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Old-age grip tightens on NZ provinces Richard Rennie

NEWS

Trends

ESPITE a slight lift in New Zealand’s population, some rural regions are in the firm grip of old age and declining birth rates, with both eroding their earning and growth potential, a recent Infometrics report reveals. The latest data shows that, as of June, NZ’s population sat at 5.373 million, up 0.7% in the June quarter. That comes as births of 13,300 hit their lowest number since the June 2002 quarter, when NZ’s population was only threequarters what it is today. Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon told Farmers Weekly the 0.7% lift in population growth rate compares to a national growth rate that peaked at 2.8% a year in 2024. That was driven by net immigration of 108,000 in 2023, compared to an estimated 17,600 for the June 2026 year. “The slowdown has come across the country. We are seeing the fast-growing regions grow that much slower, and the slowgrowing regions even slower, or even decline,” Brunsdon said. He highlighted Selwyn on the edge of Christchurch, which had been the fastest growing district nationally. Growth is down at 2.4% year on year, compared to 4.4% last year.

That compares to Buller, one of the country’s slowest districts, experiencing a 0.1% decline in population numbers. Dunedin had zero percent growth, and Timaru only 0.1% growth. Regions with the greatest growth in Infometrics’ latest data include Canterbury, up 1.1%, and Auckland and Waikato, both up 1.0%. Brunsdon likened the major slide in immigration to a tide that has gone out, showing the structural flaws in NZ regions’ demographics, where birth rates are at an all-time low of 1.51 per woman, down 4% in only a year. “We had a period in some districts where a demand for skilled migrants, particularly in the dairy sector, did see growth in their populations, but that doesn’t get them out of the woods, and appears to have plateaued in many areas.” Overseas experience suggests NZ birthrates may still have some way to fall, with countries like Spain at 1.1 and Italy at 1.18. The report also highlighted the country’s aging population, where areas like Timaru are experiencing death rates exceeding birth rates for the fifth year running. There are emerging disparities between larger urban centres and some rural areas’ average age. Hamilton is now among one of NZ’s youngest districts, with an Continued page 4

Hard-working farm heroes net award Gisborne photographer and sheep and beef farmer Rebecca Williams has won the Documentary category at the International Pet Photography Awards, her third international accolade for images capturing New Zealand working dogs and farm life. Judges praised Williams’ use of light, colour and storytelling. Photo: Rebecca Williams

Apple detectives hunt heritage fruit For more than three decades in Riverton, Southland, Robert and Robyn Guyton have been saving heritage apples one variety at a time.

PEOPLE 12 Cyclone Gabrielle partly to blame for latest apple company failure.

Coordination key to tackling escalating pest problems as costs grow.

Succession is about investing in the future, writes Katie Gardner.

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Stories to tell New Zealand Young Farmers wants help telling the story of its 100 years of history. The organisation is calling on current and former members, families and rural communities to share their memories as it prepares to celebrate 100 years. “Whether it’s an old photo from a club night, a story from a District Contest, a favourite memory from a trip, an old newsletter or simply a person who made your NZ Young Farmers experience memorable – the organisation wants to hear it,” said NZYF chief executive Cheyne Gillooly

Dr Mike Currie has been awarded the 2026 Kiwifruit Innovation Award in recognition of his work developing orchard management tools and the commercialisation of new kiwifruit varieties. One of Currie’s most significant contributions has been helping to develop and promote girdling as an orchard management tool to improve fruit size and dry matter.

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HOLD: Farmer-led catchment groups could show the way in improving water quality in the wake of Waikato Regional Council Plan Change 1 being put on hold, says Total Ag consultant Rob Macnab.

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The South Island Dairy Event has appointed Jonathon Hoets chair of the SIDE Governance Group as preparations ramp up for the 2027 event in Ashburton. Hoets takes over the role following the completion of Glenn Jones’s two-year term as chair. With SIDE set to be hosted in Ashburton in June 2027, planning is already underway to deliver another event that brings together dairy farmers, industry professionals and rural businesses.

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News in brief

Milk collections during July were 7.9% higher than in July 2025, totalling 30.3 million kg milksolids, the third consecutive July record increase. Season to date for June and July, milksolids collection is up 6.8%, but those two winter months have low production because most dairy cows are dried off.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Gabrielle tail stings another HB apple co Richard Rennie

NEWS

Horticulture

HE lingering sting in Cyclone Gabrielle’s tail has been blamed in part for the latest Hawke’s Bay apple company failure, with South Pacific Growers entering receivership. The company was placed into receivership in mid-June, with BDO Auckland appointed as receivers to oversee the business’s operations. The first receiver’s report indicates the company has total liabilities of $26 million and $15.5m of that consists of unsecured creditors. With full orchard maturity due to be reached next year, the company comprises 32 orchards totalling 190 hectares, growing a variety of apples including Envy, Dazzle Roxy and Fizz. The documents reveal the appointee, Pacific Wick Limited, is owed $5.9m. Unsecured creditors include 93 parties, while those with first security include PGG Wrightson, Farmlands, Rockit Trading and Bostock NZ. South Pacific was the recipient of a significant, $13m

loan under the post-Gabrielle recovery programme. These direct government loans were structured to step up progressively, based on the business’s recovery rather than hitting a single hard expiration date. They featured interest-free terms during periods of negative cashflow.

As the company’s cash flow problems worsened, it became unable to pay its debts when due. Receivers report on South Pacific Growers None of this loan had been paid back at the time of receivership and comprises the bulk of the unsecured debt outstanding. The loan scheme is entering the final phase of its concessionary period, moving towards full commercial rates. Earlier this year Paul Paynter, head of Mr Yummy apple brand, told Farmers Weekly that many in the industry were nervously watching the clock tick on the concessionary loans, concerned over prospects once they revert to

commercial loan conditions. Brydon Nisbet, president of Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association and deputy chair of Hort NZ, declined to comment on the impact the loans’ cessation was likely to have had on the company’s decline, or its wider industry impact. In May a Climate Change Commission report on Gabrielle identified the cascading and lingering impacts of the event, describing it as a multi-layered crisis spread across almost all aspects of the communities it impacted, and continuing three years later. In their report the receivers say that the company suffered major orchard damage from Gabrielle, noting that director Robert Sykes made efforts to restore affected orchards and sustain the company through a recovery period towards full production. “However, funding obtained and crop proceeds were insufficient to operate the company effectively, and as the company’s cash flow problems worsened, it became unable to pay its debts when due,” the report says. When appointed, the receivers found the company was in

BROKE, AGAIN: The failure of South Pacific Growers apple company is the latest in a line of high-profile collapses in the sector based in Hawke’s Bay in recent months. substantial arrears with most of its lease properties, unsecured creditors and the IRD. The receivers also report that no funds are likely to be recoverable from apple sales from this year’s harvest because production costs and substantial advances already made against the crop will absorb the proceeds. An auction is due to be held in coming weeks to dispose of the

company’s remaining material assets, with its primary assets listed as infrastructure, orchard trees, leasehold interest and fixed assets. Of the company’s multiple lease agreements, the receivers were able to extract value from only one leasehold interest. Other assets disposed of to date include unused concrete posts for $10,000.

Upton slates ‘out of control’, unworkable ETS Neal Wallace

NEWS

Emissions THE Emissions Trading Scheme is failing to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals – even as it possibly still encourages more than a million hectares of new afforestation in the next 50 years. A report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, says there is a correlation between the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the expansion of commercial

afforestation from 1.3 million hectares in 1990 to 1.8 million hectares currently. Without changing how the ETS operates and despite the likelihood it will not drive sustained emission reductions. Upton said there could be another 690,000ha of afforestation by 2050 and a further 300,000ha by 2075. “It implies a level of land-use change that will bring significant economic and social transition challenges in its wake.” Upton described the ETS as rudderless, overly reliant on

forestry and lacking policy levers for the government outside forestry units. To reach net zero requires more than afforestation, but to ensure carbon stored in forests is not released, the trees cannot be harvested. Having a price on carbon stored in forests discourages the removal of existing forests and encourages the planting of new permanent forests. Equally, he warned high carbon prices lead to more afforestation or commercial forests left unharvested, which creates

issues for rural communities. “Consequently, until gross long-lived greenhouse gas emissions reach zero there will be an ongoing requirement to offset them by establishing and maintaining an ever-increasing area of forest (or a change of existing rotational forests to permanent),” Upton said. In its simplest and purest form, the ETS creates a limited number of permits, known as NZ Units, which can be sold to businesses to emit greenhouse gases. One NZ Unit equates to one

tonne of carbon emitted, but there is no cap on the number of units offered. Upton said an oversupply of units could prevent NZ from meeting its climate reduction targets. The commission’s recommendations include cross-party agreement that the ETS needs major reform, officials to start policy work and modelling on future options for thew scheme, and cross party agreement on what a climate strategy should look like.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Flu could close some poultry farms for good Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Poultry

HE H5N1 bird flu virus could see poultry producers walk away from the industry if the spread of the disease unfolds in New Zealand as it has done overseas. If it follows that pattern, it is likely to be a significant permanent challenge, Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand & Egg Producers Federation veterinarian Kerry Mulqueen said. There are now three confirmed positive detections of H5N1 bird flu in New Zealand, all in the Wellington region, with the latest one found on August 21. The industry has watched closely what has happened overseas in countries where bird flu has been there for 20-30 years, Mulqueen said in a Lincoln University webinar on how New Zealand can maintain its reputation as a trusted food producer. Continued from page 1 average age of 33, compared to the national average of 38. The Thames-Coromandel district has the distinction of the oldest average age, greying significantly to Hamilton at an average of 55 years. Brunsdon described ThamesCoromandel as having an unfortunate combination of high property prices, aged residents, low birthrates and low migration, all bringing growth challenges to the region. “As the population ages, the gap between births and deaths gets so much bigger. There was a natural decline in 2024 of 230 people, that’s 230 migrants you need to make up for it – quite a lot for one region.” He said the challenges for many rural districts in drawing in more

working to advance Treaty-centred biosecurity and indigenous solutions to environmental challenges. Bringing in Māori knowledge and adopting a more holistic approach would ensure H5N1’s impact was recognised not just in the primary sector and in conversation but on the mental health of people as well, she said.

While the industry has successfully removed other diseases, H5N1 is different. The government has indicated that costs associated with depopulation, disposal and decontamination will fall solely on farmers – which is different from other incursions. “The issue this time is that the hope of actually removing it from New Zealand is not very high. “It’s going to be present all the time.” The industry is waiting to see how it unfolds in New Zealand, and for some it will mean the end of their business. It could see them walk away from the industry, Mulqueen said. Te Tira Whakamātaki CEO Melanie Mark-Shadbolt said the bird flu response needs to remember its impact on communities. “We are so focused on a handful of birds that we can protect that we are forgetting that as New Zealanders, we identify as birds – we call ourselves Kiwis – and we’re potentially going to have one of

the largest loss of species that we have seen.” It will lead to a huge loss of species in the taonga state, affecting tourism and the Māori community, including social, cultural and economic impacts, Mark-Shadbolt said. Te Tira Whakamātaki is a Māori environmental charity and home of the Māori biosecurity network,

young people is complicated by the frequently seasonal nature of much primary sector work. “And with expensive housing in the Thames-Coromandel region, it is challenging economically. Resident workers are having to look further afield for housing in places like Ngatea and Paeroa.” Brunsdon said it could be hard for districts to accept the lack of growth for these regions, particularly when wanting to spin a positive growth story to potential new businesses and residents. “But some may have to plan for some sort of decline, as hard as it may be when they are under rates pressure.” He said he believes some councils are starting to lean more conservatively towards future infrastructure investment.

School captured by geography, demographics

The issue this time is that the hope of actually removing it from New Zealand is not very high. Kerry Mulqueen Poultry Industry Association of NZ & Egg Producers Federation

SLIDE: Mercury Bay Area School principal Ross Dunn says the school experienced a slide in numbers from more than 1000 students in 2021 to around 850 in 2024. Photo: Erica Kurth

Richard Rennie

NEWS

Trends

RUNNING a remote school in a region that has New Zealand’s oldest average age demographic brings a mixture of challenges for Whitianga’s Mercury Bay Area School principal, Ross Dunn. The 870-student school is the largest area school in the country, with students from Years 1 to 13. Its catchment extends across most of the mountainous, forested Peninsula. The school experienced a slide in numbers from more than 1000 students in 2021 to around 850 in 2024, though Dunn said he is confident that has stabilised now. He believes the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle has been more

REMARKABLE RESULT T TS

significant to roll numbers than even the region’s ever-aging population. The Thames-Coromandel region’s average population age is now 55. “We had the closure of the Kopu-Hikuai road for a long time after Cyclone Gabrielle and a lot of people lived over here and commuted out. “It added at least an extra hour to their trip. We also had a number of families move here involved in the building sector, and that has certainly slowed, with a lot then exiting to Australia.” He said the region was always destined to be “a little bit of a retirement village” as people move permanently into their holiday homes, which in itself brings challenges.

“That is a bit of a mixed bag. Our community is now at a scale it really does require a younger workforce.” However, relatively expensive housing, buoyed by stronger values in markets like Hamilton and Auckland where many bach owners live, has made it tougher for first-time homeowners, including new teachers, to set up and live there. “In the past the government invested heavily in school housing in regions like this, but a lot of those properties have been sold off.” But Dunn said it is also a region that often draws back people who have holidayed there, and who may even stay in a family bach when they move back.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Wild forest sheep to be impounded, sold Rebecca Greaves

NEWS

Forestry

FTER years of unsuccessfully trying to remove wild sheep, Nateva has warned owners of livestock trespassing on its forests in Pongaroa to remove them within seven days or the animals will be sold at public auction. But neighbours say boundary fences on the erosion-prone hill country are in poor repair, and access to retrieve their sheep is problematic. Pongaroa, in the Tararua district, has experienced large-scale conversion of farmland to carbon forestry. Nateva, formerly New Zealand Carbon Farming, which owns the forests, gave public notice in the Bush Telegraph newspaper on August 18 that approximately “20 mixed breeding sheep aged 1-5+ years” had been found trespassing at five properties. The public notice said that under the Impounding Act of 1955, Section 38, the sheep were

trespassing and if owners did not remove the animals within seven days of the notice, they would be sold at public auction on September 3. However, a letter sent to landowners dated July 24 2026 said they would have access until August 31 to muster and remove stock at an arranged time.

The onus is on us to get the stock out, but we have no way to get in. Katie Renner Pongaroa The letter stated that after August 31, the sheep would be advertised and sold by public auction through the Tararua District Council (TDC). Any successful purchaser would then have seven days to remove the sheep. Any wild stock remaining after that period would be humanely culled by Nateva’s contractors. Pongaroa sheep and beef farmers Alex and Katie Renner bound two of the forests and are aware of

two groups of six of their sheep in the forests. They are willing to muster their sheep in, but said it is difficult to gain access to the forest. “We try to be proactive about getting stock out. Last year, they shot our sheep. The forest manager was here and we were making a plan, but the sheep were already dead. To be fair, he has been a good point of contact and followed up on the sheep that were shot last year. At least he has given us warning this year,” Katie said. “Morally, we would never sell our neighbour’s sheep. The onus is on us to get the stock out, but we have no way to get in, there are no gates.” They are aware many of their boundary fences with the forests are old and in poor repair. “We engaged in a meeting last year about boundary fences. We have been told they are not doing any new fencing anymore as they have run out of budget. I struggle to understand how they can enforce this when they are pulling back on fencing,” Alex said. Nateva pest animal eradication manager Luke Shadbolt said the

NOTICE: Nateva, which owns forests, gave public notice that approximately 20 sheep had been found trespassing on land at five properties. Photo: Pexels company’s manager in the area has been working to remove sheep for two years, with varying degrees of co-operation from neighbouring farmers. Numbers have built up, and they are now starting to breed. “We are focused on the sheep that have been in the forest for a long period of time and in very poor health. It doesn’t mean we will cull every sheep we see on the property. We will still be working in co-operation with farmers.” The letter to landowners said the animals in question were observed to have long fleeces of at least two years’ growth, to be affected by dags, scours or both, are likely carrying internal and/or external parasites.

“We have had dozens of attempts at mustering these sheep with people, dogs and drones. These are animals that know how to play the game and dive into the trees. With the looming El Niño and high temperatures, these sheep will likely suffer and die.” He said Nateva is still undertaking fencing where needed. “Like every budget, our land manager has to budget in advance about fences they want to repair and replace. “We are still doing fencing, based on priority.” Shadbolt said the latest course of action was taken after consultation with TDC Animal Control, the Ministry for Primary Industries and the SPCA.

Maize crop plans tweaked to meet El Niño Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Arable

EARLY HARVEST: The prospect of a drier than normal summer has Waikato maize growers choosing early-maturing varieties to reduce the risks of it deteriorating in the summer heat.

WAIKATO maize growers are opting for early-maturing varieties for spring planting as they look for ways to mitigate the risks associated with a super El Niño summer. These varieties grow faster, allowing farmers to harvest the crop earlier and avoiding exposure to the weather if it does turn dry.

Waikato Federated Farmers arable chair Donald Stobie said that, according to feedback from seed companies, this type of maize is being forwardordered by farmers for this spring. “People are going for slightly shorter varieties than they have in the past, so the crop is more mature when the potential dry comes. The seed guys are saying they are seeing it and the growers are taking a bit of risk mitigation,” he said

at an arable sector meeting in Hamilton. It is too early to gauge demand from dairy farmers, though signs are good with prices on an upward trajectory largely as a result of large areas of Europe being in drought. While it is still too early for maize contracts, Stobie predicted maize silage contracts will come out at 3235 cents a kilogram standing (44-49c/kg in the stack). That will also influence

planting intentions as growers weigh up returns versus growing costs. “In the next two to four weeks people will be really firming up what they are going to do,” he said. Farmers remember being stung by predictions of an El Niño summer in 2023. They prepared by reducing stock and producing extra supplementary feed, only for it to be a good growing season, he said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Smart moves need to come fast under AI Richard Rennie

TECHNOLOGY

Productivity

PI’s chief insight officer says New Zealand’s primary sector needs to change the arguments around how it can increase productivity to continue to meet the target of doubling export values every decade. “The conversation in the past has been that if we increase productivity, we will sacrifice sustainability. But with rapidly evolving new technologies, AI and information platforms, there is the potential there to achieve both,” said Jarred Mair. He was addressing attendees at this year’s AgriTech Unleashed seminar, hosted by AgriTech NZ in Tauranga. “The conversation is one that we had two decades ago, and needs to change.” He said looking across the entire primary sector production and marketing chain there are 20-30% of gains to be made simply by performing better within the farm or orchard gate. A similar amount could be pulled out of the cost

structure, and the rest lies in the value chain’s structure. He sees the value chain as the low-hanging fruit of the primary sector, one that if NZ does not move quickly to seize will be taken from it by overseas agents, whether they be financiers, onsellers or payment platforms.

Now AI essentially knows everything we have ever known, and it is now finding out things we did not know. Jarred Mair MPI “Our estimates are that there could be at least $15 billion there, and that would multiply up very quickly. “But it is ours to lose right now as these other parties recognise the value and they will move quickly to take it.” Mair offered a sometimes exciting and at other times sobering overview of rapidly advancing technology trends that could enable this value grab. They are often but not always led

by advances in artificial intelligence, where capability advances are compressing into months rather than years. He cited the advances in AI, where only two years ago, in early 2024, it was regarded as being as intelligent as the average United States citizen. By mid-2024 it was as smart as a person with an IQ of 140 and a PhD. “Now AI essentially knows everything we have ever known, and it is now finding out things we did not know.” The US$300 billion spent two years ago on data centres will be US$1.1 trillion in the US next year, and globally closer to US$3 trillion. There is also a little-appreciated shift in the balance in economic power coming by 2028. Around then the bargaining position of human labour is expected to be eroded to the point where technology capital captures 90% of the value, reducing labour’s power in the economic system. This would be accelerated by the arrival of AI-powered humanoid robots, already in use in multiple car manufacturing plants globally. Brands like the US Optimus are running at a cost of about $2 per hour and this year’s first

SMARTER: AI has advanced at an ever increasing pace, moving from average human intelligence two and a half years ago to ‘know’ all there is to know today. production run is targeting tens of thousands. He said the likes of burgerflipping robots have delivered an additional US$20 billion straight to the bottom line of the fast-food industry alone. He anticipates humanoid robots will be engaged in NZ’s primary sector within a decade, performing tasks as varied as pruning, picking fruit, and even milking cows. Mair acknowledged the risks of tipping people out of work in a bid to introduce AI and new technologies, labelling a likely

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“bumpy” transition pathway. “But there remain areas humans will keep their jobs. We are not likely to see AI judges or diplomats, for example.” Nevertheless, he said white collar workers are at risk, and blue “less so”. With its greatly advanced intelligence, there are two existential challenges AI is likely to solve over the next five years. One is boosting human longevity by an extra 10 years. The other is solving climate change. “These solutions are not miles away.”

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

News

More and more pests eating into pasture Gerhard Uys

NEWS

Pests

OORDINATION will be key to tackling escalating pest problems, with the scale and cost of pest control growing for farmers and others. Federated Farmers’ second National Pests Survey recently showed pest numbers are increasing faster than they were two years ago. Federated Farmers pest management spokesperson Richard Dawkins said New Zealand needs a funded national pest management strategy that sets clear responsibilities for farmers, forestry, councils and the Crown. Analysis of the survey results estimated pests are costing farmers around $466 million a year through direct control costs and lost production. “Farmers are spending an average $6.18/ha each year on pest control, up around 13% in two years,” Dawkins said. “Nearly one in three farmers are having to reduce their stocking rates because pests are consuming so much pasture, compared to only one in nine in 2024. “The survey found farmers consistently identified neighbouring forestry and Crown land as the

PESTS: It’s not only deer that cause a problem on farms, with a Federated Farmers survey showing farmers are spending an average $6.18/ha each year on pest control, up around 13% in two years. main sources of pest reinvasion, rather than other farms.” He said besides deer, impacts from other pests are also a concern. New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg said a recent survey of forest owners showed they spent almost $4m controlling over 160,000 pest animals across 1.4 million hectares of plantation forest in 2025, with pest-control activity reported across 77% of the national forest estate. The sector’s contribution is often overlooked in the national

debate about who is responsible for controlling pests across private land, Heeg said. Possums make up the largest recorded group, with nearly 90,000 controlled during 2025, and nearly 30,000 goats, 15,000 pigs and 11,000 deer, alongside 17,000 rats, mustelids, chamois and other pests. She said coordination between neighbours is key to controlling pests. Josh Brown, project manager for the Hurunui District Landcare Group, one of the three catchment groups chosen to trial coordinated

pest management at catchment level in the MPI’s feral browsing animals programme, said being able to bring landowners together to talk about coordinated deer control is positive. Many landowners who have been around for decades have seen deer populations ebb and flow, with the problem becoming more manageable at times and then reemerging. Brown said deer control is especially complex, with public and private land needing different management approaches, and with private landowners to a degree having to work out their own management systems. He echoed calls for landowner coordination. OSPRI chief operations officer Danny Templeman said OSPRI’s job is to get rid of bovine Tb, and its pest control is only required until Tb freedom is achieved. However, Templeman said, “the review of the Tb Plan, which was signed off by the minister earlier this year, did recommend OSPRI consider more ways to work with landowners and their communities to help them leverage off the benefits of a completed TBfree programme in an area.” The government just announced a funding boost of $9.7m over four years from the International

Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to fund targeted wild goat and deer control in national parks and other nationally significant conservation areas. MPI’s Biosecurity New Zealand director of pest management, John Walsh, said the feral browsing programme is not only trialling catchment coordination to control deer but includes an independent cost benefit analysis to evaluate the impacts of feral deer control.

Nearly one in three farmers are having to reduce their stocking rates because pests are consuming so much pasture. Richard Dawkins Federated Farmers It also includes the development of a Wild Animal Information Management System to improve visibility and coordination of wild animal control work, and moves to update “good neighbour rules” putting responsibility on landowners to prevent pest spread to their neighbours. The MPI and DOC are developing a national framework for wild animal management across private and public land, Walsh said.

This month NZ Landcare Trust celebrates its 30th birthday. Three decades of action on the ground, supporting farmers across the country to create positive change on farm and within their catchments.

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News

Feds counts cost of tax policy ‘shocker’ Neal Wallace

POLITICS

Land

HE net annual cost of the Opportunity Party’s tax policy would in most cases exceed the cost of the failed He Waka Eke Noa tax on greenhouse gas emissions, according to a Federated Farmers analysis. The federation assessed the impact of the Opportunity Party’s proposed 0.5% tax on the unimproved value of rural land on three ownership scenarios for dairy farms and sheep and beef farms, based on 2024-25 accounts. Opportunity is also proposing a 1.75% annual tax on unimproved urban land with the proceeds used to pay a $19,400 universal citizen’s income to all adults aged over 18. The federation’s calculation included land value, profits, drawings and existing tax burden, Opportunity’s proposed tax and changes to income tax thresholds, and the $19,400 universal citizen’s income. The federation concluded the net annual cost for the five scenarios was between $9111 and $47,911. The only scenario where there was financial gain, of $3185, was a dairy farm where two people qualified for a universal citizen’s income. The proposed He Waka Eke Noa charge under those same scenarios in 2030 would have cost an average sheep and beef farm $24,500 a year and dairy $20,500. Opportunity deputy leader Daniel Eb said the land tax is designed to incentivise more productive land use and retire marginal land for conservation, which would be exempt from the tax. It is also designed to control prices to make ownership realistic for the next generation of farmers. “It’s a big change. That’s why, even if we were able to implement it in full, we would introduce it gradually over 10 years so that people can plan and adjust,” he said. Mark Hooper, a Federated Farmers board member, described the policy as “populist” and “a shocker”. “The broader-principle concept of a land tax is poor ideology that will not create wealth or innovation for NZ.” Caniwi Capital executive chair Troy Bowker said the land tax would apply every year regardless of whether values went up or down.

Kevin & Nicole Oppert Contract milking 750 cows Bay of Plenty

“If farmers make a loss, they will still have to pay. We’re basically hammering food producing farmers,” said Bowker. He said the beneficiaries would be those on low incomes who do not own land. The federation’s analysis looked at the impact of the 0.5% tax on a 714 hectare drystock farm and a 149ha dairy farm. In the scenario where a couple both received the citizen’s income, the drystock farmers paid $9111 a year, and dairy received $3185.

If farmers make a loss, they will still have to pay. Troy Bowker Caniwi Capital Where there was a single recipient of the citizen’s income, the drystock farm paid $28,511 and dairy $16,215. Where couples aged over 65 were transitioning to the citizen’s income, drystock farmers would pay $47,911, and dairy $35,615. The question-and-answer section on Opportunity’s website states the land tax is designed to change behaviour. It notes some “asset-rich, cash-poor Kiwis, like older New Zealanders and farmers, will be incentivised to make different choices under the Tax Reset. “For example, a retired couple could reduce their tax bill by downsizing their home or shifting into renting, freeing up that home for the next generation.” Both National and Labour parties have said they would not implement Opportunity’s tax policy.

This week’s poll question:

Would you support a land value tax on rural land?

Have your say at farmersweekly.co.nz/poll

Partnering with farmers like the Opperts to build a dairy farming legacy. Kevin and Nicole Oppert are passionate about farming, family and creating opportunities for the future. As Bay of Plenty contract milkers, they’re focused on growing a profitable business while working towards their ultimate goal of farm ownership. By combining hard work, strong partnerships and FIL’s dairy hygiene and teat care solutions, they’ve achieved measurable improvements in herd health and shed efficiency. Now that’s what we call a successful partnership. Discover how FIL is supporting the Opperts on their journey. Scan the QR code to read more about their story or visit FIL.co.nz

RETIRE: The Opportunity Party land tax is designed to encourage more productive land use and retire marginal land for conservation, says party deputy leader Daniel Eb.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Hard lessons learned in endless PC1 slog Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Regulation

EWS that Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 has been put on hold was met with weary celebration by farmers and farm consultants who spent a decade finding a way to make it workable and meaningful for the primary sector. Tipu Whenua farm adviser and farmer Alison Dewes said the 10-year process since PC1 was notified in 2016 had ended in an unworkable solution for farmers. Dewes appeared as an expert witness during PC1’s court appeal process. The prolonged court process meant years of stagnation, hundreds of millions of dollars in legal costs and little environmental progress.

We should be popping champagne, but I think we’ll just have a cup of tea. Rob Macnab Total Ag consultant “I’m celebrating this has happened because we need to have a completely new way of working,” Dewes said. On August 19, the government announced it was putting PC1 on hold while it sent through its replacement Resource Management Act legislation, to avoid farmers and landowners having two sets of rules around resource management. The change will see farm plan and consent requirements triggered by PC1 being made operative now being deferred until December 31, 2032. Total Ag consultant Rob Macnab said rather than celebrating, he just feels weary. “We should be popping champagne, but I think we’ll just have a cup of tea.”

Bay of Plenty farmer Rick Burke said it was a watershed moment, showing what worked and what does not. “It shows what absolute failure looks like. The only thing that has been achieved is farmers and communities saying, ‘We’ll take control of our own destiny we’ll do it ourselves’.” Burke led the Farmers for Positive Change group that was formed soon after PC1 was notified, calling PC1 unfair and morally wrong. On the positive side, PC1 did motivate farmers to work from the bottom up and work collectively in catchments, he said. “That’s what success looks like. “We need a stick sitting there, but we also need a carrot to incentivise that communityteam approach to address issues, because it works.” Dewes said empowering catchment groups is an obvious solution, but they need tighter guardrails around how they incentivise farmers. Dewes pointed to the work by the Lighthouse Farm project, which involved 15 Bay of Plenty farmers, as an example to follow. Dewes acted in an advisory capacity for the project. “It’s showing really clear evidence that a lighter footprint and a refined farming system are helping others to make the change. “We need a carrot and a stick, and we need to be working together far more collegially than we have been.” Macnab said farmers are a lot more collaborative now than 10 years ago, pointing to the growth of farmer-led catchment groups who will lead the way in improving water quality. These groups need the trust and backing of resources of central and local governments. But they also need to adopt a more professional mindset. This is lacking mostly due to a lack of funding, with central government relying on the free

HOLD: Farmer-led catchment groups could lead the way in improving water quality in the wake of Waikato Regional Council Plan Change 1 being put on hold, Total Ag consultant Rob Macnab says.

time and goodwill of farmers to get it done, he said. The decade-long process

completely eroded Macnab’s trust in the council, he said. Had there been an approach that was

inclusive, based on mutual trust, PC1 may not have ended up before the courts.

PC1 delay slammed as ‘free pass to pollute’ Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Environment THE government’s decision to delay Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 until 2032 has been slammed by Waikato-Tainui chair Tukoroirangi Morgan, who said it puts politics ahead of freshwater health and undermines Treaty settlement commitments. It is extraordinary that the government would press pause now, when the process has reached its conclusion, he said. “We know this is an election year, but this is bad news for people and organisations who follow the rule of law and in the next breath have the government step in to override judicial directions at the behest of their political donors. “Our catchments will now be subject to another six years of degradation, which is completely and utterly unacceptable.”

On August 19, the government said farm plan and consent requirements that are triggered by PC1 being made operative will now be deferred until December 31, 2032. The Waikato River Authority (WRA) is also deeply disappointed. The decision will set back progress towards restoring the Waikato and Waipā rivers, it said. WRA co-chair Stu Kneebone said the deferral pushes back a milestone that the Environment Court had already confirmed as an essential first step toward Te Ture Whaimana, a vision that looks 80 years out to a healthy, swimmable river. “We’ve got an 80-year journey to restore and protect our awa. Every year PC1 is deferred adds another year to that timeframe and pushes the restoration of our already significantly degraded awa further away.” The WRA was established in 2010 through the Waikato River

Treaty Settlement legislation. It is the custodian of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato and Waipā Rivers. The court had already weighed this trade-off and found against delay, a finding that stings given the authority has invested more than $80 million into almost 500 restoration projects across the Waikato River catchment over the past 15 years, he said. “The court was clear: delay risks further degrading a river system already under pressure. That finding hasn’t changed. What has changed is that we’re passing the buck to the next generation. “In the meantime, farmers who most need to improve can continue operating under existing permitted activity rules, without an FEP or any requirement to improve their environmental practices until 2032. That amounts to a free pass to keep polluting the awa.”

Maui adjusts payout as on-farm costs increase Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Dairy

MAUI Sheep Milk is increasing its payout to its suppliers while continuing significant investment in genetics and long-term farm productivity. Its average new payout is $17.18/kg MS and was done to better support its farmers through ongoing farm inflation and rising input costs. Maui Sheep Milk CEO Malcolm Edward said the decision was driven by both economic realities and the company’s strategic direction. Feed costs such as maize grain, which is used in in-shed feeding, have jumped from $250 to $600 a tonne since 2020. Currently, production costs range from $12 to $15/kg MS depending on the farm system and efficiencies.

“This payout increase is about providing confidence, supporting farm viability, and ensuring our farmers are fairly rewarded for the quality milk they produce. “We are deliberately taking a long-term view, backing the right farms, with the right genetics, and growing in a way that protects both our suppliers and our customers.” Maui Sheep Milk has also changed its payment structure to create a fairer and more sustainable model for its eight suppliers, it said. “We’ve learned a lot over the past six to seven years. “We are using that experience to shape a payment structure that better reflects the realities of farming and creates opportunities for more North Island farmers to participate in the growing sheep dairy sector.” The new structure rewards and

encourages higher production volumes and reduces cross-subsidisation where suppliers closest to the factory were effectively offsetting the transport costs of

those located further away. This gives Maui greater flexibility to source supply from a wider geographic area, beyond its traditional Waikato base,

ADJUSTING: Maui Sheep Milk has increased its payout to its farmers to meet increased on-farm costs, and is looking to bring in new suppliers as demand for its product soars in China.

while still encouraging growth in existing regions. It allows farms with high production levels in Waikato to have the ability to receive up to 10% higher payments for their milk solids to encourage more investment back into their sheepmilking operation. Maui Sheep Milk’s output is mainly sent to China to be used in products aimed at children three years old and above and the adult and seniors market. Soaring demand in that market has led Maui to look for more suppliers for the 2027-2028 season. While Waikato remains an important part of Maui’s supply base, the company is exploring regions including Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, where there is established sheep farming expertise and strong potential for the development of sheep dairy.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Apple detectives on the trail of heritage fruit Olivia Caldwell

PEOPLE

Horticulture

OR more than three decades in Riverton, at the bottom of the South Island, a couple have been saving heritage apples one variety at a time. Robert and Robyn Guyton have plucked, planted, grafted and grown more than 400 apple varieties from overgrown and decaying southern orchards – apple types that might otherwise have been lost. “We’re still in the process of finding names for all of those. There are still people ringing us up saying, ‘Oh, have you been out to the old such and such orchard up in, you know’,” Robert said. Their apple-saving efforts did

not begin as a deliberate campaign to preserve heritage fruit. When the couple moved to Southland 40 years ago, they settled in a heritage home in Riverton. Sharing a love of old things, they spent weekends exploring historic farming homesteads across the region, where generous farmers often opened their sheds and told them to “go for gold” among the heritage treasures within. During those visits, they began noticing old fruit orchards on many farms. As the dairy boom took hold in the early 2000s, some were being neglected or removed, putting old varieties at risk of being lost for good. “The trees were still going, and we thought, ‘Wow, wouldn’t it be great if we could learn how to take cuttings from those varieties,

DECADES: Robert and Robyn Guyton have spent more than three decades saving and growing hundreds of heritage apple varieties in Southland. Photos: Supplied graft them onto new diseaseresistant root stock and save these orchards?’” Both teachers by trade, the Guytons taught themselves how to preserve heritage varieties, turning their interest in the past into a mission centred on apples. Farmers were supportive, Robert said, particularly because preserving a variety also meant it

HERITAGE: Some of the heritage apple varieties preserved by Robert and Robyn Guyton through decades of orchard detective work, including green Warner’s King and red Lady Sudeley apples.

could be returned to the property it came from. Their preservation work has extended beyond apples. The couple have also saved heritage plums and pears, and even grow bananas in their lush Southland garden. Each year they hold a fruit tree sale that attracts buyers from around the country, selling about 800 trees. “Tens of thousands of trees have gone out into the Southland environment. So, the number of orchards in Southland now is high.” Some buyers go to considerable lengths to take the trees home. “One woman flew down from Wellington and said she wanted eight trees. So I pruned them really heavily. “You can prune the roots and the top, wrap them up really tightly, [and I] made them look like a guitar case, almost. And she carried them on the plane.” The couple’s work has also helped establish 14 communityled orchards across Southland. Riverton – a former sealing town settled just before Russell to the north – has a long fruit-growing history and is home to one of New

Zealand’s oldest orchards. The Guytons try to keep their orchard detective work focused on Southland, but their search for heritage trees has taken them into Central Otago, Dunedin and as far north as Kaikōura. Other groups are now doing similar work around the country, some with help from the Guytons. Their interest in local food and sustainability extends beyond preserving fruit trees. The Guytons established Riverton’s not-forprofit Environment Centre, which began in their garage and now sells local and organic produce. “When we came down here, there was nothing. In fact, the local supermarket only provided white cut bread. And we thought, ‘Maybe we could expand that envelope a little bit’.” That focus on connecting people with locally produced food also led to the Longwood Loop, a mobile shopping service for people in the area. “It’s a lovely idea to be picking up produce from little producers around the loop and then delivering as I go and then bringing all that stuff back to here or some of that stuff back to here.”

Steady hand to guide East Coast transition Richard Rennie

NEWS

Forestry A SELF-imposed tight timeframe has been set by the newly appointed East Coast forestry facilitator to deliver meaningful results for communities most affected by forestry’s presence, and their reliance upon it. Eastern Bay of Plenty farmer, ex- BoP Regional Council chair and former chair of Local Government NZ Doug Leeder is wading into an often fractious, conflicted and painful relationship between forestry, community and council on the East Coast. He is giving himself and the parties on the East Coast most affected by forestry six months at most to deliver on Forestry Minister Todd McClay’s concerns about ongoing enforcement approaches taken by the

Gisborne District Council (GDC) to foresters’ ability to continue felling. He will also be overseeing a blueprint to full land use transition. “From experience I have learnt things only take as much time as people are given to consider them. If we cannot make progress in that time frame, I would be disappointed,” he said. Land use transition encompasses about 100,000 hectares of land identified as unsuitable for its current use, either as farming or as commercial exotic forestry. Leeder will have to oversee a tense relationship between GDC and forestry companies, much of it due to restrictions placed upon those companies to reduce sedimentation losses at felling beyond forestry boundaries. Foresters maintain the rules put them in a “chicken and egg” situation, unable to fell existing mature trees to move forward

with different plantation models to mitigate damage done by the previous plantation models. “We have to remember it was government policy that dictated those forests, in response to Cyclone Bola,” Leeder said.

If the rules are too tight, forestry will walk away from the East Coast. Doug Leeder East Coast forestry facilitator While not sitting in judgement of GDC’s approach, Leeder said, absolute, strict compliance with Resource Management Act discharge rules is not workable. “Therefore, we need some form of transition. If the rules are too tight, forestry will walk away from the East Coast.” Emission Trading Scheme charges on pre-1990 forestry are

another key issue to resolve, and likely to cost millions. The charges are incurred by foresters if they fell trees but cannot replant, on the grounds that doing so may result in future debris and storm issues. “It is something I can’t resolve, but it needs to be presented to Parliament.” Simply replanting in natives comes at a significant cost, and slower regrowth means slower carbon earning capacity for those forests. Leeder noted that ETS legislation is silent about compensation and recognition for such a transition. Further tension has built along the coast after the government last year turned down a regional bid headed by GDC for $359 million to aid retirement of the 100,000ha of erodible land identified. Foresters also challenged the

fund’s business case, further adding to tensions between them and GDC earlier this year. Leeder said he is not yet party to a review of the funding proposal that has been underway. He said he brings a strong appreciation of corporate expectations, given many forest owners are overseas shareholders. He also brings an understanding of farm foresters’ motivations, and extensive council experience understanding decisions that activate land use shift and use. “Forestry is a significant part of the East Coast economy, but the regulatory regime it operates under, and not just the RMA, is not insignificant. This includes health and safety regulations. “We have to be mindful, if there is no profit to be made due to regulatory requirements, people simply will not invest.”

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14 Editorial

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

This week’s poll question (see page 9):

Would you support a land value tax on rural land? Have your say at farmersweekly.co.nz/poll

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULT

From the Editor

Taking a stand against pests Neal Wallace

Senior reporter

EST control usually sits in the top 10 challenges facing farmers but for some it has been elevated to near the top. Last century, rabbit plagues drove farmers from their land, the deer population was out of control, and possums were the primary vector in the rampant spreading of bovine tuberculosis. The centralised response from the government was to employ deer cullers and create rabbit boards, which provided a momentary reprieve. But those surveyed in a Federated Farmers study say that despite these efforts, the pest problem has reached a crisis point, with two-thirds reporting greater numbers than five years ago. The current response of tackling the problem property by property, species and species, no longer works and a much broader solution is needed. Without doubt there is a link between the recent pest explosion, forestry expansion,

some farmers taking their eye off the pest problem and the financial challenges – and spending priorities – of the Department of Conservation. The list of pests is extensive: deer, possums, goats, pigs, Canada geese and wallabies, all either eating or soiling pasture, damaging crops, or spreading disease. The federation calculates the annual loss of production and control costs at $466 million, with one farmer losing $100,000 after a leptospirosis outbreak he linked to wild pigs. Ironically, success combating bovine Tb has come at a cost, with the pressure on possum numbers easing as infection rates fall, and farmers reporting an explosion in numbers. Recent acknowledgement that we have a pest problem is welcomed. Last week the government announced it had allocated an additional $9.7m over four years from the International Visitor Levy for the control of goats and deer on conservation land, while forest owners last year spent $4m culling 160,000 pest animals. Federated Farmers is calling for a national pest management strategy to set clear responsibilities for farmers, forest owners, councils, and the Crown. While apportioning responsibility will be meaningful, a strategy cannot become a time-consuming talkfest. It must create agreed, practical responses.

It will hopefully tackle the difficult questions of how the pest plague will be controlled and who pays. The federation’s survey showed that relying on hunters has not kept a lid on numbers, suggesting that something of an instant king hit is needed to get on top of numbers. Despite its social and environmental issues, poison is the most economically efficient method, but using it could make an already unpopular product even more so. For 40 years I have reported on the South Island high country rabbit plague, from which there are pertinent lessons. The government provided some initial targeted assistance for fencing and poisoning to get on top of rabbit populations. Control work was then handed over to farmers, and regional councils were charged with monitoring numbers and providing enforcement to ensure numbers were kept below agreed levels. Co-ordinated control programmes involving neighbouring properties ensured tangible progress was made. Several properties still employ fulltime rabbit hunters to keep numbers low. The current pest plague is not a foreign situation, but the difference with previous outbreaks is that the taxpayer is unlikely to come to the rescue. We are on our own, and success requires a co-ordinated approach involving all landowners.

More than 67% of those who took the poll think changes to freshwater farm plans will make things easier for farmers. “Yes, it should be easier. But that’s not to signal the opportunity for bad practice. There will still need to be some form of industry checks to see that farmers are doing things well,” said one voter. Another said, “There is still too much red tape. Federated Farmers and Beef + Lamb NZ should both have developed a strong stance regarding a No Red Tape policy, no negotiations at all.” Of the 32.7% who didn’t think the changes would help farmers, some felt it would make things easier for polluters. “For many farmers, there is a risk that the FWFP process becomes little more than a compliance exercise, with limited value delivered in return. This is particularly the case where farmers are required to complete a plan, but there is no requirement for it to be independently reviewed or demonstrated as fit for purpose.” Another said: “In the short term, yes, farmers will think the farm plan process is easier. However, there is real risk everything will get overturned with a change of government.”

Last week’s question: Will the changes to freshwater farm plans make life eltiTeasier trahC for farmers?

67.3%

32.7%

Yes

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Opinion

OpEd 15

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Govt’s Gisborne approach defies logic Alternative view

Alan Emerson

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

HE appointment of Doug Leeder as “forestry facilitator” in Tairāwhiti Gisborne shows a government that is out of touch. Forestry Minister Todd McClay told us that the appointment was made to “reset” a “fractured relationship” between foresters, iwi, other stakeholders and the Gisborne District Council. While I agree with the minister that a reset is needed, and much as I respect Doug Leeder, the government appointment of a facilitator is too little, too late, and will achieve nothing. Gisborne’s problems aren’t new, going back to Cyclone Bola in 1988. The government response was to launch the East Coast Forestry Project in 1992, when the large-scale planting of Pinus radiata was subsidised. Subsequent cyclones, including Gabrielle, showed the problems

with planting some of those steeper contours. The problems are going to get worse, with a Ministry for the Environment report in 2023 telling us that climate disasters are predicted to become bigger and more frequent. To its credit, the Gisborne District Council decided to develop a plan for the future. The group charged with developing the strategy was diverse, and included farmers, foresters, iwi, scientists and environment and community groups. After 18 months it released an 85-page document last December entitled Land Use Transition in Tairāwhiti – the case for change. There were key planks, starting with the stabilisation of 100,000 hectares of erosion-prone land. It claimed savings of over $1 billion in avoided storm damage and cleanup costs followed by reduced sediment, woody debris and storm impacts across the region. The final two points were an increase of more than 350 jobs over time and stronger and more resilient farming, forestry and primary industries. I’ve read the entire document; it is well thought out and a template for other disaster-threatened regions. The cost of the strategy was estimated at $600 million. The council wanted $359m from the government with the balance of $241m raised locally. McClay rejected any government input, which I found incomprehensible. If the government had become involved when it was initially approached, the current

contretemps could have been avoided. The decision defied gravity. Since 2010 NZ has incurred $64bn in costs from natural hazards, of which $19bn came from the taxpayer. Further, the government has been criticised for spending 97% of its money on disaster recovery with a mere 3% spent on risk reduction and resilience. The Gisborne strategy, ignored by the government, was about risk reduction and resilience. It estimated that 12% of the region’s vulnerable hill country land needed to be transitioned into permanent indigenous or exotic vegetative cover. That proposed transition has created much of the current problem. There are pine trees, some over 30 years old, on the 100,000ha to be transitioned. They have to be removed, but because of the impractical consenting regime at the Gisborne District Council, they’re staying there – increasing the risk of future slips, fire and slash. The forestry industry tells me that getting a permit from the council to log trees is fraught. In addition, one rule won’t suit all. A bespoke approach to consents is required. I found the consenting block by the Gisborne District Council somewhat surprising as the community desperately needs the forestry industry. In fairness, the Gisborne District Council did have issues beyond its control. Because of rule changes and RMA reform, the council needed an exemption from the minister

PERMIT: The forestry industry has told Alan Emerson that getting a permit from the Gisborne District Council to log trees is fraught. responsible, Chris Bishop. After seven months of deliberations, Bishop turned it down. Trying to get on-the-record comments from the council was inordinately difficult, having been ignored by the mayor. I did get a written statement from the Gisborne District Council. Basically it acknowledges there are compliance issues that need to be resolved. It goes on: “Concerns have been raised by industry and the minister about council’s forestry consenting and compliance approach. This is why council has commissioned an independent assurance review chaired by the Hon Christopher Finlayson KC, so those concerns can be tested objectively against the evidence.” The statement was attributed to the council’s CEO, Nedine Thatcher Swann. I have tremendous respect for Chris Finlayson KC, a cabinet

minister in a National government. I would be positive that he would lead a team that would come up with a workable solution. Why then employ an additional consultant as McClay has done? Why not be part of the current team and work with the community? I found it ridiculous that the government did not get involved months ago when the Gisborne strategy was being developed. I found it totally incomprehensible that, when a person of the calibre of Finlayson is appointed to fix the problem, the government would appoint another, at taxpayer expense, to further oversee the issue. Central government should, in my view, listen to locals before acting unilaterally. Read weekly articles from Alan Emerson at farmersweekly.co.nz/ author/alan-emerson

Succession is about investing in the future In my view Katie Gardner

Second-year Lincoln University agribusiness students were asked to write an opinion piece about their field tour. We’re publishing some of our favourites over the coming weeks

OR decades, succession in New Zealand farming followed a familiar path. You were born into it, you stayed and one day you took over. The system continued, often with only small changes over generations. But after visiting farms and businesses across Canterbury, it is clear that model is breaking down. Succession is no longer automatic: it must be actively built, planned and invested in. Increasing land values, financial/ economic pressure and changing career paths mean that relying on inheritance alone is no longer enough. Instead, succession is becoming something that must be deliberately structured over time. At Redcliffs Station in the Rakaia Gorge, this shift is already happening. With family ownership

dating back to 1917 and the fifth generation now growing up on the farm, succession is clearly a priority. Ross and Jess Bowmar returned from corporate careers to take over, not because they had to but because they chose to. Their decision was driven by lifestyle, values and where they want to raise their children. That choice alone shows how much things have changed. When they arrived in 2020, they were immediately tested by covid, a drought and two major floods all within the same year. It highlighted how exposed farming systems can be and how much resilience is required just to keep going. Despite this, their goal remains clear – they want to leave the farm in a better condition than when they took over. That mindset reflects a key shift in succession: it is no longer about simply holding on to the farm, but more about making it better for future generations. At Redcliffs, this has meant investing in irrigation to lift productivity and reliability, and diversifying into tourism through glamping. These decisions are

not just about today’s income but about building a system that can support the next generation. However, not everyone has a family farm to return to or buy into. This is where the Dairy Holdings model offers a different perspective, one that challenges the idea that you have to be born into farming.

Farms must be places people want to return to. They must be financially viable, well managed and capable of handling uncertainty. The story of Nikita Moore is a strong example. She did not come from a farming background and started milking cows as a teenager simply because it was the only job available. Today she and her husband are managing a 1120-cow operation. This journey shows that succession can be built through smart systems, opportunity and progression, not just inheritance. The key to this system is equity. Rather than just earning a wage, operators are encouraged to build

their own assets through contract milking. Early decisions, like being required to buy calves, may seem small but they start to lay the foundation of ownership. Over time stock numbers grow, equity increases and farmers are able to leverage that into further investment. This creates a pathway into farming that does not rely on land ownership from the start. At the other end of the scale, Philip Wareing Ltd shows how succession is evolving in larger, more complex businesses. What started as a single spray truck has grown into a diversified group with around 300 trucks, 380 staff and nearly $100 million in turnover including multiple transport companies, sheep stations and the Fairfield Freight Hub. With Wareing’s children already in key roles, leadership is being built within the business. In this case, succession looks less like inheritance and more like a longterm family business strategy driven by structure, investment and strong management. Across all these examples, the same pattern is clear: succession is no longer something that just happens, it is something that must be created.

There are several reasons for this. People now have more career options. More people going to university means the next generation has more choice and children do not have to feel obligated to return. Farming has also become more complex, with increasing pressure from climate events, regulation and rising costs. At the same time, farms are now businesses that require planning, financial discipline and ongoing investment. To farm now days you must have a true passion. This creates a new reality. Farms must be places people want to return to. They must be financially viable, well managed and capable of handling uncertainty. Whether through diversification or a well-structured business model, the focus now is on building something that can last. In the end succession in New Zealand farming is no longer about inheriting land. It is about investing in the future for future generations. More of your favourite opinion pieces now online farmersweekly.co.nz/opinion

16 S&B Focus

Sector Focus

Sheep & Beef

Combi Clamp couple call it a day Isabella Beale

NEWS

Agribusiness

AYNE and Lynley Coffey spent almost 25 years building Combi Clamp into a business that now supplies sheep handlers across New Zealand, Australia and beyond. When the Manawatū-based farming couple sold the business to Te Pari this year the decision was driven not by financial gain, but by a decision to slow down. After decades of field days, late nights and long stretches away from home, the pair are looking forward to more time with family, being able to travel at their own pace and returning to the farming life that inspired the creation of Combi Clamp at the beginning. They also have a new goal: to focus the next five years on Lynley’s interest in producing and selling top handcraft-quality black and coloured wool and sheep skins as part of their Black Sheep Products business. “We want to travel and see the backs of some of the signs that we’ve raced past. The hardest thing is going to be able to just slow down, rather than race from one place to another in every aspect of life,” said Lynley. When the Coffeys created the Combi Clamp, it was simply to make dagging easier on the Taihape hill country farm the couple managed at the time. “We didn’t build it to sell it, we built it for our own use,” said Wayne. After a neighbour saw the Combi Clamp in action, they asked to borrow it, then asked for one of their own. Word quickly spread through the farming community.

As more farmers heard about the product, demand grew steadily, but despite the growing interest, Wayne said, he never imagined it would become a successful business overnight. “It was just a chain reaction,” he said. “Travelling the country demonstrating the new product, while managing a hill country farm running 11,000 ewes wasn’t easy,” Wayne said.

We’ve just been fortunate enough to make the changes in the right direction. Wayne Coffey Combi Clamp They sold their rental property to fund their first production run rather than taking on debt. “We never borrowed any money to fund the business in the early days,” Wayne said. After attending their first Central Districts Field Days they then

went on to the National Fieldays, supported by friends and family who volunteered their time. “Good news can travel faster than bad news,” Wayne said, “If we did a field day and one person bought one, six months later there’d be a circle of them around that area.” With the support and encouragement of friends, family and the farm owner, they soon went out on their own buying and running their first farm in Taihape, as well as working on their business. “If anybody says that they’ve got somewhere or succeeded in life and they’ve done it on their own, they’re telling porkies,” Wayne said. “We’d like to thank our clients and our friends who helped us along the way.” They were then hit by a drought affecting their business with high interest rates and regular farm visits from their bank manager. “It was such a struggle back then. The bank manager was more stressed about us than what we were,” Wayne said. Faced with mounting pressure,

SOLUTIONS: When the Coffeys created the Combi Clamp, it was simply to make dagging easier on the Taihape hill country farm the couple managed at the time.

SLOW DOWN: Wayne and Lynley Coffey are looking forward to more time with family, and being able to travel at their own pace. Photos: Isabella Beale Wayne made a decision on the spot while the bank manager sat across the table, to expand overseas. “ ‘We’re going to Australia. It’s the only choice we have.’” This decision opened a major export market selling directly into Australia. Wayne said the Coffeys’ biggest breakthroughs often came during their toughest moments. “We’ve just been fortunate enough to make the changes in the right direction,” he said. Demand continued to grow, with Combi Clamps regularly airfreighted to Australia. A visiting Scotsman, the manager of Scotland’s Glamis Estate, along with New Zealand Nuffield Scholar and Wairarapa farmer Roger Barton, used the product for dagging on a Wairarapa farm. This was an eyeopener for the Scot and led to

manufacturing in Forfar, Scotland, and opened the door to the northern hemisphere market. One piece of business advice from an early business mentor has stuck with Wayne. “He said to me, ‘It’s not about the product, it’s about the people’.” Wayne said he soon recognised the importance of this, in everyday life and in business relationships with manufacturers, distributors and farmers. For the couple, they found that success to them was in the impact the product had on the people using it, rather than just the sales. “When you’ve got people that tell you they wouldn’t still be farming if they didn’t have their Combi Clamp, that’s the proud bit,” Wayne said. “It’s never really been about the money.”

“Lamb weaning weights were up 1-2 kgs and we’ve nearly doubled the number of lambs to the works” BROCK PAGE Sheep & Beef Farmer | North Canterbury

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Sheep & Beef

Support grows for beef sustainability index Annette Scott

NEWS

Data

ROOF, progress and partnership will inform the process as the New Zealand beef sector looks towards a shared, industry-wide sustainability baseline. In its annual report to a conference that brought together stakeholders from across the beef value chain, the NZ Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (NZRSB) highlighted the completion of Phase 1 of the NZ Beef Sustainability Report. Facilitated in partnership with Beef + Lamb NZ (BLNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA), the Red Meat Sustainability Scoping Study report delivered by Lincoln University and informed by interviews with 18 organisations across the value chain confirmed strong support for a national, sector-wide sustainability reporting mechanism. The framework aims to measure performance across key economic, environmental, social and animal welfare indicators, spotlighting the importance of credible data and alignment with international

frameworks providing a trusted and unified voice supporting credible market claims while reflecting NZ’s unique production systems. NZRSB chair Jess Blair said a shared baseline would help demonstrate progress, strengthen market confidence and support the industry’s reputation without creating additional reporting requirements for farmers.

It became clear that there are challenges in NZ that will need to be overcome. Prof Alan Renwick Lincoln University “The challenges and opportunities facing our industry are simply too significant for any one organisation to tackle alone. “Our strength lies in bringing people together from across the value chain to listen learn and work collaboratively on the issues that matter most.” Lincoln University Professor of Agricultural Economics Alan Renwick said there has been a growing realisation that the country’s

sheep and beef industry is missing a centralised, verifiable mechanism for reporting sustainability progress. This has led to challenges in benchmarking industry performance both nationally and internationally, as well as a reduction in transparency for markets, consumers and regulators. Given the high level of global interest and activity in sustainability reporting, Renwick said, it makes sense to begin the scoping study with a review of what is happening internationally. “It quickly became clear that the challenge was one of balancing between having sufficient indicators to be able to present a clear picture of sustainability whilst not so many that the picture becomes blurred.” He said data is “at the heart of producing a sustainability report and through discussion and analysis it became clear that there are challenges with data in NZ that will need to be overcome”. “However, these are not insurmountable challenges and over time they can be overcome.” There is strong support for a collaborative report. MIA manager for strategy and

VERIFIABLE: There’s been a growing realisation that NZ’s beef industry is missing a centralised, verifiable mechanism for reporting sustainability progress. advocacy Leigh Shaw said measuring sustainability performance is becoming increasingly important as international markets place greater emphasis on environmental and social outcomes. “We know that there is growing interest from consumers to see the food that they are buying is sourced sustainably and this demand is only going to grow. Our international competitors are measuring sustainability, and we should also take the opportunity to do so.” BLNZ general manager for policy and communications Rowena Hume said the Sustainability Framework will begin with a strong foundation and build from there. “By working collaboratively, we can create a tool that gives

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an evidence-based and verified sustainability story. Our plan is to start small and create a solid base that we can build on.” Strategist Jordi Hoult encouraged conference participants to consider the longer-term forces that could shape the red meat sector, including global, technological and social changes. Hoult’s presentation looked at influences over the next century and provided context for how the sector can remain resilient and competitive while responding to changing expectations around sustainability. Farmers will remain central to the conversation, with farmer engagement through regional activities and practical case studies to help shape the direction of work.

Rural Women 19

Pilates where farm socks are welcome Georgia Nelson

ROM small group classes in church halls and garages, entrepreneur Anna King has grown a Mid Canterbury Pilates empire. Anna, and her business AnnaFit, has just won the Rural Health and Wellness excellence category at this year’s NZI Rural Women’s Business Awards. AnnaFit is two Pilates studios in Methven and Ashburton, five instructors, as well as an online platform. She prides herself on creating an inclusive space for all bodies, ages and professions in small town New Zealand. “You certainly don’t need flash activewear, anything comfortable goes. We have clients coming in their dairy farming gear. I’ll never forget one of my guys standing at the door, dropping his overalls into his dirty gumboots, kicking off his big Norsewear socks and putting on his Pilates socks. “Our clients range from 80, to 40 and 14. We have mums and daughters, we have aunts, we have uncles, brothers, sisters, farmers, multi-sporters and have our everyday heroes,” she said. Over the past 13 years hundreds of locals have joined her for classes ranging from strength to cardio and mobility. Anna is married to Mike, who works locally in irrigation, and is the proud mother of three teenage boys. Henry, Charlie and Olly. A former flight attendant, she got into personal training and Pilates after moving back to Ashburton from London. “I decided to do something for me, and that was getting involved

in health and wellbeing and digging deeper. My body had been put through quite the grilling as being a mother does. So I was left in a position where I wasn’t able to do the things that I wanted to be able to do with my body, so really started looking into Pilates and there was no one here in our community doing anything like it,” said Anna. While working part time she trained to become a mat Pilates instructor, travelling to Auckland regularly over 15 months. “I started with a group of friends at Long Beach, running classes out of the local school hall. And again, it was about connecting rural women.

To have someone outside of your community tell you that you’re doing really well and keep doing it, meant more to me than anything. Anna King AnnaFit “Then that kind of just grew and AnnaFit Pilates began, we turned our garage here at home it into a Pilates studio, it just started with local humans in our rural community,” she said. The next milestone was renting studio space in town, which ended up being a challenge with limited commercial property available. “There was a lot of sleepless nights and I saw a lot of buildings, it took a long time to find something in Ashburton. One of my clients, who was an amazing

regular, she actually helped me find a space within the medical practice. I think it was originally a vaccination room,” said Anna. Within a year she needed a bigger space and moved into her current studio, closely followed by the opening of a second studio in Methven. AnnaFit classes now have over 350 clients a week. Entering the awards came following a prompt from regular client, and Rural Women Regional Leader, Elsa Hyde. “She sent me the link and I started the entry because I wanted to do it for her, because I love her. She’s just a beautiful human who has always supported me, so it was a way I could give back to her. Halfway through the application I was like, you know what, I really want this,” she said. Anna did a double take when she got the letter telling her she’d won. “To have someone outside of your community tell you that you’re doing really well and keep doing it, meant more to me than anything. “It just gave me confidence to keep moving forward. Because there’s lots of wobbly moments when you’re self-employed and suddenly, you’re employing other humans, it can be quite isolating making all the decisions,” she said. She took her team and family to Wellington for the awards night at Parliament. “It was pretty amazing and I don’t think the gravity of it sunk in until afterwards. I loved it, had a great time, met some really amazing humans which was pretty cool,” said Anna. Rural Women National President Heather Sorensen said the judges

ALL WELCOME: Anna King, of AnnaFit, prides herself on creating an inclusive space for all bodies, ages and professions in small town New Zealand. were impressed with Anna’s story and business growth. “AnnaFit’s journey is one of exceptional longevity and growth, over 13 years she has evolved from a family garage to two dedicated studios. “She is making expert wellness accessible in rural Mid Canterbury, and through a fitness community

is improving health outcomes. “What also really stood out to us was the broad and inclusive client base, serving ages from 14 to 80, across demographics, genders and fitness levels. Businesswomen like Anna are the beating heart of grassroots New Zealand and we are thrilled to celebrate her achievements,” said Heather.

FEDERATED 20 Feds

FARMERS Vol 4 No 34, August 31, 2026

fedfarm.org.nz

Farming red tape gets the scalpel

ederated Farmers says proposed changes to the planning system will cut much of the excessive, expensive and totally unnecessary red tape involved in farming. The Government has announced a series of targeted amendments to its new laws being drafted to replace the Resource Management Act. That comes after clear feedback from Federated Farmers on the first cut of those laws, the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill. “The Government has clearly listened to our concerns with the initial drafting,” Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says. “We raised some serious concerns about the workability of the new planning system, and it’s good to see many of those issues are now being addressed. “This is a positive step forward that will cut red tape, unlock investment, and help grow our export-led economy.” Hooper says the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill represent a fundamental shift in the way New Zealand manages its natural resources. Agriculture is the major driver of the national economy, so unnecessary red tape puts a drag on productivity, economic growth, and the income of every New Zealander, he says. “The Government’s changes will address some of the real-world, on-the-ground challenges farmers have been grappling with under the broken RMA system.

“Having a resource management system that’s practical and easy to implement will help cut costs, improve productivity and grow the economy. “It will also support the great environmental work farmers are already doing, while removing the unnecessary cost, complexity and uncertainty of consenting processes. “There’s plenty of good work going on out there, but unfortunately the system pulls the handbrake more often than it presses the accelerator.” Federated Farmers is particularly pleased to see confusingly drafted resource cap provisions dropped from the proposed legislation. The resource caps aimed to describe the maximum amount of a resource that could be used before an environmental limit was breached. Hooper says this implied councils would set caps on things like fertiliser, stock numbers or even the amount of land in pastoral production. “Those are incredibly restrictive controls that would have been an absolute nightmare for farmers and rural communities to grapple with.” Federated Farmers is also welcoming a clarification that action plans are the primary mechanism for managing resource use when a limit is at risk of being breached. “This is great news. Action plans allow the complexity of individual catchments to be addressed rather than just applying blanket regulations and hoping for the best,” Hooper says. “We’re also pleased to see

PROGRESS: Mark Hooper says the proposed changes are an important step, but the real test will come as the new system takes shape.

There’s plenty of good work going on out there, but unfortunately the system pulls the handbrake more often than it presses the accelerator. Mark Hooper Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson unworkable ‘existing use’ provisions will be extended from six months to a much more practical 12-month period. “In reality, farmers operate on a cyclical agricultural season, so an ‘existing activity’ often means

something you did 12 months ago.” The Government says it will also amend the indigenous biodiversity goal in the Natural Environment Bill, replacing “no net loss in indigenous biodiversity” with “protect significant indigenous biodiversity”. “That goal was unclear and risked land use targets being put on farmers,” Hooper says. “Focusing on protecting significant biodiversity is a much more pragmatic approach.” Hooper says the announcement marks an important milestone in New Zealand’s resource management reform, but it’s only the halfway point in the process. “The bills set out the framework, but we still need to work through

the national direction and national standards,” he says. “Newly established councils will then need to develop new policy and plans, which could take years to put in place. “There’s a long road ahead before the system is up and running, but there are things the Government could do to speed up the benefits of these reforms. “For example, they could pick up Federated Farmers’ request for 10 new national standards to make basic farming activities permitted activities.” Hooper says Federated Farmers will be watching closely to make sure the reality of the changes lines up with the rhetoric – and holding leaders to account if they don’t.

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Federated Farmers

fedfarm.org.nz – August 31, 2026

Methven couple earn Arable Farmers of the Year accolade

ethven couple John and Mel McCaw were named Arable Farmers of the Year at the 2026 Arable Awards in Christchurch on 20 August. Nearly 500 people packed the Air Force Museum at the fourth annual celebration of innovators and leaders in the grain and seed industry, cheering winners in seven award categories. The Arable Farmer of the Year is selected from winners of the Seed Grower of the Year (the McCaws), the Maize Grower of the Year (Mark Shera from Ashburton), the Cereal Grower of the Year (Andrew and Amy Darling, from Timaru) and the Positive Environmental Impact Grower of the Year (Lovett Family Farms). Judges were impressed by how the McCaws bring simplicity to their arable rotation, their understanding of crop performance, and

their strategic integration of multiple arable crops and livestock classes. Good profitability is achieved alongside sustainability, with use of trees, cover crops, and tillage practices beneficial to soil conservation. “We also noted a strong ‘people focus. This encompassed the development and support of family and staff members to build capability, understanding and connection to the farming business and its goals,” judges said. John McCaw contributes to the sector through various representative, community, governance and advisory roles, including chairing the Federated Farmers Herbage Seed Subsection for the last six years. Earlier this year he was named Federated Farmers Arable Advocate for the Year, with then Arable chair David Birkett calling his contribution “exceptional and hugely valuable”.

TOP: PGG Wrightson Seeds agronomist Sean Mulligan was named Agronomist of the Year.

“

“The intellect and the balanced approach he brings to advocacy is outstanding.” The award ceremony also saw three individuals and a couple join the Arable Hall of Fame: John Mckay, John McKenzie, Eric and Maxine Watson and (the late) Murray Kelly. From its beginnings in the early 1990s, South Pacific Seeds (SPS) has grown to be New Zealand’s largest vegetable seed production company, and John Mckay has been managing director every step of the way. “With SPS, John developed production systems and grower networks that enabled arable farmers to successfully produce specialist seed crops such as carrot, radish, Chinese cabbage, and he has worked hard to develop new markets for those seeds, particularly in Asia,” the Hall of Fame citation reads. “He is also recognised for his investment and contribution to industry research and capability.” John McKenzie has been a significant figure in New Zealand’s pasture seed and forage industry for several decades; but first and foremost, he has always been a passionate arable farmer. “Across many roles, John’s influence extended beyond seed sales into commercial plant breeding, research commercialisation, export-oriented agribusiness, integration of science and farming practice and the development of New Zealand forage genetics for global markets.” Eric and Maxine Watson have been focused on arable farming at their property in Wakanui, near Ashburton, for over 30 years. Throughout that time, they have been proactive and positive

ARABLE ALL-ROUNDERS: Federated Farmers sponsor the Arable Farmer of the Year Award and president Colin Hurst was on hand to present it to 2026 winners John and Mel McCaw.

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supporters of the arable industry. They achieved Guiness World Records for wheat yields twice and Eric has worked closely with researchers throughout his farming career. “The Watsons’ farm has hosted dozens of grain and seed trials, and Eric has always been generous in sharing his knowledge and advice with other growers, young or old, local or international,” the Hall of Fame citation reads. Murray Kelly, who died earlier this year, was a senior research agronomist at PGG Wrightson Seeds, where he and his team researched and developed techniques to increase seed yields and improve production to get the most out of crops. Kelly was a great communicator who was generous in sharing his knowledge and enjoyed mentoring the next generation of seed researchers. Growers and his research and agronomy peers regarded him as “a walking encyclopedia on all aspects of seed production”. Marty and Georgina Skurr, who work the Canterbury land Marty’s great-grandfather began farming in

the 1920s, took out the Innovation Award. What began as a desire to add value to the grain produced on their farm has grown into a thriving on-farm stone-ground flour business, creating a direct connection between grower and consumer. The couple manage every step of the process, from growing and harvesting the grain through to milling, marketing and selling the final product. Other 2026 Arable Award winners are: • Working Together Award – The SCID Rebuild Team • Positive Environmental Impact Award – Lovett Family Farms • Agronomist of the Year – Sean Mulligan • United Wheat Growers Feed Wheat Award – Andrew and Amy Darling from Adar Farming Ltd. • United Wheat Growers Milling Wheat Award – Dan and Tash White from Willowbank Ag • United Wheat Growers Premium Milling Wheat Award – Robin and Lisa Kingsbury from Tahuri Farm.

Federated Farmers

August 31, 2026 – fedfarm.org.nz

Farm plans move in right direction

hanges to the farm plan system will provide muchneeded clarity and make the system more pragmatic for farmers, Federated Farmers says. The Government has announced it will create a simpler, cheaper and more risk-focused freshwater farm plan system. The changes address several of Federated Farmers’ key concerns, national president Colin Hurst says. “This should give farmers much greater certainty about what will be expected of them. “We’ve been clear that farm plans can have a role to play in improving freshwater outcomes, but only if they’re practical, proportionate and reduce red tape rather than adding to it. “The Government’s changes get us much closer to that sort of system.” Hurst says he’s particularly pleased that not every farm will require certification and auditing. Where certification is required, it will generally apply only to the higher-risk activity that triggers it, rather than the whole farm. “That’s a really big win for farmers who might, for example, have a relatively small area of their farm subject to intensive winter grazing or irrigation. “Under the previous approach, that could have dragged the whole farm into certification.” Hurst says the changes should help ensure the level of regulatory oversight is better matched to the environmental risk. “Low-risk farming activities shouldn’t be buried under layers of needless paperwork designed for higher-risk activities. “The principle that requirements should be proportionate to risk is absolutely the right one. “We’re also pleased to see greater emphasis on certifiers and auditors having practical knowledge of farm systems and the actions farmers can take to protect freshwater quality. “That’s important if the Government expects all farmers to

BOTTOM LINE: Federated Farmers has consistently argued farm plans must replace regulation, not add to it.

We don’t want farmers completing a farm plan while still having to navigate a separate maze of overlapping rules, permits and resource consents. Colin Hurst Federated Farmers national president have their first plans in place within five years. “We need people doing this work who understand farming in the real world, not just people who understand compliance.” Federated Farmers also welcomes changes to certification and audit frequency, a simpler pass-or-fail grading system and the ability for farmers to put issues right within three months. Federated Farmers has consistently argued that farm plans must meet four bottom lines. First, farm plans must replace regulation, not add another layer to it. The Government’s National Policy

Direction (NPD) for the new planning system shows promising signs on this front, Hurst says. “The NPD indicates councils won’t be able to require permits or other controls to manage effects already covered by farm plans. “Councils also won’t be able to impose farm controls that are stricter than national standards, including the standards that apply to farm plans. “There is a caveat where environmental limits have been breached. In those circumstances, councils may need to develop an Action Plan that introduces stricter controls. “But that should be a last resort, after other measures have been considered, rather than the default approach for councils.” Second, farm plans must be proportionate, practical and scaled to risk, Hurst says. “Today’s changes are a big step towards that principle, particularly by focusing certification and auditing on higher-risk activities.” Third, farm plans should be auditable, but not every farm plan should be audited. “We are pretty close to getting what we wanted here,” Hurst says.

“The fact that only specified higher-risk activities trigger certification and auditing, and that certification can be limited to that activity rather than the whole farm, is a much more sensible approach.” Fourth, existing farm plans should be recognised, and Hurst says more work is needed in this area.

“Farmers have already invested time and money in farm plans through industry programmes and other initiatives. We don’t want them being forced to start again from scratch. “There is potential for approved industry organisations to certify and audit their own existing plans, which could help avoid duplication, but we need to see how that works in practice.” Hurst says Federated Farmers will continue working with Government as the wider resource management framework takes shape. “We’re pleased to see the Government listening to farmers and moving the farm plan system in a much more pragmatic direction. “There are still some tweaks we’d like to see – and we’ll keep pushing for them – but overall, this is a positive step in the right direction. “Farmers want to do the right thing for their land and water. “What they need is a system that gives them clear expectations, recognises the work they’re already doing and lets them get on with farming responsibly. “That’s what farm plans should be about.”

CONTINUE: Colin Hurst says Federated Farmers will continue working with Government as the wider resource management framework takes shape.

Sheep milk’s big opportunity Hear how New Zealand’s sheep dairy industry has gone from a crazy idea to a growing global business.

EP 102 FFNZ-Farmers Weekly Ad_Podcast Ep 102.indd 1

Listen on Spotify, Apple, iHeart & other platforms 24/08/2026 1:41 PM

Federated Farmers

fedfarm.org.nz – August 31, 2026

Farmers get plan change pain relief

n intervention by the Government has given much-needed certainty to farmers and growers in the Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui, Federated Farmers says. After repeated calls from Federated Farmers, the Government has decided to pause key parts of Waikato Plan Change 1 (PC1) and Horizons Plan Change 2 (PC2). Waikato Federated Farmers president Chris Woolerton says the move will give local farmers breathing room while the resource management system is overhauled. “This is a really positive step for Waikato farmers and a direct response to the concerns we’ve been raising,” he says. “We’ve been saying for months that it made no sense to force farmers into a new set of rules when the Government is in the middle of overhauling the RMA, freshwater rules and the farm planning system. “Farmers will be hugely relieved to now have some breathing room, and that’s exactly what we were asking for.” A particularly significant win is

for more than 400 farmers in the Whangamarino Wetland catchment. “Those farmers were staring down a huge amount of uncertainty and compliance cost just to keep doing what they’re already doing,” Woolerton says. “They were going to have to get a restricted discretionary resource consent simply to continue their existing farming activities.

It’s really good news that the Government has stepped in to end the insanity. Ian Strahan Federated Farmers ManawatuRangitikei president “Removing that consenting requirement for the next five years is a massive relief.” The Government’s decision to delay farm-planning requirements for five years is also welcomed by Federated Farmers, as it will give the national farm plan system time to be developed and put in place. However, Woolerton says Federat-

ed Farmers is disappointed that the changes announced do not appear to address the restrictions on landuse flexibility. “There’s still a big issue sitting in the middle of PC1 that needs to be resolved. “Farmers need to be able to respond to changing markets and opportunities. They shouldn’t be locked into one particular farming system because of rules written years ago. “We’re still working through exactly what these rules will mean for growers, but this is potentially a major issue for vegetable production in the Waikato.” Meanwhile, the Government’s intervention on Horizons Regional Council’s PC2 is huge for farmers who’ve been stuck in consenting limbo for more than a decade, Federated Farmers Tararua president Aaron Passey says. “It’s great news that the Government has heeded calls from Federated Farmers and announced a pause on PC2. “It gives 167 farming families a controlled consent pathway that is

WIN: Intervention by the Government over Waikato Plan Change 1 is a significant win for more than 400 farmers in the Whangamarino Wetland catchment.

“Feds contracts are the best you can get on the market.” - Sam Ebbett Taranaki dairy farmer Federated Farmers sharefarmer chair

The trusted voice of farmers

RESULT: The Government’s decision to intervene on PC1 and PC2 comes after repeated calls from Federated Farmers, including Waikato president Chris Woolerton. much more straight forward than what they faced under an Environment Court ruling.” Passey says they’ll have to demonstrate they have good farm practice and a nutrient management plan as they apply for a controlled activity resource consent. “So, there are still tests to meet but for farmers who have been under a cloud of uncertainty year after year, we think this announcement will be very welcome news.” Under the Environment Court decision, the dairy farmers had just 12 months to get their consent applications in once PC2 kicked in, or their applications would be subject to a tougher discretionary consent. Even to qualify for approval, farms would have needed to achieve either a 20% reduction in nitrogen loss from their 2012 baseline (35% for commercial vegetable growers) or reduce nitrogen loss to the 75th percentile for their catchment – whichever is lower – within two years of receiving consent. “That was a near impossible ask,” Federated Farmers ManawatuRangitikei president Ian Strahan says. “It’s not reasonable or practical to expect farmers in 2012 to have anticipated the complex chain of regulatory and technological shifts and to have known they’d need to keep a record of their N-discharge

because there would be a software update three years later. “It was that software update that made the 167 dairy farms noncompliant, leading to a new set of rules in 2026 that required farmers to produce a record of what Nitrogen loss was in 2012.” Many of the properties affected by the 2026 rules have changed hands multiple times since 2012. New owners do not have legal or practical access to the specific input data (fertiliser receipts, stock rates, feed use) required to construct a valid 2012 baseline, Strahan says. In 2012, the One Plan was built around a specific version of Overseer. When the software updated its underlying scientific models in 2015, it instantly changed the calculated nitrogen output of those farmson paper only-without any actual changes happening on the physical land. “Expecting a business owner to maintain records for a hypothetical compliance standard that did not exist yet, using software that would later redefine the rules retrospectively, is ridiculous,” Strahan says. “It’s really good news that the Government has stepped in to end the insanity, and also to usher in new resource management rules that will cut down the unnecessary red tape that has hobbled our sector, and many others.”

24 Real Estate

Boundary lines are indicative only

Hawke's Bay 717 Puketitiri Road, Puketapu

Location, scale, contour and development potential

716.6 ha

Located just 7.0km from the suburbs of Napier, Brooklands provides an exceptional 716ha landholding which combines economic scale farming, location and future development potential. In four titles, the farm has over 40ha of Class 1 fertile flats with consent to irrigate 24ha, and large portions of tractor country, providing the ideal conditions for winter beef and lamb premiums. Only minutes from an excellent country school, pub and city amenities. There is good clean water from streams, dams and excellent springs which have potential to supply an extensive system of troughs. Farm workability is enhanced by a central laneway. Improvements include three low maintenance dwellings, an historic five stand woolshed, a very large four bay implement shed and workshop complex with a contained office, all topped off with station sized sheep and cattle yards.

Auction 12pm, Fri 25 Sep 2026 15 Havelock 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/2854613

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

NEW LISTING

Mt Lyford 3717 and 3429 Inland Kaikoura Road A statement property with further upside Sited in a spectacular location near Kaikoura, this statement property boasts exceptional scale, location, balance of contour and excellent infrastructure. Currently operating with a manager in place, showing if required the property has the scale to produce a profit with a manager. At 1,844ha (more or less), the property is well-suited to sheep and beef breeding and finishing, with large areas of workable country, an extensive laneway system and wellsubdivided paddocks providing ease of management. Two homes, plus a single man’s cottage, provide plenty of accommodation.

bayleys.co.nz/5531431

bayleys.co.nz

1,844.8074 ha Asking Price $14,000,000 + GST (if any) View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Peter Foley 021 754 737 peter.foley@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

LIST WITH BAYLEYS’

COUNTRY Secure your space in the upcoming Bayleys’ Country portfolio, New Zealand’s multi-channel campaign showcasing the latest rural and lifestyle properties for sale with unmatched digital reach.

Get in front of motivated buyers through Bayleys’ powerful combination of precision digital targeting, extensive buyer databases and nationwide rural expertise. Country puts your property in front of more qualiﬁed and engaged audiences – driving stronger enquiry and better outcomes within a highly costeffective model. We’re New Zealand’s #1 rural real estate brand – so invest in Country to get the best result for the sale of your property.

Call 0800 BAYLEYS or visit bayleys.co.nz/country LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

Accelerating success.

Three Unique North Canterbury Properties with a Range of Quality Infrastructure and Land Use Potential

“Wai-iti” and “Kintail”

For Sale

782 Glasnevin Road, Waipara

78.17 hectares in 5 titles

Resource Consent for 21 Litres per Second

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67041353

100 Georges Road, Broomﬁeld 283 McRaes Road, Waikari, North Canterbury

For Sale by Deadline, closing 2pm Thursday 10th September 2026 (unless sold prior) 101.27 hectares

Resource Consent for 14.18 Litres per Second

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67041355

590 Georges Road, Broomﬁeld

104.40 hectares in 3 titles

Resource Consent for 35 Litres per Second

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67041356 Deadline Sale closing 12pm, Friday 4th September 2026

George Fox | 027 614 3763

Andy Poswillo | 027 420 4202

Agri Realty Limited, Marlborough Rural Realty Limited T/A Colliers. Licensed REAA 2008

“Kintail” 456 Ha (more or less)

“Wai-iti” 282 Ha (more or less)

Purchase as a whole or in two separate blocks

248 sqm 5 bedroom homestead

Colliers proudly presents a substantial 738.7273 ha freehold hill country farming property in the Hurunui District. The property is available for purchase as a whole or in two separate blocks, providing ﬂexibility for purchasers seeking either a complete farming operation or an additional grazing and ﬁnishing unit.

George Fox 027 614 3763

Mick Sidey 027 229 8888

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67041850

Agri Realty Limited Colliers Licensed REAA 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Manawahe 1415 Manawahe Road Tender

Scan for more

Bay of Plenty forest investment Giggleswick Forest is a strategically positioned, proven profitable, forestry investment located at Manawahe, a well-established forestry region in the Central Bay of Plenty. A total of 40.6 ha Freehold, very productive forestry land, in a proven high growth index area, north facing of easy hill contour and ground-based harvesting. Net Stocked Area 37.07 ha more or less, consisting of 4 distinct age classes of 5.3 ha Lucitanica-1996, 12.39 ha Pinus Radiata-2018, 5.0 Pinus Radiata-2023 and 14.38 ha cut over 2026 ready for replanting. The property, being mostly second rotation, has excellent established infrastructure of quality all weather roading with skid sites in place, excellent access to sealed road, short haul distance only 75km to Port of Tauranga and close to various local Bay of Plenty sawmill options. Registered as Post 1990 Forest Land under the ETS Giggleswick forest offers investors dual income opportunities of Carbon and Timber. Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes 2.00pm, Thu 1st Oct, 2026, Property Brokers, 63 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TZR215987

Brett Ashworth M 021 0261 7488 E bretta@pb.co.nz

Waianakarua 74 Frame Road Auction

SELLING YOUR FARM? Your agent may suggest you advertise in their brand publication. 74 Frame Road, Waianakarua Receivership Sale - Ideally located just 1km from State Highway One, this low-altitude property enjoys an extended growing season. 165.5 ha (more or less). Well-fenced paddocks are serviced by the Hampden/Herbert Water Scheme, with an allocation of (3 units). Mature shelter belts are thoughtfully established to provide excellent protection for livestock while enhancing pasture performance. The property is divided by a railway line, offering distinct grazing areas and management options, property in 2 titles with Frame Road going to one part of the farm and Bluff Hill Road going to the other end. So many options. Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Auction 2.00pm, Tue 22nd Sep, 2026, Moeraki Hall, 2pm View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/OMR234251

Stephen Heffernan M 027 255 9927

We suggest you remind them that this is the publication you, and every other farmer you know, reads.

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

Marketplace 27

Marketplace

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Supporting strong women, on and off the farm.

SOLAR & OFF GRID POWER

CLASSIFIEDS

Keeping your farm running and your homestead bright.

NZ-Made N Z-Made Windscreens, Windscreens, UTV + ATV ATV Accessories Accessories UTV

Proud to sponsor Anna King of AnnaFit.

Call us today

LK0125205©

www.moke.co.nz

www.traxequipment.co.nz

FLY OR LICE problem? Electrodip – the magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides. Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness. Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t ro d i p. c o m

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.

WE BUY MILK! Got rejected milk or surplus milk? Call us today on 027 871 5075. We collect within 1.5 hours drive from Te Awamutu. Farrelly Calves Limited.

Functional, flattering outerwear designed for real women and real life.

TRUSTED IN CANTERBURY FOR 34+ YEARS

GOATS WANTED

ATTENTION FARMERS

03 365 9712 Scan here to see our range

ANIMAL HANDLING

80¢ BALES / 70¢ FADGES per kg for dags. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 027 458 2727.

DOGS WANTED

Heavy duty, long lasting incinerators

Heartland High Country Spring Tour Tours include: ♦ 2 nights at Mt White Station ♦ Silverstream Clydedales ♦ All meals & accommodation

♦ 2 nights at Mt Cook station ♦ The iconic Mesopotamia Station ♦ Experienced driver/guide 35 +years

FORESTRY

We are after an experienced and motivated fencer who takes pride in their workmanship and can hit the ground running.

Please contact: Paul 00353866037275, paul@costellogroup.eu or Billy 00353862411967, billy@costellogroup.eu

FENCER WANTED

You’ll need: • Proven experience in rural/lifestyle fencing (post & wire, post & rail, netting, deer, electric, etc.) • Strong practical skills and attention to detail • Ability to read plans and work to specifications • Physical fitness and willingness to work in all conditions • Full NZ driver’s licence (WTR endorsements an advantage) • A strong work ethic and reliability

jobs

List your job with us

We offer: • Competitive pay package based on experience • Modern tools, vehicles, and equipment • Supportive team environment • Variety of work across interesting projects • Option to study Level 3 and/or Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Fencing

Or call Henry on 027 658 6393 for a confidential chat.

LK0125261©

Apply now by sending your CV and references to: threeriversfencing@gmail.com

Call Julie Hill 027 705 7181 classifieds@agrihq.co.nz farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

CONNECTING RURAL EMPLOYERS AND JOB SEEKERS

LK0125242©

We are a small fencing contracting business based in Methven, delivering high-quality fencing solutions for rural, lifestyle, and commercial clients in the wider mid Canterbury area.

Emsterland farm is an Irish family-owned dairy farm/arable farm in Germany. The dairy farm incorporates 850 Kiwi type cows outdoors all year, plus follow on stock. As outdoor New Zealand-type dairying is unique in Germany we are looking to attract suitable management from New Zealand. This position may suit someone or a couple looking to see the Northern Hemisphere for a time and able to work with staff on site. Milking staff etc. are in place. We need experience in grass management and stock management. Netzen is 50 miles west of Berlin and accommodation will be supplied. Salary and conditions are negotiable for good candidates. English speaking staff on site also. Dairy operation is 5 miles from family-owned pig farm operation which looks after all accounting etc.

irontreeproducts.co.nz

CONTROL FLYSTRIKE & LICE $7+,G8S2T 5

WANTED NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING, also Macrocarpa, Redwood and Western Cedar, NZ wide. We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase. NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIES (WGTN) LTD. 027 688 2954 Richard.

GOATS WANTED FERAL GOATS WANTED. Pick-up within 24 hours. Prices based on works schedule. Phone Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916 or 027 363 2932.

CROPPING LAND FOR LEASE. Approx 4ha South Waikato, Putaruru/Tokoroa area from Nov 26 to end March. Phone John 0274 998 022.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE ARVIDSON WILTSHIRES Annual ram auction Taupo Saleyards 24th November. On-farm sales available. Phone David 027 277 1556.

SALE TALK I WAS AT a party and every time I would talk to someone, they would walk off after a few minutes. I started the night talking to this man about his new fishing boat while he ate some chips, then, midway through our conversation, he walked away to a group of other people. Later, I was talking to this younger girl. She was nice and talked to me about her psychology major as she ate some chips, but after a bit, she left too to another group of people. I then spoke to another lady, who worked in accounting, who then offered me some of these chips the others were eating. After I took a bite, within a moment my mouth went dry from the staleness. I immediately rushed over to get a drink. I saw the man, the girl and the lady from before, forming an orderly queue, and I knew I had found the punch-line.

LK0123624©

Dairy Farm Manager

Phone 021 047 9299

LK0124727©

LK0125206©

Small tour groups – max 10 • Starts/finishes Christchurch

For info and itinerary contact Wayne P: 0800 425 772 • E: info@alps2ocean.co.nz www.alps2ocean.co.nz

FLOOR COATING HIGH-IMPACT POLYUREA. Seamless floor coating, chemical resistant bonds to multiple surfaces. Closedcell spray foam ideal for large sheds and warmer drier buildings. Phone 021 217 4428.

Three sizes available

15-22 October

93-YEAR-OLD FARMER wants two older dogs. Both voice-trained: one heading, one head and hunt or huntaway with good bark. Phone Joan Sutherland 06 342 7774.

LEASE LAND WANTED

Includes: • Jetter Unit • Pump & Hose Kit • Delivery to nearest main centre www.pppindustries.co.nz sales@pppindustries.co.nz

0800 901 902

Advertise with us Call 0800 85 25 80 wordads@agrihq.co.nz

28 Livestock

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Hurford Farms BULL SALE

HEREFORDS & ANGUS ANNUAL ON-FARM BULL SALE Thursday 3rd September 2026 @12.30pm

1ST ANNUAL ON-FARM BULL SALE

282 Trig Road North, Waihi 3681 and online with

Thursday 10th September – 11.30am 1363 Normanby Road, Manaia

ENQUIRIES: GRAEME & RACHEL BROWN P: 021 037 2350 • E: maranui.stud@xtra.co.nz

66x 2-year Jersey Bulls PIG ON A SPIT SUPPLIED FOR LUNCH DELIVERY WHEN REQUIRED

servicing the Waimate Plains LIVESTREAM

Deferred payment until 20th January 2027 Twin Oaks Tank

Maranui Fireball

28 Hereford & 15 Angus Performance & Pedigree Recorded Yearling Bulls

AARON RIDDICK 027 230 7979

or any of the PGG WRIGHTSON team

craigmore

On-farm & online auction LK0125239©

✓ BVD Blooded & Vaccinated

WHITEBAIT HAMMERSLEY 027 813 0143

35 yearling bulls

Jersey Bulls

✓ Lepto Vaccinated

ANDREW GIBSON 027 474 1956

Friday 25 Sept

Top 2 year old

✓ All TB Tested Negative

VENDOR: JASON BEVINS 027 661 8613

Find your next bull: Chris: 027 4888 635 Jen: 027 4777 637

www.koanuiherefords.co.nz

AllAll bulls are ready bulls are readytotoperform! perform!

polled herefords

We’ve done done the forfor you! We’ve thework work you! • Polled gene tested • Polled gene tested • BVD tested • BVD tested • Semen tested SPECIAL

YEARLING BULL SALE YEARLING BULL SALE

ll,purc For every bu Craigmore has been breeding Hereford s ceive a bonu re On farm bull salebull plussale online at bidr buyer will On farm plussale online sale at bidr s w cattle for over 50 years! Craigmore has been breeding Hereford cattle for over 50 years! ra st en sem package of 10 250 for use Sign upSign at www.bidr.co.nz up at www.bidr.co.nz 23 havethat bullswill thatsuit will beef suit beef dairy farmers We haveWe bulls andand dairy farmers of Craigmore Monday 14th September 2026, at 2023, 12.30pm Monday 11th September at 12.30pm in commercial and www.craigmoreherefords.co.nz www.craigmoreherefords.co.nz LuncheonLuncheon available available dairy herds. For further information inspection, please contact: For further information or or inspection, please contact: On A/C D.BOn & A/C S.E Henderson D.B & S.E Henderson Vendors: David 021 166 1389 and Daniel 027 753 6669 selling agents: Vendors: David 021 166 1389 and Daniel 027 753 6669 or or thethe selling agents: At the studAtproperty: Rukuhia RD 2, Ohaupo the stud429 property: 429Road, Rukuhia Road, RD 2, Ohaupo PGG Wrightson: Vaughn Larsen 4599, Cam Heggie 8182 PGG Wrightson: Vaughn Larsen 027027 801801 4599, Cam Heggie 027027 501501 8182 100+ registered well grownwell bulls 100+ registered grown bulls

Key: Dairy

THAMES VALLEY GENETIC LEADERS HIGH BW JERSEY BULL SALE Friday 11 September | 11.30am Paeroa Saleyards Comprising • 8 x Recorded 2 year Bulls • 30 x Recorded Yearling Bulls • 5 x Recorded XBred Bulls

Average BW 361 Top BW 468 Deferred payment until 20th October 2026 Our 2 vendors have supplied numerous bulls to the AI industry (Crescent & Little River) over many years siring tens of thousands of daughters around NZ. Many of the bulls on offer are bred from or closely related to these highly regarded cow families who have supplied these AI sires. The bulls are well grown owner bred and reared so tick all the health security boxes. These G3 profiled bulls are ideal for keeping replacement heifers from. You can purchase with confidence from this outstanding offering. TB C10, BVD tested and vaccinated. Online bidding available via BIDR Catalogues available visit www.agonline.co.nz

Contact: Kent Stove 027 224 0999 Andrew Reyland 027 223 7092 Bill Moore 027 825 7505

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard bidr.co.nz

Cattle

Sheep

Other

UPCOMING EAST COAST CATTLE SALES Matawhero Cattle Sale

Tuesday 1 September | 11am

Wairoa Cattle Sale

Thursday 10 September | 11am exp yarding 1500 cattle

LK0124886© LK0116191©

OFFERhased the

CHARWELL POLLED HEREFORD STUD 26TH ANNUAL SPRING SALE Wednesday 9th September at 11.30am at 659 Matahi Road, Manawahe Near Lake Rotoma, SH 30

Representing 107 years of pure bred genetics

We welcome clients, friends and visitors to our sale which comprises approx:

59 2-year old bulls 10 18-month bulls 30 Well grown yearling bulls

All TB & BVD clear & vaccinated

BULL SALES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS bidr.co.nz

Helping grow the country

These animals are from a CLOSED herd and have never left the property or been leased out.

For more information Contact Peter or Penny Davies - “Taharoto” 716 Matahi Road, RD 4, Whakatane 3194 Phone 027 244 9816 or email: peterpennydavies@gmail.com

LK0124960©

All bulls are: All bulls are: • Performance recorded for 55 years • Performance recorded • Craigmore has genomic tested • Genomics tested to improve >200 cattle per year since 2018 accuracy of EBVs

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

ANNUAL BULLSALES

STOCK REQUIRED

Ewes with LAF R2YR Steers & Bulls 400-500kg

FOR SALE

36 Sim/Fries x 1YR Steers 400kg 43 Ang, AHx, Ex x 1 yr Hfrs 310 kg Friesian Bull Calf Contracts >105kg Nov or 150kg in Dec/Jan 1YR & 18 Mth Sim & Char x Hfrs TBD into weights 250–400kg info@dyerlivestock.co.nz www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

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

62ND ANNUAL HEREFORD BULL SALE Wed 23rd Sept 2026, 12 noon On farm - Te Awamutu 50 TOP YEARLING BULLS & 62 2-YEAR OLD BULLS Payment 20th October 2026

NINTH ANNUAL YEARLING BULL SALE

SEPT/OCT 2026

Friday 11th September 2026 1pm Open Day 2nd September 12pm

> Friday 4th September BLUFF HEREFORDS, Glenbrook In conjunction with PGGW 60 Yearling Bulls > Thursday 24th September TWIN OAKS ANGUS, Te Akau In conjunction with PGGW 60 Yearling Bulls > Tuesday 29th September RIVERROCK ANGUS, Cambridge 5 R2 Bulls MATAI MARA ANGUS, Cambridge 9 Yearling Bulls Bidr online only for both the above sales - 7pm > Wednesday 30th September GLENGYLE ANGUS, Dannevirke 25 Yearling Bulls > Friday 2nd October HALLMARK ANGUS, Tutira In conjunction with Redshaw Livestock 45 Yearling Bulls MEADOWSLEA ANGUS, Fairlie 30 R2 Bulls 90 Yearling Bulls > Tuesday 6th October VERMONT ANGUS, Alford Forest 30 Yearling Bulls > Thursday 8th October SILVERSTREAM CHAROLAIS, Lincoln In conjuction with RLL Online sale only via Bidr 14 Autumn Bulls 36 Yearling Bulls 16 Yearling Heifers (transferable) > Tuesday 13th October WOODBANK ANGUS & MATARIKI HEREFORD, Clarence In conjunction with PGGW 40 Angus Yearling Bulls 35 Hereford Yearling Bulls 50 Hereford Yearling Heifers (not for transfer) 20 Angus Yearling Heifers (not for transfer)

Further Enquiries: Callum Dunnett 027 462 0126

KELVIN PORT M: 022 648 2417 www.bushydowns.co.nz hazlett.nz

Stokman Angus BREEDING CATTLE MORE PROFITABLE - FROM CONCEPTION TO CARCASS OPEN to inspectDAY b Thursd ulls 3 Septemay b from 11a er m to 4pm

122 Bulls & 20 Heifers Sell Wednesday 16 September - 1 pm start 1708 Te Kopia Road - Waikite Valley, Rotorua

Fertility Tested

Short Gestation

Elite Calving Ease

Quiet Temperament

Well Grown - suitable for heifers & cows

“The numbers speak for themselves - Our 2026 sale bulls: 81% are in the top 50% for Calving Ease, 60% in the top 50% for growth. That’s what we call breeding curve benders.”

Mark Stokman 027 640 4028 Jake Stokman 027 787 4008 Cam Heggie 027 501 8182 John McKone 027 229 9375 Ryan Whitelock 027 211 7524 Shane Scott 027 495 6031 email: mtkiwi@farmside.co.nz facebook: Stokman Angus Farm web: Stokmanangus.com

HILL COUNTRY CATTLE BRED TO LIFT YOUR CATTLE PERFORMANCE AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE ALL BULLS HAVE PASSED SEMEN TESTING

MCFADZEAN CRUIZY CALVE

100% Registered Angus Positive for calving ease Short gestation Positive fats & good growth Suited for heifer mating

Deferred Payment Available

MCFADZEAN SUPER ANGUS At least 7/8's Angus Moderate framed hill country cattle Excellent growth rates and superior muscling Positive fats & high IMF % Strong milking & maternal traits

MCFADZEAN MEAT MAKER Superior weaning weight % Instant impact on calf size, growth & muscling Higher carcass yields High EMA scores Strong milking & maternal traits

48 Years of Proven Performance • Top Quality Yearling Bulls

216 Wiltons Road, Carterton www.mcfadzeancattlecompany.co.nz

Johnie McFadzean 0274295777

Andrew Jennings PGG Wrightsons 0275946820

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

HEIFER MATING HEREFORDS

Pennylane 33rd Annual Bull Sale

Mahuta Hereford Stud Offering specialist bulls for heifer mating – beef and dairy

86 Yearling Bulls – Parent Verified Including low birth weight bulls for yearling heifer mating & bulls suitable for MA cow mating

Thursday 10th September 12 noon 1167 Croydon Road, Midhurst

Tuesday 15th September @ 12noon on farm, 82318 SH2 Pahiatua

On Offer: 231 Bulls 100 x 2 & 3yr Hereford Bulls Pedigree & PB Top Quality Bulls 10 x Angus Bulls PB 2yr Olds 1 x Speckled Park Ylg Pedigree Bull Great Lineup of Jersey Bulls 90 x 3yr Jersey Bulls 20 x 2yr Jersey Bulls 10 x 1yr Jersey Bulls

Matariki Performer P24

Email for a catalogue: bulls@totaranuistud.co.nz Daimien & Tally 021 430 710

Grazing of bulls here on farm until you require them. Free delivery if taken before 1st October.

Friday 11th September 2026 Open Day – 28th August

A large range of bulls to suit any farming requirements – great temperament and well handled. Pennylane Fair Dinkum Bull Plan – Deferred payment until 20th November 2026 or extra terms available by phoning us – split payments or delayed whatever suits you best.

THE ONE STOP BULL SHOP Kevin & Sherry Collins 06 762 8058 Brenda 027 441 5935 Email:honnorfamily@xtra.co.nz LK0124689©

Agent – Stephen Sutton 027 442 3207

Thursday September 17th 2026, 12 noon 183 Mangaotea Road, Tariki, Taranaki • Registered Angus Yearling Bulls, bred specifically for heifer mating • Resgistered Angus & Hereford 2 Year Old Bulls • Jersey 1 and 2 Year Old Bulls

LK0124676©

LK0125294©

Carcase weight

Auctioneer: Cam Heggie 027 501 8182 Local Agent: Stephen Hickey 027 444 3570 Enquiries contact: John Allen 027 440 7504 or jvmeallen@xtra.co.nz Manager: Paul 027 306 3792

Mark Crooks – PGG Wrightson 027 590 1452

30th Annual On Farm Bull Sale

All bulls TB C10, BVD Tested Negative & Fully Vaccinated.

on farm, Glen Murray, Waikato

Mahuta Sale bull performance compared to breed average Calving BW 600-day ease growth Mahuta Sale bull average 17 1.5 +87 Tans Tasman breed average 5.5 3.6 +83

www.totaranuistud.co.nz

This sale is being livestreamed on

Annual Yearling Bull Sale

LK0125181©

Contact Richard or Zarrah 022 050 7119 or

Mangaotea Farm

KAIRAUMATI POLLED HEREFORD

10th annual

27TH ANNUAL BULL SALE 10TH SEPTEMBER 2026 – 12.30pm

68 NGATAIPUA RD, TURUA, THAMES nday 7th September 2026 11.30am Mo

• 34 x 20-month Bulls • 18 x Yearling Bulls

Bulls born and bred on the top of the Coromandel

3rd generation Lindsay Johnstone

Join the auction online

Quality, Well Grown, High BW, Low Risk

SEPT

Delivery every Wednesday with prior arrangement until 14th October 2026. Bulls staying will be at purchasers risk

Enquiries to: Richard and Christine 027 353 5693

LINKING BUYERS AND SELLERS

Darryl Houghton 027 451 5315

Ross Riddell 027 211 1112

12pm

LK0125155©

Catalogue available soon on mylivestock.co.nz and http://www.linklivestock.co.nz/upcoming-sales/

also

Contact James and Nicole Ward 021 511 626 or Roy and Kaye Ward 021 128 7174 Dave Stuart 027 224 1049 Cam Heggie 027 501 8182

This year’s offering includes: Sold by Link Livestock • Lots 1–30: R2 Jersey bulls up to BW 416 • Lots 31-84: Elite R1 Jersey bulls up to BW 436 Sold by New Zealand Farmers Livestock • 155 x R1 Jersey bulls All bulls have been double vaccinated for Lepto and BVD, and TB tested. They come from a closed herd, so you can buy with confidence. BULL PLAN E FINANC BLE AVAILA

Sale will be live on

YEARLING BULL & HEIFER SALE

An outstanding lineup of 30 Yearling Bulls & 50 Yearling Heifers available.

SCAN FOR MORE INFO WWW.RANUIANGUS.CO.NZ

LK0125060©

Richard and Christine Lansdaal and Family 200 Luck at Last Road, Karapiro, Cambridge Sale Held under cover with lunch and a free coffee van on site

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

MULTI-AGE & BREED SERVICE BULL AUCTION

High Performance Beef Bulls For Dairy Heifer & Cow Mating

A/C GOASIR

Friday, 11th September, 11:30am

ANNUAL BULL SALE

Cambridge Saleyards & online via

Bulls For Heifer Mating

8th September 2026 at 12pm on farm

COMPRISING:

225x Mixed Breed & Age Service Bulls 35x Hereford R2 Service Bulls 30x Angus R2 Service Bulls

85 Yearling Bulls For Sale

40x Friesian R2 Service Bulls 70x Jersey R3 Service Bulls

LK0125217©

Enquiries & Inspection Welcome in the Bay of Islands:

John : 027 474 3185 | Phil : 027 426 3072 waitangiangus.co.nz

50x Jersey R1 Service Bulls

• Short gestation length, calving ease & low birth weight • High growth rate & high carcase • Quiet temperament guaranteed

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: This is a great opportunity to attain and select bulls that fit your service bull requirements.

THE CHOICE IS

All bulls are double vaccinated and tested for BVD, testing was completed on the

SHADOW DOWNS

22nd of August Additionally, all bulls have been TB tested negative, testing was

P OLLED HEREFO RD S TU D

300 BULLS AVAILABLE

WEDNESDAY 1 6 th SEPTEMBER 2026 a t 1 2 p m

Offering Merit Sires • Low Birth Weights Easy Calving • Whitehead Premiums Performance Recorded • BVD & Lepto vaccinated/tested

PGG WRIGHTSON

NZ FARMERS LIVESTOCK

Mark Neil: 027 742 8580 Andrew Gibson: 027 444 0108 Simon Smith: 027 444 0733

Josh Howe: 027 817 0264 Karl Stratton: 027 316 5572 Steve Quinnell: 027 552 3514

DANIEL SMITH P/F: 06 762 7899 • Mobile: 021 749 235 Email: shadowdownsnz@gmail.com

brought forward in a service condition.

WILL MORRISON 027 640 1166 SALE Tuesday 22 Sept, 12noon Morrison Farming Ezicalve, Marton ardofarm@xtra.co.nz

GENUINE HOME-BRED BEEF BULLS

Selling online with

Bulls have been stringently graded on temperament and type, with all bulls will be

MIKE CRANSTONE 027 218 0123 crannyandcath@outlook.com SALE Thursday 17 Sept, 12noon Riverton Herefords, Wanganui

“The beef breed for every need”

LK0125152©

L O WER H E REN GAW E RO AD, W A VE R L EY 13 - 1yr Hereford Bulls and 42 - 2yr Hereford Bulls

completed on the 18th of August.

PAYMENT & DELIVERY TERMS: Payment due October 16th, 2026. Immediate delivery. CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENT: Ben Deroles M: 027 702 4196 Sale in conjunction with: Jason Roberts (BYL) M: 027 707 1271

LK0125283©

Twenty Third On Farm BULL SALE

Glenview Romneys Bred for high performance and ‘cast iron’ constitution

RAM SALES SHOWCASE

We deliberately challenge our Romneys by farming them on unfertilised hill country in order to provide the maximum selection pressure and expose ‘soft’ sheep.

NEW

INTRODUCING THE 2F0O2R6 FARMERS WEEKLY RAM SALES SHOWCASE REACHING 73,000 SHEEP, BEEF & DAIRY FARMERS NATIONWIDE • Presented in a lift-out format and inserted into Farmers Weekly • Packed with a season preview, industry news, insightful breeder editorials, and promotional content from breeders and industry partners • Premium placement meets national reach in print and online

SECURE YOUR AD SPACE! Publishing October 5th Advertising deadline Friday September 4th To see an example of the Farmers Weekly Livestock Showcases visit farmersweekly.co.nz/bull-sales

To ensure that your marketing is reaching your target audience contact me today! Andrea Mansﬁeld | National Livestock Manager, Farmers Weekly p. 027 602 4925 e. livestock@agrihq.co.nz

GROWTH RATE & SURVIVAL • • • • • • •

Over the last 20 years ewes (including 2ths) have scanned between 185% and 210% despite droughts. Over the same period weaning weights (adj. 100 days) have exceeded 36kg from a lambing % consistently above 150%.

All sheep DNA and SIL recorded. Ram hoggets eye muscle scanned since 1996. IMF scanned since 2023. Ewe hoggets have been mated (to Romney sires) for over 20 years. Breeding programme puts an emphasis on worm resilience – lambs drenched only once prior to autumn. FE tolerance introduced more recently. Scored for dags and feet shape. Sires DNA rated for footrot and cold tolerance. We are ‘hands on’ breeders with a focus on detail and quality. We take an uncompromising approach – sheep must constantly measure up.

We aim to breed superior Romneys that produce the most from the least input.

Glenview Romneys & South Suffolks

GEOFF & BARB CROKER

502 Millars Road, Masterton 5884 027 2071779 • barbandbobcroker@gmail.com www.glenviewromneys.co.nz

LK0125203©

FERTILITY

32 Markets

Markets Downsides aplenty in Trump tariff about-face

Proudly sponsored by

For New Zealand, there is little to gain and potentially more indirect pain in the latest US trade manoeuvre. Mel Croad

MARKETS

Export

T should come as little surprise that United States President Donald Trump has announced another move aimed at reducing beef prices in the US. This time, the proclamation authorises 300,000 tonnes of grinding beef to enter tariff-free over a 90-day window – 100,000 tonnes per month – to be sold at 25% below the market price. The increase in volume applies exclusively to imports from countries using the “other countries” tariff-rate quota, such as Brazil and Paraguay. As more details come to light, this latest development is clearly aimed at easing the cost-of-living pressures facing US consumers. Coincidentally, or maybe not, the US mid-term elections fall near the end of the proposed 90-day period. However, with imported grinding beef prices already trading at a 25% discount to fresh domestic beef, consumers may see little change.

The US beef sector scrambled to respond to the initial announcement, which was made over social media, but the official statement followed on August 26. It is a timely reminder that politics are now playing an increasingly larger role in determining outcomes for the sector. Until October last year, Trump had been using tariffs to restrict beef imports into the US, to protect US ranchers and boost their productivity. He has now swung in the opposite direction, proposing to temporarily remove tariffs, making it easier for importers to supply the US market. As expected, the outcry from the US farming sector has been significant. The timing is particularly challenging. Ranchers are currently making critical decisions around herd management and culling. The potential for increased market volatility does little to encourage expansion of US beef cow numbers. Markets are questioning how logistically feasible it will be to

DUTY: New Zealand beef currently attracts a tariff of around 1% in the US, with total annual exports ranging between 176,000 and186,000 tonnes over the past three years.

It points to more beef having to be absorbed into the market as demand is seasonally easing. ship 300,000 tonnes in such a short period. Brazil stands to gain the most from the proposed temporary policy change, with its beef currently subject to a 26.4% tariff into the US through to the end of this year. New Zealand, among a few other nations, is excluded from Trump’s proclamation, but there is nonetheless little to gain and potentially more indirect pain. NZ beef currently attracts a tariff of only about 1% to the US, with total annual exports ranging between 176,000 and 186,000 tonnes over the past three years. The majority of NZ beef shipped to the US is lean manufacturing beef (grinding beef) – the type Trump is now allowing

in tariff-free for some. However, New Zealand is far from the largest supplier, with around 118,000 tonnes of manufacturing beef shipped to the US so far this year. NZ beef exports to the US are also typically at their lowest levels through September and October. Total US beef import volumes would normally trend lower through the second half of the year as domestic production lifts and demand seasonally eases. This year was expected to be no different. But now, there is the potential to lift import volumes by a significant amount compared to previous years. Some existing orders would likely take advantage of the tarifffree allocation, meaning not all of the 300,000 tonnes would necessarily show as additional beef entering the market. The provision applies only to grinding beef. This means other beef cuts will continue to enter the US under

existing import regulations and in addition to the proposed changes. Either way, it still points to more beef having to be absorbed into the market as demand is seasonally easing. It also comes at a time when imported beef prices are already under pressure from surging supplies. Since early April, NZ exporters have seen US imported 95CL beef prices fall from a record US$4.05/lb to around US$3.40-$3.45/lb. There was already further downside pressure building before this latest announcement as imported volumes increased. The challenge for NZ beef producers is that this weakening in the US imported beef market has not yet been fully reflected in farmgate returns. With the proclamation now signed, it introduces another layer of downside risk for US imported beef prices and ultimately for NZ farmgate returns.

Join us for a free BrunCh AT A LOCATiON NeAR yOu

Brunch on us

Waikato

Mid CanterBury

Gordonton: 25 August Aka Aka: 26 August Ngatea: 27 August Onewhero: 28 August Tatuanui: 1 September Mangatangi: 2 September Pollok: 3 September Otorohanga: 4 September Te Awamutu: 8 September Putaruru: 9 September Piopio: 10 September Reporoa: 11 September Tirohanga: 15 September Ngakuru: 16 September Matamata: 17 September Tokoroa: 18 September

Lowcliffe Hall: 25 August Dorie Hall: 27 August Clucas corner: 1 September Lauriston Hall: 3 September

Bay of Plenty

0800 787 254 rural-support.org.nz

Paengaroa: 25 August Rerewhakaaitu: 27 August Waihi: 1 September KatiKati: 3 September Kaharoa: 8 September

otago Henley: 11 September

southland Gorge Road: 2 September Wyndham: 3 September Mabel Bush: 9 September Drummond: 10 September Clifden: 16 September Mossburn: 17 September Willowbank: 23 September Waikaia: 24 September Dipton: 30 September

for more, visit our website:

rural-support.org.nz

rural CoMMunity, all-seCtor, get together

suPPorted By:

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Cattle

Sheep

Deer

Beef

Sheep Meat

Venison

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Last week

Last year

North Island P2 steer (300kg)

9.95

8.80

North Island M2 bull (300kg)

9.85

8.40

North Island M cow (190kg)

7.95

7.15

South Island P2 steer (300kg)

9.90

8.50

South Island M2 bull (300kg)

9.65

7.80

South Island M cow (190kg)

8.00

7.05

Last week

Last year

North Island AP stag (60kg)

11.10

10.10

5.20

South Island AP stag (60kg)

11.10

10.10

12.10

10.00

8.10

5.15

Fertiliser Last week

Last year

DAP

1874

1519

Potash (MoP)

947

922

Super

622

507

1427

995

June

Last year

China

1,447,867

1,476,564

Rest of world

332,852

196,846

Carbon price (NZ$/tonne)

Last week

Last year

54.8

56.5

Last week

Last year

North Island lamb (18kg)

12.15

10.00

North Island mutton (25kg)

8.15

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

US imported 95CL bull

12.99

12.34

US domestic 90CL cow

16.56

16.26

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

Steer slaughter price ($/kgCW)

China lamb flaps

12.46

10.67

20-Aug

Last year

Crossbred fleece

6.27

3.66

Urea (Coated)

Crossbred lamb

6.60

3.66

Forestry

Courtesy of www.fusca.co.nz

Exports NZ Log Exports (m3)

13.0

10.0

11.0

9.0 8.0

NZU

9.0

7.0 Aug

Oct Dec North Isla nd

Feb Apr South Island

Jun

Aug

160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

7.0

Aug

Oct Dec North Isla nd

Feb Apr South Island

Jun

Aug

12.0

Australia lamb exports (May - Jul, thous. tonnes)

11.0 10.0

30 25

9.0

8.0

15 10 5 China

Japan

S. Korea Last year

Rest of Asia

US This year

Other

Stag Slaughter price ($/kgCW)

Source: AgriHQ

Australia beef exports (May - Jul, thous. tonnes)

NZ average (NZ$/tonne)

(NZ$/kg clean)

Lamb slaughter price ($/kgCW)

11.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Fertiliser

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

Wool

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

6.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Asia (xcl. China )

China

Mid. Ea st Last yea r

Aug

Oct Dec North Isla nd

US Other This year

Feb Apr South Island

Jun

Aug

Source: AgriHQ

Data provided by For more visit www.agrihq.co.nz

Disclaimer: Data published on these pages is licensed and may not be redistributed, republished, or used for commercial purposes without the written permission of the data owners.

Dairy

Data provided by

Milk price futures ($/kgMS) 10.5

Grain

Listed Agri shares

Canterbury feed wheat & feed barley ($/tonne)

Company

YTD High YTD Low

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.065

0.132

0.059

The a2 Milk Company Limited

8.65

11.9

6.25

Comvita Limited

0.785

0.81

0.505

Delegat Group Limited

4.2

4.73

3.6

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

7.0

8.539

6.138

Foley Wines Limited

0.52

0.63

0.43

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.07

1.22

1.0

NZ King Salmon Investments Limited

0.22

0.255

0.189

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.31

2.4

2.0

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.034

0.042

0.028

600

10.0

550

9.5 500

9.0 8.5

450

8.0

400

Aug

Oct

Dec

Feb

Sep-2026

Apr Sep-2027

Jun

Aug

Source: NZX

Oct Dec Feed Wheat

Feb

Apr Jun Aug Feed Barley Source: NZX

Waikato palm kernel & maize ($/tonne)

Dairy Futures (US$/t) Nearest contract Last price*

Aug

Prior week

4 weeks prior

600

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.89

8.17

6.75

WMP

3610

3590

3500

550

Scales Corporation Limited

7.19

7.2

5.59

SMP

3515

3505

3205

500

Seeka Limited

5.07

5.55

4.4

AMF

6090

6070

6065

450

Synlait Milk Limited

0.4

0.66

0.35

Butter

4980

4950

5080

400

T&G Global Limited

2.4

2.79

2.17

Milk Price

9.75

9.79

350

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

16921

15511

S&P/NZX 50 Index

14013

12702

S&P/NZX 10 Index

13852

13863

12194

* price as at close of business on Wednesday

300

Aug

Oct

Dec PKE

Feb

Apr Maize

Jun

Aug

Source: NZX

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Markets

Weekly saleyard results These weekly saleyard results are collated by the AgriHQ LivestockEye team. Cattle weights and prices are averages and sheep prices are ranges. For more detailed results and analysis subscribe to your selection of LivestockEye reports. Scan the QR code or visit www.agrihq.co.nz/livestock-reports Frankton | August 25 | 385 cattle

Kaikohe | August 26 | 348 cattle

$/kg or $/hd R2 steers, 414kg

5.25

R2 heifers, 397kg

5.05

R1 steers, 215kg

5.05

Wellsford | August 24 | 444 cattle

$/kg or $/hd R2 dairy-beef heifers, 410kg

5.15

R1 dairy-beef steers, 255kg

5.91

R1 dairy-beef heifers, 225kg

5.53

Pukekohe | August 22

$/kg or $/hd

$/kg or $/hd R2 Friesian bulls, 440kg

5.44

R1 dairy-beef steers, 225kg

5.72

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef heifers, 105kg

830

Boner Friesian cows, 530kg

3.55

Boner crossbred cows, 435kg

3.47

R2 dairy-beef heifers, 375kg

4.82

Aut-born yearling dairy-beef heifers, 345kg

4.79

5.37

Mixed-age Romney ewes & lambs, most

155-173

R2 dairy-beef heifers, 365kg

5.16

Store cryptorchid lambs, all

223-304

R1 dairy-beef steers, 230kg

5.92

Store ram lambs, all

305-315

R1 dairy-beef heifers, 210kg

5.48

Store ewe lambs, all

190-280

Feilding | August 21 | 1003 cattle, 2331 sheep

Frankton | August 26 | 441 cattle

$/kg or $/hd R2 dairy-beef steers, 455kg

890 5.18

R1 steers, 189kg

5.48

Cambridge | August 25 | 157 cattle

R1 heifers, 166kg

5.71

Tuakau | August 20 | 410 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

$/kg or $/hd 5.14

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 500kg

220-232

192-308

R2 dairy-beef steers, 440kg

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef heifers, 110kg

Prime lambs, all

Prime ewe lambs, all

Stortford Lodge | August 26 | 257 cattle, 6198 sheep 5.50

5.05

180-210

253-335

R2 traditional steers, 455kg

Prime steers, 699kg

Prime ewes, all

Prime male lambs, all

$/kg or $/hd Mixed-age cows, 481kg

3.84

Rangiuru | August 25 | 423 cattle, 32 sheep

$/kg or $/hd R2 dairy-beef steers, 460kg

5.28

R2 dairy-beef heifers, 420kg

5.10

$/kg or $/hd R2 traditional steers, 480kg

5.59

R2 dairy-beef steers, 455kg

5.42

R2 dairy-beef heifers, 435kg

5.25

R1 dairy-beef steers, 295kg

6.14

R1 Friesian bulls, 240kg

5.70

R1 exotic-beef heifers, 250kg

6.36

R2 dairy-beef steers, 481kg

5.34

R1 dairy-beef steers, 230kg

6.49

R1 dairy-beef heifers, 265kg

5.75

R2 dairy-beef heifers, 428kg

5.07

R1 Friesian bulls, 225kg

5.49

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef bulls, 120kg

1000 865

R1 dairy-beef steers, 270kg

6.11

R1 dairy-beef heifers, 225kg

5.63

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef heifers, 125kg

R1 dairy-beef heifers, 251kg

5.94

Prime dairy-beef steers, 565kg

5.11

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, all

141-185

Boner Friesian cows, 580kg

3.73

Store male lambs, most

170-238

Store ewe lambs, shorn, most

192-243

Store ewe lambs, woolly, most

190-260

Tuakau | August 24 | 600 sheep

$/kg or $/hd Store lambs, most

140-180

Prime ewes, most

186-242

Prime lambs, most

248-292

Tuakau | August 26 | 257 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Prime dairy-beef steers, 665kg

5.48

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 530kg

5.18

Boner Friesian cows, 555kg

3.73

Boner crossbred cows, 480kg

3.66

Matawhero | August 21 | 325 sheep

$/kg or $/hd Store mixed-sex lambs, all

152-234

Taranaki | August 26 | 194 cattle

$/kg or $/hd R1 dairy-beef steers, 255kg

5.92

R1 dairy-beef heifers, 235kg

5.14

Boner Friesian cows, 525kg

3.79

Feilding | August 24 | 85 cattle, 2434 sheep

$/kg or $/hd Boner Friesian cows, 550kg

3.89

Boner crossbred cows, 445kg

3.89

Prime ewes, most

180-308

Prime 2-tooth ewes, all

240-271

$/kg or $/hd

Prime male lambs, all

230-376

Prime ewes, most

180-291

Prime ewe lambs, all

200-303

Prime cryptorchid lambs, all

275-330

Prime mixed-sex lambs, most

240-378

Stortford Lodge | August 24 | 803 sheep

For you, the right information changes everything. AgriHQ livestock reports keep you across store, slaughter, and export markets, including forecasts and widespread saleyard coverage. Make every decision count, visit agrihq.co.nz

LIVESTOCK REPORTS

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 31, 2026

Coalgate | August 20 | 99 cattle, 2889 sheep

Feeder Calf Sales

$/kg or $/hd

Tuakau | August 24 | 587 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Prime traditional steers, 575kg

5.57

Prime traditional bulls, 685kg

5.17

Friesian bulls, all

20-180

Prime traditional heifers, 545kg

5.55

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

305-500

Store ewe lambs, most

196-207

Hereford-Friesian (red) bulls, all

185-280

Store mixed-sex lambs, most

186-246

Hereford-dairy bulls, all

105-200

Store finewool mixed-sex lambs, most

121-183

Charolais-dairy bulls, most

220-400

Prime ewes, most

210-358

Angus-dairy bulls, all

135-320

Prime lambs, most

184-364

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

80-300

Hereford-dairy heifers, most

20-60

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

190-260

Angus-dairy heifers, all

20-150

Canterbury Park | August 25 | 89 cattle, 1793 sheep

$/kg or $/hd Prime dairy-beef heifers, 505kg

5.32

Store mixed-sex lambs, most

170-220

Prime mixed-sex lambs, most

250-300

Temuka | August 20 | 1398 cattle

$/kg or $/hd R2 traditional steers, 495kg

5.67

R2 dairy-beef steers, 470kg

5.46

R2 traditional heifers, 420kg

5.30

R1 dairy-beef steers, 250kg

6.01

R1 Friesian bulls, 260kg

5.14

R1 dairy-beef heifers, 230kg

5.06

Temuka | August 24 | 468 cattle, 2726 sheep

$/kg or $/hd Prime traditional steers, 585kg

5.41

Prime dairy-beef steers, 595kg

5.25

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 550kg

5.29

Boner Friesian cows, 560kg

3.75

Store mixed-sex lambs, most

215-245

Prime ewes, most

180-260

Prime mixed-sex lambs, most

240-300

Castlerock | August 21 | 822 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Paeroa | August 24 | 174 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Friesian bulls, all

40-300

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, most

260-470

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

170-355

Hereford-Friesian (red) heifers, all

160-350

Frankton | August 25, 26 | 1561 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Friesian bulls, all

35-340

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

170-480

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

80-450

Angus-dairy bulls, all

30-365

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

60-280

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

30-280

Angus-dairy heifers, all

10-150

Cambridge | August 25 | 790 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Friesian bulls, most

70-150

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

205-440

Hereford-dairy bulls, all

90-245

WHOPPERS: This pen of store lambs from Salisbury fetched $300 at Temuka on Monday, August 24, and contributed to a heavier line-up of lambs. They suited buyers looking for a quick trade to minimise the risk of teeth cutting. Tirau | August 26 | 811 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Friesian bulls, most

40-190

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

160-500

Hereford-Friesian (red) bulls, all

90-250

Hereford-dairy bulls, all

20-140

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

280-540

Angus-dairy bulls, all

60-390

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

40-260

Hereford-Friesian (red) heifers, all

20-140

Hereford-dairy heifers, all

15-135

Angus-dairy heifers, all

20-150

Reporoa | August 20 | 448 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

R2 traditional heifers, 395kg

5.04

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

190-370

Friesian bulls, all

40-220

R1 traditional steers, 240kg

6.33

Angus-dairy bulls, all

90-150

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

180-440

R1 traditional heifers, 220kg

5.45

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

105-210

Hereford-Friesian (red) bulls, all

140-200

R1 dairy-beef heifers, 230kg

5.07

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

30-260

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

190-500

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

100-190

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

125-210

Te Awamutu | August 20 | 698 cattle

Lorneville | August 25

$/kg or $/hd

Feilding | August 20, 24 | 760 cattle

4.27

Friesian bulls, most

50-220

R1 Friesian bulls, 227kg

5.01

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

115-470

R1 dairy-beef heifers, 215kg

5.02

Charolais-dairy bulls, most

200-470

Friesian bulls, all

50-290

Angus-dairy bulls, all

70-450

Hereford-Friesian bulls, all

100-480

220-360

Angus-dairy bulls, all

100-240

R2 dairy-beef bulls, 375kg

Boner cows, 450kg

3.15

$/kg or $/hd

Store lambs, most

150-200

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

Prime ewes, most

138-238

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

120-320

Hereford-Friesian heifers, all

100-300

Prime lambs, most

250-370

Angus-dairy heifers, all

30-270

Angus-dairy heifers, all

140-210

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36 NI-SI Split

Weather

In partnership with ruralweather.co.nz

All aboard the wild and windy westerlies Philip Duncan

NEWS

Weather

HIS week marks the first week of spring on the meteorological calendar, although our springlike weather pattern has already formed, with more severe weather warnings issued again over the past week due to gales, heavy rain and some heavy snow. From a weather perspective at this time of year we’re in a late winter/early spring setup – which means more days are usually colder than they are warmer and we still get “winter weather conditions” – as we saw last week with the heavy snow through higher elevation parts of Canterbury, Otago and along the Southern Alps. But with El Niño firmly in place now, and still intensifying, it’s bringing our spring westerlies forward by a few weeks – lifting the chances of severe weather warnings, but also bringing warmer airflows into the mix more often and reducing frosts, especially for northern NZ. This spring has a higher chance

of producing severe weather in the NZ area – particularly in the wind, snow and cold categories. The polar vortex, which contains the coldest of the southern hemisphere’s air, has been impacting both southern Australia and large parts of NZ over the past two months, and while it’s a bit more uniform his week, affecting mostly the southern and eastern sides of NZ, it has a higher chance this month of escaping further northwards.

This spring has a higher chance of producing severe weather in the NZ area – particularly in the wind, snow and cold categories. When it does, it brings a risk of frosts northwards into the North Island but also deadly windchill events for newborn lambs nationwide. For newborn livestock, frost isn’t too problematic on its own, but again that polar boundary can deliver bitterly cold wind chill when it moves up the nation, often

accompanied with strong winds and some wet weather. Despite the wild ups and downs to our weather, there is one thing that is uniform at the moment – the westerly flow. I remember Jim Hickey on TV1 back in the 1990s calling them “westerly railroad tracks” because on the weather maps the isobars are drawn in near straight lines next to each other from south of Australia to over NZ and southwards towards the Southern Ocean. This is how the first week of September is shaping up, with a large track of westerlies blowing over the country, created by a “ceiling” of high pressure north of NZ and deep stormy lows south of the country – putting the “squash zone” of windy westerlies firmly over us. This is a classic spring set-up, but has arrived earlier this year most likely due to El Niño. The westerlies can also develop waves in them. This is when the westerly flow has more of a wavy pattern (ups and downs, peaks and troughs) and when this happens New Zealand gets a big ramp up in nor’westers

MIXED BAG: The situation this week places high pressure north of New Zealand, lows south of us, and windy westerlies right over us. Image: WeatherWatch.co.nz – producing higher temperatures than normal in the east, heavy rain in the west, and damaging winds. These nor’west moments are then immediately followed by a colder sou’wester that can bring winter weather into the country, and especially the South Island. This is what we’re expecting again this coming weekend – and at the time of writing this that polar boundary may well come in

over the North Island early next week, bringing another shot of cold winter air over NZ along with more heavy West Coast rain and alpine snow. Longer range there is still variety, with lows and highs in the mix but perhaps an easing of the westerlies next week. While any long-range forecast in NZ is tricky to lock in, it’s fair to say this spring likely has a higher chance of producing severe weather.

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