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Vol 24 No 40 | October 12, 2026

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Vol 24 No 40 | October 12, 2026

View online at farmersweekly.co.nz

$5.25 Incl GST

Chains shut as lamb hits stock squeeze Annette Scott

NEWS

Sheep and beef

SHORTAGE of livestock has prompted the “unusual move” of shutting down a South Island processing plant as industry analysts say that, with export demand ramping up, the challenge will be around supply. As the new season kicked off on October 1, low stock numbers caused the temporary closure of two chains at Silver Fern Farms’ Pareora plant in South Canterbury.

It’s probably a correct assumption that there’s going to be less lambs around, especially given some regions have had a pretty tough run through spring and lambing. Mel Croad AgriHQ In a memo to workers, site manager Bevan Forrest advised the seasonal shutdown starting October 5 with a likely restart date of November 9. “The decision has been made in response to the current low livestock numbers. “We appreciate that it is unusual for both chains to go into a seasonal shutdown at this time of year.

“We will continue to keep you informed as plans become clearer,” Forrest said. Attempts to contact SFF and the Pareora site manager for further comment were unsuccessful. Meanwhile a new RaboResearch report suggests that proving the value of New Zealand protein will be key to capturing global demand opportunity going forward. The NZ’s Protein Moment report said tight global beef and sheepmeat supply may provide a near-term positive price window, but longer-term value will depend on market mix, customer relationships and reliable delivery. “NZ is well placed to capitalise on changing global protein demand, but capturing lasting value will depend on demonstrating the value of trusted, nutrient-dense red meat products to increasingly deliberate consumers,” Rabobank senior animal protein analyst and report author Jen Corkran said. Tighter sheepmeat markets in 2026 and 2027 may give NZ some breathing room to strengthen its position before global supply normalises. While strong prices are welcome, and they open doors, Corkran said, they are not a long-term strategy on their own. “Lasting value will still come back to meeting product specifications, delivering a good eating experience, being reliable Continued page 5

Waimate’s newest cream of the crop Australian couple Robert Bain and Rebecca Curry have recently established a 242,600-plant hydroponic strawberry farm in Waimate. Bain says while bureaucracy is vital to food safety, New Zealand’s regulations far exceed those in Australia. Photo: Annette Scott

ROAD TO THE ELECTION 10-11, 16

Tech refines farm’s focus Innovation and technology are James Brown’s answer to problems. That means there is much more to his 2000 hectare Lapwing Estate in Doncaster than growing organic broccoli, onions and carrots.

MEETING THE MARKET 7 ‘No stone unturned’ as industry fights US tariff hikes.

Plant gene editing accepted, jury out on animal use.

Be alert, not alarmed: prepare early for El Niño.

NEWS 5

NEWS 6

OPINION 19

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Sector Focus . . . . . . . 21-26

Craig Page | 03 470 2469 Editor craig.page@agrihq.co.nz Claire Robertson Sub-Editor claire.robertson@agrihq.co.nz Neal Wallace | 03 474 9240 Journalist neal.wallace@agrihq.co.nz

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Contents Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Rural Women . . . . . . . . . . 27 Federated Farmers . 28-31 Real Estate . . . . . . . . 32-43 Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Livestock . . . . . . . . . . 45-46 FE Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . 47-49 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . 50-53 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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Alliance payout Eligible Alliance farmer-shareholders who supply and continue to back the business will receive a cut of $20 million later this year in terms of the investment partnership with Dawn Meats. Alliance Co-operative chair Mark Wynne said the distribution would include two payments to eligible farmer-shareholders: a dividend for shareholding and a supply rebate for eligible livestock supply. A further distribution of up to $20m is expected next year.

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Milk powder prices continue to lead on the Global Dairy Trade auction platform, resulting in a 1.2% lift in the GDT price index. Skim milk powder jumped another 4.3%, whole milk powder went up 1.2% and butter milk powder was up 0.7%. Prices for all other commodities fell – lactose down 6.9%, mozzarella down 3.9%, cheddar down 3.7%, anhydrous milk fat down 1.1% and butter down 0.3%.

Entries are open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award for emerging young leaders in the primary sector. Established in 2014, the award provides industry networking opportunities, mentoring, career workshops and experiences and is open to residents of Australia and New Zealand aged 21 to 35 who are involved in the primary sector. Two winners are named each year, one from each country.

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News in brief

smartshelters.co.nz

Andrew Sliper has been appointed Pāmu’s chief financial officer. This follows Steve McJorrow’s decision to step down from the role to focus on pursuing governance opportunities. Sliper, Pāmu’s current chief investment officer, brings extensive commercial, investment and strategic leadership experience, together with a deep understanding of the business.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Industry heads to US to put lamb case Nigel Stirling

MARKETS

Do not underestimate the amount of effort the industry has put in to make sure we leave no stone unturned.

Sheep and beef

EAT industry bosses believe they have left “no stone unturned” as they head to Washington DC later this week to argue against further hikes in tariffs on New Zealand lamb imports into the United States. The Meat Industry Association is among “interested parties” that will appear before the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) on Saturday (NZT) as it holds a one-day hearing to help it determine whether imports are causing, or threatening to cause, “serious injury” to the US sheep industry. The investigation was ordered by President Donald Trump’s Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in July following a complaint from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) last October. MIA chief executive Nick Beeby said exporters have provided answers to questionnaires from the ITC and encouraged their partners in the supply chain in the US to do the same. Continued from page 1 and solving a genuine customer need.” Australia is adding weight to a tighter global supply with weekly lamb processing back around 100,000 head. “The next test is whether tight trans-Tasman livestock numbers translate into sustained export value as spring builds.” AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad said the weather will be hugely relevant looking ahead to the flow of lambs into the new season. “We had a wet start to 2026, and the lamb kill dropped off between January to mid-March

Nick Beeby MIA

“We have been working to make sure they can fully participate and that the right information is provided into the process,” Beeby said. The ASI claims imported lamb is being sold at a 19.5% discount to local lamb, causing imports to surge and local production to crash to just 30% of all lamb consumed in the US. Australia and NZ account for 99% of all lamb imports into the US.

Both countries claim they are helping US sheep farmers by keeping lamb on supermarket shelves at a time of surging demand from US consumers, which their own producers have been unable to meet. As well as legal representation, Beeby said, the NZ industry has hired a US-based agricultural economist who will present evidence to the ITC hearing. “Do not underestimate the

amount of effort the industry has put in to make sure we leave no stone unturned,” Beeby said. However, individual exporters spoken to last week were not hopeful the current 13.2% tariff on NZ lamb would not be added to or other import restrictions imposed. “This is an administration that wants to use tariffs to make their sectors more competitive,” a director of a major exporter said.

“It will not be based on evidence or fact.” Another large exporter is working on an 80% probability of a hike in tariffs. The ITC has until November 13 to determine whether imports are injuring the US sheep industry or posing a risk of injury. If injury is proven, the commission must hold a further hearing on possible remedies by December 1. It then makes formal recommendations to the US president, who has 60 days to decide to implement these or not. The NZ meat industry will continue to make its case right up to the moment tariffs are imposed if it needs to, Beeby said. “We will be fully engaged right the way through this process.”

and that encouraged prices to start picking up again, while sparking extra demand from overseas markets worried they weren’t going to get the supplies they needed. “Potentially, if we are not going to face another wet summer, that could change the flow of lambs into plants.” Meantime Croad said October has started the new season in a strong position with prices holding around the $12.20 a kilogram mark. “Demand is still holding up where processors will be underway with Christmas chilled production; the NZ dollar is also supporting current returns,

helping sustain these higher values that we’re seeing at the moment.” Going forward, the industry is forecasting a drop in export volumes off the back of lower lamb supply. “It’s hard to ascertain that right now because most of the main lambing regions are still lambing or well into docking and tailing, so we’re not going to have a good handle on lamb numbers until November-December. “But unfortunately we haven’t seen a lamb crop increase over the past few years so it’s probably a correct assumption that there’s going to be less lambs around, especially given some regions

have had a pretty tough run through spring and lambing.” Meanwhile with healthy export demand it will be a matter of being able to maintain that when supplies do pick up. “Over the past couple of months, we’ve been verging on about 15,000 tonnes of lamb to our export markets each month and that will ramp up as the new season supplies start to come on stream. “That’s the crucial part, how those overseas markets react to increased availability of lambs out of NZ, so we’d expect some downside, but it’s coming off very high levels so it’s still a very positive start to the season.”

STRATEGY: Jen Corkran says while strong prices are welcome, and they open doors, they are not a long-term strategy on their own.

QUESTIONED: MIA chief executive Nick Beeby says exporters have provided answers to questionnaires from the ITC and encouraged their partners in the supply chain in the US to do the same. Photo: Pexels

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Hill to climb for GE in farmed animals Neal Wallace in London

E U RO P E: T RAC K I N G TO M O R ROW ’S FOOD TRENDS

TECHNOLOGY

Genetics

OST consumers accept gene editing in plants, but the jury is still out on its use in animals, says Canadian academic Stuart Smyth. A professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan, Smyth said the technology has been used mostly in seeds since 2015 but is now moving into animals. He told a panel at the World Agri-Tech conference in London recently that Canadian researchers have gene edited (GE) pig DNA to provide resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, PRRS, and in lettuce to delay by a couple of days the onset of browning. “Farmers want it, because it is a low-cost production, but we don’t yet know if consumers went GE pork chops, bacon or ham.” Smyth also questioned whether

consumers yet accept GE for improving animal production as opposed to animal welfare, but said that could change as it is used more to address animal welfare concerns. In contrast, consumers accept GE crops are safe, as is evident by the millions of hectares of GE plants grown throughout South, Central and North America, Japan and Australia. Parts of Asia that were opposed to its use a decade ago have eased controls because they see the technology as an answer to food security concerns. Smyth said using GE technology to increase the shelf life of products like lettuce could find consumer favour as it reduces food waste, calculated by researchers at about NZ$2100 per household per year. Edited plants that can sequester 10% more carbon from the

atmosphere could also provide a net benefit to the community, enhancing the reputation of the technology. “My message is ‘Listen to the silent majority,’” he said. New Zealand and the European Union have both started to relax decades-long restrictive laws governing GE, but a panel discussion on the technology said the world must adopt it faster to address pressing issues facing agriculture. An Michiels from the agtech consultancy firm AgKnowledge told the conference that faster adoption was needed to confront issues like climate change and food security. Peter Beetham, a co-founder of plant breeder Cibus, said it would soon be possible to edit corn to increase production by 50%, but a more immediate challenge is for grain growers such as those in Australia, who face increasingly unsettled weather. “We need crops that are more drought tolerant or climate resilient,” he said. Smyth said editing technology

MAINSTREAM: The public accepts gene editing for plant breeding but is still to be convinced it has a role in livestock, says Prof Stuart Smyth, from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. has evolved over the past few decades and is much more accurate and specific, allowing scientists to focus on and manipulate specific genes. The challenge now is what role artificial intelligence will play in the future, he said.

• Meeting the Market has the support of grants from Beef + Lamb NZ, Nedap, Silver Fern Farms, Deer Industry New Zealand, Alliance / Dawn Meats, the Meat Industry Association, Rabobank and the European Commission. https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/ meeting-the-market/

Uptake slows for biological ag products Neal Wallace in London

TECHNOLOGY

Biotech

SLOWING: The market for biological agricultural products is slowing, Manel Cervera Comabella, the managing partner with market research company Dunham Trimmer, told the Agri-Tech conference in London.

THE global market for agricultural biological products is slowing but still likely to be worth NZ$43 billion by 2030, the World Agri Tech conference was told recently. Manel Cervera Comabella, the managing partner with research company Dunham Trimmer, based in Spain, told the London conference that annual sales today are NZ$25.6bn but growth has eased from 11.6% a year

up to 2024, to 9% annual growth through until 2030. The compound annual growth of biofertilisers is 11.1%, biostimulants 9.9% and biocontrols 8%. But the market has problems. The technology for biofertilisers is proven but is not being integrated into farming systems, Comabella said. Biostimulants suffer from there being multiple similar products, which dilutes their value, while biocontrols have a receptive market, but their value is being eroded

as adoption grows. He said agronomic systems are changing faster than the commercial systems built to serve them, and those biotech companies that succeed will not necessarily have the best products, but the best fit into farming systems. Comabella said despite consumer demand, regulatory pressure and an agronomic need, their adoption suffers from the usual farming challenges of cost, capital availability, and risk The potential of these products also suffers from

the reality that farmers expect a repeat performance with every use. Tom Greene, a director of United States-based biotechnology company Corteva Agriscience, said while the science of biological products has matured, farmers need to see value and performance from their use. “The two drivers are cost and performance. “Emerging biologicals are competing on price and at an efficacy level with traditional chemistry, but it’s not easy because farmers have similar expectations.”

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Tech helps to refine Yorkshire farm’s focus Neal Wallace in Doncaster

TECHNOLOGY

Horticulture

NNOVATION and technology are James Brown’s answer to problems. That means there is much more to his 2000 hectare Lapwing Estate in Doncaster than growing organic broccoli, onions and carrots. Brown said technology will be central for all farmers to keep pace with inevitable change, and that means finding ways to use their land and soil. He walks the talk and some of the initiatives he has adopted include the Earth Rover, a self-propelled weeding robot; turning a flooding problem into a moneymaking asset; and seeking to achieve what UK local authorities haven’t done for 30 years – building a water reservoir. Brown is the fifth generation to farm Lapwing Estate in South Yorkshire, and its current chief executive. Initially he pursued study other

than farming, ending up working as an accountant. Other than seeing a future in organic food production and the need to be viable and sustainable, he had no preconceived notions when returning to the farm in the early 2000s. At that stage, the farm had a sideline selling agrochemicals and advice, but in 2007 that business was sold as part of a shift to organics. “I believe that is the future of food,” Brown said. “Consumers don’t want chemicals on their food and regulators don’t want it in the environment.” During the transition to organics Brown realised technology would be central, which led to the Earth Rover. The solar-powered machine uses eight high-resolution cameras and artificial intelligence to distinguish weeds from crops. The weeds are hit with pulses of light, effectively boiling the cells in the unwanted plant. It can target 60 weeds a second with 90% efficacy.

LAND USE: Lapwing Estates near Doncaster in South Yorkshire.

E U RO P E: T RAC K I N G TO M O R ROW ’S FOOD TRENDS

During each weeding process, every vegetable plant is GPS located and assessed for health and growth, with that information providing real-time data to assist decision-making. “That data enables people to start thinking about what percentage of input becomes output, what percentage of seed ends up in the plants you are selling, the percentage of fertiliser that has been utilised,” he says. “It all leads to improved yield.” About 30 of these have been sold throughout the northern hemisphere. Reverse Coal was another solution to an intractable problem. Four hundred years ago King Charles I drained the land Brown now farms, which is rich, fertile peat. Some of the land has been reflooded to stop carbon dioxide emissions and planted in short-

ANSWER: Yorkshire farmer James Brown sees technology as the answer to farming’s problems.

HI-TECH: An Earth Rover self-propelled weeding machine. rotation coppice willows. These are harvested and passed through a low-oxygen pyrolysis process, which uses high temperatures to thermally decompose the carbon-based materials to produce biochar, gas and carbon dioxide and heat. Brown calls the process Reverse Coal. The biochar is sold as a coal replacement to British Steel with some also buried, locking the carbon in the ground. The heat and CO2 are used in Brown’s glasshouses to grow vegetables, and the gas sold for domestic and industrial use. Work will start next year on Project FLOW, a reservoir that harvests peak flows in the Idle and Torne catchments, water that would normally flood his crops. It will store 11 million cubic metres of water and provide 200ha of enhanced biodiversity through reed and willow planting. The water will be used for irrigation and farm use and sold to an adjacent industrial estate that has been limited by a lack of access to water. Lapwing Estate is also home to the Pollybell Innovation Centre for new products or services that will improve farm productivity.

“Farmers buy from farmers,” said Brown. “When our farm says something works, it has credibility.” Brown said Lapwing Estate has a long-term vision, something he acknowledges is not an option for every farmer, with most taking over the chequebook aged 35, with about 30 harvests before they retire.

When our farm says something works, it has credibility. James Brown Lapwing Estate “Many farmers are not earning enough margin, so they end up doing the same thing.” However, he believes farmers can adopt even small technological projects or work with others to adopt or develop them. • Meeting the Market has the support of grants from Beef + Lamb NZ, Nedap, Silver Fern Farms, Deer Industry New Zealand, Alliance / Dawn Meats, the Meat Industry Association, Rabobank and the European Commission. https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/ meeting-the-market/

Know who’s in your corner. Kiwi-owned, backing Kiwi farmers. A dedicated manager there when you need. Whether you need livestock ﬁnance or a farm loan, we’ve got rural managers across the country, ready to chat. Find yours at heartland.co.nz/rural-loans Heartland Bank Limited’s lending criteria, T&Cs and fees apply.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Young Angus bulls still holding the line Hugh Stringleman

MARKETS

Livestock

EARLING Angus bulls are continuing to sell readily with high clearances and price averages exceeding $10,000 for some sought-after offerings. A full clearance of 46 bulls and an average of $11,696 – $1500 higher than last year – was the excellent result for the Stuart family at Komako Angus, Ashhurst. Komako’s Lot 2 sold for $27,000 to Sammie and Laura Werder, Stratford. Hallmark Angus, Tutira, had a full clearance of 33 yearling bulls and a healthy average of $11,515,

compared with $9421 last year. The top price was $17,000 for Lot 20, Hallmark Thiel W193, sold to Kenhardt Angus, Nūhaka. Glanworth Waigroup Angus, Pahīatua, sold 30 from 37 for an average of $5733 with a top price of $11,500, paid by Winkx Farming for Glanworth Waigroup 25097. Stern Angus, Cave, sold 45 from 46, averaged $7888 and had a top price of $16,500 for Lot 11, Stern 25694. Also in South Canterbury, Meadowslea Angus sold 78 out of 80 Yearling bulls, averaging $5100 with a top of $14,000. It also sold 28 of 34 two-year-olds, averaging $5700. Timperlea Angus, Oxford, sold 25 out of 26 with an average

$10,000 and a top of $21,000 paid by Gus Waghorn for Lot 5, Timperlea Wako 21. Black Ridge Angus, Taumaranui, sold 21 of 25, averaged $5414 and had a top of $7200. Vermont Angus, Alford Forest, sold 31 from 33, averaged $5925 and had a top price of $12,000 for Lot 15, VTMNZ W166. Torrisdale Murray Greys, Winton, sold all 46 bulls offered with an average of $5593 and a top of $11,500 for Lot 11, Torrisdale Wesar W16. Blackbridge Simmentals, Kaikohe, sold 10 out of 10 15-month bulls averaging $8620 and a top price of $12,500 paid by a commercial farmer. Transfers were to Potawa Simmentals for $9500 and to Beefit Simmentals for $7200.

LEADER: Komako Angus in Manawatū received $27,000 for yearling bull W7, now on his way to Taranaki. Photo: Komako Angus

Contractors should account for diesel price spike Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Contracting RURAL contractors should consider using a Fuel Adjustment Factor tool to help manage the spike in diesel costs that has occurred over the past month, industry group Rural Contractors New Zealand says. Contractors should be

reviewing their costs, with diesel now back at over $3 a litre, RCNZ CEO Andrew Olsen said. “Diesel is a huge component of any contracting business and when it goes up it rapidly erodes margins that are often already very competitive.” According to independent website Fuel Watch, diesel was priced at $3.21 a litre at

the start of last week. Some RCNZ members have kept their FAFs in place since the United States war on Iran first pushed up prices in March. FAF is used by transport and freight operators to manage fuel price volatility. According to the Commerce Commission, it is a commercial pricing mechanism allowing

operators to pass through increases or decreases in fuel costs to customers in a transparent way instead of constantly changing baseline prices. It moves up and down with fuel prices, is set individually by companies and typically appears as a separate line item on quotes or invoices. Most contractors have very good relationships with farmers

and other clients and having FAFs has certainly been helped by the current good prices for dairy, meat and wool. “We know farmers don’t welcome such increases but most of them understand that a contractor using a FAF is simply protecting their own business by putting on a surcharge. “There’s nothing in it for them other than recovering costs.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Small town lifted on a tide of ag success

HINK Waimate, think strawberries, wallabies, agriculture, A&P and equestrian shows, the Waimate Shears. All of these things have added to the rich agricultural history of the small town that sits inland between Timaru and Oamaru. And the local economy is positive overall because of the growing primary sector returns supporting the district. Waimate is a centre for highly productive agriculture with a mix of livestock farming, dairying, cropping and vegetables, while boasting a microclimate that supports its reputation for growing the best berry fruit in Australasia. In recent times, particularly the past three years, Waimate has benefited from government policy shifts, primarily retaining local control over its water infrastructure through the Local Water Done Well framework, allowing the district to avoid mandated regional amalgamations and keep administration costs lower.

to the

ELECTION Waimate Location – South Canterbury Population – 8450 (wider district) Industry – agriculture, forestry Mayor Craig Rowley is proud of his district, which he describes as “an off-the-track hidden gem”. “We are a district performing well, very dependent on the agricultural sector. We know what we do, we are a rural support town. “When prices are up for lamb, beef, and milk, it flows back through. “Retail is picking up, not booming, but it picked up in the last three years after a recession; the hospitality sector is doing okay, motels and lodges are keeping their heads up and hotels are doing up. “The A&P is going well, constantly spending money and upgrading and attracting a lot of equestrian events.”

CENTRE: Waimate is a centre for highly productive agriculture with a mix of livestock farming, dairying, cropping and vegetables. Photo: Annette Scott roading network is a big part.” Earlier this year the government backed the Waimate Trail project with a $200,000 funding boost, marking a major step forward for the scenic cycling and walking trail, which aims to be not just a recreation asset but as a driver for regional economic growth. The council is not so happy with the local government reform process. “We efficiently operate a small rural council, with support from our ratepayers. Another layer of uncertainty is what we don’t need at this time. “Government has totally underestimated the magnitude of the job and this needs to be sorted pretty damn promptly in the new term of government,” Rowley said.

infrastructure going in the ground as we speak.” Infrastructure and transport alignment policies have allowed Waimate to continue to co-ordinate local roading and infrastructure renewal programmes alongside the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) financial assistance policies to address growing heavy agricultural transport demands and ageing assets. “We have one of the highest roading networks use in the country. We’ve had good things from NZTA including two new bridges, after putting forward a complex business case to get them “We are grateful for any infrastructure we can get; we are heavily reliant on dairy, and

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POLITICS

Road to the Election

The annual Waimate Shears is mid-October and while there are fewer sheep and fewer shearers, this remains a national event, and includes the Trans-Tasman Shearing Contest. The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association park boasts 4000 bed nights a year. Two dairy factories, Fonterra and Oceania and new businesses such Southern Fresh Berries bring growth in employment and money to the district. Local Water Done Well enabled the Waimate District Council to retain direct ownership and decision-making power over drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, aligning with local community preferences. Structuring water service delivery locally has enabled the council to manage a balanced approach to annual budgeting, limiting core service rate increases while isolating necessary water administration costs. “We are very happy we were able to retain ownership and control with Three Waters operations fully up and running now and we have not been sitting on our hands, we have been proactive. Now to the business end with a lot of

TEN NF

Annette Scott

Certainty, by the bagful. There’s plenty on a New Zealand farm you can’t control. The weather. The markets. The summer that turns up late – or doesn’t arrive at all.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Strawberries the newest cream of the crop Annette Scott

POLITICS

ROAD

Road to the Election

INDING a thriving district with a microclimate perfect for growing berries, Southern Fresh Berries took hold in the Waimate district. With 242,600 strawberries planted in August, Robert Bain and Rebecca Curry are excited to be kicking off their first season. Going from empty paddocks to a premium hydroponic berry farm, 2026 has been a massive year of infrastructure, mud and milestones for the Australian couple. “We’re proud to be investing in the district, creating jobs and growing the economy,” the couple said. “We saw the point of discrepancy, hit the market with scale and consistency of quality to put fresh

to the

ELECTION strawberries on Kiwi’s tables.” With 7 hectares set for this season’s harvest, future plans for their 19ha block include up to 15ha strawberries under cover with 3ha of raspberries also going in the ground. Bain said while bureaucracy is vital to safe foods, the regulations in New Zealand far exceed those in Australia. “If the government could do one thing it would be cutting down the red tape for farmers; it’s been a challenge getting to know the system and working with it. “Local government has been very helpful, and the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs has been great to get the

numbers of staff we need, up to 75 in the peak.” Meanwhile, communications guru Kate O’Connell last month put to print the first edition of District Life, Waimate’s community newspaper. O’Connell has lived in Waimate and worked across South Canterbury for 20 years, helping market businesses, local government and the region. “Every area has local news and most have a community paper because community papers get read. “Here in Waimate a lot was changing, things were growing and developing but the good news wasn’t always reaching far.” In January 2026, with confidence in the go-ahead district, O’Connell took the plunge and launched District Life online to plug a gap on local news and stories, to help attract visitors, residents, businesses and investment.

SUPPORT: Robert Bain, of Southern Fresh Berries, says if the government could do one thing it would be cutting down the red tape for farmers. Photo: Annette Scott “The audience was largely rural, the response averaging 200,000 views a month, but I kept getting asked for a print version.” So, starting small, the first

edition rolled off the press in September, with the call out for good news, interesting people and stories to keep filling District Life as a monthly publication.

Wanted: foresight beyond the election cycle Annette Scott

POLITICS

L GROWTH: Harry Murphy is a thirdgeneration farmer in the district and, while he is part of the family’s dairy farming operation, he has purchased his own winter grazing property. Photo: Annette Scott

Road to the Election

ONG-term certainty on resource consents and water allocations to enable long-term investment in infrastructure is top of the wish list for Morven Glenavy Ikawai Irrigation Company. MGI is owned by farmers, who are significant contributors to the growing wealth of their Waimate district. The irrigation company takes water from the Waitaki River and delivers it to its shareholders via canals and pipelines, playing a supporting role in the community and improving environmental performance. MGI general manager Andrew Barton said the Waitaki River provides a very reliable water

source and an opportunity for future irrigation development in South Canterbury that the government could support, addressing water quality issues not only through regulation but incentivising other mitigations. “Government could give farmers more recognition, support and opportunity to utilise new technologies and more sustainable farming approaches rather than just relying on a regulatory stick.” MGI ’s existing resource consents expire in 2028. “The replacement consent applications will be considered during significant local government and resource management reform because the transitional provisions of the new legislation will not apply to us, which forces our applications to be considered before the new regulatory framework is in place.

“This represents a significant investment in time and money to re-consent an existing scheme. “Reducing the requirement for consents, simplifying consents for some activities, more controls on what councils can require in addition to central govt legislation, would help farmers and future development.” Local young farmer Harry Murphy also highlighted government regulations as one of his biggest challenges in farming. The 22-year-old is a thirdgeneration farmer in the district and, while he is part of the family’s dairy farming operation managing the wintering and young stock, he has purchased his own winter grazing property. “The MGI water scheme has been a big part of my confidence in farming here in what is a great district; reliable water is key.”

Reducing the requirement for consents, simplifying consents for some activities ... would help farmers and future development. Andrew Barton MGI Murphy said government policies, regulations and resource consents are his biggest bugbear. “It’s a challenge decision making when you are relying on someone else to say yes or no, so a priority for some reprieve there from the new government would be good as well as no new business taxes and no capital gains tax.”

See page 16

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

NZ arable wants a bite of Macca’s burger bun Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Arable

ALKS are underway between McDonald’s New Zealand and the country’s arable industry to see if there is a way for the restaurant giant to use locally grown grain for its burger buns. McDonald’s currently sources its grain from imported Australian wheat. It is processed in Auckland for bun making. FAR general manager of business operations Ivan Lawrie said that with the New Zealand Grown Grains website and certification programme now in full flight, McDonald’s and its suppliers have a genuine opportunity to make true on their claim to support NZ growers. Lawrie said the arable industry has tried – unsuccessfully – to engage with McDonald’s in the past on getting it to use NZgrown grain and is hopeful this engagement will lead to better success. One of the barriers in the past has been economics. McDonald’s can get Australian-grown wheat landed in Auckland for a lower

price than locally produced wheat. At $645 a tonne for New Zealand wheat, Lawrie calculated it would cost around 3.4 cents excluding GST to make a 66-gram bun containing 40g of flour, or 52.6g of wheat.

It would complete the story, and we would be able to certify their products under the New Zealand Grown Grains certification trademark. Ivan Lawrie FAR For a $6.52 Quarter Pounder burger, that 3.4 cents of the grower’s wheat would equate to 0.5% of the value of the burger, he said. “The actual savings are almost negligible in terms of the end product that they are selling. There is less than 4c of wheat contained in a hamburger bun. “Even if the price of wheat went up 50% for the grower, that would mean in the hamburger bun it would go from 4c to 6c.” There was no issue with quality or consistency of supply. The industry produces around 100,000 tonnes of milling wheat a season, which could increase if

This week’s poll question:

Should McDonald’s New Zealand be using locally grown wheat for its burger buns instead of Australian grain? Have your say at farmersweekly.co.nz/poll

less feed wheat was produced, he said. Having McDonald’s as a customer would be a huge boost for an industry low on confidence and struggling with profitability. “If you could give surety to a group of growers that year in, year out, the demand for that particular wheat will be there, and arrange some long-term pricing arrangements that satisfied both parties, that would mean a huge amount to our growers because that would put them in a position where they are not relying on the

News PENNIES: It would cost McDonald’s around 3.4 cents to make a 66 gram hamburger bun using flour from New Zealand-grown wheat, FAR general manager of business operations Ivan Lawrie says.

volatility of the market all the time,” he said. The cost of the bun, which has little effect on the end value of the hamburger, would increase a growers’ income by 50%, he said. It would also add further

credence to McDonald’s claim to use locally made products. “It would complete the story, and we would be able to certify their products under the New Zealand Grown Grains certification trademark.”

Farmlands defends its AgriZeroNZ decision Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Governance FARMLANDS has taken issue with claims made on social media that its investment in AgriZeroNZ is a conflict of interest because Rob Hewett is chair of both organisations. In a posting on Facebook to clarify its position, the cooperative said: “The Farmlands board made this investment decision through our established governance processes, as it does for other investments we make. “Our conflict of interest processes were followed, and chair Rob Hewett stepped out of the investment decisions.” Hewett could not be reached for comment, but when asked about the matter in an interview on The Country radio show, he said the correct process had been followed. “Conflicts are a thing I deal with quite regularly and I’m out of the room when it comes to dealing with things that affect both parties.”

The rural supply co-operative is contributing $1 million to AgriZeroNZ over a three-year period (around $335,000 per year). “This makes us the smallest investor within AgriZeroNZ. Our investment will help secure access to a wider range of products for our customers in the future,” the statement from Farmlands said. Its acquisitions of Donaghys and SealesWinslow have already strengthened access to local animal health and nutrition manufacturing and AgriZeroNZ will extend that reach into new technology and product development. “This doesn’t mean our customers have to purchase these products, it simply broadens the choices available,” the co-op said. On October 5, AgriZeroNZ announced that Farmlands, along with Alliance, had joined the public-private partnership alongside other companies within the primary sector that jointly own 50% of it. AgriZeroNZ CEO Wayne McNee

said the additional funding would give AgriZeroNZ the capital to build on the momentum achieved so far and support the delivery of practical solutions to help New Zealand farmers reduce emissions while maintaining profitability and productivity. “We’re backing some of the world’s best innovators and scientists and they need sustained support to get these new technologies through development, testing and approvals so farmers can trust they’re proven, safe and effective. “Not every technology we invest in will succeed, that’s the reality of innovation. But we’re optimistic that, with continued investment and focus, New Zealand farmers will have a range of tools to choose from by 2030.” The first AgriZeroNZ-backed tool likely to become available to farmers is a methaneinhibiting bolus developed by Kiwi company Ruminant Biotech. AgriZeroNZ has invested $5.8m in the company so far. The bolus is currently undergoing regulatory approval.

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14 BLNZ

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

News

Forty years of marketing NZ’s red meat Rebecca Greaves

NEWS

Marketing

ROM golden girls gracing our television screens extolling the virtues of red meat to the Quality Mark that has become synonymous with the tender red meat produced in New Zealand, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc has stamped its mark on marketing the product. As the organisation celebrates 40 years, chief executive Kit Arkwright reflects on the milestones that have helped take the grass-fed story to the consumer. Over that time, the objective for the marketing body tasked with marketing New Zealand red meat has not altered. It has weathered storms such as “peak vegan” and the rise of plant-based meat alternatives grown in the lab (think Impossible Burger) to position red meat as a premium product of high nutritional value. “First and foremost, it’s about reminding Kiwis of how delicious our product is, helping them cook it and get the most out of it,” Arkwright said. “Underpinning that piece is reminding them of our grass-fed production story. “It is a really special way we

produce red meat here in New Zealand. “The third piece is nutrition, reminding Kiwis about the functional promise of the product. People trust it will fuel me and my family and keep us performing at work and at school.” One of the great strengths of the organisation is its three funding streams. This means it represents the entire supply chain, from farmers to processors and retailers. “We believe that full supply chain representation is unique in the world. It is one of our biggest strengths and gives us a useful mandate to lift the tide for all boats.” Beef + Lamb NZ Inc is different to Beef + Lamb NZ, the industry body farmers pay levies to. Though the names are similar, Arkwright explains, they came first. “They used to be known as Meat and Wool but when the wool levy ended, they needed a change of name. Beef + Lamb NZ Inc was already an established brand, so it was agreed to share a name to reflect our close alignment, which continues today.” The name Rod Slater goes handin-hand with the organisation. Originally pulled in to help for two weeks, he ended up spending 27 years at the helm before Arkwright took up the reins five years ago. Arkwright paid tribute to Slater,

NUTRITION: Chief executive Kit Arkwright says important work has been done in the nutritional education sphere, promoting and protecting the nutritional value of red meat. saying the organisation he now leads is in Rod’s image. “We continue the good work he started.” It was Slater who instigated the television advertising campaigns that set Beef + Lamb NZ Inc apart as a household name, particularly the iconic Iron Maidens ads, featuring the likes of the EversSwindell twins, Sarah Ulmer, Sarah Walker, Dame Lisa Carrington, Dame Sophie Pascoe and Eliza McCartney. Arkwright said it was a stroke of genius to tap into the female Olympic athletes, most of whom did not have sponsorships back then and offered incredible return on

investment. While the Iron Maidens have ended, they still continue in a similar vein with an ambassador, Stacey Waaka. “In the ’90s the comparison ads really put us on the map, they were the ones with a huge plate of spinach next to a tiny piece of sirloin steak, both containing the same amount of iron. They were simple, creative and have really stuck in people’s memory.” The Quality Mark, which came about during Slater’s tenure, was a noteworthy development. Slater said it was originally seen as a hospital pass. He took it on to secure funding support from the meat processors. “I approached the Meat Board to try to get some funding. They said yes, but they had been working with the Quality Mark as an international standard and they wanted us to pick it up and run with it for the New Zealand marketing,” Slater said.

The moment you stop talking to consumers and get complacent, you are in trouble. Rod Slater Former BLNZ Inc chief executive

They made it work, and the reason it worked was because supermarkets and retailers got in behind it. Back then, tough meat was a problem in New Zealand. Slaughtered animals were immediately frozen. It is now understood that this process causes what is known as cold shortening, creating tough meat. Fixing the tenderness was key to the success of the Quality Mark, and it adopted research that showed ageing meat before it was chilled or frozen would eliminate the toughness issue. Within a year, it had turned the problem around completely. Today, the Quality Mark is seen an enduring initiative that signals quality and gives confidence to the consumer, Arkwright said. Other worthy programmes include the cultivation of a digital ecosystem, particularly the foresight to purchase the generic recipes.co.nz domain name. The website is now one of the biggest specialist online recipe websites in New Zealand and generates 1.6 million visits annually. Social media has become an important discovery tool for people seeking inspiration on what to cook for dinner.

PROFILE: The chef ambassador programme has contributed to lifting the profile of the product, especially secondary cuts like lamb shanks.

News

BLNZ 15

HELM: Originally pulled in to help for two weeks, Rod Slater ended up spending 27 years at the helm. “We put a lot of work into delivering content that people want to see, not just to spark interest but to drive action around buying and cooking our product.” Although they no longer run The Glammies (for lamb) and Steak of Origin (for beef), the competitions were highly successful ways to showcase red meat, and the chef ambassador programme has contributed to lifting the profile of the product, especially secondary cuts like lamb shanks. Arkwright said it started with the Beef + Lamb NZ Inc Excellence Awards, which ran for 25 years and invited restaurants to apply. They were visited by a mystery diner and, if they passed, awarded a gold plate. Out of the awards, ambassador

chefs were selected and the honour roll reads like a who’s who of New Zealand chefs, from Ben Bayly to Peter Gordon, Michael Meredith and Rex Morgan. Arkwright pointed out that, of the 15 restaurants recently awarded Michelin Stars, three had affiliations with Beef + Lamb NZ Inc. Finally, he mentioned the important work done in the nutritional education sphere, promoting and protecting the nutritional value of red meat, which is crucial when the credentials of red meat are called into question. “In 2019, pre-covid, it was what I’d call peak vegan time. It’s a really personal decision what someone chooses to eat, and to

AMBASSADOR: While the Iron Maidens have ended, they still continue in a similar vein with an ambassador, rugby star Stacey Waaka. criticise and shame people because they choose to eat a food that’s undeniably nutritious was crazy. We were in the trenches and having to protect red meat’s place on the plate.” While 90% of what Kiwi farmers produce is exported offshore and farmers can sometimes feel disconnected from the markets, Arkwright said marketing has an important role to play in storytelling, promoting and protecting our red meat. For Slater, that role is more relevant now that ever. “The moment you stop talking to consumers and get complacent; you are in trouble. We need to be constantly talking about it, educating New Zealanders about our product. There will always

be someone waiting to have a go at us. We were constantly under attack in those days. We have gone from zero to hero, but we need to keep it that way,” he said. He is quick point out the enduring factor over the past 40 years, and the success achieved, has been the strength of the team. “It reflects on the talent of the people working for us. We had unbelievable people working so hard for the cause, under me. They were so smart that they made me look good.”

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CONFIDENCE: The Quality Mark is an enduring initiative that signals quality and gives confidence to the consumer.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

News

City solutions a poor fit for rural towns Isabella Beale

POLITICS

Road to the Election

NOWN as New Zealand’s Booktown and the “Gateway to the Wairarapa”, Featherston has grown significantly in recent years, becoming an important commuter and transport hub for the region. The town’s origins date to 1847, when Henry Burling established accommodation known as Burlings near the Māori settlement of Pāe-o-te-Mokai. In 1856, the Wellington Provincial Government surveyed the site for a town, naming it Featherston after Wellington Province superintendent Isaac Featherston. The arrival of the railway in the 1870s accelerated its development and helped establish Featherston as an important regional service centre. More recently, growth driven partly by people commuting to Wellington has brought new pressures. South Wairarapa District mayor Fran Wilde said expanding communities are increasing demand on infrastructure at a time when severe weather, rising costs and a limited rating base are already stretching rural council budgets and pushing rates higher. “We’ve got a very small population and a very large land area, and we simply cannot afford to keep on mending these roads and bridges,” Wilde said. This year, the district, 63km northeast of central Wellington, has endured four major floods that have cut off homes, swollen rivers and damaged roads. Wilde said the frequent closure of the Waihenga Bridge has significant economic consequences for Martinborough and surrounding areas, particularly given the town’s reliance on tourism.

With the district’s soft soils already creating challenges for roads, she believes climate change and increasingly severe weather will only add to the pressure. For local business owner and C’est Cheese cheesemaker Paul Broughton, every road closure hits the till. When an accident closes the Remutaka Hill or severe weather cuts access elsewhere, the steady flow of visitors can disappear almost overnight, taking much of the shop’s daily income with it. The vulnerability of those transport links reflects a wider problem facing the district. Wilde said the roads weren’t necessarily built for today’s conditions. “Our roads were not made for logging trucks and those big double trailers, fully loaded, weigh a lot ... so we’re working through what we can do. Other councils are doing things, rates or contributions ... It is quite a challenging area actually to develop policy through.” Wilde, who was elected in October 2025, said severe weather and heavy vehicles are only part of a much wider funding challenge facing rural councils. South Wairarapa has about 12,000 residents spread across a large geographical area, leaving a relatively small ratepayer base to fund an extensive network of roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Wilde said housing demand is strong in South Wairarapa, but inadequate wastewater infrastructure has stalled new development in Greytown and Martinborough. The council is now racing to upgrade its systems so it can resume issuing resource consents for new homes. The local council provides community services including libraries, swimming pools and sports grounds, which Wilde said are well used and highly valued by residents.

ROAD to the

ELECTION Featherston Location – Wairarapa Population – 2870 Industry – agriculture, satellite town She said policies developed with larger urban centres in mind can overlook the different needs, costs and challenges of delivering those same services in rural communities. “It’s all very well some central government politician saying, ‘Kids could catch the bus to the other swimming pool’. Well, there are no buses to the other swimming pools,” she said. “The urban solutions don’t work for the very big rural areas we have.” Wilde also said the council is being asked more and more to take on responsibilities without any additional funding. “We’re all the time being asked to do more things, but nobody pays us to do it.” Wilde said a longer-term funding partnership between central and local government is needed to reduce councils’ reliance on rates. She believes it will benefit political leaders to spend more time in rural communities such as Featherston, where she said they could gain a better understanding of the pressures facing regional councils and their ratepayers. “They should just come here and listen to us. “If we had a mature, grown-up conversation with them about funding and maybe it wasn’t just rates, we got something else ... I think it would be helpful.”

KEEPING UP: Featherston is growing, with large demand for housing, and the council is racing to keep up with infrastructure. Photo: Isabella Beale

Farmers want reform that makes a difference Isabella Beale

POLITICS

Road to the Election WAIRARAPA farmers want the next government to take a more practical approach to regulation, and improve water resilience, Federated Farmers Wairarapa president Robert Hickson says. Hickson said farmers had been “waiting with bated breath” for Resource Management Act reform but were frustrated by the lack of change. “After three years of the current government it’s very hard to say what has become easier,” he said. He said regulation is necessary but should be more targeted, rather than “regulation for regulation’s sake”. Water resilience is another election priority, with Hickson calling for fewer barriers to developing on-farm storage. “We have these dry summers where production grinds to a halt and we’ve got so much water that we could capture and utilise.” Hickson said the proposed Wakamoekau Community

Infrastructure moves this cheese Isabella Beale

POLITICS

Road to the Election WHEN infrastructure fails and roads close, Featherston businesses can feel the impact almost immediately at the till. Paul Broughton, owner and cheesemaker at C’est Cheese, said the shop’s profitability

If the government supports the Wellington economy, then by default they help us. Paul Broughton C’est Cheese

relies heavily on surrounding infrastructure, particularly State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill, which is frequently closed by extreme weather or crashes. “We’re very dependent on that road over the hill being open,” Broughton said. “If that closes, we’re done. That’s where our major market is at, people passing through and on their way home as well.” The shop sells a range of New Zealand-made deli products and cheeses, including its own range produced at the on-site Remutaka Pass Creamery using organic milk from Te Pare Farm. It is also connected to the C’est Cheese Cafe, which serves drinks, toasties and baked goods.

WHEELS: Paul Broughton, cheesemaker at C’est Cheese, says the shop’s income relies heavily on State Highway 2 being open. Photo: Isabella Beale While the shop relies heavily on the Wellington economy, Broughton said the rural economy

also has an impact on the local businesses. “When you see they get good

Water Storage Scheme, a dam northwest of Masterton, which could have benefited farmers, urban water supplies, environmental releases and industrial users, was abandoned after regulatory hurdles left investors without a clear pathway to sell the water.

We’ve got so much water that we could capture and utilise. Robert Hickson Federated Farmers Local government rates and infrastructure are also concerns. Hickson said proposed changes in Carterton could increase rates by 18% for sheep and beef farms, 150% for dairy and 800% for forestry. Higher rates mean farmers have less money to spend with local businesses, he said. Hickson also questioned whether rates were the best way to fund roads, suggesting road-user charges could better reflect how much people use the network and their impact on it. payouts out of the milk or good beef prices or lamb or whatever, it does definitely flow through to the local economy,” Broughton said. Cost-wise, the biggest pressures and increases for the business in recent years have been rates, energy and insurance. Annual rates have risen steadily, from $6051.12 in 2024/25 to $6610.24 in 2025/26 and $6851.16 for 2026/27, equivalent to $1712.79 a quarter. Despite rising costs and infrastructure challenges, Broughton remains optimistic about the town’s future, particularly with international visitors returning and Wairarapa’s Dark Sky Reserve helping to attract visitors during off-peak times. However, he said a strong economy and reliable infrastructure will be crucial to support the continued growth of local businesses. “If the government supports the Wellington economy, then by default they help us.”

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18 Editorial

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2026

Letters of the week

Win-win is in our sights Paul Burt Matatā

From the Editor Dairy primed for summer challenges Gerald Piddock

Senior reporter

HE economic juggernaut that is the New Zealand dairy industry has continued its impressive run, with strong financial results from Fonterra and Tatua. The results, coupled with good milk price forecasts and steady-as-it-goes GDT results, should have dairy farmers feeling optimistic as they head into mating and peak milk collections. Synlait too is showing optimism after the second half of its year showed good financial gains, despite overall making a net loss after tax of $75.4 million. The sale of its North Island assets has enabled it to halve its debt, and securing a new customer in the Middle East should help advance its infant formula business. The company’s recovery is still ongoing, but there are signs the tide might be turning for it. Fonterra smashed its target of achieving earnings at 2025 levels within three years of the sale of its consumer business,

achieving this in one. Its profit after tax was $2.6 billion and its total cash returns to shareholders was $19.6bn. It paid out a dividend of 73 cents per share, up from 57 cents. Its organic business is also going from strength to strength, paying out a record $14.13/kg MS for last season and $14.30/kg MS forecast for the current season – another record. It also shows that expanding into the South Island and increasing its collection pool in the North Island were the right moves. Tatua was the quiet achiever in all of this, paying its farmer shareholders $12.42/kg MS and forecasting an indicative price of $10.50/kg MS.

The results should have dairy farmers feeling optimistic. It has also increased its plant size with the completion of its Foods II project at its factory in Tatuanui, which will increase its ability to produce value-added products. Goat dairy is also regaining its momentum, with the Dairy Goat Co-op achieving its capital raise as it continues to rebuild. And while the financial health of the country’s privately owned companies, including Open Country and Yili, which own

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULT More than half of those who took the poll say they are purchasing lower-value proteins because of cost of living pressures. “I don’t have to buy red meat but I do buy the cheaper dairy products,” said one voter. Another said: “We we still buy beef and lamb but intersperse with chicken, NZ pork and fish. More or less maintaining a balanced diet. Our doctor highly recommends any fresh meat for a healthy diet – just don’t buy processed foods.” One voter was on the fence: “Yes or no is very distinct, I would suggest the answer is somewhere in the middle.” Of the 44.8% who voted no, some said they still purchased quality proteins, but in smaller quantities. “I buy quality meat and fish but less volume and bulk up dishes with vegetables, various canned beans and chickpeas. As a result our diet has become more varied and healthier as well as economical.” Another said: “No, what are lower-value proteins? My diet is a mixture of highquality GE-free legume and nut proteins and good quality free-range organic meat.”

Westland and Oceania in the South Island, is not reported, there are signs they are ticking along. The second largest processor, Open Country, opened a new $50m butter manufacturing plant in Waikato in December last year and at the time was investigating the potential of a similar move at its Southland site. The project was undertaken to meet demand for grass-fed butter in markets like the United States. In May, Yili said its two companies had posted combined unaudited revenue growth of 16% compared to the same period last year. Before-tax profit growth for the first half of 2025 is 12%. That profitability was expected to continue to climb for both companies well into 2026. The strong financial position should also help the industry buffer the effects of rising input prices and the impacts of an El Niño spring and summer. Fertiliser prices have softened in recent months but diesel prices have climbed, which will add to the cost of growing summer feed crops. Fonterra’s $9.50/kg MS forecast for this season is still ahead of the $9.07/kg MS worst-case scenario breakeven figure highlighted in DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker taken in September. They all should be well prepared for whatever the summer throws at them.

IT DOESN’T take much research to figure out when feral deer numbers were last low. In the late 1970s feral deer had a value, as much as a farm boy’s weekly wage for a 60kg carcase at the local game meat packers. The private enterprise industry was in full swing. Effort and reward promotes efficient systems and is a wonderful motivator. Deer were scarce. Today, the call to effectively manage out-of-control deer numbers quickly arrives at shoot to waste and worse, poisoning. Quite a high proportion of New Zealand families can’t afford quality meat, yet we have successful (admittedly subsidised) programmes that can get safe wild venison mince to foodbanks. There is a hunter registration system currently in place as well as licensed wild game processing facilities already operating. Why has a collection of the appropriate government departments not expanded this initiative? Somewhere between “free” and the price of beef mince there must be a level of financial return that provides public good and avoids senseless waste. Such a system would need propping up to get traction, but the benefits are substantial, despite the eventual likelihood of running out of resource because of its success. Are we a nation that seizes opportunity or just sees problems?

For the needy, not the greedy Dave Stanton Geraldine THE solution to “the affordability of Super” is to means test New Zealand Super the same way they do in Australia. Super is a welfare pension for those who have retired from work and are struggling to afford to feed and house themselves. Honestly, do those who keep on working, managing or directing companies, receiving income from rentals, trusts, farms, forestry or other large investments, need our taxpayer-funded welfare payments? Means testing should include Parliamentary pensions and Super entitlements. Welfare is for the needy, not the greedy!

Last week’s question: Are cost of living pressures pushing you towards eltiT trahC purchasing lower-value proteins?

This week’s poll question (see page 12):

55.2%

44.8%

Yes No 3

Should McDonald’s New Zealand be using locally grown wheat for its burger buns instead of Australian grain? Have your say at farmersweekly.co.nz/poll

Opinion

OpEd 19

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

El Niño: be alert, not alarmed In my view Danny Donaghy

Prof Donaghy is a professor of dairy production systems at Massey University and the lead of Whenua Haumanu, which examines the impacts of contemporary and regenerative pastoral farming

L NIÑO has everyone talking about drought, and while the likely impacts will vary by region, many of us are asking the same question: what can farmers do now to put themselves in the strongest position for the months ahead? My view is that we should focus on preparing our farming systems to deal with multiple eventualities. Here in Manawatū, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Whenua Haumanu programme is already seeing signs that this season is developing differently, and some of our observations may offer useful lessons for other pasture-based farming systems around the country. We’ve come out of a relatively dry winter, which has brought some obvious advantages. Calving and lambing conditions have generally been favourable, and pasture growth has responded well to warming temperatures. On the Whenua Haumanu farmlets, pasture supply has matched herd and flock demand almost a month earlier than normal, suggesting that the season is running ahead of schedule. At the same time, we’ve had several significant frosts in

succession, something we haven’t seen regularly for many years. That will encourage more grass tillers (shoots) to go reproductive, potentially leading to a larger spring peak than we’ve become used to. Taken together, these factors suggest pasture growth may peak earlier than normal, creating the potential for a shorter, sharper spring if summer conditions turn dry. That possibility should influence management decisions now. The first priority is making the most of the feed that’s available. Maintaining grazing residuals close to target remains one of the most important disciplines during periods of strong growth. In many areas, soils have been dry enough to allow better grazing management than what we would normally expect at this time of year, although flexibility will always be needed when rain arrives. When surplus feed develops, grazing to residual targets naturally lengthens the rotation and generates even more pasture. That’s why I’d be inclined to remove excess feed early where conditions allow. If seasonal forecasts prove correct, carrying high-quality conserved feed into summer could become valuable insurance. In many years, September nitrogen applications make little sense for cooler regions of the country. Soil is usually wet and conditions are rainy, so the risk of nitrogen being lost through leaching is high, use by grazing animals is low, and surplus pasture can’t be made into silage. Farmers

can quickly create more feed than they can effectively utilise. This season may be different in many parts of the country, with favourable soil and weather conditions likely to deliver a strong response to carefully targeted nitrogen applications. Used strategically, they can help build covers on paddocks destined for silage or stimulate regrowth after silage has been harvested. Silage timing may also be more important than usual.

If seasonal forecasts prove correct, carrying high-quality conserved feed into summer could become valuable insurance. One scenario that would make me nervous is leaving silagemaking until the traditional October-November window simply because that’s what usually happens. If large areas of the farm are cut, and dry conditions arrive soon afterwards, those paddocks will struggle to return to the grazing rotation and the farm will see-saw quickly from surplus into deficit of feed. As a rule of thumb, I like to see silage harvested from paddocks that are no more than 10 days beyond the normal spring rotation. Beyond that point, silage quality declines and regrowth slows. Earlier silage harvesting offers a double benefit: better-quality feed and paddocks returning to production sooner. If you’re planning pasture renewal, now is the time to act. We’re currently broadcasting

seeds into pastures, because it’s too wet on our farms at present to use a drill, and by the time that soil conditions improve, they may continue drying and the establishment window will close. The same principle applies to summer crops – ideally, these should be well established before moisture becomes limiting. Where budgets and conditions allow, it is also worth applying capital fertiliser sooner rather than waiting until later in the season. These aren’t panic measures. They’re simply about setting the farm up for success if conditions tighten. One lesson I’ve seen repeatedly, both in New Zealand and overseas, is that drought resilience of pastures is determined before the drought begins. When dry conditions arrive, most farmers instinctively move to longer rotations and supplementary feeding, protecting residuals and giving stressed plants more time to recover. The problem is that pasture performance during a dry period is heavily influenced by how those plants entered the season. Pastures that have experienced fast spring rotations, poor residual control or prolonged shading from late silage crops will enter summer with lower energy reserves and smaller root systems. Those plants are inherently less resilient when moisture becomes limiting. In other words, the management decisions we make today will influence how our pastures perform months from now. The most resilient farmers during climate shocks are rarely

STEADY: Professor Danny Donaghy says the most resilient farmers during climate shocks are rarely those who make dramatic changes once conditions deteriorate. those who make dramatic changes once conditions deteriorate. More often, they’re the ones who prepared early. They’ve updated feed budgets, checked supplements, reviewed fertiliser plans, assessed stock numbers and thought through contingency options before decisions become urgent. If El Niño ultimately has less impact than expected in your region, those actions still represent ideal farm management. But if conditions do tighten, preparation completed now could prove invaluable later. At this stage, “be alert, not alarmed” remains a good mantra. Forecasts still carry uncertainty, and regional outcomes will vary. The goal should be to put our farming systems in the strongest possible position for whatever the season delivers.

Result paints a picture of Fonterra’s future In my view Nic Lees

Dr Lees is a senior lecturer in agribusiness management at Lincoln University

ONTERRA’S $2.61 billion reported profit after tax is the headline number, but it is not the most informative one. Around $1.25bn of that came from the one-off gain on the sale of Mainland Group. The more revealing figure is the $1.35bn profit after tax from continuing operations, up from $1.01bn a year earlier. That matters because it gives the clearest indication yet of the earning power of the business Fonterra has chosen to retain. The co-operative is now more heavily concentrated in Ingredients and Foodservice, and FY26 shows that both channels are contributing meaningfully to earnings. Ingredients benefited from stronger sales volumes and pricing, but also from a greater allocation of milk solids into higher-value protein products.

SPREAD: Fonterra’s return is determined not only by dairy prices, but by the spread between the benchmark value of milk and the value it can generate from the actual products it sells. Foodservice benefited from higher volumes, stronger margins and lower milk-fat input costs. That gives a better indication of where Fonterra sees its competitive advantage. The business is increasingly about optimising the milk pool rather than simply increasing volume. The key capability is the

ability to shift milk components between different product streams depending on relative returns. Protein can be directed into specialised ingredients; fat can move into products such as cream, butter or Foodservice applications; and milk can be allocated between commodity and higher-value products. This is important because

Fonterra’s return is determined not only by dairy prices, but by the spread between the benchmark value of milk and the value it can generate from the actual products it sells. That distinction helps explain why the Ingredients and Foodservice businesses can produce strong earnings even when the farmgate milk price is also high. The FY26 result also gives a clearer picture of the financial effect of the Mainland sale. The transaction generated about $4.6b in proceeds, with a $1.25bn accounting gain recognised in the income statement. Fonterra then returned $3.2bn to shareholders through the capital return while also reducing debt. The consequence is a materially different balance sheet: a smaller asset base, lower leverage and more capital concentrated in the businesses Fonterra has decided to retain. There is also an important signal in return on capital. Return on capital rose to 14.2% from 11.7%. That is arguably more informative than the headline profit because it shows the remaining business is generating

The business is increasingly about optimising the milk pool rather than simply increasing volume. a stronger return relative to the capital employed in it. The strategic question now is not whether Fonterra can replace the revenue lost through the Mainland sale. Revenue is not the objective. The question is whether it can continue to generate strong returns from a narrower asset base by allocating milk into products and markets where it has an advantage. FY26 suggests that is beginning to happen. The next few years will show whether those returns can be sustained when product relativities, milk-fat prices and global demand are less favourable. That will be the real test of the post-Mainland Fonterra. More of your favourite opinion pieces now online farmersweekly.co.nz/opinion

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21 Dairy Focus

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Dairy

Fonterra to tweak its winter milk premium Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Fonterra

HANGES are coming to the way Fonterra pays its farmers for winter milk, with the co-operative stopping uncontracted winter milk premiums from 2028 and phasing out contracted winter milk from 2033. Fonterra CEO Richard Allen signalled the changes during the announcement of the co-op’s 2026 annual result last month. Until now, Fonterra has offered uncontracted winter milk premiums that any farmer could supply to, and contracted where farmers had to have a winter milk contract, he said. Replacing it will be a flexible winter milk contract called a Winter Supply Agreement, which will be available to all farmers in winter milk regions. The world has moved on since that programme was started and it is important to review the system, Allen said. “From the 2028 season, we will no longer pay the uncontracted winter milk premiums and that’s because a lot of farmers are naturally milking later into the season. “From 2033 we will look to phase out our legacy winter milk contracts,” Allen said. Staff have contacted the farmers who will be affected. Fonterra group director for farm source Anne Douglas said existing winter milk contracts remain in place, with the long-term goal being to move to a single winter milk programme across the co-op by 2033.

The timing of this transition will be guided by supply and demand dynamics. Douglas would not reveal what the current premiums are, nor how many farmers receive the premium, citing commercial sensitivities. Northland and Waikato are the two regions of New Zealand that predominantly winter-milk. A farmer advisory group is being established to help guide that process. “Winter milk remains important to the co-op; however, winter milk

From 2033 we will look to phase out our legacy winter milk contracts. Richard Allen Fonterra

supply and demand have moved out of balance. That gap has been widening over time as more farmers choose to dry off later in the season,” she said. The changes are designed to better match winter supply with demand, improve operational efficiencies and support the maximum sustainable milk price for farmers. There are no changes to contracts for winter 2027. The number of farmers on a winter milk contract has remained steady, though growth in winter milk volumes has come from both winter milk contract holders and uncontracted winter milkers. Farmers currently supplying uncontracted winter milk will be able to opt in to the new winter supply agreements each season, provided they meet the relevant volume and collection requirements, she said.

CHANGE: Fonterra CEO Richard Allen signalled the changes to winter milk payment during the announcement of the co-op’s 2026 annual result last month.

PREMIUM: Fonterra is changing the winter milk premiums it pays to farmers starting from the 2028 season. Photo: DairyNZ Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson said it will be a change for those farms that produce winter milk. The cooperative has been proactive and has reached out to affected farmers to go through it with them, he said. “It will affect different farms differently whether they are contracted or producing uncontracted winter milk. “There’s a long time frame for those that have winter milk contacts to consider what changes if any they want to make. “Those receiving uncontracted winter milk premiums have a shorter amount of time but you have to acknowledge they still have a decent amount of time to make those changes.” Meantime, strong global demand has delivered a record final milk price of $14.13/kg MS for Fonterra’s organic farmers for the 2025-2026 season. It beats the previous record of $12.35/kg MS set in 2024-2025. It has also set a record for the

new season, with its forecast midpoint of $14.30/kg MS announced when the co-op revealed its annual financial result late last month. The forecast has a range of $13.30-15.30/kg MS. The results reflect continued global demand for organic, grassfed dairy, Fonterra’s head of milk supply Lisa Payne said. “Landing a record final organic milk price for the co-op’s organic farmers is a fantastic outcome, and a direct reflection of how strongly customers value the dairy produced through organic farming practices. “To follow that with a lift in the forecast for 2026-2027 really builds on that momentum as we look to grow the organics programme further.” Fonterra is working to expand its existing organic milk pool in the North Island, as well as welcome South Island farmers into the programme given the co-op’s plans to start processing organic milk there from the 2028-2029 season.

22 Originally published in Inside Dairy

Support that ma akes a difference Tough times – whether it’s a weather event, ﬁnancial hardship or a breakdown in a relationship – can put a lot of strain on other elements of life life. Our partnership with the Rural Support Trust means local support is just a phone call away.

backed by farm mer levy funding, is about enabling g the trust to continue that good work k. “Their local team m understands ﬁrsthand the press pressures that can mount up. Their network and training can help with a wide range of situations.” With employment-related issues being a major reason for calls for help, part of DairyNZ’s funding of the trust goes

Juggling increased workloads, particularly around calving, can be demanding alongside dealing with everything else on-farm: herd and pasture management, overseeing staff, business administration and home life. Building and maintaining strong relationships, both personal and at work, is one area that can pay dividends during busy times. If relationships are strong, they can be a great source of support. DairyNZ senior people specialist Jane Muir says tough times can exaggerate relationship challenges. “This shows the importance of getting things right: clear communication, expectations and understanding

towards the delivery of the Rural Employee Support Hub, a one-stop shop of employment information and wellbeing support for those working on farms. People often seek support around their mental health and through natural disasters, too. DairyNZ key accounts manager Tony Finch says during adverse events, DairyNZ works alongside the trust and other industry organisations through Regional Advisory Groups (RAGs) to prepare for, respond to and assist with the recovery from emergencies. DairyNZ’s role is to provide on-theground intelligence updates and support where necessary to the RAGs throughout each event.

between an employer and employee, or farm owner and share or contract milker, and having those critical things documented.” The Rural Support Trust has more than 300 people working across 14 regions, all with strong connections to

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The Rural Support Trust’s national chair, Michelle Ruddell, says a good way to prepare for high-pressure periods is to ensure everyone is well trained, prepared and rested.

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Dairy

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Tatua success a team effort across business Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Dairy

ATUA achieved a solid financial result for the 2026 year after all parts of the Waikato dairy company’s revenue streams performed well. The small dairy co-operative’s specialised nutritionals and foods and flavours businesses both achieved record revenue levels and commodities performed strongly. “All parts of the business have performed,” CEO Brendhan Greaney said. “Commodities are good, and each of the value-add businesses – foods, nutritionals, and flavours have all had a record year. It’s been pretty good.” The commodity side of the business, where milk is turned into caseinate, WPC and AMF, performed well, especially protein products like WPC. Sales were down on AMF because Tatua was prioritising

value-added cream products sold in retail and food service. Its site expansion, Foods II, has enabled it to double its capacity to create those products, Greaney said. “Commodities have gone well, the food service has grown and the more specialist nutritionals business has done well as has the flavours business, which is B2B.”

Commodities are good, and each of the valueadd businesses – foods, nutritionals and flavours – have all had a record year. Brendhan Greaney Tatua Foods II was Tatua’s largest capital project and was completed safely, ahead of schedule and under budget. Tatua will pay its farmer shareholders $12.42/kg MS for its final payout for the 2026 financial year. Its business activities resulted

in earnings of $13.93/kg MS. Of that, $1.51/kg MS was retained to support Tatua’s future growth and resilience. It also had a record season for milk collections off its farms, Greaney said. Its indicative forecast for the current season is $10.50/kg MS. Trading conditions across international dairy markets were mixed during the year. Although market pricing was broadly supportive, performance varied by product and region, with some customers affected by economic uncertainty, changing trade patterns and geopolitical disruption. “Tatua’s diversified range of products, markets and customer relationships helped moderate these impacts,” he said. The record revenue levels achieved by its specialised nutritionals and foods and flavours businesses built on long-term investment in product development, technical expertise and close customer partnerships.

RECORD: Tatua’s final payout for the 2026 year was $12.42/kg MS after a strong financial result that included a record volume of milk collected from its farmer shareholders. Its ingredients business, which is more closely linked to commodity dairy markets, also made a solid contribution to overall earnings, he said. A number of projects were advanced during the year to support ongoing business performance, including work across manufacturing infrastructure, site reliability, environmental initiatives, business systems and people capability. Looking ahead at the market, Greaney said he is optimistic about the year ahead although mindful of the possible impact of the El Niño weather forecast for this summer.

Commodities are looking good although WPC prices have softened slightly from their historic highs with demand still strong. Cream products will be further prioritised as it will be the first full season the plant expansion will be properly utilised, having been commissioned in SeptemberOctober last year. Its specialty powder and flavours businesses are continuing to slowly develop. Tatua’s product mix is also diversified enough to handle any softening in prices that may occur, Greaney said.

Vet guidance set to reduce blanket dry cow therapy Staff reporter

NEWS

Animal welfare NEW Veterinary Council guidance coming into force next year will make it harder for dairy farmers to justify blanket dry cow therapy. For years, New Zealand’s dairy sector has been moving towards more selective use of antibiotics at dry-off, yet blanket dry cow therapy (DCT) – treating every cow in the herd with antibiotics, regardless of her individual infection status – has persisted on some farms.

The new guidance will put greater emphasis on antimicrobial DCT being justified at the individual-cow level, strengthening the expectation that antibiotics are used only where there is evidence they are needed. MSD animal health veterinary technical adviser Matt Buckley said selective DCT itself isn’t new. What is changing is the weight behind it and emerging technologies to support smarter dry cow decisions. “The thresholds and guidelines have been there for quite a while.

“The difference now is that vets have much stronger backing to say, ‘Show me the evidence that this cow needs antibiotic dry cow therapy.’” Recent New Zealand research suggests that for the vast majority of herds, treating every cow isn’t necessary. DairyNZ said extensive analysis has found blanket DCT provides a benefit only in herds where bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) is above 250,000 cells/ml and rises by more than 50,000 cells/ml during the final three months of the season.

Fewer than 5% of New Zealand herds are likely to meet those criteria. For the rest, DairyNZ’s advice is selective antibiotic DCT for qualifying cows, combined with internal teat sealant for all cows to help prevent new infections during the dry period. The objective isn’t to remove access to antibiotics for cows that need them, but to avoid using them where there isn’t evidence they’re required, reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use without compromising animal health.

Buckley said protecting the effectiveness of the antibiotics available to treat both people and animals is ultimately what responsible use is about. “We want antibiotics to work when we genuinely need them. This isn’t about not treating cows that need treatment – it’s about the right treatment, for the right cow, at the right time.” For New Zealand dairy, that’s also an important position to protect. DairyNZ said New Zealand farmers already rank among the lowest users of antibiotics internationally.

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Mastitisison ourdairyfarms. 15% of every herd could be affected.*

Almost every Kiwi dairy farmer has to manage mastitis and the somatic cell count (SCC) is one of the clearest signals that something may be wrong. LIC’s Mastitis Multiplex PCR test takes you beyond the SCC, identifying three major mastitis-causing bacteria as well as resistance to common antibiotics, such as penicillin. Results give you the information needed to stay ahead of mastitis and protect herd performance. Talk to your vet or Agri Manager about including Mastitis Multiplex with your next herd test. *For every 100,000 cells/mL increase in bulk milk somatic cell count (SCC).

Wetestfor: Mastitis Johne’s BVD

Knowwhat’sbehindyour SomaticCellCount LIC’s Mastitis Multiplex PCR test uses herd test milk samples to identify three key mastitis-causing bacteria and detect the blaZ gene associated with penicillin resistance.

What does it detect? Staphylococcus Staphylococcus aureus aureus

Streptococcus Streptococcus uberis uberis

Often Often spreads spreads during during milking milking and and can can cause cause persistent persistent infections infections that that damage damage the the udder udder and and reduce reduce production. production.

An An environmental environmental bacteria bacteria commonly commonly associated associated with with wet wet or or muddy muddy conditions conditions and and contaminated contaminated teats. teats.

Streptococcus Streptococcus dysgalactiae dysgalactiae An An environmental environmental bacteria bacteria that that can can enter enter through through teat teat damage damage and and may may spread spread between between cows. cows.

Why the blaZ result matters The The blaZ blaZ gene gene can can enable enable Staph. Staph. aureus aureus to to resist resist some some beta-lactam beta-lactam antibiotics, antibiotics, including including penicillin, penicillin, potentially potentially making making treatment treatment less less effective. effective.

Antibiotic resistance marker.

How to use the results Identify Identify Pinpoint Pinpoint likely likely bacterial bacterial causes. causes.

Discuss Discuss

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Decide Decide

Use Use results results alongside alongside SCC SCC history, history, cow cow age age and and perperformance formance when when considering considering treatment treatment or or culling. culling.

Positive Positive results results should should be be confirmed confirmed before before making making culling culling decisions. decisions. Quarter Quarter sampling sampling may may help help clarify clarify multiple multiple or or unexpected unexpected results. results.

Mastitis Multiplex gives you a fast, accurate insight into the pathogens affecting your herd, so you can treat with confidence, improve outcomes, and keep production on track. Talk Talk to to your your vet vet or or Agri Agri Manager Manager about about including including Mastitis Mastitis Multiplex Multiplex with with your your next next herd herd test. test.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Record collections mark start of new season Sector perspective

Cristina Alvarado

Alvarado is NZX head of Dairy Insights

AIRY markets entered October in a more balanced position, with global milk production continuing to increase, while resilient protein demand and growing uncertainty around future supply and demand provided support to prices. New Zealand’s 2026/27 season has started strongly, with August milk collections reaching a record

131.2 million kgMS, up 3.3% year on year. Season-to-date production is now 4.3% ahead of last season. However, attention is increasingly turning to weather risks, with a strong El Niño forecast raising the possibility of drier conditions through summer. Lower pasture growth and higher feed requirements could put pressure on milk production if dry conditions develop across key dairy regions. Milk production across other major exporting regions has also remained positive. August production increased 1.7% YoY in the United States and 2.2% in Argentina, while in Uruguay it rose 1.8%. European June production was up 2.0% and Australian July collections increased 4.0%. China remained the exception, with milk production down 2.9% as herd rationalisation continued, although improving domestic milk prices suggest conditions may be beginning to stabilise. Global trade remains mixed. New Zealand dairy export volumes increased 10.2% YoY in August, reaching 192,688 tonnes, while export value rose 3.9% to US$871 million. Stronger WMP and SMP shipments were key drivers, with

WMP exports up 22% and SMP up 47%. WMP shipments to China increased 64%, while SMP exports to Asia excluding China rose 68%. Cheese exports were also 24% higher. In contrast, China’s dairy imports declined 14.7% YoY in August and were down 5.1% year to date. WMP imports fell 41% and SMP 23%, although demand for milkfat products remained strong, with AMF imports up 78% and butter up 119%. Cheese imports also increased 39%. China therefore continues to provide a mixed demand signal for global dairy markets. Export growth elsewhere has been uneven. US dairy export volumes increased 2.0% in July, supported by stronger WMP, cheese and whey shipments, while European exports rose 2.1%. Australian exports fell 7.0%, reflecting weaker WMP, SMP and butter shipments. Argentina’s export volumes were broadly unchanged in August, although they remain 19.6% higher year to date. September’s GDT results reflected this increasingly balanced market. Event 411 recorded a 0.9% rise in the overall index before Event 412 fell

Dairy HARD CHEESE: Cheese prices weakened in the latest GDT, with cheddar down 3.7% and mozzarella down 3.9%.

1.1%, with weaker milkfat prices outweighing relatively resilient milk powders. The more positive September 29 GDT Pulse auction provided some support ahead of Event 413, with C2 WMP and SMP prices rising 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively, from Event 412, while almost all of the volume offered was cleared. GDT Event 413 subsequently confirmed the divergence between proteins and fats. The overall index increased 1.2%, supported by a 4.3% rise in SMP and a 1.2% increase in WMP. SMP reached an average US$3847/tonne, its highest average price on the platform since July 2022, reflecting continued strength in demand for protein ingredients. Cheese prices also weakened, with cheddar down 3.7% and mozzarella down 3.9%. The result highlights an increasingly two-speed dairy market. Milk powders are receiving support from resilient protein demand despite higher global milk production, while milkfat prices remain under pressure from greater avail-

ability. However, the outlook for supply is becoming less certain, with milk production growth moderating in some regions and the potential for El Niño conditions to affect New Zealand and other key producers over the summer. Looking ahead, the outlook remains finely balanced. Strong NZ production and continued growth across several exporting regions should limit near-term supply concerns, while weaker Chinese import demand remains a headwind. However, weather risks across NZ and other key producing regions, together with declining Chinese milk production and resilient demand for proteins and some milkfat products, could provide support if supply growth slows. For NZ farmers, the key issue will be whether strong early-season production can be maintained as summer approaches. A favourable season would keep global supply well supported, while a significant deterioration in pasture conditions could quickly tighten the market.

Dry cow data: an early warning for the next lactation

Dry cows: the most underestimated group Dr Kerstin Duncker, smaXtec veterinarian, says dry cow are often the most underestimated group on the farm, despite the major influence dry-period management can have on postpartum health. “Dry cows should be the princesses; they are the most

important animals on the farm and, in my opinion, they’re still often not given the attention they require,” she says. Monitoring total water intake, internal body temperature and rumination particularly can help farmers and their vets move from reactive treatment to earlier, evidence-led intervention. “It is about less gut feeling and more data-driven decisions,” says Dr Duncker.

Water intake as an early indicator Water and feed intake are closely linked and reduced dry matter intake during the dry period can have a major influence on health after calving. Dry cows should typically drink around 60 to 70 litres of water a day. On one client’s farm, some were drinking just 22 litres a day, which was contributing to significant ketosis problems in early lactation.

“Ketosis is usually the start of everything that comes after that, including metritis, ovarian cysts, lower milk yields and mastitis,” she says.

Rumination and heat stress Rumination patterns can also highlight cows coming under pressure. Low rumination curves or repeated rises and falls during the dry period may indicate an increased risk of fertility and metabolic problems in the following lactation. Heat stress can add further pressure, particularly when cows are dried off. Heat-stressed cows may spend more time standing and less time lying, increasing lameness risk, while impaired intake can contribute to ketosis and poorer uterine health. The effects can also extend to calves, which may be born lighter, absorb less colostral IgG and show weaker immunity and

slower growth. Controlled studies suggest the impact can persist into adulthood, with poorer survival and fertility, shorter productive lives and around 5kg less milk per day during the first lactation. Turning data into earlier action The smaXtec bolus system continuously collects health and behaviour data from within the cow’s reticulum, with information available through an app or web dashboard. Changes in water intake and rumination can be identified within the first 12-24 hours, giving vets and farmers an earlier indication that cows may be coming under pressure. The data can also help assess whether management changes, such as improved ventilation, sprinklers, ration adjustments or increased water access, are having the intended effect. “The dry period is not a

Dr Kerstin Duncker. holiday – it’s the training camp for the next lactation,” says Dr Duncker. “Every decision made during the dry period can influence the cow’s health, fertility, immune function and productivity throughout the next lactation, making dry-cow management a worthwhile investment.”

Find out how smaXtec can help you turn real-time cow data into earlier, more informed management decisions https://www.smaxtec.com/en/precision-that-pays-off-nz/

JW123420©

airy farmers are being encouraged to analyse health and behaviour data more closely during the dry cow period, as issues at this stage can provide an early warning of potential health, fertility and performance problems in the next lactation. By prioritising dry cows and utilising real-time data, farmers and their vets can move from reactive treatment to earlier, evidence-led intervention.

www.smaxtec.com

Rural Women 27

Finding a rural connection for those in need

HE Southland service aimed at connecting woman in need to the right support has been operating for a year. Victoria Pemberton, Southland ConnectHER, has reached over 600 women via community events or directly. ConnectHER is Rural Women New Zealand’s outreach and navigation service for rural women and their whānau. A gap in providing support for women who live rurally led to a pilot being launched in 2025. Rural Support Trust were supportive, and funding came from the Ministry for Primary Industries. The ConnectHER programme was extended in 2026 with funding from PGG Wrightson, Community Trust South and The Lion Foundation. Women needing support can contact ConnectHER directly, be referred, or connect with Victoria at one of the many events she holds across the region. Victoria said in the past 12 months she has travelled across Southland. “From Te Anau, Lumsden, Athol, Tokanui and the Caitlins, almost everywhere!” The need for the service was immediate, with her phone ringing with a referral on day two. “I was at a community open day at Hokonui Rūnanga, at the Marae when the phone rang for the first time, and I got straight to finding the right support service for them,” she said. Women needing help navigating the health system has been a regular theme. “Navigation of health services is a really big thing. Just this morning I got a referral from a social worker for a member of the migrant community, they have a lack of transport, there’s

No two days are ever the same. “I got a text yesterday morning, just saying ‘is this the ConnectHER service’ and I thought I don’t know what this is going to be about, but I knew I would find them an answer and the right place to go for support.

I think having somebody that’s able to come and see you in your home, and chat with you and sit with you and have that one-on-one time is something that is really valuable. Victoria Pemberton Southland ConnectHER

DEMAND: Victoria Pemberton says the need for the ConnectHER service was immediate, with her phone ringing with a referral on day two. a language barrier and just being able to get an appointment is a really big thing. “Then there’s mental health, anxiety, suicide prevention, postvention,” she said. Victoria has seen firsthand the value in being a local woman, able to visit in person. “I think having somebody that’s able to come and see you in your home, and chat with you and sit with you and have that one-onone time is something that is really valuable. Because people just let their guards down so much more, and you can really see what their home life is like and connect on a different level rather than just sitting in like a GP practice or a community room,” she said. She also spends time with support services and community

ideas ideas that grow is a Rural Leaders Podcast in association with

that

groups making sure they know she exists and they can refer women to her, regularly meeting with Rural Support Trust, Heartlands Community support, and MPI well as members of Rural Women NZ in Southland. Seeing the ConnectHER service make a difference has made the past year rewarding. “Seeing actual change in the community and seeing people better connected and finding new people has been really rewarding. I had a young woman that had just moved to the area, she was pregnant and quite isolated, like really trying to connect and find friends. “So seeing things like that and seeing her make connections in the rural area was really rewarding,” said Victoria.

“In an ideal world, there wouldn’t be a need for this service, because people could navigate the system and know where to go for help, until then I’ll keep answering the phone and connecting with women in need,” she said. Rural Women New Zealand development and delivery manager, Innes Moffat said the service meets a vital need. “Rural women across Aotearoa are among the most isolated people in our communities, at a time when health, banking, legal and government services are being withdrawn from rural areas. ConnectHER is RWNZ’s service designed to bridge that gap. “Southland was selected for this pilot for its high rural populations, poor connectivity, long distances to services, and experience of service withdrawal, and in just a year it is clear Victoria has made a difference.” Innes said there is no cost, no referral needed and no wrong reason to call. “Sometimes it’s hard to know

grow In this podcast Di Roadley: The governance challenge facing NZ’s catchment groups. Search: Ideas that Grow

where to start. When you need support and aren’t sure where to turn, reach out to Victoria the Southland ConnectHER, she can help,” he said. Rural Women New Zealand is building local support for the service recognising that longevity comes from being community-led. Ongoing funding will be needed and RWNZ is working with local sponsors and funding agencies to continue the service in 2027 and beyond.

Who Southland ConnectHER is for

Southland ConnectHER is for women who live rurally who aren’t sure where to turn. Reasons to call could include: • Women navigating government agencies such as WINZ, housing applications, and legal processes • Women experiencing family harm or unsafe relationships, isolated from crisis services and support networks • Women facing health challenges, including finding a GP, midwife, or specialist; accessing mental health support; navigating health services; and sorting out entitlements around appointments • Women managing financial hardship • Migrant women facing language, cultural, or access barriers • Women who feel isolated and want connection to local groups, events, or simply to someone who will listen.

If you know a Southland woman in your rural community who could use support, encourage her to get in touch with ConnectHER call 0800 256 469 or connecther.r1@ruralwomennz.nz

FEDERATED 28 Feds

FARMERS Vol 4 No 40, October 12, 2026

fedfarm.org.nz

Farmers paying the price for mobile blackspots

obile phone coverage and reliability is going backwards fast in rural areas – and farming families are paying the price, a Federated Farmers survey shows. Since the 3G network was switched off in March this year, farmers have been even more frustrated with black spots and poor reception. “Our Rural Connectivity Survey a year ago found service levels were already hit and miss,” Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Mark Hooper says. “This year’s survey of nearly 650 farmers paints an even bleaker picture. “Half of farms now have mobile coverage on less than half of the property. “A third of farmers told us they have a place on their farm that previously worked on 3G but no longer does. “For most, these holes in service aren’t just on one part of the farm.” Patchy or non-existent coverage creates obvious risks when there’s an accident or emergency, especially when people are working alone. “Nearly two in three farmers told us they can’t rely on reaching 111 from most of their farm, and 8% said connecting to emergency services wasn’t possible anywhere on the property,” Hooper says. As one survey respondent from Southland commented: “Our main yard by the road had perfect

coverage, now you need to stand on one leg and hold your tongue a certain way to have any chance of making a call.” There’s a very real financial cost as well, survey responses show. With 3G coverage gone, one in seven farms had to replace equipment that relied on that network – irrigation and pivot controls, cow collars and other farm systems rather than phones. Some had to spend many thousands of dollars, and the vast majority were replacing gear that was still working.

Talk from telcos that rural residents don’t have to worry about the shutdown of 3G networks has proved hollow. Mark Hooper Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Two in three farmers paid for workarounds such as satellite broadband. Only 15% regard satellite-tomobile as an adequate substitute for a cell tower. “Earlier talk from telcos that rural residents don’t have to worry about the shutdown of 3G networks has proved hollow,” Hooper says. “The assurances were that the vast

majority of areas previously covered by 3G now have 4G and 5G. “Our survey shows how different wireless frequencies travel across the landscape, and whatever other factors might be at play, have left too many farming families and businesses with significantly lower standards of service and reliability. “It’s of considerable concern to hear feedback that reporting problems to providers often doesn’t result in a fix – with some providers pretty much denying there’s an issue.” The survey, carried out in late August/early September, shows of 126 farms that reported coverage and reliability problems, just two had the problem resolved. “That’s very frustrating and indicates their concerns aren’t being taken seriously.” Hooper says Federated Farmers is holding urgent meetings with telcos to get a better understanding of what scope they have within existing infrastructure, or planned investment, to improve the situation. “We have some sympathy for the argument that further extensive investment in ‘old technology’, such as new towers, when satellite calling/call support and the like is on the way, may not the best use of resources. “But we’re also interested in the here and now, and what fine-tuning of existing infrastructure might be possible.

HIT AND MISS: Half of farms now have mobile coverage on less than half their properties, disrupting their businesses and adding cost, Mark Hooper says. Photo: Dreamstime “At the very least, surely we can get more farmers hooked back up to the service standards they had with 3G.” Farmers and other people travelling on rural roads are experiencing call drop-out. Four in five farmers know a stretch of their regular roads where mobile service fails, and only 4% say they don’t experience drop-outs on their journeys. Eight times as many say highway coverage has worsened over the past year as say it has improved. While most farmers can reach emergency services from somewhere on the property, for some it’s only if they get to the right spot. More than 40 farmers said they had nowhere on their property where they can reliably reach 111.

One farmer said they’d failed a WorkSafe audit because patchy coverage on their property meant they couldn’t check on their staff every two hours. “While the telcos have an agreement that if a 111 call fails on one network, the call will be redistributed across whichever networks reach that spot, it cannot create coverage where none reaches.” Hooper says a South Island arable farmer summed it up for many with the comment: “It’s not good enough that our service has gone backwards, when businesses rely on it more than ever”. Farming is the engine room of New Zealand’s economy and exports. “For farmers, subpar telecommunications is like trying to drive with half the cylinders misfiring.”

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fedfarm.org.nz 14/01/2026 9:56 AM

Federated Farmers

fedfarm.org.nz – October 12, 2026

Call grows for sharemilking law review

ederated Farmers is welcoming Labour’s commitment to review the Sharemilking Agreements Act and is calling on the other major parties to do the same. Labour Party agriculture spokesperson Jo Luxton announced at the recent NZ Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators’ ag policy debate that a Labour Government would “review and fix” the Act. “It is something the sector has been asking for. We’ve listened and we will deliver,” Luxton said. Federated Farmers sharefarmer chair Sam Ebbett says Labour’s commitment is a positive step towards bringing the legislation into line with modern dairy farming. “We’ve been calling for this review of the Sharemilking Agreements Act because the legislation has failed to keep pace with the way dairy farming operates today. “Contract milking is now a major part of the dairy progression pathway, but contract milkers sit outside the Act because they’re paid

COMMITMENT CALL: Labour has committed to a review of the Sharemilking Agreements Act – other political parties need to make it a priority too, Sam Ebbett says. a negotiated rate rather than a share of returns. “So, even though contract milkers perform essentially the same role as variable-order sharemilkers, they can have quite different protections under the law because of how they’re paid.

“We don’t think that’s a good enough outcome – and a review of the law is urgently needed.” Unlike variable-order sharemilkers, contract milkers aren’t guaranteed the minimum terms and disputeresolution process provided by the Act and Sharemilking Agreements

Order 2011. Instead, they rely on their individual agreements and general contract law, even where there’s a significant imbalance in bargaining power. Ebbett says that is increasingly out of step with the role contract milking plays in helping young farmers establish themselves in the industry. “The Sharemilking Agreements Act was designed to provide a statutory floor for sharemilkers, but the industry has changed hugely since then. “Contract milking has become a really important first step into self-employment for a lot of young farmers, and we need a framework that gives them confidence in those arrangements.” Federated Farmers sharefarm owner chair Brendan Attrill says the issue also matters for farm owners, particularly those using sharemilking and contract milking as part of succession and business planning. “Sharemilking and contract milking are critical entry points into dairy farm ownership and succession pathways,” Attrill says.

“They allow the next generation to build capability and capital while providing established farmers with a practical way to transition out of the business.” Attrill says the Sharemilking Agreements Act also predates modern arrangements such as hybrid contracts, processor incentives and environmental payments. “We’ve got a dairy industry operating in a very different commercial environment from what this legislation was originally designed for back in the 1930s, especially with the increase in contract milking since the 2010s. “We need the legislation to reflect how farming businesses actually operate today, while keeping the flexibility that makes these different progression pathways work so well.” Federated Farmers has written to the major political parties asking them to commit to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act 1937 and Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011.

Electrify NZ 2.0 gets tick of approval The National Party’s Electrify NZ 2.0 policy has been given the tick of approval from Federated Farmers, which says energy is a major concern for farmers this election. “Farmers depend on affordable and reliable energy to run our businesses, so there’s a lot to like in this policy,” says Federated Farmers energy spokesperson Greg Anderson. “It takes a huge amount of energy to power milking sheds, dry milk, harvest vegetables and fuel vehicles – and every year it gets more expensive. “New Zealand’s entire energy system is interconnected, so when we have more renewable electricity available it takes pressure off diesel and natural gas. “This policy is a big win for Kiwi families and businesses who are

concerned about affordability, but there are also huge reliability, sustainability and resilience benefits.” Energy spokesperson Simeon Brown says National’s nine-point energy plan would deliver more supply, more competition, and more choice for households and businesses. Anderson says farmers are increasingly looking to take up small- and medium-scale solar, but red tape and regulation can make it challenging. Federated Farmers’ 2026 election priorities include asking the next Government to simplify the rules and enable multiple trading relationships. “Farmers want to play our part in renewable energy generation, but the Government needs to make it much simpler, cheaper, fairer and

It takes the guesswork out. Instead of eyeballing mobs, we've got the data to back up decisions.

faster,” Anderson says. “This policy goes a long way in helping achieve that: making connections faster and cheaper, letting Kiwis sell power to the best buyer, and tackling lines charges.” Federated Farmers is particularly pleased to see a commitment to cut red tape and let farmers sell to any power company. “Farmers want to do the right thing but the dollars need to add up,” Anderson says. “When a farmer buys power from the grid, it’s at the market price, but when we sell our solar energy back, we get paid peanuts – even though we’ve invested in the generation. “Because you can only sell power back to the company you buy from, there’s no competition or leverage. “Allowing farmers to sell their power to the highest bidder will

CONSENT SWITCH: More farmers will likely move to solar if government changes make it more economic, Greg Anderson says. make installing solar so much more financially viable and shorten the payback period on the investment.” With the right policy settings,

there’s huge potential for Kiwi farmers to become New Zealand’s largest producers of renewable energy, Anderson says.

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fedfarm.org.nz – October 12, 2026

Federated Farmers

Feds pushes for 10 farming standards

ederated Farmers is calling on political parties to follow ACT’s lead in committing to national standards that would make life easier for farmers and cut the cost of food. ACT Agriculture spokesperson Andrew Hoggard has announced a new policy to set initial national standards for core farming activities. It’s exactly the kind of commonsense, red-tape-cutting change farmers have been crying out for, says Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst. “One of the top priorities in our election platform this year is for the new government – whoever that ends up being – to set 10 national standards to cut the cost of food and farming. “These standards would establish consistent rules for common farming activities, removing the need for expensive, time-consuming consent processes in many situations. “It’s absolutely crazy how hard it can be to do something routine like building a new pond, clearing a drain, or putting in some solar panels. “What’s even more baffling is that the rules can vary significantly between councils. “We have some farmers operating across multiple regions who often face a patchwork of different requirements depending on the council in charge. “Having national standards would get rid of that problem by providing uniformity, while keeping environmental safeguards in place.” Hoggard says ACT will prioritise a national standard for the methodology councils use to set freshwater limits. He also says ACT agrees with Federated Farmers’ call for national standards for 10 everyday jobs on the farm: farm plans, vegetable growing, on-farm water storage, gravel extraction, drain maintenance, effluent management, fertiliser application, farm quarries, wetland restoration, and small and medium solar.

CRAZY COMPLIANCE: Politicians seeking ways to reduce the cost of food for Kiwi families should swap out stifling red tape for national permitted activity standards for everyday farming activities, Colin Hurst says.

Hurst says cutting unnecessary regulatory costs would benefit all Kiwis, not just farmers. “Food prices are causing huge

ACT: Agriculture spokesperson Andrew Hoggard has announced a new policy to set initial national standards for core farming activities.

pain for families at the supermarket checkout every week. “Federated Farmers believes one of the most effective ways the next Government can reduce costs across the food production chain is by cutting unnecessary red tape. “Our farmers produce some of the highest-quality food in the world, but they often find themselves buried under layers of regulation that add cost and make it harder to grow the food our communities need. “That cost then flows all the way through the supply chain to our supermarket shelves.” In his announcement on 30 September, Hoggard said the current consenting rules make it expensive and difficult to do routine jobs on farms. “Something as simple as building a water pond or rotating a vegetable crop can cost tens of thousands for the consent alone. “Federated Farmers outlined national standards that would make life easier for farmers and ACT

agrees with them,” Hoggard says. The former Federated Farmers president agrees with Hurst that making farming easier benefits everyone. “Lower costs on the farm means lower costs for the food they produce.

It’s absolutely crazy how hard it can be do something routine like building a new pond, clearing a drain, or putting in some solar panels. Colin Hurst Federated Farmers president “To grow the economy and ease the cost of living, we should be constantly looking for examples to cut red tape that imposes costs. “These standards will set out clear rules and methodologies to shift the system away from over-reliance on consenting. “The detail will be set in the

standards themselves, developed with farmers, growers and councils and tailored to local conditions where catchments differ.” At the end of the day, what this country needs is a more efficient farming sector to help keep food affordable, Hurst says. “If politicians are actually serious about tackling the cost of living for all Kiwis, they need to look closely at the rules driving up costs throughout the food production system. “Our call to all the political parties is to follow ACT’s lead by committing to these 10 national permitted activity standards. “We’re challenging whichever parties form the next government to have those standards in place within their first year in office. “New Zealand has the land, climate, expertise and innovation to hold its place as one of the world’s leading food producers. “What we need now is a regulatory system that supports that success rather than getting in its way.”

Federated Farmers

fedfarm.org.nz – October 12, 2026

Sewage plan flushed but problem still exists

fight to stop even more human wastewater sludge being dumped on Otago farmland has been won, but Federated Farmers says it’s exposed a bigger problem that needs a regional solution. Central Otago District Council (CODC) has decided against spreading more than 20,000 cubic metres of sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra at Lauder.. Federated Farmers Otago president Anna Gillespie, who has led rural community fightback, says Otago Regional Council needs to cancel the consent allowing wastewater treatment by-product to be dumped at the former sheep and beef farm. “Community anger over this highlights the need for a regionwide solution to a growing waste problem. “It’s only a matter of time before another council starts looking for a rural property to dump urban sewage,” Gillespie says. “We need to stop these sorts of practices and have some hard

conversations around infrastructure and cost. “You can’t simply dump urban effluent on a small rural part of the community.” Southern Waters, the water services company owned by local councils, could be asked to investigate.

It’s only a matter of time before another council starts looking for a rural property to dump urban sewage. Anna Gillespie Federated Farmers Otago president Under the consent granted by Otago Regional Council (ORC) effluent sludge from Wānaka is being dumped at the Lauder farm, in the environmentally sensitive Manuherekia catchment. Rural outrage increased further after news CODC was considering adding to that with sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra.

CONSENT: Anna Gillespie fronted Central Otago District councillors late last month to vent frustration that urban wastewater sludge has somehow become a rural problem.

There’s a very real risk of contaminants leaching into tributaries and the Manuherekia River, potentially threatening the Lauder, Omakau and Ophir town water supplies, Gillespie says. “Modelling and science underpinning the consent is full of holes. “There’s nothing in the soil profile of the Lauder farm, nor the operations manual for spreading sludge there, that gives any confidence in the site’s ability to absorb the contaminants, let alone grow sufficient crops to soak up excess nutrients. “Manuherekia residents neither want this to be happening, nor were ever given any choice or say over it. If they had been, it would have been a clear and resounding ‘No’.” Gillespie suggests incinerating the dried wastewater treatment plant by-product. Lauder farmer Ian Brown, a neighbour to the land where liquid waste management contractors SJ Allen are spreading sludge from Wānaka, described his concerns to a CODC meeting last month. He dreads the potential for contaminants to leach through gravel soils and into groundwater, the scores of springs in the area, and to water he and other farmers use in their houses and for irrigation and stock. CODC Mayor Tamah Alley said the outcry from the Omakau and Lauder communities is understandable and shouldn’t be a surprise to ORC either. While it’s appropriate for CODC to investigate sludge disposal options to limit costs to ratepayers, “asking rural people to carry the impacts of urban problems solely, is unfair,” she said. The consent to spread sludge at the Lauder property might allow only half of what CODC needed to dispose of. Potential savings for ratepayers

NO SURPRISE: CODC Mayor Tamah Alley said the outcry from the Omakau and Lauder communities is understandable and shouldn’t be a surprise to ORC either. Photo: CODC had narrowed from $600,000 to $182,000. The regional council is also launching a review of the consent conditions under which Wānaka sludge is being spread at Lauder. “We need to get the science of that consent 100% squared away,” Mayor Alley said. Given these factors, CODC councillors voted to continue with the previous disposal method for Alexandra and Cromwell sludge – trucking it to a landfill at Winton. The council’s group manager for three waters, Julie Muir, said even with the savings, CODC had blown its wastewater budget, in part because of higher fuel costs transporting sludge for disposal. Sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell’s wastewater treatment aeration ponds and stored in geo-bags needed to be dealt with urgently, and will be a continuing task. “We previously investigated whether we could compost the sludge with green waste to come up with a product that might be marketable, but that didn’t pan out at the time and was parked,” Muir said.

Helping grow the country

Getting it right: selecting the right fertiliser

What crop or pasture?

Selecting a fertiliser is not about the best deal or because you used it last season. The right fertiliser is an answer to questions you ask before anything goes into the ground.

Different crops—from ryegrass to kiwifruit or even within pasture systems—have different nutrient requirements. Identify the nutrients your crop or pasture needs and when they need to be available.

What am I trying to achieve?

What is limiting production?

Maintaining fertility differs from correcting a deficiency. A high-yield target differs from filling a feed deficit. Your goal not only determines what to apply, but whether it is even needed. Do I soil test? Soil tests are an essential starting point, but they are not a fertiliser plan. They provide a snapshot of soil nutrient status but do not account for crop demand, expected nutrient removal, weather, pasture utilisation, paddock history, stock needs, or yield targets.

CODC has raised the issue with Southern Waters, the new company owned by Central Otago, Clutha, Gore and Waitaki District Councils to operate wastewater, drinking water and stormwater services. Muir said no one council had enough sludge to make incinerating the dried waste economic. “While I applaud the concept of dealing with your own waste in your own district, there’s not enough of it [in any one council area] to justify the capital expenditure,” Muir said. “It’s going to have to be a regional solution and Southern Waters is the vehicle to be able to make that happen.” Gillespie says ORC should never have granted the Lauder consent without community consultation, and with insufficient environmental protections. “We’ll watch their review with great interest. “They could have headed off a lot of angst if they had come to Manuherekia farmers from the outset and tapped their extensive and lived experience of the catchment’s hydrology and characteristics.”

A nutrient deﬁciency may be part of the problem, but not the main limitation. One or several factors—water, temperature, soil structure, drainage, paddock history, compaction, pests, disease, pasture composition, grazing management—can be contributing. What is the best timing? Applying the right fertiliser under favourable conditions gives different results than the right fertiliser at the wrong time. Base timing decisions on plant needs and the conditions on the ground.

Talk it out Fertiliser is a signiﬁcant investment and deserves more than a quick call or a decision based on price alone. It is a conversation that starts on your farm. PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representatives and Ballance Agri-Nutrients Specialists work with you to develop a plan for your spring agronomy by providing tailored technical advice.

32 Real estate

NEW POSSIBILITIES SPRING

The next generation

FEATURING FEATURING

89 142

Farming families are approaching succession with greater conﬁdence and more choices.

Trans-Tasman lessons

Different market cycles are offering valuable insights for rural property owners.

FARM, SPECIALTY AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES FOR PROPERTIES FORSALE SALE ISSUE 2 2– – 2026 2025 ISSUE

Find your perfect rural or lifestyle property in the latest edition of Bayleys’ Country. Showcasing opportunities across New Zealand, this issue connects buyers with the land while exploring key industry insights, including the next generation of farming families approaching succession with greater conﬁdence and more options, and valuable Trans-Tasman lessons as differing market cycles provide fresh perspectives for rural property owners.

For your copy of Bayleys’ Country portfolio, call 0800 BAYLEYS or visit bayleys.co.nz/country

RURAL REAL ESTATE BRAND

LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

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Cambridge 66 Hopehill Lane

Prestigious Te Miro farm

265.82 ha

Hopehill Farm stands as one of Te Miro's most recognised rural holdings, developed over the years into a high performing dairy grazing and cattle finishing operation. The recent addition of 6.6 canopy hectares of Hayward kiwifruit provides a valuable new income stream, with first harvest scheduled for 2027. 225ha is effective grazing, supported by excellent fertility and contour, while the balance includes 25ha of native bush and plantings and 16ha of blue gum forestry. Infrastructure includes two homes, woolshed, implement shed, workshop, hay barns and yards. Water is sourced from two bores and three dams. Named as a finalist in the 2025 Ballance Farm Environment Awards, its environmental stewardship has been formally recognised. With the hard work completed and multiple income streams in place, Hopehill Farm is ready for new owners to reap the rewards.

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 12 Nov 2026 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Wed 14 Oct & Wed 21 Oct Dave Kilbride 027 436 7082 dave.kilbride@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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Manawatū 762 Rangiwahia Road

First farm opportunity

179.5793 ha

Situated in the Northern Manawatū, approximately 8 kilometres from Kimbolton is a great first farm opportunity with 179 hectares (more or less) on offer and a good level of infrastructure. A mix of medium to steeper hill with a portion of irrigated flats the farm has been conservatively farmed as a breeding unit with the capability to finish and supply forward store stock. Improvements include reticulated water, woolshed and yards, satellite yards, two haysheds, implement sheds plus consented irrigation sourced from the river to the bottom flats. Accommodation is a well maintained three bedroom plus office home with detached garaging and workshop, and a renovated single bedroom cottage both with attractive views down across the farm. A great opportunity to secure a conservatively run first farm or additional land holding in close proximity to Feilding.

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 1pm, Thu 12 Nov 2026 49 Manchester Street, Feilding Phone for viewing times Mark Monckton 021 724 833 mark.monckton@bayleys.co.nz Jack Monckton 027 394 3705 jack.monckton@bayleys.co.nz

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BARTLEY REAL ESTATE MANAWATU LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

Boundary lines are indicative only

Turua 55 Opua Road Prime Hauraki Plains position Looking for a prime opportunity? Look no further. Offered to the market for the first time in 100 years, this 90ha (more or less) Hauraki Plains property has a proven track record of consistent performance. Flat, rectangular and well-fenced, the farm features good drainage, a centrally located 22-bale rotary cowshed and reliable metered council water. Milking 220–250 cows for Fonterra, production has averaged 78,300kgMS over the past two seasons. Accommodation includes a four-bedroom, twobathroom home with two lounges, garage and carport, plus a three-bedroom worker’s home. Close to Ngatea, Thames and Paeroa, with three primary schools nearby and Hauraki Plains College in zone. A compelling business and lifestyle opportunity.

Ngaruawahia 259 Elgood Road 90.9269 ha Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 5 Nov 2026 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 1-2pm Wed 14 Oct & Wed 21 Oct Karl Davis 0508 83 83 83 karl.davis@bayleys.co.nz Sam Aislabie 027 429 5410 SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2630300

Scale, balance and opportunity Glenlogie Farms presents an opportunity to secure a 554ha (more or less) sheep and beef farming operation, comprising two adjoining properties offered as one complete unit.The original 407ha (more or less) farm is complemented by approximately 147ha (more or less) of adjoining land, providing a balance of breeding and finishing country across nine separate titles. Contour ranges from easier rolling through to medium and steeper hill country, providing versatility across the farming system. Established fencing, stock water and infrastructure support the operation. Improvements include two woolsheds, one with covered yards, cattle and sheep yards, a five-bay implement shed and three homes.

554 ha For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (unless sold prior)

3pm, Wed 11 Nov 2026 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View by appointment Russell Bovill 027 273 9025 russell.bovill@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2317352

NEW LISTING

Okoia 215A Kukuta Road First farm or ideal run-off block After more than 30 years of ownership, this well-presented and versatile property is now for sale. Comprising approximately 115.697ha (subject to issue of title), this attractive farming unit is positioned at the end of a quiet no-exit road in a highly regarded farming district, approximately 12km from Whanganui City. The property features predominantly medium hill country with some flat land and is currently operated as a successful cattle finishing enterprise, with cattle killed and sold to local trade as forward stores, alongside a breeding ewe flock. Water supply is reticulated to troughs with some dams. Deer shed, four-bay implement shed with one secure lock-up bay and cattle yards with a quality loadout facility. A practical farming layout with potential building sites.

bayleys.co.nz/3003737

bayleys.co.nz

Leeston 116 Andersons Road 115.697 ha Auction (will not be sold prior) 1pm, Fri 13 Nov 2026 158 Wicksteed Street, Whanganui View by appointment Annemarie Horrocks 027 289 4228 annemarie.horrocks@bayleys.co.nz BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Quality soils and low-cost water This well-located 94-hectare (more or less) property offers a productive and versatile farming opportunity, supported by fertile soils, reliable irrigation and established infrastructure. With a proven history of specialist crop production, the land is well suited to cropping, lamb finishing, cattle grazing or dairy support. Two wiper pivots and gun irrigation, backed by a reliable, lowcost water supply, support consistent production. Located near Leeston in the growing Selwyn District, the property offers easy access to local amenities and Christchurch. An excellent option as a strategic addition to an established operation or an opportunity to establish your own.

bayleys.co.nz/5531581

94.5798 ha Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Wed 28 Oct 2026 View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Craig Blackburn 027 489 7225 craig.blackburn@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

35 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Timaru 50-52 The Bay Hill Freehold motel investment • 21 room motel in high profile location • Returning $252,000 + GST (reviewed three yearly) • Opex paid by the tenant • Long established business The Panorama Motor Lodge overlooks Caroline Bay and is centrally positioned to café’s, shops and restaurants. Timaru is a growing port town with a diverse economy driven by agriculture, forestry, fishing and manufacturing. Motivated vendor.

bayleys.co.nz/5529784

1,470 sqm

1,090 sqm

Asking Price $4,200,000 + GST (if any) View by appointment Kate Mullins 027 248 8456 kate.mullins@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Kinleith 91 State Highway 30 Auction

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Proven production. Proven returns. A high-performing dairy unit combining proven production, excellent infrastructure and a highly desirable location. Set across 112.69 has in two freehold titles, this predominantly flat, fully irrigated property is just 23 minutes from Rotorua, 30 minutes from Taupo and 20 minutes to Tokoroa. Production tells the story, with a three year average of 197,164kgMs from 375 cows, or approximately 1,950 kgMS/ha. The farm includes a 22-aside herringbone dairy, complete with in-shed feeding. Two Herd Homes with solids bunkers provide ease with wintering management. Three homes provide genuine flexibility for family and staff. This truly is a proven dairy performer in a central location. Properties of this calibre are rarely available. Contact Phil or Paul for further information.

Auction 11.00am, Mon 2nd Nov, 2026, (unless sold prior), Tokoroa Event Centre, 25 Mossop Road, Tokoroa 3420 View Thu 15 Oct 11.00 - 12.00pm Thu 22 Oct 11.00 - 12.00pm Web pb.co.nz/RTR225185 Phil Badger M 027 357 5704

E phil.badger@pb.co.nz

Paul O'Sullivan M 027 496 4417

E paulo@pb.co.nz

Whakamaru 850 Sandel Road Auction

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Scale and opportunity Some farms simply work, and this is one of them. Set on a north-westerly aspect at 850 Sandel Road is a selfcontained dairy operation with the scale and opportunity. Held in two separate titles, the property gives you genuine flexibility. Around 277 ha of rolling dairy land is backed by a further 100 ha of dairy support land, while 31 ha of mixed-age pines (outside the ETS) add future income. All animals are wintered on and fully self-contained. At the heart of the farm sits a centrally placed 50-bale rotary, serviced by a well-formed central race network. Two bores supply header tanks that gravity-feed troughs in every paddock. An electric pump in the unlined Effluent pond (recent pond drop test on file) spreads the effluent by travelling irrigator over approximately 40 ha. Milking an average of 550 cows, the farm consistently produces around 235,000kgMS, peaking at 265,000 kgMS and leaving room for more future production.

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

Auction 11.00am, Mon 2nd Nov, 2026, Tokoroa Event Centre, 25 Mossop Road, Tokoroa 3420 View Wed 14 Oct 11.00 - 12.00pm Wed 21 Oct 11.00 - 12.00pm Web pb.co.nz/RTR236380 Phil Badger M 027 357 5704

E phil.badger@pb.co.nz

Paul O'Sullivan M 027 496 4417

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

Marotiri 550 Puketapu Road Tender

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Lakeside farm

Lakeside Farm is a well-established dairy support and beef finishing property comprising approximately 230 ha (more or less), overlooking Lake Taupo and enjoying expansive lake and mountain views. Predominantly flat and highly productive, the farm has been completely regrassed and features established stands of lucerne, quality pastures and reliable silage production. Located at the end of a no-exit road, the property provides excellent privacy and biosecurity while remaining approximately 40 minutes west of Taupo. A reliable bore-fed water supply is reticulated throughout the farm, while a well-formed all-weather laneway provides convenient year-round access. Modern cattle yards, constructed within the past few years, feature all-weather access for efficient stock handling. Accommodation is provided by a comfortable three-bedroom home with a spacious deck and elevated rural outlook.

Toko 139 Ahuroa Road

Tender closes 2.00pm, Wed 21st Oct, 2026 (unless sold prior), Property Brokers 5 Tarawera Road, Rotorua View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/RTR232426

Phil Badger M 027 357 5704

E phil.badger@pb.co.nz

Marton 500 Union Line New Listing

75 ha Toko dairy farm Property Brokers are privileged to offer for sale this high quality multi-generational owned dairy farm. Being small to medium scale and located in the strong farming area of Toko, east of Stratford, this farm will appeal to those wanting to buy their first farm, expand their farming business or looking for an investment property. The contour is flat to rolling and is well subdivided with excellent laneways providing access to the 68 effective ha. Naturally, fertile soils along with a strong fertilser maintenance program help promote excellent pasture growth. The infrastructure is of a high standard and includes a five bedroom home, modern 24 ASHB shed with Pro-Trac & two implement sheds.

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

Tender

Deadline Sale closes Thursday 12th November, 2026 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/NPR217797

Greg O'Byrne M 027 598 3000

Three opportunities. One exceptional property A rare opportunity offering flexibility with three purchase options. Secure the impressive four-bedroom home on 1.68 ha, the separate 47.4 ha farm title with a consented 2 ha parcel, or purchase the complete package of 49.08 ha. The productive flat to gently rolling land is well suited to cropping and finishing, with quality subdivision, spring-fed reticulated water and excellent farm infrastructure. The modern 234m² home offers four bedrooms plus an office, open-plan living, separate family room and excellent indoor-outdoor flow. Minutes from Marton and within easy reach of Feilding, Palmerston North and Whanganui.

49.09ha Tender closes 11.00am, Thu 12th Nov, 2026, 54 Kimbolton Road, Feilding View Wed 14 Oct 12.00 - 12.30pm Tue 20 Oct 12.00 - 12.30pm Web pb.co.nz/FR230032

Ted Shannon M 021 833 536 Blair Cottrill M 027 354 5419

Proud to be here

Ashburton Springburn Bushside Road

Greenstreet 96 Ashburton Staveley Road

Strategically positioned A unique opportunity to secure a 36.3412 hectare land holding in the productive and sought-after Staveley Springburn district, positioned in the Mid Canterbury foothills and surrounded by established farming operations. The property is planted in Pinus radiata, with trees ranging from approximately 4 to 16 years of age, providing the opportunity to continue the existing forestry investment through to future harvest. Registered in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and identified as pre-1990 forest. Opportunities to secure holdings with the flexibility and long-term investment potential such as this do not come along often. We recommend early inspection.

Enviable lifestyle & versatility Tender closes 12.00pm, Mon 2nd Nov, 2026 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/AR237957

Greg Jopson M 027 447 4382

Ashburton Company Road

A substantial property offering a quality home, excellent versatility and plenty of scope for its next chapter, all in close proximity to town. The impressive four-bedroom homestead provides generous living areas, tasteful finishes and well-maintained grounds. The surrounding land and infrastructure are currently utilised for equine pursuits, including horse training and breeding, alongside lamb and cattle finishing. With irrigation in place, the scale and configuration also provide scope for calf rearing, arable farming, horticulture, stock grazing or a centrally located contractor's base, giving the property broad appeal across a number of rural enterprises.

Deadline Sale closes Tuesday 3rd November, 2026 at 12.00pm, (unless sold prior) View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/AR224521

Jason Rickard M 027 245 8495

Clarendon 49 Phosphate Road New Listing

Versatile landholding An opportunity to secure 25.1991 hectares of flat, versatile land, conveniently located close to Ashburton and the Ashburton Business Park. Currently established in a four-year-old Pinus radiata plantation, the property provides an attractive investment in its existing use while offering considerable longer-term potential. Its location, contour and versatile farming soils create options for future change of land use. Continue with the existing plantation, investigate alternative land uses, or securea strategically located landholding for the future- the choice is yours.

Quality Dairy unit with genuine upside Tender closes 12.00pm, Mon 2nd Nov, 2026 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/AR237657

Greg Jopson M 027 447 4382 Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Clarendon Farm presents an outstanding opportunity to secure an Deadline Sale closes Thursday 29th October, 2026 at 12.00pm, (unless established 283.25 ha dairy operation, strategically located sold prior) between Milton and Waihola. Currently milking approximately 570 View By appointment cows, the farm has a proven history of consistent production, Web pb.co.nz/DNR227548 achieving between 225,000 kgMS - 237,500 kgMS over recent seasons. The property comprises approximately 215 ha of effective dairy platform, with a further 46 ha utilised for runoff and John Faulks support grazing, providing a well-balanced, practical farming M 027 452 5800 operation. The property is well equipped with a 38-aside Joe Latta herringbone dairy shed, modern two-pond effluent system M 027 224 7112 consented to 2035, feed pad, calving shed and a range of Ray Kean supporting farm infrastructure. M 027 435 7478

Proud to be here

SPRING 2026

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LATEST RURAL LISTINGS! NEW ISSUE OUT NOW SCAN TO READ ONLINE pggwre.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL OPEN DAY

PUKEHINA, BOP 155 Cutwater Road Sunshine And Scale So Close To The Beach! • • • • • • • •

330ha dairy unit (305 effective) on six titles Milking 1000 cows twice-a-day through 50 bail rotary shed with ACR, ATS and in-shed feeding Raised stand-off area (sand) adjacent to shed Stable production up over 305,000kg MS using system 2 Modern effluent system with Kliptank storage Plenty of staff accommodation with five houses Herd available with 50 years of breeding Available on its own or with adjoining 161ha 520 cow unit making a 1500 cow two-shed farm, scale rarely available in the sunny Bay of Plenty!

OPEN DAY

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm, Wednesday 11 November

VIEW 9.30-10.30am Monday 19 October

PUKEHINA, BOP 2 Gardiner Place Walk Straight from the Farm to the Beach! • • • • • •

Tim Gallagher M 027 801 2888 E tim.gallagher@pggwrightson.co.nz

•

161ha (approx) dairy farm with 40 ASHB Milking 520 cows, with 2.5 FTE and Halter Large concrete feed pad with adjacent modern concrete silage bunkers 177,600kg MS last season (system 2), and on track to match or exceed this year Modern effluent system with 3457m³ storage Two x three bedroom houses, a modern transportable with single mans quarters Available on its own or with adjoining 330ha 1000 cow unit making a 1500 cow two-shed farm

pggwre.co.nz/TEP44087

pggwre.co.nz/TEP44086

AUCTION

TE PUKE, BOP 364 Te Matai Road Talk About Dress-Circle! • • • • • • •

9.2015ha on one title at 85-105m elevation (approx) 4.09ha G3 and 1.10ha R19 all on ag-beam 18,000 plant (approx) tunnel house nursery Sheds, workshop and a concrete loadout pad Four bedroom, two bathroom double-glazed solid brick home The sale includes 2027 crop proceeds and 4.09ha G3 and 1.10ha R19 licences No prior offers. Will not be sold prior to Auction date

AUCTION

Plus GST (if any) Will not be sold prior 1pm, Thur 29 Oct, The Citizens RSA 179 Jellicoe St, Te Puke

VIEW 12.00-1.00pm

Tuesday 13, 20 October

Tim Gallagher M 027 801 2888 E tim.gallagher@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEP44070

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm, Wednesday 11 November

VIEW 10.45-11.45am Monday 19 October

Tim Gallagher M 027 801 2888 E tim.gallagher@pggwrightson.co.nz

DANNEVIRKE, MANAWATU 63 Hamilton Rd AUCTION Versatile Rural Opportunity 10km to town is this well presented prime finishing block ideal for a range of farming practices including dairy support and supplement production. Featuring 52.8ha of flat land terraced to the Manawatu River. Subdivided into 16 paddocks, excellent standard of conventional fencing with reticulated stock water. Sheep/cattle yards with load out facility, 2 std woolshed, sundry sheds and original cottage (uninhabitable). Conveniently located, easily accessible, this property combines location, infrastructure and productive potential making it an appealing option to enhance your farm operation.

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 1.00pm, Thurs 19 November The Hub, 23 Gordon St, Dannevirke

VIEW By Appointment Only

Geoff Waterworth M 027 437 8063 E geoff.waterworth@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/DAN44122

NEW ISSUE OUT NOW SCAN TO READ ONLINE PGGWRE.CO.NZ

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

NEW LISTING

TE KUITI, WAIKATO 694 Troopers Road

AUCTION

Productive King Country Grazing Farm Positioned just 15km north of Piopio or 15km southwest of Te Kuiti, this well-presented 109ha (more or less) grazing unit is currently operated as an all-cattle system. Featuring 54 paddocks across 105ha effective, quality laneways and reticulated water, the farm is well set up for efficient management. Improvements include a three-bedroom home, 4-stand woolshed, covered yards, and a three-bay shed. A productive, well-developed property suited to grazing, finishing, or supplement support.

PIOPIO, WAIKATO 406 Aria Road

AUCTION

Highly Developed Piopio Grazing Unit

Plus GST (if any) Will not be sold prior 12.00pm, Wednesday 11 November 406 Aria Road, Piopio

161ha (more or less) grazing block located 5km south of Piopio, currently operating as a proven allcattle system. Well-subdivided into 110 paddocks, approx 142ha effective grazing area and 46ha of croppable country with thoughtfully planned laneways and reticulated water system. Extensive shedding includes a woolshed, tractor shed, and wellequipped workshop. Features modern 2011-built four-bedroom brick home set amongst an attractive rural setting. A productive, well-presented property offering purchasers a genuine turnkey grazing or supplement farming opportunity.

VIEW 10.00 - 11.30am, Thursday

15, 22 & 29 October, 5 November

Tony Foreman M 027 654 7434 E tony.foreman@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEK44182

Plus GST (if any) Will not be sold prior 12.00pm, Wednesday 11 November Onsite, 406 Aria Rd, Piopio

VIEW 12.30 - 2.00pm, Thursday

15, 22 & 29 October, 5 November

Tony Foreman M 027 654 7434 E tony.foreman@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEK44181 Helping grow the country

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

1637 Road, BULLS CAN’TParewanui LEAVE COUNTRY – CAN’T LIVE IN TOWN? 15.9750HA

1637 Parewanui Road, BULLS304.8855 HECTARES ( 753 acres) OPIAKO

NEW LISTING

950 cow (peak), 246 hectare / 607 acre dairy farm located in Bulls, the heart of dairy country in the Rangitikei. • With a current lease of 80 ha, the property is 294 hectares effective. • Consented for irrigation which covers approx. 205 hectares. • 46 aside Herringbone shed with in-shed feeder. • Four houses. Invest in dairy, where GREEN is GOLD

Jerome Pitt

Rural & Lifestyle Specialist 027 242 2199 jeromep@forfarms.co.nz Licensed under the REA 2008

1480 State Highway 1, GLEN OROUA

NEW LISTING

114 hectare / 281 acre flat to easy dairy unit located at Glen Oroua, approx. 33 km Enquire Now! west of Palmerston North. • Currently milking 350 cows. Contact: For Farms (NZ) Ltd • Opiako—304.8855 hectares (753 acres) for Information Memorandum • Irrigation consent in place. • Arguably the most admired sheep and cattle • Pivot irrigator and K Line. finishing farm in the district, only 13km east of Dannevirke • 26 aside Herringbone shed. • Excellent balance of contour, fertile flats, • Four bedroom home.

114 hectare / 281 acre flat to easy dairy unit located at Glen Oroua, approx. 33 km Viewing by appointment. west of Palmerston North. • Currently milking 350 cows. + GST $1,350,000 Here’s the perfect solutio – 16 hectares (39 acres) of • Irrigation consent in place. rolling country, easily managed whilst overlooking • Pivot irrigator and K Line. Dannevirke from a very comfortable four bedroom • 26 aside Herringbone shed. home. A full range of facilities, hayshed, stables, small • Four bedroom home.

30 Mangahei Rd, Dannevirke

180 Tipapakuku Rd, Dannevirke

www.forfarms.co.nz - Property ID FF4158

Jerome Pitt Craig Boyden M: 027 443Rural 2738& Lifestyle Specialist 027 242 2199 O: 06 374 4105 jeromep@forfarms.co.nz E: craigb@forfarms.co.nz

LK0125702©

This is the best of both worlds.

undulating easy to medium hill Call me today for more • First class improvements and facilities; four information & to book your bedroom homestead, 3 stand woolshed, covered appointment to view yards, cattle yards and satellite yards Jerome Pitt Craig Boyden Graeme Thomson • Price on Application. Rural Lifestyle M: 027 443 2738 M: 027 &450 7681 Specialist

LK0124930©

woodshed, cattle yards. Call me today for more A very well farmed quality parcel of land, producinginformation & to book your appointment to view significant income.

Licensed under the REA 2008

www.forfarms.co.nz 06 374 4104

www.forfarms.co.nz - Property ID FF4204

O: 06 374 4105 E: craigb@forfarms.co.nz

O: 06 374 4108027 242 2199 jeromep@forfarms.co.nz E: Graemet@forfarms.co.nz Licensed under the REA 2008

www.forfarms.co.nz 06 374 4104

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

AGRIBUSINESS

FOR SALE

DAIRY PLATFORM DELIVERS SCALE & OPPORTUNITY IN KAIPARA 455 WEST COAST ROAD, TE KŌPURU, KAIPARA, NORTHLAND A proven Northland dairy platform is coming to market at 455 West Coast Road, Te Kōpuru, comprising approximately 179.6 hectares with 175 hectares of effective dairy platform. Production reached 306,529 kgMS in 2025/26 from a 507-cow peak herd, up from 283,906 kgMS the previous season. 11.1 tDM/ha of feed grown on the milking platform, supported by an established operating system and infrastructure. Improvements include a 33-aside herringbone dairy shed, centrally located feed pad, 61 main paddocks, limestone races, three bores and two three-bedroom homes. A leased runoff block supporting wintering, young stock and supplement production is also available by negotiation. 455 West Coast Road offers an established dairy operation with a solid production base and scope for an incoming owner to build on its performance.

Clint Brereton

James Burke

Warwick Searle

George Cashmore

027 897 1161

021 824 145

021 362 778

021 0264 1362

FOR SALE BY TENDER, Closing 4pm, Wednesday 4th November 2026 (unless sold prior)

SEARLEAGRI.CO.NZ

Waikato CR Ltd | Forestry Sales Ltd trading as Searle Agribusiness | Colliers Licensed REAA 2008

Accelerating success.

Accelerating Success.

Springbank Honey, ‘As is, where is’ Sale 299 hectares of possibility - minutes from Auckland

Receivership Sale

For Sale

77 Remiger Road, Puhoi

Boundary lines are indicative only

1227 Oxford Road, Cust, Waimakariri District For Sale by Deadline closing 2pm Thursday 29th October 2026 (unless sold prior)

4.0234 Hectares Freehold

Five Bedroom Home

Large Honey Processing Facility

Warehouse/Oﬃce/Retail

A rare opportunity to secure a substantial honey processing property incorporating purpose-built infrastructure, warehousing, distribution facilities, retail premises and an executive residence. The ﬁve bedroom home is located on a natural terrace and spans approximately 318 sqm. For sale is an established honey processing business and all associated processing plant and machinery, plus hives and various honey stocks (including manuka). All assets can be purchased together or separately.

Richard O’Sullivan 027 292 3921 colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67042571

George Fox 027 6143 763

Rarely does an opportunity of this scale and proximity to Auckland come to market. Held by the same family and offered for the first time in generations, 77 Remiger Road is approximately 299 hectares of Puhoi hill country, an easy drive north on State Highway 1. Farmed as a sheep and beef unit, the property carries a full complement of farming amenities, spring-fed water and dual road access off Remiger and Tunnel Roads. Pasture that was largely non-forest in 1989 also opens the door to ETS afforestation alongside grazing. Almost 300 hectares offer scope for mountain biking, horse trekking, hunting or exploring. A natural stream and substantial areas of retired native forest add seclusion and character, while elevated sites open to views of Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel and west across the ranges. Orewa Beach and Warkworth are both around 20 minutes, the Puhoi Pub just minutes, and the Te Araroa Trail runs along Remiger Road.

For Sale by Tender, Closing 4pm, Wednesday 4th November 2026 (unless sold prior)

Clint Brereton 027 897 1161

James Burke 021 824 145

Warwick Searle 021 362 778

George Cashmore 021 026 41362

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67042473 Searleagri.co.nz Agri Realty Limited. Colliers Licensed REAA 2008

Waikato CR Limited Forestry Sales Limited Colliers Licensed REAA 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

331 Milliken Road, Richmond Downs

Limited edition 85.60 ha Don’t get caught napping. This impressive 86-hectare dairy farm has consistently produced approximately 2100kgs/ms/ha, averaging 180,000 kgs /ms for the last 15 years. The two huge composting barns, location, contour, and presentation all add to this properties appeal. Two dwellings complete the package. The main being a beautifully presented three-bedroom brick home with sleepout.

AUCTION Thursday 29th Oct 11am (unless sold prior)

AGENTS Rex Butterworth 021 348 276 Peter Begovich 027 476 5787

VIEW Tues 13th, 20th & 27th Oct 11am - 12pm

AGENCY LJ Hooker Matamata Link Realty Limited Licensed Agent REA 2008

Enquire today

SELLING YOUR FARM? Your agent may suggest you advertise in their brand publication. 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

44 Marketplace

Marketplace

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

SOLAR & OFF GRID POWER

Three sizes available

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03 365 9712

Phone 021 047 9299

SH0125524©

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TRUSTED IN CANTERBURY FOR 34+ YEARS

www.traxequipment.co.nz

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info@nzadventures.co.nz Ph: 027 550 6727 or 027 435 4267

irontreeproducts.co.nz

www.nzadventures.co.nz

Remanufacture Steering Joints To New Again

CLASSIFIEDS

Don‘t Replace - Rebuild & Save Tie rods, drag links, suspensions, rack joints, sway bars, torque rods, gear linkages, suspension bushes, idlers, drop arms, idler nuts and make brand new joints to suit customers specifications.

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Beat the rush – book your system in for 2026 With a small deposit confirm your system now

ATTENTION FARMERS

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WE ARE PROUD TO STAND BY THE QUALITY OF OUR WORK CALL TODAY - PH 03 348 3624

www.pppindustries.co.nz | sales@pppindustries.co.nz

HBI Engineering Limited 31 Epsom Road, Sockburn Christchurch 8042, New Zealand

0800 901 902

hbiengineering.com

Trainee Livestock Representative

Join the team!

Canterbury

An exciting opportunity exists for a keen and motivated individual to join the Hazlett Livestock team in Canterbury. We are looking for a Trainee Livestock Representative to join our expanding stock and station company.

Partnership Manager Farmers Weekly

Hazlett Limited is a family owned business that was established in 2008, whose strong culture views its people as its greatest asset. We’re committed to providing New Zealanders with top-of-the-line livestock broking services, insurance, funding and agronomy.

About Farmers Weekly Farmers Weekly is published by AgriHQ, New Zealand’s leading multi-platform agricultural media and insights business. We deliver trusted journalism, market intelligence, and storytelling to hundreds of thousands of rural New Zealanders every week.

This will be a fantastic opportunity to develop and grow in a supportive and training-focused environment, exploring all of the key aspects involved in the industry. Your “can do” attitude, excellent communication and interpersonal skills will hold you in good stead in building a strong foundation for a career with Hazlett.

About the role This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially focused and relationship-driven sales professional. As one of our Partnership Managers you will nurture a portfolio of existing advertising and subscription clients as well as prospect new ones, helping them to achieve their goals through our tailored media solutions.

This position is a full time role and will suit a competent and focused individual. Previous agricultural experience or interest is essential. The successful applicant will: > Possess a strong work ethic > Have excellent organisational skills > Be a team player and committed to the best old-fashioned value of personal service > Hold a full NZ drivers licence > Rural knowledge essential, experience in livestock advantageous

About you You are a high-achieving sales professional with a proven track-record of exceeding sales targets, bringing in new business, building relationships and working with a CRM system.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please email Phil Manera at pmanera@hazlett.nz.

This role offers flexibility in location for the right candidate, along with regular travel throughout New Zealand. To request a full job description and company application form please email hr@agrihq.co.nz

Please send applications through to Phil Manera pmanera@hazlett.nz by 24th October.

Applications close Sunday 18 October 2026, 8pm.

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

Over 60 years experience in remanufacturing steering joints.

HB & Rotary Feed Systems

Engineering precision since 1962

Spaces available on High Country Heritage Tours in 2027

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

Heavy duty, long lasting incinerators

Keeping your farm running and your homestead bright.

IF YOU HAVE too many deer, Northland farmer is looking for deer hunting. Mostly harvested and processed to needy families. Phone 021 283 1600. 90¢ BALES / 80¢ FADGES per kg for dags. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 027 458 2727. 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.

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.

GRAZING WANTED LOOKING FOR A trusted and reliable grazier for 150 dairy weaners from November 2026 in the Waikato or surrounding area. Please contact Xavier on 027 308 7082 to discuss.

LEASE LAND WANTED MOTIVATED FARMING COUPLE looking for lease land. Any size and area considered. Prefer over 30ha. Phone 027 392 6091.

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

FLOOR COATING

PERSONAL

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.

COUNTRY COMPANIONSHIP. Looking to meet someone special? Meet genuine people from country, rural and regional communities seeking friendship, companionship and a meaningful relationship. Introductions are made via a phone call. No compute required. Call 0800 446 332 today.

FORESTRY 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 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.

SALE TALK A CROW was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A small rabbit saw the crow, and asked him, “Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?”The crow answered: “Sure, why not.” So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it. Management Lesson - To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

Advertise with us Call 0800 85 25 80

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Livestock 45

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

EARLY LAMB SALES OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

> Tuesday 20 October - 1pm start MANGAKURI STATION On a/c of SR & BJ Williams Charitable Trust 585 Mangakuri Road, Elsthorpe 2500 Suftex & South Suffolk x Romney Lambs 600 CFA Romney Ewes Lambs are GAP, NZFAP and ABF accredited Further enquiries: Duke Loe 021 363 755 > Tuesday 27 October - 1pm start LIMESTONE VALLEY BLUFFS LTD 45A Tapp Road, RD 1, Huntly 2300 Suftex Mixed Sex Lambs 700 Romworth Cryptorchid Lambs 500 CFA Ewes Lambs are NZFAP and ABF Accredited Further enquiries: Richard Johnston 027 444 3511

SPRING CATTLE SALE Monday 19th October

600 Head entered to date

SPECIAL ENTRY

Pauariki Station

Located just 3kms inland off SH35 Tokomaru Bay (Signposted at the Mata road)

Thursday 29th October - 12 Noon Start 2nd Annual "On Farm" Yearling Cattle Sale

> Tuesday 3rd November - 2pm start TAURAPA STATION On a/c of Ocean Beach Farms Partnership 193 Ocean Beach Road, Waimarama 5500 Romney Suftex x Mixed Sex Lambs (Males are Cryptorchids) GAP, NZFAP and ABF accredited Further enquiries: Angus Hazlett 027 462 0136 > Tuesday 10th November - 1pm start TAUTANE STATION 398 Tautane Road, Herbertville 9000 Romney Down x Mixed Sex Lambs (Males are Rams) GAP, NZFAP and ABF accredited Note: Sale is in conjunction with Carrfields. Lunch and light refreshments available before the sale from 12pm. Further enquiries: Angus Hazlett (Hazlett) 027 462 0136 Roger Watts (Carrfields) 027 446 0005 Auctioneers notes: A grand opportunity to purchase well bred, early born coastal & hill country lambs that are renowned for their shifting ability. The vendors are offering their entire 2026 terminal lamb draft - no lambs will have been picked prior to sale.

800 Yearling Angus Steers

150 Yearling

Hereford Friesian X Heifers

A/c Harakeke Company Ltd Annual Consignment Home bred from a pure Friesian Herd To be drafted and weight ranged Approx 330kg ave over the line C10 Status Enquiries to Shane Scott 0274956031 View a full list of sale entries at www.centrallivestock.co.nz

430 Bred on Farm - 160 Bred on Manga Station (McNeil Farming) 200 Bred on Maraehara Farms (McNeil Farming)

60 Yearling Angus Heifers Bred on Farm - Approx 320kg The steers are approx 90% Angus & 10% Angus X To be drafted into 4 weight ranges 401kg + / 400 to 371kg / 370 to 341kg / 340 to 300kg C10 Status - NZFAP - AB free Top quality steers renowned for their good temperament and shifting ability. They are on target to average 380kg over the total of 800 Head on Sale day. They will be sold in their weight ranges with the option of run outs. A 1.5% Rebate will be available to purchasing agents by application. Those in attendance will enjoy "East Coast Hospitality" on the day. Enquiries to Shane Scott - Ph 027 4956031 - www.centrallivestock.co.nz

independent livestock agency

View & Buy Online

at TAUPO SALES with

BANK THE MILK OR SECURE THE COWS

DAIRY HOLDINGS

MACHINERY SALE

AND OUTSIDE VENDORS WEDNESDAY, 21 OCT • 12PM 907 ARUNDEL RANGITATA RA A ROAD, RANGITATA RA A BID ONLINE WITH

GEORGE WILSON 027 807 9886 www.carrfields.co.nz

Use your phone camera to scan the QR code � Tap the link for full info

SCAN CODE FOR PREREGISTRATION & CATALOGUE

TWO-DAY HIGH INDEXED IN-MILK DAIRY SALE On Account: STONY CREEK GENETICS Watson Family, 711 Henry Watson Rd, Walton

Day 1: Tuesday October 13th 2026 11.30 start

Day 2: Thursday October 15th 2026 11.30 start

• 250 x Elite Jersey & XBred Cows • 375 x Jersey & XBred Cows • 85% A2 A2 • All A2 A2 • Genomically Screened G3 Profiled • G3 Profiled • BW 299 PW 354 RA 100% • BW 201 PW 211 RA 96% A once-in-a-generation opportunity. 12 Cows currently with LIC Contract Matings. Decades of Alpha breeding have built a herd of functional, proven females with the type to match – cows trusted to produce contract-mated bulls for the dairy industry. The Herd has bred the industry renowned udder focused Stony Creek Sires. High Indexed high production cows from families of industry renowned AB Sires – Stony Creek Nonchalant Dam No. 10 Lot 27 Stony Creek Ngawi Dam No. 88 Lot 72 521060 Stony Creek Neptune. 523046 Stony Creek Ngawi. 523027 Stony Creek Nonchalant. 522068 Stony Creek Grandee. 322952 Stony Creek Salubrious. 518054 Stony Creek Excalibur. 319066 Tironui Montage. 319036 Okura Tironui Mario. 319037 Okura Tironui Marco. 516043 Arkans Boom Box. Milked on steep hill country these cows are renowned for their shifting ability. Mating will commence on 8th October Delivery from sale day to 1.2.2027 or later by prior arrangement. Open day Friday 9th October 11am Catalogues available • Sale live streamed on mylivestock Please ensure registration 48 hours prior to sale day – ph Steph Needham 07 889 1672 BUY THE COWS. BANK THE GENETICS. MAKE POSSESSION WORK FOR YOU. For further information call: NZFL Agents: Bill Sweeney 0274 515 310 & Michael Conwell 027 226 1611 Vendor: Ben Watson 027 766 6668

SH0125657©

hazlett.nz

Puketoro Station - 11th Annual Sale Thursday 7th January 2027 6000 Ewes & 1100 15mth Cattle

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Livestock

Constitution # Structure # Performance titution # Structure # Performance

NEY

ar purchased or leased Paki-iti ggets. leased Paki-iti hard hill country property rising 090ft). y property rising deep bodied type of sheep.

Constitution # Structure # Performance

PAKI-ITI ROMNEY

INTERISLAND TRANSPORT

Constitution # Constitution Structure # Performance # Structure # Performance

North & South Interisland Livestock Transport

PAKI-ITI ROMNEY

fertility, survival, e- growth, of sheep. Constitution # Structure # Performance PAKI-ITI ROMNEY PAKI-ITI ROMNEY e, longevity, hogget fertility. , survival, • 170 clients last year purchased or leased Paki-iti • 170 clients last year• purchased or last leased Paki-iti 170 clients year purchased or leased Paki-iti ping a Facial Eczema sub ﬂock gget fertility. rams and ram hoggets. rams and ram hoggets. rams and ram hoggets. PAKI-ITI ROMNEY sted at .6mg/kg sporodesmin and• Bred on an 870ha hard hill country property rising zema sub ﬂock • Bred on anor870ha hill country property rising • 170 clients last year purchased leasedhard Paki-iti .4mg/kg• sporodesmin. up to 637mhill asl (2090ft). Bred property rising up to 637m asl (2090ft). rams and ramcountry hoggets. sporodesmin and on an 870ha hard • Moderate frame, deep bodied type of sheep. • Bred on an 870ha hill country property esmin. • hard Moderate frame, deeprising bodied type of sheep. up to 637m asl (2090ft).

– MATERNAL • 160+ clients purchased/leased Paki-iti • Traits on - growth, fertility, survival, up focused to 637m asl (2090ft). rams/hoggets last season • longevity, Traits focused on - growth, fertility, survival, parasite resistance, hogget • Moderate frame, deep bodied type offertility. sheep. • Moderate frame,• deep bodied type of sheep. parasite resistance, longevity, hogget fertility. Ten years developing a Facial Eczema sub flock •a Traits focused on -hard growth, fertility, survival, • Bred onwith 870ha hill country property • Ten years developing a Facial Eczema sub flock sires used tested at .6mg/kghogget sporodesmin parasite resistance, longevity, fertility. and • Traits focused on progeny - growth, fertility, survival, with sires used tested at .6mg/kg sporodesmin and tested at .4mg/kg sporodesmin. • Ten years developingasl a Facial Eczema sub flock rising up to 637m progeny tested at .4mg/kg sporodesmin. TEX parasite resistance,with longevity, hogget sires used tested at .6mg/kg fertility. sporodesmin and progeny tested at .4mg/kg sporodesmin. eloping a stabilized breeding • Moderate bodied type of sheep • Ten years developingframe, a Facial deep Eczema sub flock ertility, better structure. zed breeding with sires used tested at .6mg/kg sporodesmin and owth rate and higher yield. PAKI ructure. • meat Growth, fertility, survival, worm tolerance, PAKI-ITI ITI ROMTEX progeny tested at .4mg/kg sporodesmin. PAKI-ITI PAKI ITI ROMTEX – growth, gher meat fertility, yield. survival, • Twelve years developing a stabilized breeding longevity, hogget fertility PAKI-ITI PAKI ITI ROMTEX program – better fertility, betteryears structure. e, longevity, hogget fertility. • Twelve developing a stabilized breeding y, survival, • Twelve years developing a stabilized breeding – better fertility, • Off ffering f faster growth program rate and higher meat yield.better structure. program – better fertility, better structure. at 0.42mg/kg d as 22th rams. • Facial Eczema flock testing gget fertility. • Traits on growth –•growth, survival, Off ffering fratefertility, faster growth rate and higher meat yield. • Off ffering f focused faster and higher meat yield. parasite resistance, longevity, hogget fertility. sporodesmin on – growth, fertility, survival, • Traits focused on• – Traits growth,focused fertility, survival,

Competitive pricing Experienced livestock carriers

Taking bookings now! Colin: 027 858 5217 Colin@valleycattle.co.nz

• Romtex rams sold as parasite 22th rams. resistance, longevity, hogget fertility. parasite resistance, longevity, hogget fertility. • Romtex rams sold 22th rams. • as Romtex rams sold as 22th rams.

PAKI-ITI PAKI ITI ROMTEX

EX & PAKI-ITI SUFFOLK • Twelve years developing a stabilized breeding rams and ram hoggets sold andPAKI-ITI SUFTEX & PAKI-ITI SUFFOLK TI SUFFOLK program – better fertility, better structure.

PAKI-ITI ROMTEX

– MATERNAL + GROWTH

PAKI-ITI SUFTEX PAKI-ITI SUFFOLK • Over 500 terminal rams & and ram hoggets sold and n. PAKI-ITI SUFTEX & PAKI-ITI SUFFOLK hoggets sold and leased • Overlast 500season. terminal rams and ram hoggets sold and ht Meat Yield and • Off ffering f High Survival. faster growth rate and higher meat yield. leased last season. • Over 500 terminal rams and ram hoggets sold and

• Stabilised breeding programme – • Fast Growth, Hight Meat Yield and High Survival. better fertility, better structure leased last season. • Fast Growth, Hight Meat Yield and High Survival. use –Survival. Moderate frame, • Bred for hill country use – Moderate frame, dryHigh • Traits focused on – growth, fertility, survival, • Bred forstructural hill country use –Growth, Moderate frame, longevity, •soundness. Fast Hight Meat Yield and High Survival. al soundness. ate frame, longevity, structural soundness. •frame, Offering faster growth rates and higher years of wintering ramhill hoggets onuse hard parasite longevity, fertility. • hogget Bred for country – Moderate wintering ram hoggetsresistance, on hard • Fourteen • Fourteen ramstructural hoggets on hard hill country. years of wintering longevity, soundness. hill country. meat yield • Incorporating meat traits years (IMF, tenderness oggets on • hard Romtex rams sold as 22th rams. •quality Fourteen of wintering ram hoggets on hard • Incorporating meat quality traits (IMF, tenderness and pH). at quality traits (IMF, tenderness hill country. and pH). • Growth, yield, fertility, survival, worm • Lease Terminal Ram ggets available in March. • hog Incorporating meat • Lease Terminal Ram hog ggets available in quality March. traits (IMF, tenderness MF, tenderness and pH). am hog ggets available in March. tolerance, longevity, hogget fertility • Lease Terminal Ram hog ggets available in March. ilable in March. Partners with CONTACT DETAILS CONTACT DETAILS • Romtex rams sold as 22th rams Stewart Morton: Ph (06) 328 5772 Mob (0274) 453 110

Partners with CONTACT DETAILS pakiroms@farmside.co.nz ) 328 5772 Mob (0274) 453 110 pakiroms@farmside.co.nz Stewart Morton: Ph (06) 328 5772 Mob (0274) 453 110 Partners with Andrew Morton: Ph (06) 328 2856 Mob (0274) 488 511 ) 328 2856 Mob (0274) 488 511 www.paki-iti.co.nz www.paki-iti.co.nz (0274) 453 110 pakiroms@farmside.co.nz (0274) 488 511 e.co.nz

Partners with

PAKI-ITI SUFTEX & PAKI-ITI SUFFOLK

.nz

LK0125125©

Partners with

Stewart Morton: Ph (06) 328 5772 Mob (0274) 453 110

Andrew Morton: Ph Ph (06) 328 2856 Andrew Morton: (06) 328 2856Mob Mob(0274) (0274)488 488511 511

• Over 500 terminal rams and ram hoggets sold and www.paki-iti.co.nz leased last season. Stewart Morton P 06 328 5772 M 027 4453 110 • Fast Growth, Hight Meat Yield and High Survival.

P 06 328 2856 M 027 4488 511 E pakiroms@farmside.co.nz • BredAndrew for hill countryMorton use – Moderate frame, Northern Manawatū longevity, structural soundness. • Fourteen years of wintering ram hoggets on hard hill country.

paki-iti.co.nz

• Incorporating meat quality traits (IMF, tenderness and pH). • Lease Terminal Ram hog ggets available in March.

CONTACT DETAILS

waione coopworth Partners with

Stewart Morton: Ph (06) 328 5772 Mob (0274) 453 110

Andrew Morton: Ph (06) 328 2856 Mob (0274) 488 511

pakiroms@farmside.co.nz

Est 1970

www.paki-iti.co.nz

FE Index CARLA Dag Score

Ram enquiries: John Wilkie ph: 021 267 4425 email: coopworths@waione.co.nz Whangaehu, Wanganui

SH0125723©

Maternal Worth Growth + Meat Medium Wool

FE Gold 47

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

49th Annual Sale SALE DATE

OPEN DAY

Friday 6 November 2026

Frankton Saleyards – 12.30pm

Friday 30 October 2026 122 Kokonga West Rd, Waikaretu

Trusted and proven from Balclutha to Northland Founding member of FE Gold and WormFEC GoldSuperior maternal ability of the Coopworth coupled with Industry leading genetics for Performance and Health traits All rams presented for sale have had minimal drench, never been dagged, and sit in the top 25th % for Growth. on SIL.

�

Selected for performance under pressure in a hot FE / parasite environment

Phil & Deana Cook (Gisborne)

� 233 Hihiroroa Rd South, Ngatapa � www.hinenuigenetics.co.nz

09 2333 230 broadbent.ka@gmail.com www.nikaucoopworth.co.nz

Coopworth • Romworth • Romney • ShedX

Breed More Profitable Sheep C O O P W O R T H

Five Specialist Romney Breeders Almost six decades of FE testing, performance recording, and genetic progress. 2025-born ARDG progeny compared with the national recorded average:

114% HIGHER FACIAL ECZEMA TOLERANCE Over 100 rams tested at 0.71 dose rate

Bred Under Pressure.

227% HIGHER WORM RESISTANCE The ARDG ewe flock doesn’t need drenching

Structure first, above all else. Every Coopworth ewe and ram lamb is FEC tested for worm tolerance, and the rams are FE Gold accredited for facial eczema.

45% HIGHER

NZ MATERNAL WORTH | $10.10 greater genetic value per ewe

ARDG ACCREDITED BREEDERS

MATAMATA Craig & Tina Alexander 07 888 1703 027 774 6644

KAUKAPAKAPA Adrian & Jenny Savannah 09 427 6393 027 481 6599

MARAMARUA John & Jan Marchant 09 232 5613 027 442 3130

MASTERTON Paul Crick & Dayanne Almeida 027 450 4085

www.ardg.co.nz

SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE

NOV RAM SALE 131PM

cre8ive 10211

DARGAVILLE Bob Steed / Rhys & Helen Dackers Bob 027 777 0832 Rhys 027 241 5564

30 OCT OPEN DAY 10AM - 3PM

STRUCTURE FIRST

PERFORM UNDER PRESSURE

GENOMIC TESTED & PARENT VERIFIED

WORM TOLERANT

Alan & Kerri-Anne Blake • triplefarmslimited@gmail.com • 027 896 8313 2741 Ngakonui-Ongarue Rd, Ongarue, NZ T R I P L E FA R M S . C O. N Z

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Raupuha Studs

ECZEMA TOLERANT ROMNEYS

Where every day is an open day Russell and Mavis Profﬁt M 027 355 2927 | E: raupuhastud@gmail.com 2033 State Highway 3, RD, Mahoenui 3978 www.raupuhastud.co.nz

The only NZ Perendale & Romdale breeder with rams tested at 0.6! Start your genetic progress here.

RAUPUHA #1 Follow the leader

Perendales & Romdales are

PERENDALE 2TH RAMS TESTED 0.6 ROMDALE 2TH RAMS TESTED 0.6

RAMGUARD TESTING SINCE 1985

Suffolk and Suftex terminal 2ths are available

• Bred on challenging hill country • Robust functional sheep that survive • Unlock their potential • Structurally sound

ON FARM SALE Tues 17 Nov 2026 at 12 Noon

• Selecting for parasite tolerance and less dags • No ewes worm drenched, dipped or vaccinated

027 463 9859 | www.waiteikaromneys.co.nz @waiteikaromneys

Romani Coopworths

PUKETOTARA STUD (SIL 1776)

A SMALL NUMBER OF THESE …

LK0125253©

KEITH ABBOTT, RAGLAN

OPEN DAY Tuesday 3rd November, 1pm-3pm at SH3, Mahoenui

Fully SIL recorded under true commercial conditions

CAN KILL ONE OF THESE!

Selected for top growth and muscling, less dags, parasite tolerance, minimal drench. Not dipped since 2013 • High performance with low inputs • Excellent Worm tolerance

• Excellent Flystrike tolerance • Less work. More income

Romani rams are top performers in B+LNZ Genetics Low Input Progeny Test Search us on BLGNZ NProve and see how we compare to your current ram breeder

Or email krhaywood@farmside.co.nz

Also available Poll Dorset and Black face rams

LK0125255©

Contact Ken & Rebecca Haywood at Piopio 07 877 8586

LK0125256©

Breed Facial Ezcema tolerance into your flock by using our high genetic merit, structurally sound ROMNEY Rams.

Ross Richards, Taumarunui • Phone 07 895 7144 romani@farmside.co.nz

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Low Input High Profit Genetics Beat drench resistance by using worm resistant genetics as one of your tools to mitigate worm burdens.

FE Gold

Easy Care

40 Years selecting for tolerance to facial Eczema. Like winter, it’s coming.

Selecting for Low Dags and Bare Breech

years of performance recording

Sale Thursday 5th Nov 12pm Start Private Treaty to follow

ALASTAIR REEVES 027 457 3615 waimairomney.co.nz waimairomney@gmail.com

RAM AUCTION 10 NOVEMBER – 1:30PM 376 HINERANGI ROAD WAIPUKURAU Ph: 027 710 9426 • j.wyn-harris@hotmail.com AVAILABLE PGG WRIGHTSON AUCTIONEER

P R OV E N G E N E T I CS F O R N E W Z E A L A N D CO N D I T I O N S

WEBSITE: WEBSITE:FEGOLD.CO.NZ FEGOLD.CO.NZ

LK0125539©

Open Day Thursday 15th Oct 10am - 4pm

2026 Waimai Sires Av 3461 for NZ Maternal Worth — Top 10% in SIL.

TH & ROM

Worm FEC Gold

High Production

GENETICS

50 Markets

Markets

Proudly sponsored by

Who’s beefing up among big cattle countries From El Niño to long-term herd plans, now is a good time for an audit of global trends and outlooks. MARKETS

Sheep and beef

S THIS red meat market cycle extends over a year, and memories of past seasons become hazy, it’s easy to forget how ridiculously high prices have become for both lambs and cattle. Much of this surge in pricing has been a direct result of red meat shortages in key markets. The United States and Canadian cow herds were hammered by drought in 2022 and early 2023. Australian sheep farmers were dealt the same hand in 2024 and early 2025, all while the European Union and United Kingdom have continued to report fundamental declines in their beef cow herds and ewe breeding flocks. Now feels like a fitting time to assess what the forward outlook is for key global markets in terms of supplies – more of the same, or are changes ahead? In the US, herd rebuilding continues to occur at a much slower pace than previously expected. High livestock values and patchy drought conditions have meant more potential breeding cattle have been sent to processors than once expected.

US President Donald Trump’s erratic tinkering in the beef market has not earned him many friends among ranchers either, and this uncertainty is also discouraging rebuilding. With that said, there are early signs that cattle numbers are near the bottom and will slowly climb. Heifers are the smallest portion of the steer/heifer kill in nine years, while the beef cow kill (that is, excluding dairy cows) is lowest relative to the total herd size since peak herd rebuilding in 2015. This should see US cattle production start to noticeably increase from 2028 onwards.

In the US, herd rebuilding continues to occur at a much slower pace than previously expected. Australia’s cattle industry has been one of the few at the top of its game. It has exported an unprecedented volume of beef this year, more than last year’s record highs and already above 15 of the past 20 full calendar years. It was expected that the lure of big dollars would cause

BEEFY: Australia’s cattle industry has been one of the few at the top of its game. It has exported an unprecedented volume of beef this year, more than last year’s record highs. more culling of the Australian breeding herd and noticeably slow production next year. However, next year’s slaughter forecast has been revised upwards to match 2025’s level, to only 2% less than this year. The lack of significant drought this past year plus the continued expansion of feedlots – which are killing around a million more cattle per year than normal – have shortened the time to finished cattle. This has freed up paddock space for breeding cattle to a greater degree than first thought. And, if anything, El Niño drought has the potential to push next year’s kill even higher, especially in early months. Another major beef country set to come off its peak is Brazil. Its 12-month cattle kill has historically ranged between 55 million and 65 million head, but it surged to a record high of 86 million last year. While there’s been fundamental growth in the Brazilian herd, around two-thirds of the jump in their cattle slaughter in the past two years has been due to more

US rolling 12-month cow kill (mill. head) Millions

Reece Brick

4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 Aug-06

Aug-10

Aug-14 Beef cow s

cows and heifers entering the slaughter system. In the 12 months to the end of June, these made up 47% of the total kill, a record high since data collection began in 2000. This has eaten into breeding cattle numbers, and it’s therefore expected that Brazilian cattle production will decline next year and likely the years following too. Chinese cattle production flies under the radar as almost all its beef is consumed domestically, but the volumes it produces are significant, accounting for around 70% of total consumption in the country.

Aug-18

Aug-22 Dairy cows

Aug-26

According to US Department of Agriculture data, in 2024 China’s total cattle numbers rose to an 18-year high. These high numbers, combined with large imported beef volumes, weakened cattle prices to unprofitable levels. This led to widespread culling last year, generating record-high beef production, which sparked China’s investigation into beef imports and subsequent quota limits. With the cattle herd now in recovery mode, the USDA forecasts China’s beef production next year to fall to the lowest level since 2018, down 16% from last year’s peak.

Contact 0800 183 358, visit your local seed merchant or agricom.co.nz

SEED DATING: SOVGOLD KALE PODCAST

The weight of the lambs coming off SOVGOLD is incredible!

You can’t go wrong with SOVGOLD.

SOVGOLD has a good amount of leaf on it, good stem size.

Hamish Knowles Spar Bush, Southland

Kerry Neal Pleasant Point, South Canterbury

Kyle Thorburn Otapuri Gorge, Southland

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Cattle

Sheep

Deer

Beef

Sheep Meat

Venison

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Last week

Last year

North Island P2 steer (300kg)

10.00

9.25

North Island M2 bull (300kg)

9.70

8.80

North Island M cow (190kg)

7.65

7.30

South Island P2 steer (300kg)

9.90

9.00

South Island M2 bull (300kg)

9.45

8.25

South Island M cow (190kg)

7.65

7.10

Last week

Last year

North Island AP stag (60kg)

11.50

10.30

5.50

South Island AP stag (60kg)

11.50

10.30

12.20

10.55

8.25

5.45

Fertiliser Last week

Last year

DAP

1809

1519

Potash (MoP)

947

922

Super

629

507

1284

995

NZ Log Exports (m3)

August

Last year

China

1,620,353

1,431,567

Rest of world

248,790

192,212

Carbon price (NZ$/tonne)

Last week

Last year

51.5

55.5

Last week

Last year

North Island lamb (18kg)

12.20

10.60

North Island mutton (25kg)

8.15

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

US imported 95CL bull

13.48

13.13

US domestic 90CL cow

15.79

16.04

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

Steer slaughter price ($/kgCW)

China lamb flaps

13.19

10.88

24-Sep

Last year

Crossbred fleece

6.69

3.66

Urea (Coated)

Crossbred 2nd shear

6.12

3.93

Forestry

Courtesy of www.fusca.co.nz

Exports

13.0 12.0

10.0

11.0

9.0

10.0

8.0

NZU

9.0 Oct

Dec Feb North Isla nd

Apr Jun South Island

Aug

Oct

8.0

Source: AgriHQ

Oct

Dec Feb North Isla nd

Apr Jun South Island

Aug

Oct

Source: AgriHQ

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

NZ beef exports (Jul - Sept, 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)

7.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Stag Slaughter price ($/kgCW) 12.0 11.0

10.0

9.0

8.0

China

Japan

S. Korea Rest of Asia Last year

US Other This year

China

EU Mid. Ea st Last yea r

US This year

Oct

Dec Feb North Isla nd

Other

Apr Jun South Island

Aug

Oct

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)

Listed Agri shares

Canterbury feed wheat & feed barley ($/tonne)

Company

YTD High YTD Low

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.066

0.132

0.059

The a2 Milk Company Limited

8.01

11.9

6.25

Comvita Limited

0.75

0.84

0.505

Delegat Group Limited

4.1

4.78

3.6

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

8.95

6.138

Foley Wines Limited

0.605

0.63

0.43

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.14

1.22

1.0

NZ King Salmon Investments Limited

0.245

0.255

0.189

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.05

2.4

2.0

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.027

0.042

0.025

600

10.5 10.0

550

9.5

500

9.0

450

8.5 8.0

Grain

Oct

Dec

Feb

Apr

Sep-2027

Jun Sep-2028

Aug

Oct

Source: NZX

Sep

Nov Jan Feed Wheat

Mar

May Jul Sep Feed Barley Source: NZX

Waikato palm kernel & maize ($/tonne)

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

400

Prior week

4 weeks prior

600

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.25

8.17

6.06

WMP

3625

3640

3670

550

Scales Corporation Limited

6.47

7.5

5.59

SMP

3855

3835

3720

500

Seeka Limited

5.19

5.55

4.4

AMF

5500

5525

5710

450

Synlait Milk Limited

0.43

0.66

0.35

Butter

4600

4550

4775

400

T&G Global Limited

2.3

2.79

2.16

Milk Price

10.03

10.00

9.78

350

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

17195

17623

15511

S&P/NZX 50 Index

13684

14013

12702

S&P/NZX 10 Index

13497

13863

12194

* price as at close of business on Wednesday

300

Sep

Nov

Jan PKE

Mar

May Maize

Jul

Sep

Source: NZX

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 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 Kaikohe | October 7 | 438 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Prime Jersey bulls, 570kg

5.16

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 560kg

5.22

2-year steers, 444kg

4.93

Boner Friesian cows, 555kg

3.51

Yearling steers, 262kg

4.81

Boner crossbred cows, 480kg

3.27

Boner crossbred heifers, 430kg

4.40

Wellsford | October 5 | 753 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Frankton | October 6 | 988 cattle

2-year dairy-beef steers, 435kg

5.32

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 385kg

5.07

Aut-born R2 dairy-beef steers, 440kg

5.24

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 270kg

5.34

2-year dairy-beef steers, 510kg

5.30

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 265kg

4.97

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 315kg

5.28

Aut-born weaner Friesian bulls, 200kg

1110

Yearling traditional bulls, 330kg

5.59

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 290kg

4.81

Prime dairy-beef steers, 645kg

5.31

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 555kg

5.25

Boner Friesian cows, 560kg

3.82

Boner crossbred cows, 505kg

3.57

Pukekohe | October 3

$/kg or $/hd 2-year steers, 462kg

4.86

2-year heifers, 414kg

5.00

Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 124kg

1130

Prime steers, 666kg

5.18

Prime heifers, 459kg

5.35

Prime ewes, all

185-248

Prime hoggets, all

256

Tuakau | October 1 | 685 cattle

$/kg or $/hd 2-year dairy-beef steers, 487kg

5.37

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 444kg

5.25

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 294kg

5.75

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 261kg

5.36

Tuakau | October 5 | 600 sheep

$/kg or $/hd Store hoggets, most

160-180

Prime ewes, most

232-266

Prime hoggets, most

236-300

$/kg or $/hd

Frankton | October 7 | 616 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Aut-born R2 dairy-beef steers, 420kg

4.76

Aut-born R2 dairy-beef heifers, 370kg

4.72

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 290kg

4.95

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 265kg

4.54

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef steers, 180kg

1080

Cambridge | October 6 | 187 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Mixed-age cows, 539kg

3.68

2-year heifers, 460kg

4.88

Rangiuru | October 6 | 564 cattle, 51 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW: These Suffolk lambs were offered at Stortford Lodge last Wednesday as the trailblazers to the new season store lamb market. They sold for $213 per head. Prime dairy-beef steers, 610kg

5.30

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 510kg

5.13

Matawhero | October 6 | 2587 cattle

$/kg or $/hd 2-year traditional steers, 475kg

5.44

2-year traditional heifers, 400kg

5.21

Yearling traditional steers, 340kg

6.19

Yearling exotic-beef steers, 355kg

5.77

Yearling traditional bulls, 305kg

5.43

Yearling traditional heifers, 260kg

5.64

Yearling exotic-beef heifers, 285kg

5.23

Wairoa | October 1 | 943 cattle

$/kg or $/hd 2-year traditional steers, all

2640-3400

Yearling traditional steers, all

1850-2270

2-year dairy-beef steers, 450kg

5.31

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 360kg

4.97

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 250kg

5.55

2-year dairy-beef steers, 475kg

5.12

Prime traditional steers, 680kg

5.41

Yearling dairy-beef bulls, 310kg

4.65

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 420kg

4.90

Prime dairy-beef steers, 635kg

5.31

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 270kg

4.63

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 275kg

4.83

Tuakau | October 7 | 469 cattle

Taranaki | October 7 | 700 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 12, 2026

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 280kg

4.56

Prime ewe hoggets, most

248-292

Prime dairy-beef steers, 515kg

4.98

Prime mixed-sex hoggets, most

230-376

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 535kg

5.07

Rongotea | October 6 | 119 cattle

Boner Friesian cows, 505kg

3.67

Stortford Lodge | October 5 | 1484 sheep

$/kg or $/hd Prime ewes, most

179-286

Prime 2-4-tooth ewes, most

228-266

Prime mixed-sex hoggets, all

227-330

Stortford Lodge | October 7 | 1211 cattle, 1171 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

$/kg or $/hd Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 524kg

4.38

Boner dairy cows, 524kg

3.75

Cheviot | October 2 | 1205 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Yearling traditional steers, 280kg

6.19

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 250kg

5.50

Yearling traditional heifers, 275kg

5.56

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 245kg

5.07

2-year traditional steers, 555kg

5.49

2-year dairy-beef steers, 415kg

5.35

2-year traditional heifers, 470kg

5.37

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 510kg

5.25

Yearling traditional steers, 325kg

6.29

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 260kg

5.85

Yearling traditional bulls, 280kg

5.53

Yearling traditional heifers, 325kg

5.40

Yearling traditional heifers, 310kg

5.36

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 280kg

4.94

Yearling exotic-beef heifers, 300kg

5.30

Prime traditional steers, 595kg

5.43

Yearling dairy-beef bulls, 245kg

4.94

183-190.50

Prime exotic-beef steers, 675kg

5.47

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 245kg

4.76

213

Prime dairy-beef steers, 605kg

5.33

Temuka | October 5 | 423 cattle, 6049 sheep

Prime traditional heifers, 540kg

5.39

Mixed-age Romney ewes & lambs, most Store Suffolk lambs, all

Feilding | October 2 | 1903 cattle, 2152 sheep

Coalgate | October 1 | 499 cattle, 2439 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

ANGUS ANYONE? The Matawhero yards were awash with cattle last Tuesday as just over 2500 were yarded for the spring fair. This line comprised 92 mainly Angus yearling steers and sold for $2160, $6.35/kg.

$/kg or $/hd

Prime exotic-beef heifers, 570kg

5.57

Prime dairy-beef steers, 580kg

5.02

2-year traditional steers, 505kg

5.65

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 515kg

5.17

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 525kg

4.89

2-year dairy-beef steers, 450kg

5.26

Store crossbred ewe hoggets, most

214-247

Boner Friesian cows, 570kg

3.33

2-year traditional heifers, 410kg

5.57

Store finewool hoggets, most

155-214

2-tooth ewes & lambs, most

168-178

Yearling traditional steers, 260kg

6.49

Prime ewes, most

143-333

Store Halfbred wether hoggets, most

245-251

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 310kg

5.38

Prime hoggets, most

225-360

Yearling Friesian bulls, 315kg

5.04

Store Merino mixed-sex hoggets, most

110-170

Yearling traditional heifers, 220kg

5.26

Store mixed-sex hoggets, most

150-220

Yearling exotic-beef heifers, 405kg

5.66

Prime ewes, most

240-300

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 340kg

5.18

245-315

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef heifers, 190kg

5.23

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, most

123-157

Store male hoggets, most

193-239

Store ewe hoggets, most

180-286

Feilding | October 5 | 189 cattle, 5037 sheep

$/kg or $/hd Boner Friesian cows, 565kg

3.86

Boner crossbred cows, 495kg

3.77

Canterbury Park | October 6 | 160 cattle, 1387 sheep

$/kg or $/hd Prime traditional steers, 570kg

5.32

Prime mixed-sex hoggets, most

Prime dairy-beef steers, 525kg

5.13

Charlton | October 1

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 425kg

4.68

Boner Friesian cows, 475kg

3.29

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, all

122-154

Prime ewes, all

122-350

Prime hoggets, most

200-360

Temuka | October 1 | 842 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

$/kg or $/hd Prime ewes, all

150-345

Lorneville | October 6

$/kg or $/hd Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 205kg

5.56

Boner cows, 500kg

3.00

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, all

150-168

Prime ewes, all

220-270

2-year dairy-beef steers, 385kg

5.05

Store hoggets, most

160-200

Prime male hoggets, most

255-378

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 345kg

4.66

Prime ewes, most

230-340

Prime ram hoggets, all

376-378

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 265kg

5.60

Prime hoggets, most

250-350

BROUG HT TO

YOU BY

Weather

In partnership with ruralweather.co.nz

Drier trend steadily showing up in regions Philip Duncan

NEWS

Weather

HE drier phase is now appearing around parts of the country as we transition out of winter and into summer and high pressure zones affect us more. Areas that are standing out now as having drier than normal soil moisture conditions are a large part of Northland (especially closest to Whangārei), eastern Bay of Plenty/East Cape/Gisborne and Tasman region. But around the edges there are more regions that are now “leaning drier” and that includes most of the rest of Bay of Plenty, large parts of Waikato, Taranaki, Whanganui and the Cook Strait coastal side of Manawatū and Horowhenua, also Nelson region. None of those areas are alarmingly dry, but just the drier trend is kicking in steadily. The entire eastern South

Island from about the Taieri Plain up to Blenheim has higher soil moisture levels than normal for mid October, with the only exception being directly in Christchurch itself. Rainfall recently has been much more limited due to high-pressure zones affecting our pattern more. Lowest rain over the past couple of weeks was specifically around the western side of Northland, especially around main centres like Kaitaia and Dargaville. Next areas with lowest rainfall recently goes to the Nelson/Tasman coastal region, and eastern Bay of Plenty (Kawerau to Whakatane). On the wetter side of things, highest rainfall (compared to normal) for the end of September and the start of October has been in coastal Canterbury and Marlborough, mostly between Rangiora and near Blenheim, but also through Central Otago and Southland. Southland has had a rough end to winter and start to spring, with above-

normal rainfall, although temperatures have been around normal (whereas the upper South Island and most of the North Island was half a degree to almost 2degC colder than usual over the past couple of weeks). But October has started drier. Excluding any wet weather that fell over this past weekend, we’ve seen this month kick off very dry in Otago, Canterbury, Tasman, Taranaki and Northland. Nowhere in NZ has been wetter than usual other than Great Barrier Island, northern Coromandel Peninsula, and one little strip of Northland, around the Bay of Islands area. Even rainfall in Fiordland is leaning just a little bit below normal – which is not always the case during El Niño. So what is on the way? This week a low will cross NZ late week with a cold front – likely ushering in a temperature drop for many regions over Thursday and Friday and bringing a little wet weather. But long-range maps also show a significant area of

high pressure crossing NZ next week, centred over NZ mid next week and stretching as far south as the Southern Ocean and as far north as Fiji. This high may also play a role at pulling apart a tropical low near Samoa next week. At the time of writing this the GFS American data was picking a tropical depression near Samoa that looked like it could turn into a tropical cyclone. The cyclone season doesn’t even start until November 1 but with El Niño there could be some surprises. Because El Niño lifts sea surface temperatures at the equator north of Tahiti – but cools them around Fiji – we can often see cyclone energy east of the International Date Line. But this low, even if short lived, is early – and shows the summer ahead may still have some unexpected twists and turns. The westerly flow for New Zealand looks more likely to return by later next week as the next big high exits Australia and tracks to our north.

Mean Temperature Anomaly 9am 21/09/2026 to 9am 06/10/2026

OCTOBER CHILL: It’s been colder in the north over the past 15 days compared to usual for this time of year. Image: Earth Sciences NZ

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