINAL RAMS PAKI-ITI ROMTEX

GRUNT

PAKI-ITI ROMNEY

Fast growth, high meat yields, meat quality, excellent survival and tough hardy rams

• Bred on a 870ha hard hill country property rising up to 637m asl (2090f asl) • Facial Eczema tolerant ﬂock successfully testing at 0.4mg/kg

NZ Standard Terminal Worth (NZTW)

ROMTEX - MATERNAL+GROWTH

Visit paki-iti.co.nz to view our breeding programs

Stewart Morton 06 328 5772 • Andrew Morton 06 328 2856 RD 54 Kimbolton, Manawatu • pakiroms@farmside.co.nz

LK0116786©

• Romtex rams sold as 22th rams

CENTS

• Stabilized, fully recorded breeding program - better fertility, better structure, more meat • Romtex offers 32% more growth at weaning and 34% more weight at autumn weighting (SIL analysis of 2022 born ram lambs)

AND THE BREEDERS North to South

PERFORMANCE

• Breeding for constitution, structural soundness and then performance

1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

TS Flks Avg Rpt Flks Avg

1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

Raupuha Kelso Pahiwi Paki-iti Hemingford Taiko Downs Longdowns Nithdale Twin Farm Strathallan Run Mount Linton Crossiebeg

King Country Hawkes Bay Hawkes Bay Manawatu Nth Canterbury Sth Canterbury Otago Gore Gore Wyndham Ohai Invercargill

07 877 8977 0800 453 576 06 855 4943 06 328 5772 03 315 8689 027 685 5702 027 976 0928 027 418 3423 03 208 5904 027 201 7312 021 271 1106 027 230 4052

PREMIER SUFTEX PremierSuftexNZ

LK0116793©

• 160+ clients last year purchased or leased Paki-iti rams

199 5 199 7 199 9 200 1 200 3 200 5 200 7 200 9 2011 201 3 201 5 201 7 201 9 202 1

PAKI-ITI ROMNEY

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Subscribe from only $100* per month agrihq.co.nz/our-industry-reports

30th Annual NI Perendale Ram Sale

* Prices are GST exclusive

SHEEP & BEEF REPORT

12 Noon Monday 13th November 2023 Te Kuiti Saleyards 26th Annual NI Perendale Ram Sale

60 Top Rams for sale by 1pm Monday 18th November 2019 10 North Island Breeders Te Kuiti Saleyards

New Venue

Contact: Sale Secretary Rams for sale by 9 North Island Breeders Philip Brandon 07of Vendors 873 Flock 6313 Rams all selected from top 20% e: pa.brandon@farmside.co.nz Contact: Sale Secretary: 70 Top

Philip Wrightson Brandon Cam Heggie, PGG 873 6313 027 501Ph:07 8182 E: pa.brandon@farmside.co.nz Catalogue available online 8th November Catalogue available online 12th Nov: www.perendalenz.com www.perendalenz.com Cam Heggie PGG Wrightson

LK0116743©

Ph: 027 501 8182

SHEEP SIRE SOLUTIONS

Raupuha Studs

ROMDALE RAM LAMBS FOR SALE

Where every day is an open day

The only NZ Perendale and Romdale breeder with rams tested at 0.6!

• Highly fertile, great survival • Strong emphasis on structural soundness and uniformity • All rams born higher than 1800ft asl

Start your genetic progress here.

RAUPUHA #1 Follow the leader

Only multiples born and reared on offer

MEAT + SURVIVAL + GROWTH = $$$ MEAT + SURVIVAL

2000 Rams available from 1800 February 20th to March 2200 15th1600

OPEN DAYNZ Tuesday 31st October, 1pm-3pm at SH3,(MW+M) Mahoenui MATERNAL WORTH WITH MEAT

ON FARM SALE Tues 14th Nov 2023 at 12 Noon LK0116589©

CENTS

400

-600

Warwick James Coalgate 03 318 2352 Annabel & Roy Tripp/Vernonese Darfield 03 318 6939 John & Melissa Jebson Darfield 03 318 3796 Blair Gallagher Ashburton 03 303 9819 Philip Oldfield Geraldine 03 693 9877 Robert Gardyne Oturehua 03 444 5032 Pip Wilson Gore 027 207 2882 Hayden & Kate Slee Te Anau 03 249 9097 Andrew & Karen Mackie Otautau 021 210 3381

Philip Brandon Otorohanga 07 873 6313

John Spellman Te3 Awamutu 5 07 1870 7 1433 1 19 01 Langlands 1 1 2 2 2 2 20Neil &2Linda 20 20 AWAROA - Brandon, Philip & 2Audrey2YEAR – Otorohanga. P: 07 873 6313 Taumarunui 07 896 8660

NORTH 7 9 ISLAND 1 3 5 99 99 00 00 00

-1000 95 19

7 00

9 00

1 01

RUA PEKA PEKA - Bryant, Maree – Urenui. P: 06 752 3701Sean Brosnahan

NORTH ISLAND GREEN ACRES - Jury, Chris – Waitara. P: 06 754 6672 LONGSPUR - Frank, Wayne – Waitara. P: 06 754 4311

AWAROA  RAUPUHA

Gisborne 021 997 519 Otoi Farming Co Wairoa 06 838 7398

AWAROA



LONGSPUR - Frank, Wayne – Waitara. P: 06 754 4311 P: 027 355 Robyn Harding RAUPUHA – Mahoneui. 2927 Woodville 021 133 7533 RUA PEKA PEKA GREENWAIOTANE ACRES - Jury, Chris – Waitara. P: 06 754 - Brosnahan, Sean – Ohope. P: 6672 06 864 4468 John & Carey Henricksen



AWAPIKO

SNOWDON

Gore 03 208 1789

Diamond Peak MT GUARDIAN Te Kuiti North Island Ram Sale Gore 03 208 1030 RANGIATEA Warren Ayers 12 PM, Te Kuiti Saleyards OLDENDALE BLUFF FARM Wyndham 027 226 4290 Dave McKelvie Wyndham 027 249 6905 BENMORE KLIFDEN

MONTANA KINNEAR

SNOWDON

RANGIATEA

OLDENDALE

MONTANA DIAMOND PEAK KINNEAR



AWAPIKO



OTOI



WAIOTANE

  

LONGVIEW

 

KERRYDALE

 

OTOI HAUTERE LONGVIEW OTAPAWA 

TE AWAITI

KERRYDALE

   

17 JANUARY 2023

Gore South Island Ram Sale

HAUTERE 10:30 AM, Gore Showgrounds NZ MATERNAL WORTH WITH MEAT (MW+M) OTAPAWA SOUTH ISLAND

MEAT + SURVIVAL + GROWTH = $$$

17–JANUARY 2023 MT GUARDIAN - Anderson, Tim, Sue & Edward Cheviot. P:03 319 2730

Gore South Island Ram Sale

DOLOMITE - Elliott, Ken – Akaroa. P: 021 221 4185 10:30 AM, Gore Showgrounds BLUFF FARM - Evans, Ivan & Julie – Oxford. P: 03 312 1585

DOLOMITE GRASSLANDS

NEWHAVEN HAZELDALE

DOLOMITE North Island Ram Sale – Te Kuiti ST HELENS + HINERUA South Island Ram Fair – Gore GOWAN BRAES KLIFDEN 13 November 2023 16 January 2024 AVALON FELDWICK

 



TE AWAITI WANGAPEKA - de Vos, Cor & Belia

Christie Wilson Partnership BENMORE WANGAPEKA



WAIOTANE



ASHBY -- Timms, P: 06 362 7829 KAREREVALE D’Ath, Gilbert Warren––Shannon. Palmerston North. P: 06 354 8951 Mike McElrea & Fraser Darling KAREREVALE Tapanui OTAPAWA - Robbie, Douglas & Dara – Eketahuna. P: 06 376 7765 WANGAPEKA ASHBY 027 424 9376 or 021 701 229 NOVEMBER 2022 HERANGI14 - Spellman, John – Te Awamutu. P: 07 870 1433 THE HEIGHTS Scott & Kjersti Walker MT GUARDIAN Te -Kuiti NorthSarah Island–Ram Sale TE AWAITI Wakelin, Martinborough. P: 022 607 5968 Tapanui 027 630 5301 12 PM, Te Kuiti Saleyards Mitchell Hillcrest ASHBY - Timms, Gilbert – Shannon. P: 06 362 7829 BLUFF FARM Clinton 03 415 7187

14 NOVEMBER 2022



HERANGI



 AWAPIKO - Langlands, NeilHarding & Linda––Woodville Taumarunui. 07133 8967533 8660 Pongaroa 06 374 3888 GREEN ACRES KERRYDALE - Robyn – P: P: 021  Douglas & Dara Robbie GLENOCHY MacFarlane, James & Rochelle – Whangamamona. P: 06 762 5880 OTOI - Brickell, Ian & Bobbie – Wairoa. P: 06 838 7398  Eketahuna 027 919 7150 GLENOCHY RAUPUHA Mahoneui. P: 027  LONGVIEW - Maxwell, Graeme– & Sue – Tutira. P: 06355 8392927 7412 Te Awaiti Station RUA PEKA PEKA  022 607 5968 WAIOTANE - Brosnahan, SeanRob – Ohope. P: 06– 864 4468 THE HEIGHTS - Gaskin, & Heather Levin. P: 027 481Martinborough 6924 LONGSPUR  HAUTERE - Henricksen, & Carey– –P:Pongaroa. P: 06 374 3888 KERRYDALE - Robyn Harding John – Woodville 021 133 7533 GREEN ACRES  KAREREVALE D’Ath, Warren – Palmerston North. P: 06 354 8951 Ken Elliott OTOI - Brickell, Ian & Bobbie – Wairoa. P: 06 838 7398 KAREREVALE Akaroa 021 221 4185 GLENOCHY OTAPAWA - Robbie, Douglas & Dara – Eketahuna. 06 376 7765 LONGVIEW - Maxwell, Graeme & Sue – Tutira. P: 06 839P:7412 ASHBY  Newhaven Farms  HERANGI - Spellman, – Te Awamutu. 1433 Oamaru 03 432 4154 THE HEIGHTS THE HEIGHTS - Gaskin, Rob John & Heather – Levin. P: P: 07 027870 481 6924  LONGSPUR Richard (late) & Kerry France TE AWAITI - Wakelin, Sarah – Martinborough. 607 3888 5968 HAUTERE - Henricksen, John & Carey – Pongaroa. P: P: 022 06 374

Tapanui 03 204 8339



 DP Flks Avg  Perendale NZ Flocks



RAUPUHA



HERANGI  NZ Maternal Worth with Wool and Meat

 

AWAROA - Brandon, Philip & Audrey – Otorohanga. P: 07 873 6313 AWAPIKO - Langlands, Neil & Linda – Taumarunui. P: 07 896 8660& Sue Maxwell Graeme RUA PEKA PEKA - Bryant, Maree – Urenui. P: 06 752 3701 Tutira 06P: 839 GLENOCHY - MacFarlane, James & Rochelle – Whangamamona. 067412 762 5880





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42 Markets

Markets Could wool woes be washing away at last?

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It’s early days, but pricing and demand have been lifting at wool auctions, mainly due to real improvement in wool quality. Sara Hilhorst

MARKETS

Wool

T HAS been a long time coming – two years, in fact – but smiles are beginning to crack on the faces of those involved in the wool industry. New Zealand wool auctions have been trending upwards in both pricing and demand since September and into the opening two weeks of October, although the wool market still has a long way to go to break into profit-making, sustainable levels.

Another driver helping to lift prices is renewed interest from international buyers. There have been some new buyers, creating added competition.

A significant improvement in wool quality is the biggest factor influencing the shift, after two years of very poor coloured fleeces due to wet weather. Spring fleeces are coming in clean and dry and have been rewarded with improved returns. September experienced some seasonally high prices for good quality crossbred wool, with the best fleeces often well into mid- to late-$3/kgCL. But the highs have been lifted further since and at the most recent South Island sale, $4/kgCL was broken at the top. Fusca’s indicator for coarse crossbred fleeces has risen 49c/kg clean, 16% in the past five weeks, taking it to 3.47/kgCL, a level unheard of since September 2018. Another driver helping to lift prices is renewed interest from international buyers. There have been some new buyers, creating added competition. The export market is still heavily reliant on China, and although

LONG WAY TO GO: Although the wool market still has a long way to go to break into sustainable profit-making levels, NZ wool auctions have been trending upwards in both pricing and demand since September and into the opening two weeks of October, says AgriHQ analyst Sara Hilhorst. Meanwhile, WoolWorks president Nigel Hales has warned that clip preparation has deteriorated to the extent it needs serious correction. Having recently returned from China, Hales says that ‘now is the time to have a reset in the shearing shed’. At the Nanjing Wool Market conference, the largest wool industry conference globally with participants from across the world, ‘unfortunately, and of great concern to us all, the Chinese were complaining bitterly about the deterioration of the NZ strong wool clip’, Hales says. • See Page 9 there’s talk that this market is improving, this is yet to be seen at the ground level. However, a lot of work is being done on getting wool into other markets, with success. Buying is reported to be especially strong out of India. In August, New Zealand exported 1485 tonnes of coarse wool (36 micron plus) to this market, nearly double the volume taken in July,

taking them to a 40% market share on this grade of wool. This has helped the North and South Island to have consistently high clearance rates in the 90% range through spring, with one North Island sale reaching full clearance. A better exchange rate for sellers since the start of August has also strengthened returns. The New Zealand average export

value for coarse degreased wool is at its highest since January, coming in at $3.78 /kg in August. Farmgate wool prices usually settle from around December onwards as summer shearing lifts the volumes trading, and while El Niño sounds like it could deliver some difficult feed conditions, the warm, dry and windy conditions will work in wool’s favour until then.

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Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Weekly saleyards New season lambs finally made an appearance at the Stortford Lodge saleyards after a slower start to the season. Grass growth hasn’t really taken off and a higher rate of multiples meant that lambs are being weaned later to allow more time to grow. The main feature was an annual draft consignment of 1700 Southdown-cross mixedsex lambs, which sold to local, Taupō and Rotorua buyers for $75.50-$120. Other smaller-tallied consignments returned $69-$104. Prices were well back on last year’s very strong results, though that was expected given the current market environment. $/kg or $/hd

Frankton | October 17 | 929 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

2-year dairy-beef steers

2.95-3.11

2-year dairy-beef steers, 419-512kg

3.10-3.15

2-year heifers

2.85-3.00

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 498-545kg

3.11-3.20

Yearling dairy-beef steers

3.25-3.40

2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 401-452kg

3.07-3.09

Yearling dairy-beef heifers

2.85-2.95

2-year Friesian-cross heifers, 430-436kg

2.72-2.75

700

Aut-born R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 417-426kg

3.29-3.35

$/kg or $/hd

Aut-born R2 Angus-Friesian heifers, 385-438kg

2.94-3.00

Kaikohe | October 18 | 600 cattle

Aut-born weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 190kg

Wellsford | October 16 | 841 cattle 2-year Angus steers, 481-549kg

3.18-3.24

Yearling Angus-cross steers, 207-295kg

710-910

2-year Angus-Hereford, dairy-beef steers, 447-583kg

3.13-3.20

Yearling Angus-Friesian steers, 345-357kg

3.14-3.20

2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 372-425kg

2.88-2.96

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 310-340kg

3.25-3.34

Yearling Angus-Friesian steers, 222-251kg

2.93-3.02

Yearling beef-cross heifers, 245-286kg

2.87-3.04

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 258-324kg

3.31-3.68

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 298-310kg

3.05-3.13

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 231-238kg

3.31-3.33

Yearling Friesian bulls, 306-316kg

3.10

Pukekohe | October 14

$/kg or $/hd

Prime dairy-beef steers, 556-594kg

3.08-3.16

2-year dairy-beef steers

3.04-3.14

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 489-510kg

3.10-3.16

2-year heifers

2.85-3.02

Frankton | October 18 | 596 cattle

Aut-born R2 Hereford-Friesian steers

3.04-3.36

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 444-482kg

3.16-3.20

Aut-born R2 heifers

2.90-3.33

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 394-414kg

2.98-3.07

Aut-born weaner steers

410-680

Yearling Friesian-cross steers, 231-280kg

2.18-2.25

Aut-born weaner heifers

400-605

Yearling Angus-cross heifers, 267-315kg

2.83

Store ewes Store lambs, all

Tuakau | October 12 | 850 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 277-290kg

3.03-3.12

118-132

Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 488-561kg

3.09-3.18

$/kg or $/hd

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 480-509kg

3.11-3.14 2.09-2.17

3-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 491-560kg

3.21-3.38

Boner Friesian cows, 533-570kg

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 425-440kg

3.29-3.38

Te Kuiti | October 13 | 430 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 420-480kg

3.01-3.20

Mixed-age Shorthorn cows, 560-680kg

2.42-2.47

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 300-351kg

3.36-3.57

2-year Angus, Charolais-cross steers, 420-500kg

3.20-3.29

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef bulls, 225-245kg

860-910

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, tops, 388-526kg

3.22-3.30

Aut-born weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 247-263kg

775-790

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, second cuts, 388-526kg

3.13-3.18

$/kg or $/hd

2-year South Devon-cross heifers, 388-432kg

1185-1385

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 327-393kg

2.97-3.18

2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 357-399kg

2.83-3.06

2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 307-360kg

2.58-2.66

Yearling beef, dairy-beef steers, 247-388kg

900-1345

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 316-370kg

1055-1180

Yearling Angus, Hereford steers, 182-233kg

730-880

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 274-325kg

2.79-2.97

Yearling Angus heifers, 207-357kg

3.22-3.28

Prime steers, 610-780kg

3.13-3.34

Taranaki | October 18 | 327 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 460-570kg

2.87-3.07

2-year Angus steers, one line, late-born, 295kg

2.90

2-year Friesian bulls, one line, 562kg

3.28

Rangiuru | October 17 | 653 cattle

Frankton | October 12 | 590 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef steers, 150-225kg

620-835

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 300kg average

3.17

Aut-born weaner Angus-Friesian heifers, 170-198kg

480-660

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, tops, 215-347kg

3.06-3.18

Aut-born weaner Belgian Blue-Friesian heifers, 113-188kg

470-670

Prime steers, 525-662kg

3.09-3.24

Aut-born weaner Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, 127-199kg

565-730

Boner Friesian, Friesian-cross cows, 483-585kg

1.79-1.91

Weaner dairy-beef bulls, 99-139kg

530-665

Stortford Lodge | October 16 | 1473 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Weaner Friesian bulls, 103-115kg

530-585

Prime mixed-age ewes, very good to heavy

109-128

Weaner Friesian bulls, 78-99kg

400-515

Prime mixed-age ewes, light to medium-good

65-105

Weaner dairy-beef heifers, 88-125kg

390-600

Prime 2-tooth ewes, medium to very good

84-119

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

Prime hoggets, very heavy

143-163.50

Prime hoggets, good to heavy

121-140.50

Stortford Lodge | October 18 | 579 cattle, 3792 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

4-year Angus cows & calves, one line, 610kg

1650

2-year traditional steers, 525kg average

3.39

2-year Friesian bulls, one line, 509kg

3.35

2-year traditional heifers, 464-575kg

3.10-3.13

2-year Angus-Friesian heifers, 383-392kg

3.02-3.15

Yearling Friesian bulls, one line, 283kg

3.51

Yearling Friesian-cross bulls, 249-284kg

800-855

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, small lambs, light to medium

48-65

Mixed-age Romney ewes, light to very good

56-80

2-tooth Romdale ewes, medium to very good

72-109

Store terminal-cross mixed-sex lambs, good

106-120

Store terminal-cross mixed-sex lambs, small to medium

69-104

Dannevirke | October 12 | 787 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Store hoggets, all

60-90

Prime ewes, all

51-114

Feilding | October 13 | 1206 cattle, 1877 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Mixed-age Angus cows & calves, 569-616kg

1510-1590

2-year traditional steers, 426-499kg

3.16-3.35

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 359-542kg

3.08-3.30

Yearling Angus steers, 289-318kg

3.64-3.77

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 256-352kg

2.95-3.12

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, medium-good Store hoggets, shorn, heavy

Feilding | October 16 | 100 cattle, 2822 sheep

Markets

65-73 143-155.50

$/kg or $/hd

FIRST ARRIVALS: New season lambs made an entrance at Stortford Lodge to kick-start the season. A total of 2400 were penned and this line from Waikareao Station, Te Aute topped the sale at $120

Rongotea | October 17 | 150 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 213-331kg

2.67-3.53

Yearling Friesian bulls, 315-378kg

3.14-3.44

Prime Angus bulls, 700-800kg

3.05-3.13

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 223-279kg

2.70-3.13

Prime Friesian bulls, 980-1010kg

0.95-1.00

Aut-born weaner Friesian bulls, 125-205kg

480-710

Prime Hereford-Friesian (red) heifers, 610-617kg

2.96-2.99

Boner Friesian cows, 486-582kg

1.91-1.92

Prime mixed-age ewes, medium to heavy

85-118

Prime 2-tooth ewes, medium to heavy

100-126

Prime male hoggets, heavy

167-172

Prime mixed-sex hoggets, medium to heavy

100-178

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Coalgate | October 12 | 202 cattle, 2632 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 311-339kg

2.83-3.01

Yearling Angus-Friesian heifers, 278-295kg

2.75-2.79

Prime beef, dairy-beef steers, 500-623kg

3.00-3.15

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 450-535kg

2.94-3.11

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Markets Boner dairy cows, 422-567kg

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

1.73-1.98

Prime mixed-sex hoggets, most

155-165

$/kg or $/hd

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, tailed, most

80-93

Balclutha | October 18 | 1024 cattle

Prime ewes, good

93-112

Mixed-age dairy-beef cows & calves, 290-331kg

620-660

Prime hoggets, very good

152-169

2-year Friesian steers, 323-381kg

880-1130

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 301-441kg

2.67-2.82

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 330-366kg

3.08-3.17

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 164-271kg

610-945

Yearling Angus heifers, 226-262kg

2.94-3.10

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 286-342kg

2.76-2.87

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 197-272kg

510-820

Store ewes, all

75-106

Store hoggets, all

70-90

Prime hoggets, all

100-172

Canterbury Park | October 17 | 766 cattle, 2085 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

2-year Angus steers, 369-479kg

3.13-3.21

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 396-441kg

2.78-2.83

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 253-419kg

2.91-3.27

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 269-363kg

2.83-2.92

Prime beef, dairy-beef steers, 545-635kg

2.97-3.18

Prime Hereford-Friesian bulls, 515-615kg

2.92-3.10

Prime beef, dairy-beef heifers, 505-578kg

2.93-3.05

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, most

75-81

Store hoggets, medium

81-87

Prime ewes, very good

99-120

Prime hoggets, good

139-156

Temuka | October 12 | 647 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

2-year Simmental-cross steers, 483-515kg

3.00-3.06

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 343-403kg

2.42-2.62

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 214-370kg

2.89-3.05

Yearling Angus-Friesian heifers, 279-326kg

2.72-2.84

Temuka | October 16 | 617 cattle, 2127 sheep Prime Angus cows, 489-637kg

$/kg or $/hd 2.10

$/kg or $/hd

Charlton | October 12 | 244 sheep Prime ewes, all

64-125

Prime hoggets, all

75-174

$/kg or $/hd

Lorneville | October 17 2-year Angus-cross heifers, 255-368kg

730-1040

Prime cows, 400-450kg

1.80-2.15

Prime steers, 480kg

2.85-2.95

Prime dairy heifers, 400-440kg

2.50

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, all

Hogget ewes & lambs, all

Store hoggets, all

85-110

Prime ewes, all

30-104 123-162

Prime Belgian Blue-cross steers, 490-638kg

3.02-3.08

Prime Hereford-Friesian (black) steers, 465-603kg

2.95-3.06

Prime hoggets, all

Boner Friesian heifers, 461-525kg

2.41-2.61

Feeder Calves | October 16

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, all

60-79

Feilding | October 16 | 60 cattle

Store finewool mixed-sex hoggets, good

121

Hereford-Friesian bulls, medium to good

100-170

Store mixed-sex hoggets, all

80-118

Simmental-Friesian bulls, good

290-310

Prime ewes, most

85-95

Dairy-beef heifers, medium to good

50-170

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Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

AgriHQ market trends Cattle

Sheep

Deer

Beef

Sheep Meat

Venison

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Last week

Last year

North Island P2 steer (300kg)

6.15

6.85

North Island M2 bull (300kg)

6.15

6.50

North Island M cow (190kg)

4.00

4.90

South Island P2 steer (300kg)

5.80

6.65

South Island M2 bull (300kg)

5.60

6.35

South Island M cow (190kg)

4.00

5.00

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Last week

Last year

North Island AP stag (60kg)

8.80

8.70

6.15

South Island AP stag (60kg)

8.75

8.80

7.05

9.45

3.10

6.00

Fertiliser Last week

Last year

DAP

1197

1794

Super

449

509

Urea

807

1340

Urea (Coated)

856

1389

Aug

Last year

Last week

Last year

North Island lamb (18kg)

6.90

9.55

North Island mutton (25kg)

3.15

South Island lamb (18kg) South Island mutton (25kg)

Fertiliser

Export markets (NZ$/kg) China lamb flaps

9.66

13.28

Wool

Export markets (NZ$/kg) US imported 95CL bull

9.60

US domestic 90CL cow

9.60

11.13

9.79

NOTE: Slaughter values are weighted average gross operating prices including premiums but excluding breed premiums for cattle.

Steer slaughter price ($/kgCW)

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

(NZ$/kg clean)

12-Oct

Last year

Crossbred fleece

3.48

2.98

Crossbred second shear

3.15

2.47

Courtesy of www.fusca.co.nz

Lamb slaughter price ($/kgCW)

NZ average (NZ$/tonne)

Forestry Exports

7.0

10.0

NZ Log Exports (tonnes)

6.5

9.0

China

1,507,896

1,486,562

6.0

8.0

Rest of world

189,610

192,457

Carbon price (NZ$/tonne)

Last week

Last year

5.5

7.0

69.5

80.9

5.0 Oct

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

North Isla nd

NZU

6.0 Oct

Aug

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

North Isla nd

South Island

Aug

South Island

9.5

NZ lamb exports (Jul - Sep, thous. tonnes)

NZ beef exports (Jul - Sep, thous. tonnes) 70

9.0

Stag Slaughter price ($/kgCW)

8.5

8.0

30 20

7.5 Oct

10 0

China

Japan

S. Korea Last year

Rest of Asia

Other

Dec

Feb

Apr

North Isla nd China

This year

Mid. Ea st

Last yea r

US This year

Other

Jun

Aug

South Island

Data provided by

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Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 23, 2023

NZX market trends Dairy

Grain

Data provided by

Milk price futures ($/kgMS)

Canterbury feed wheat ($/tonne)

11.0

700

10.0

650

9.0

600

5pm, Wednesday

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

10491

550

8.0

450

6.0 Oct

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

Sep-2024

Aug

Oct

Sep-2025

Nearest contract Last price*

Prior week

4 weeks prior

0.18

0.23

0.177

The a2 Milk Company Limited

4.5

7.83

4.37

Cannasouth Limited

0.188

0.32

0.17

700

Comvita Limited

3.22

3.48

2.75

650

Delegat Group Limited

8.4

10.2

7.98

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.11

3.88

2.94

Foley Wines Limited

1.23

1.42

1.18

Greenfern Industries Limited

0.047

0.113

0.044

Livestock Improvement Corporation Limited

1.25

0.99

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.174

0.19

0.15

New Zealand King Salmon Investments

0.215

0.24

0.181

PGG Wrightson Limited

3.6

4.67

3.35

Waikato palm kernel ($/tonne)

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.103

0.22

0.094

450

Sanford Limited (NS)

3.95

4.39

3.8

Scales Corporation Limited

3.2

4.25

2.75

Seeka Limited

2.4

3.72

2.2

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

1.36

3.65

1.16

T&G Global Limited

1.92

2.37

1.92

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

10491

12870

10210

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11221

12212

11178

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11361

12411

11303

2920

2805

SMP

2580

2565

2480

600

AMF

5150

5100

4960

550

Butter

4900

4670

500

Milk Price

7.85

7.87

7.41

450

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

Oct

400 Oct

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

Oct

400

350

Oct

Nov

Dec

Latest price

Jan

Feb

Mar

4 weeks ago

300 Oct

Make your decisions easier Understand your opportunities and barriers with this weekly snapshot of store and slaughter prices, and international market trends.

* Prices are GST exclusive

11361

ArborGen Holdings Limited

2940

WMP futures - vs four weeks ago (US$/tonne)

11221

WMP

* price as at close of business on Wednesday

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

Company

400 Oct

Canterbury feed barley ($/tonne)

Dairy Futures (US$/t)

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

Listed Agri shares

500

7.0

3500 3400 3300 3200 3100 3000 2900 2800 2700 2600 2500

Close of market

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

Oct

LIVESTOCK INSIGHT REPORTS Subscribe from only $35* per month agrihq.co.nz/livestock-reports

YTD High YTD Low

Weather

ruralweather.co.nz

Peak spring kicks off rise in UV levels Philip Duncan

NEWS

Weather

T’S possible the peak of spring has now passed. That doesn’t mean we’re in summer and the stormy weather is done, but the weather maps for the remainder of October and heading into November do tend to look as though the worst of the spring has passed. Spring westerly gales usually peak between the spring equinox in late September and Labour Weekend in late October. That’s not to say November doesn’t have significant storm risks, but November does tend to be a bit “flatter” as far as extreme weather is concerned. It’s kind of fitting that the worst of all the bluster seemed to peak on election day! Labour Weekend is the halfway mark of spring with the first half being more on the winter side of weather and this second half bringing in far more hints of summer. Clearly there is good news for many places, but for those who are tuned into to where things may go

in the months ahead thanks to El Niño, we may be inching closer to that more serious, drier, time. As I said previously, now is a time for optimism around New Zealand thanks to the weather conditions we’ve had over the past few months. However, November is the month when we do have to start more seriously thinking about summer – and about what changes we’re expecting to see in our skies and on the ground over the coming few weeks. AgriHQ’s very own Hayley O’Driscoll of Taranaki mentioned in a meeting last week how she got sunburn on her face while fishing last weekend, when the weather wasn’t overly hot and calm. It’s a classic reminder how our UV rays are unfairly high in this country thanks to the pollution caused by the northern hemisphere. So we’re one of the few places on the planet where even in midspring you have to treat UV rays as if we were in the middle of summer. Farmers are a tough bunch but it’s not hard to protect your skin.

If you hate suntan lotion, as I do, wear a hat, wear sunglasses and long sleeves outdoors. If you really are in the sun all day you may have to “toughen up” and invest in some UV-protecting moisturiser – it not only makes your skin healthier to deal with UV damage, but it also protects against further damage. Chuck a bottle in the tractor or ute cab and just get into the habit. Sorry to be a “mum” but honestly NZ’s UV rays are now getting into moderate to high levels – and the lower temperatures make us forget it’s even a thing. You can find your local UV hourly numbers in Daily Data at RuralWeather.co.nz.

Upcoming Highlights: • Westerlies return this week

• West Coast rain • Slightly milder in the east • Cold change again this Friday, especially in the South Island and lower North Island • First tropical cyclone of the season (one week early) possible near Vanuatu (no risk to NZ)

the confidence to plan ahead Farming can be changeable to say the least, with the Rabobank All In One account you can manage that change

Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. For more information visit www.rabobank.co.nz

BURNING: As our days get longer our UV rays become more intense. Over the coming months UV levels in NZ – already high enough to cause sunburn – will reach Extreme.

Our All In One account combines transaction, working capital and term loan facilities. Make the most efficient use of your funds, get on top of your finances, and have fast access to working capital when you need it. Get the flexibility you need to manage your business, call 0800 500 933