WITH confidence restored in Alliance after shareholders voted yes to the Dawn Meats deal, the meat co-op will open itself up for collaboration in different markets, focus on improving its beef arm and try to win back market share.
When the ballot closed last week 2675 shareholders, representing more than 88% of all shares on issue, had voted.
Of these, more than 87% voted in favour of the Dawn Meats deal, meeting the threshold required under the Takeovers Code.
Alliance chair Mark Wynne and Niall Browne, chief executive of Dawn Meats, sat down with Farmers Weekly after the vote.
Wynne said the deal still has to go through a High Court process, and a constitution and share transfer, with the joint venture operational once those boxes have been ticked.
Browne said he plans to visit New Zealand often over the next six months.
Dawn Meats is successful because it has good relationships with farmers and pays competitive prices for meat, Browne said, and the Irish meat giant will make sure Alliance remains competitive and wins back any market share it may have lost during the deal process.
“It’s a two-way street. We have skills, knowledge, contacts and routes to market, which Alliance also has, and we can use both for the benefit of all our supplier farmers in Britain, Ireland and New Zealand.”
Even sceptics of the deal seemed relieved that a decision had been reached.
Dave Pinckney from Farmers Own Alliance, a group that opposed the Dawn Meats deal, told Farmers Weekly that while the group is disappointed about losing 100% farmer ownership, it is encouraged at the high voter turnout, which gave the co-op a clear mandate.
Wynne said from early next year Alliance will look for collaboration in new markets, based on an already successful lamb sale model in the United States, to capture more value.
In North America, The Lamb Company, owned by Alliance, Silver Fern Farms, ANZCO and an Australian lamb company, buys meat from each processor, processes it into retail packs and sells it under the Spring Lamb brand into the US and Canada.
The collaboration is successful, with profits returned as dividends, in line with shareholding, Wynne said.
He said people smarter than him have tried to drive industry collaboration and rationalisation
Continuing a family legacy
The Polsons of Waipuna have long had a commitment to sustainable land management. For Mark Polson, farming is more than just a business – it’s a continuation of a family legacy and a determination to leave the land in better shape for the next generation.
ON FARM 14-15
Photo: Samantha Tennent
Side businesses boost cash flow
From boutique accommodation to wool bandages for horses, Raetihi farmers Sam and Alex Roke are seizing every opportunity to diversify their business.
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News in brief
Fonterra elections
Mike Fleming, Michelle Pye and incumbent Fonterra director Alison Watters are candidates for the co-operative’s farmer director elections later this year. The three have gone through Fonterra’s independent assessment process and will be vying for two positions on the co-operative’s board. Watters is seeking re-election and chose to participate in the independent assessment process. Voting closes at 10.30am on December 9.
Show interest
Entries for this year’s Canterbury A&P Show are well up on the previous year’s, with the event’s Royal Show status a factor.
The Canterbury A&P Show opens on Thursday November 13. Show chair Sir David Carter said the event has special meaning, having been conferred the status of Royal A&P Show of New Zealand for the first time since 2010. The show has already attracted livestock entries well up on 2024.
AgriZero directors
TWO agribusiness leaders have been appointed to the AgriZeroNZ board to help the public-private joint venture’s efforts to drive the adoption of new tools to reduce on-farm emissions.
Simon Limmer and Murray Dyer have been appointed directors for three-year terms. They will join an existing fivemember board chaired by Rob Hewett.
Research hub
Spring Farm on the outskirts of Ashburton is set to become a research and development precinct.
Under the umbrella of the Carrfields group, the site will become the new home of Winseed, housing its research activities. The 20 hectare property, which includes a home, office and sheds, will be transformed into a hub for innovation and collaboration, serving as the base for research, breeding and seed technology.
EPA approvals still stalling, industry says
Richard Rennie NEWS Regulation
AGRICHEM companies are keen to front-foot government efforts to improve the approval rate on new crop treatment products, with a blueprint to speed up moves that they say does not rely on legislation to achieve.
Longstanding frustration at delays in the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) approval process resulted in the government releasing targets to speed up approval of new crop treatments seven months ago.
However, Animal and Plant Health NZ (APHANZ) CEO Dr Liz Shackleton said her group has a blueprint to accelerate progress that does not require waiting for legislative change to enact.
“There are three levers that can be pulled right away to move things along quicker, and we are hearing from growers and farmers that they want this to happen, things are taking too long.
“What has not changed seven months on from the government recommendations is the need for these treatments now.”
The first lever is establishing a
specialist task force to prioritise the most urgent applications, which are largely new active ingredients and new label uses for existing ingredients.
The second lever is to use available assessment tools that already have approval in overseas markets to move products along the approval process quicker.
“For the lowest risk applications this could allow self-assessment, as they do in other jurisdictions.”
The third is building greater trust between industry and regulators to bring in the earlier review report’s recommendations sooner.
The Animal Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group (ACVMG) aimed for a 20% queue reduction by June 30 2025 and wants a further 30% reduction by June 30 2026.
Shackleton emphasised that industry was not seeking to bypass any impending legislative changes.
“It is about how to focus resources on clearing these queues and using trusted overseas tools and data to shrink the time. It is about working smarter, not harder to achieve that.”
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds acknowledged industry concerns that change is not moving fast enough.
“Reducing queues is a priority and we are taking practical steps to make this happen,” she told Farmers Weekly.
“Improvements are already underway without waiting for new legislation. One key development has been approving the $10 million funding for new risk assessment models earlier this year for the EPA.”
She said the EPA has boosted its capacity with 13 new staff dedicated to hazardous substances applications and set bold targets to reduce the queue of applications by more than 30% by June 2026.
She said a newly formed sector forum aimed to strengthen
connections between regulators and industry, working to prioritise applications for products that have the greatest potential benefits for NZ.
Shackleton cited the Farmers Weekly poll earlier this year in which 80% of respondents said they wanted to see new treatments available now.
“We still have multiple examples of vital treatments that are needed sooner than later.”
She pointed to grape growers who sought approval in 2019 for a mealy bug control that is standard use in Australia, Canada and the United States.
“That is still in the queue here in NZ.”
a faster approvals process
are
concerning delays that could be dealt with without regulatory changes
What has not changed seven months on from the government recommendations is the need for these treatments now.
Dr Liz Shackleton Animal and Plant Health NZ
There are farmers growing fodder beet who need a more effective broad weed control agent that is commonplace in the United Kingdom, while new treatments to control grass grub are also still in need of approval.
OIO gives go-ahead for sale of Synlait assets to US corporation
Staff reporter NEWS Dairy
“What we really need is to create a bigger cake, rather than keep chopping up the cake that we’ve got in a different way. We need to make more market value and bring that back through the processor to the farmers.”
Alliance is at a disadvantage compared to other processors, because it focuses more on lamb than on beef, However, Wynne said it has grown its beef share to nearly half of its revenue base.
Dawn Meats are experts in beef and there’s a lot that Alliance can learn from its new partner to capture beef opportunities, he said.
If prices remain high, in the long term there will be more bobby calves raised to two-yearold animals, and the beef market is likely to grow, with Alliance having enough processing capacity, he said.
Wynne said he is confident that Alliance can get back the lamb market share it’s lost, while growing its beef and venison share.
“For any company trying to grow market share there are simple principles. No 1 is trust and confidence, then there’s ease of doing business. Alliance has had its issues. But with the yes vote in hand, a competitive schedule, and a strong partner on board, we’re set to go.”
This week’s poll question:
Are farmers well served by their business leadership?
Have your say at farmersweekly.co.nz/poll
SYNLAIT has received Overseas Investment Office approval for global healthcare leader Abbott to acquire the company’s North Island assets.
These assets include the Pōkeno manufacturing facility, along with the company’s Auckland sites (assets held at the blending and canning facility on Richard Pearse Drive and the warehouse facility on Jerry Green Street), and associated inventory and
leasehold arrangements.
Synlait announced the conditional sale last month with Synlait chair George Adams calling it “a defining moment for Synlait”.
“The sale will strengthen the company’s financial position, with the proceeds used to significantly reduce debt. We are equally pleased Abbott will onboard the vast majority of our people who work in these assets at completion – that is a great outcome.
“This valuable reset presents Synlait with a rich opportunity to move beyond crises to planning a real and vibrant future.
“This is a turning point we have fought hard for and are ready to embrace.”
The sale price totals $307 million (US$178m), with targeted completion on April 1 2026. The sale remains conditional on Synlait obtaining customary consents and shareholder approval.
Synlait’s majority shareholder, Bright Dairy Holding Limited, which owns 65.25% of the company, has confirmed that it has received Bright’s vote in favour of the transaction ahead of Synlait’s annual meeting on November 21.
WYNNE-WIN SITUATION: Alliance chair Mark Wynne and Niall Browne, chief executive of Dawn Meats, say they will get Alliance back on track.
Photo: Gerhard Uys
WAITING: Grape growers sought approval in 2019 for a mealy bug control that is standard use in Australia, Canada and the United States, but are still waiting for approval, says Dr Liz Shackleton.
STALLED: APHANZ CEO Dr Liz Shackleton says despite promises of
there
still
APPROVAL: Abbott looks set to acquire Synlait’s North Island
‘Sector starved of visionary leadership’
Annette Scott NEWS Agriculture
THE primary sector is a critical base for the New Zealand economy but with stagnant funding support, visionary leadership is needed to drive change, industry leaders say.
In his keynote address to the NZ Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science (NZIAHS) forum at Lincoln University, Grasslanz chief technology officer John Caradus said NZ desperately needs new wealth and that comes from the primary sector, in particular the pastoral sector.
“But we do have some challenges confronting the sector, one of which is increasing productivity.”
Research and development have a significant role to play in achieving solutions, but funding support is stagnant or even decreasing, he said.
“We have plateaued, we are just hanging in there. Compliance and regulation will be the biggest challenge facing the industry over the next three to five years.
“The extent and intensity of challenges are unprecedented. They are many and varied, from
farm productivity, through regulatory issues, biosecurity threats, R&D investment, to social licence and environmental impacts.”
Challenges also present opportunities.
“But visionary leadership is needed to drive change.”
NZ’s economic position still needs to seek options to improve and that will theoretically eventuate through reforms in competition policy, infrastructure, science and innovation, education and training, and the labour market.
We as a country have not chosen to go out and help farmers be productive.
Prof Derrick Moot Lincoln University
NZ is ranked 24th of the 41 OECD countries, and is one of a handful of OECD countries with both a low level of labour productivity and low productivity growth.
“Low levels of public investment mean that agricultural productivity growth is constrained and while NZ farmers are good at adopting new technologies, particularly
those that solve a problem or improve farm efficiencies, in terms of R&D investment we are way behind our neighbours.
“NZ is doing invention well but we need more investment.”
Some technologies, like precision equipment, can have high upfront costs; farmers may require training and support to adopt and use new technologies effectively. That can also require shifts in farm management practices and social interactions, and some, like GE crops, may face public scrutiny and regulatory hurdles.
“NZ fails to reach potential because of low R&D investment in both private and public sources and a lot of time spent looking for funding rather than doing the science we need,” Caradus said.
“Adding value to primary sector produce before it leaves NZ must be a major focus for innovation. I do think we have failed in that regard.”
When it comes to climate change drivers, Lincoln’s pasture research programme lead Professor Derrick Moot questioned whether mitigation is value for money, suggesting a change of focus is needed on where the government is going in terms of adaptation.
“More intensity with less emission intensity. In 30 years’
time, the human population crash will solve the problem. Right now we should be looking at [adaptation] rather than mitigation.
“This is a conversation globally, but it’s not here in NZ, where the focus is on mitigation,” Moot said.
Adaptation strategies exist, with case studies including pastoral and livestock performance highlighting NZ adaptation opportunities.
“Science delivers pastoral solutions, we know that.
“We as a country have not chosen to go out and help farmers be productive.
“NZ methane contribution has been stable since 2017. There’s not one scientific or technological mitigation which does not have significant barriers to use, effectively precluding adoption.
“This is transformational change, it is hard; it needs understanding bank managers, good agronomists and good professional advice.
“Is it politically acceptable, is the question NZ Inc has to ask.”
Food security should be a political priority
and fibre
A CAMPAIGN focused on food security will ask politicians for their stance on making food equity a government priority.
Vote for Kai is a coalition of citizens working to put food on the 2026 election ballot.
The campaign is supported by Eat NZ, the Zero Hunger Collective, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa, Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance
and Dirt Road Comms.
CEO at Eat NZ Angela Clifford told Farmers Weekly the campaign will ask the government to make a national food strategy a priority.
A series of small campaigns will be launched up to the next elections, and politicians will be asked what their proposed solutions to food insecurity are, Clifford said.
Clifford said there are a number of food security issues facing the country. For example, more and more New Zealanders
do not have the ability to feed themselves, and regional food systems are under stress.
“We want to hear from people who would like to form our next government what their response to that might be.”
A report by the Salvation Army published in September, Ending Food Insecurity, said a third of all households in New Zealand do not have enough food to meet their daily needs.
Food insecurity is at the highest level in more than a decade, with food insecurity for
children almost doubling in the past two years, the report said.
The general manager of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, Roy Sloan, who launched an initiative where meat from culled deer is processed and distributed to food banks, told Farmers Weekly that low-income families find it particularly hard to afford highquality proteins.
Families often opt to buy low-quality protein, which is unhealthy, he said.
BARRIER: Lack of investment is a barrier to adopting new technologies such as drones for precision agriculture, says John Caradus.
Photo: Pexels
Gerhard Uys NEWS Food
TOPICAL: Eat NZ CEO Angela Clifford says food security should be an issue that is on the list politicians discuss when they campaign for the next election.
Photo: Pexels
Zespri claims win in China SunGold case
Richard Rennie MARKETS
Horticulture
EFFORTS by Zespri to prosecute the unauthorised growing and marketing of SunGold kiwifruit have proven successful with a ruling by the Wuhan People’s Court in China to have the crop removed from a grower’s orchard.
Two years after Zespri filed the prosecution under Chinese IP protection laws, the defendant has also been ordered to pay compensation to the kiwifruit marketer of NZ$1.8 million.
The grower had 260 hectares of illegally grown SunGold (Gold3) kiwifruit in their orchard in the Hubei province and was selling it online. A second defendant who was selling the fruit through an
online business was also in line for prosecution but the court determined Zespri’s plant variety rights were protected sufficiently through the first defendant’s prosecution.
The issue of illegally grown Gold3 kiwifruit is a problematic one for Zespri, with estimates that over 5000ha of the crop are grown in the Sichuan province alone, and about 8000ha overall.
That compares to about 9000ha grown in NZ.
The crop became established after a grower illegally took clippings of SunGold to China in 2016. Last year Zespri reported successful prosecutions against three people for online selling of locally grown fruit with Zespri counterfeit labels, to the value of over NZ$700,000.
The rapid growth in cropped area with Gold3 fruit appears to
have stablised in a country that grows about 800 million trays on 220,000ha of kiwifruit. NZ produces about 200 million off 12,000ha.
There is potential for Zespri, subject to shareholder approval, to be able to work with growers of the illegal fruit in the Sichuan province to provide another source for its global supply network.
Estimates are there is a 10 million tray shortfall in SunGold supply into China once NZ supply runs out, requiring Zespri to supply out of Italy.
The marketer is also nervous about increasing volumes of Chinese gold fruit being exported through southeast Asia.
Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake said the outcome is a significant win for the New Zealand industry and its partners in China and marks a major step in its efforts to
protect the rights of New Zealand growers.
“This case demonstrates the increased protection for plant variety rights made possible by changes to China’s Seed Law in 2022 and the strong support of local authorities in safeguarding intellectual property rights.”
case demonstrates the increased protection for plant variety rights.
Bringing kiwi growers up to speed on genetic tech
Richard Rennie TECHNOLOGY
Horticulture
CLEAR definitions of genetic technology and its implications have been presented to kiwifruit growers during a road show held this month.
The roadshow, spanning kiwifruit growing regions from Northland to Nelson, was an initiative of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI). CEO Colin Bond said it intended to start a conversation on a technology not always fully understood by growers, or the general public, without taking a position either way.
“We saw a need to support our growers with informed views, covering both the opportunities and risks of genetic technology.
It is time, coming as the Genetic Technology Bill is passing through Parliament.”
Bond said some of the recurring themes included concerns over time pressure to get it through, trade and market access, the co-existence of gene tech crops alongside organics, and how it would fit alongside other regulatory areas, such as biosecurity.
There is understandable confusion there over the use of terms like gene editing, genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms.
Dr Roger Hellens Kiwifruit Breeding Programme
The Kiwifruit Breeding Programme’s chief technology officer, Dr Roger Hellens, explained the technology to growers.
He noted that certain misconceptions about the technology have arisen due to the terminology used to describe it.
“There is understandable confusion there over the use of terms like gene editing, genetic engineering (GE) and genetically modified organisms (GMO). This has not helped over the years.”
He said it is important to distinguish from the technology of 20-plus years ago that was reliant upon genetic modification that involved inserting DNA from another species or variety randomly into the target crop.
Genetically modified crops included the likes of broadacre
soy, canola and cotton, usually modified for herbicide or insect resistance.
“‘Precision breeding’ is a term that is currently being used to differentiate the newer technology, which has been around for only about a decade,” he said.
“It does not involve introducing any new DNA, is very targeted and precise, delivering changes similar to what can happen naturally over time.”
Potential traits that could be improved using precision breeding in kiwifruit include PSA resistance, improved storage quality, fruit productivity and boosted nutrient content.
“If a goal is difficult to accomplish using traditional breeding methods, we need to consider what alternative approaches we can use.”
Precision-bred crops include a Sicilian rouge tomato with high healthy amino acid content that helps lower stress levels and blood pressure.
“Using conventional breeding, it’s hard to incorporate. We have been doing crosses to get it into our variety for 25 years and are still 10 years out using conventional breeding processes. With precision breeding, this could achieve it in a much shorter time.”
Hellens acknowledged the concerns some growers have with the emerging technology, including gene flow to organic crops.
He noted that, compared to many other crops, kiwifruit is less likely to be affected, explaining that only the male plant pollinates, and precision breeding would be used for female plants.
WIN: Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake says the win in a Chinese court against the growers of illegal fruit highlights the strength of China’s boosted Seed Law, and the support of local authorities.
This
Jason Te Brake Zespri
Tech could help collar wilding pines
Richard Rennie NEWS Environment
VIRTUAL fencing to better control wilding pines was a potential option presented by a leading biosecurity expert at this year’s Wilding Pines Conference in Twizel.
As funding slides and pine penetration into the high country continues, farmers, ecologists and landowners were presented with a variety of control options and farmgate experiences in better managing the pest now encompassing over 2 million hectares across the country.
Ideally it would be great to be given some of the technology to trial in this environment, and funding to set it up.
Dr John Hellstrom Biosecurity expert
Dr John Hellstrom, biosecurity expert and previous chief veterinary officer for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, outlined the potential of virtual fencing and collar technology to help increase the ability of farmers to manage pine incursions.
“Really, if you liken it to warfare, cattle are like the heavy artillery when it comes to controlling twoto three-year pine growth. It is also possible, however, to be quite surgical where you put cattle with virtual fencing.
“You can target gullies where pines are heavier, while also being able to ensure they do not enter environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands.”
He cited the Haast River as a catchment where cattle have been removed, but could be reintroduced with such tech while preserving the river ecosystem.
He said the use of this technology is already well in play in the United States in sensitive environments.
“It is already being widely used in North America in sage bush country where extensive grazing can’t maintain pressure and there is a need to reduce weeds to reduce fire risk.
“There is also growing interest in Australia.”
His insights generated strong interest among delegates, and he said he has already been approached by an unnamed station owner keen to trial the tech on their property.
“Ideally it would be great to be given some of the technology to trial in this environment, and funding to set it up.”
Hellstrom confirmed that, after a solid start controlling the wilding pine problem spearheaded by then agriculture minister Damien
O’Connor under the previous government, momentum and funding has fallen.
Many of the initial jobs targeting
the pines were funded out of the Jobs for Nature project, born out of the covid crisis.
The $100 million Jobs for Nature project was acknowledged for controlling pines over 1.4 million hectares in two years to late 2022. Estimates are the benefits extended beyond the immediate area to 7 million hectares.
“But the problem now is we have fallen back on funding and control,” said Hellstrom.
Estimates are the pines are spreading uncontrolled at a rate of 5% a year and could cover 20% of New Zealand within 20 years.
Jim Ward, ex-Molesworth manager and a member of the Federated Farmers high country committee, said the lack of funding was a glaring obstacle to continuing the momentum of what had been a successful first stage in pine control.
“Pines’ growth far outstrips our ability to make an impact upon them now,” Ward said.
He said the fact 180 people had gathered in Twizel to discuss the issue highlighted the commitment across all land users to deal to pines.
Ward said the Wilding Pine Network and Federated Farmers are “very close” to making a significant announcement about funding for wilding control in coming weeks.
RUNAWAY: Jim Ward of the Feds high country committee says that after a strong start was made on controlling the pest, infestation rates are now surging again.
Wool lobbyist decries madness in EU method
ACCORDING to methodology being considered by European Union officials, natural wool fibre has a larger environmental footprint than fibre made from fossil fuel.
The methodology is being developed to create an assurance system to assist consumers in understanding the environmental impact on clothing using a colour code on the fly-tags – red is bad and green is good.
Dalena White, the secretarygeneral of the International Wool Textile Organisation in Brussels, said the policy is to take fast fashion out of fashion, given recent data showing European consumers are increasing garment purchases, 19kg a year compared to 15kg of couple of years ago.
The European Commission’s proposed methodology, Product Environmental Footprint, measures the land footprint over which sheep graze, which is much larger than an oil well.
White said the methodology fails to measure all the emissions created by fossil fuels due in part to successful lobbying by that sector.
“If you use that calculation, land use is always going to lose because of its footprint.”
The proposed system, five years in the making, also fails to take account of the natural carbon cycle of farming livestock and the natural process of growing wool.
“It’s like measuring the footprint of animal fibres with a calculator which has a few buttons missing,” she said.
Lobbyists have been working with EU policymakers to ensure the environmental assessment of wool is fair and scientifically robust. As a result the EU Commission postponed the mandatory PEF labelling requirement for apparel and footwear to allow for improvements to the methodology.
The next six months will be crucial as officials make final recommendations, but part of White’s challenge is the lack of understanding of farming by decision-makers and the influence of fossil fuel manufacturers.
White is part of a group of 72 natural fibre producers trying to make the methodology workable and said despite the obstacles, they are being listened to.
It’s like measuring the footprint of animal fibres with a calculator which has a few buttons missing.
Dalena White International Wool Textile Organisation
Just how much of an influence they have will become apparent in coming months.
“I don’t know if we’re going to win, but we are giving it our best effort,” said White.
She recently was a keynote
speaker at the Global Fibre Conference, a group representing producers of manufactured fibre.
It confirmed to her that wool cannot and should not compete on price, given that sector’s surplus capacity.
“We’ll never win a price war and the race to the bottom is not where we want to be.
“We have to sell wool on its values and that means educating retailers and consumers on the positive attributes of wool, why it is good to have wool carpets and why we need clean air.”
That includes promoting high animal welfare standards and providing traceability.
The excess processing capacity of fossil fuel fibres will keep pressure on fibre prices.
“Man-made fibre will remain cheap and plentiful for as long as
VALUE: Dalena White, secretarygeneral of the International Wool Textile Organisation in Brussels, says wool needs to be sold on its values and that means educating retailers and consumers on the positive attributes of wool.
we do not account the full impacts of extracting oil to make it, and do not account for the microplastic pollution it causes during the full life cycle of the items made,” she said.
White also attended the recent Nanjing Wool Congress in China and said global wool stocks are depleted.
In response to global economic uncertainty, she said, China’s top makers have been using stockpiled wool, which is now depleted.
“We have not seen this situation for many years, and it is good news for our farmers.”
Green regs likely to cut EU dairy output
Neal Wallace in Utrecht MARKETS Dairy
EUROPEAN milk production could fall by 5% in the next decade due to constraints on farmers from environmental legislation. So says Tom Booijink, a senior dairy specialist on Europe and Africa for RaboResearch.
He told Farmers Weekly the European Union is imposing restrictions to control the release of nitrates and ammonia, and in addition the average age of farmers is rising and there is pressure on land prices from urban encroachment.
The decline is expected to occur in the key dairy areas of the Netherlands, Ireland and Denmark.
Booijink said reduced milk volumes will mean European dairy exports will also decline, according to some estimates by 40-50%, though European demand is expected to stay relatively static. That could create export opportunities for NZ.
“I don’t think NZ exporting to Europe is an opportunity, but there will be gaps in exports from the European Union.” EU regulations include limits on how much manure can be applied to land to control nitrates entering the waterways.
This requires dairy farmers to pay contractors to remove the balance of the barn waste produced, which can cost a Dutch farmer €2c/litre milk.
Last year’s milk price averaged €50c/litre.
The volume of manure required to be removed will increase next year as the cap on what can be applied to land declines from 55m cubic metres/hectare to 38m cu/ha.
I don’t think NZ exporting to Europe is an opportunity but there will be gaps in exports from the European Union.
Tom Booijink Rabobank
Managing nitrates is also an issue for pig and poultry farmers and Booijink said the EU has a system for buying out farmers struggling to meet these limits.
Demand for cheese in Europe is high and growing as it is for whey protein and butter. The big decline is for liquid milk.
Booijink said the average age of farmers is rising, and this, along with the high price of land and government restrictions, makes expansion difficult.
He said he expects most global dairy growth to come from the United States, which he noted was
a net importer of dairy up until 2004.
Dairy industries in South America are growing, with production from Argentina expanding 10% in the past year, while Brazil is also increasing.
Some European companies are considering investing in processing capacity in the United States to get around US President Donald Trump’s imposition of import tariffs.
Cyrille Filott, Rabobank’s global strategist for consumer food, packaging and logistics, said that is in response to the uncertainty created by tariffs, which he likened to the Cold War of the 1970s and ’80s.
In a warning for New Zealand, other European exporters are also looking for new markets, or to grow in existing ones, in the Gulf States and Middle East, given static growth in Europe and China.
Filott said markets in the US are flat with little growth due to pressure on disposable incomes from high inflation.
There has also been a swing to US supermarkets introducing their own labelled food brands.
Private label brands represent 40-50% of supermarket offerings
Neal Wallace in Brussels NEWS Food and fibre
New Zealand recently signed a free trade agreement with the key Gulf states.
OPPORTUNITY: Tom Booijink, a senior dairy specialist on Europe and Africa for RaboResearch, says European dairy exports will decline, according to some estimates by 40-50%, but European demand is expected to stay relatively static. That could create export opportunities for NZ.
Photo: Pexels
Disruptors starting to mix up food market
Neal Wallace in Utrecht MARKETS Food and fibre
THE extent at which newgeneration weight loss drugs are being used in the United States could reduce its annual grocery spend by about 1%.
About 12% of the population, or 30 million people in the US, have tried Ozempic or Wegovy weight loss drugs, with 8.2 million having them prescribed to them as at November 2024.
Cyrille Filott, Rabobank’s global strategist for consumer food, packaging and logistics, said there are reports that 5% of people in the United Kingdom are on or have tried the drugs.
The medicines reduce the urge to eat, with the daily consumption of calories falling 25-30%.
Research by Cornell University shows households where one family member is using one of these drugs spend about 6% less on groceries in the year they are using it.
This consists of 11% less spent on snacks and 9% less on fast food.
Extrapolating the reduced grocery spend, the Cornell study estimates a 1% annual reduction in grocery spending across the
US or a reduction of about NZ$16 billion.
“It has the potential to be a game changer for the food industry in terms of the volume and value of food and what consumers are going to buy,” said Filott.
The drugs are modified from those used to treat Type 2 Diabetes, which people inject.
US officials are currently considering an application for an oral drug, which Filott said could make it more accessible.
This is generally a protein story and we should see the category growing.
Cyrille Filott Rabobank
Such is the impact, scale of use, and a wider push by the US government to improve the health of Americans, Filott said there could be a material reduction in food consumption.
The drug suppresses hunger, reducing the volume of food consumed and encouraging users to consume more nutrient-dense food for health reasons and to maintain muscle mass.
He said demand for nutrientdense and protein-rich foods like
yoghurt and meat snacks like jerky have increased along with a taste for fresh produce and nutritional bars.
This should benefit sales of whey powder, he said.
“This is generally a protein story and we should see the category growing.”
There could also be increased demand for ready meals that satisfy the demand for smaller portion size and contain high-quality food.
There is another potential food sector disrupter on the horizon, said Filott.
The US government is pursuing policies to avert a looming health crisis, dubbed Make America Healthy Again.
Filott said Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy is considering policies that could benefit healthy, whole foods.
Kennedy supports organics and animal fats and is opposed to ultra processed foods, genetically modified products, the use of artificial fertiliser, oil made from seed and large-scale food producers.
Filott said this stance is already
DISRUPTION: Cyrille Filott, Rabobank’s global strategist for consumer food, packaging and logistics, says weight loss drugs have the potential to be a game changer for the food industry in terms of the volume and value of food and what consumers are going to buy.
having an impact in the US with companies dropping the use of petroleum-based food colouring and replacing oil seed with tallow in deep fryers.
There is also much interest in new dietary guidelines about to be announced.
Filott said these will determine the content of school meals, which have traditionally contained lowquality food ingredients but could
require a switch to higher quality food products.
• Wallace’s Meeting the Market tour has been made possible with grants from Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms, Rabobank, Zespri, Alliance Group, Meat Industry Association, Wools of NZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, NZ Merino, the European Union and Gallagher.
AFTER their favourite watering hole sat closed for two years, a group of Hunterville locals banded together to save their much-loved pub, breathing life into the iconic old Argyle Hotel at the centre of town.
The renovated Argyle Hunterville has been open for a week, with an inviting cafe, garden bar and eatery complemented by three retail spaces. Everything has been carefully considered to appeal to locals and passersby alike.
A campervan park has been created in the back section to further cater for those out-oftowners who might wish to overnight.
The idea was sparked when Hamish Cavanagh suggested to his partner Bex that they might like to buy the pub at auction. Her response was “not on your dear life”.
Hamish hit on the notion of putting together a syndicate of interested locals to not only save the Argyle, but elevate it.
The response was overwhelming, and 78 people (50 families)
bought shareholdings, showing the strength of community spirit in the small rural town – and what the pub means to them as a place for social connection, somewhere to take the family for a meal or run into a mate and have a yarn over a cold one.
“It shows what it meant to people, and how strong our community is. The email was blanket sent to anyone who might be interested, it was open to all to invest,” said Hamish, chair of the board of directors for the revamped Argyle complex.
The Argyle has long been part of the fabric of the central North Island town. Established in the 1800s, it burned down twice. After the second fire, in 1947, it was rebuilt in its current Art Deco style.
The new retail space houses a hair salon, Wool and Comb, clothing store Salt & Honey and their beloved local gift shop, Hunterville Village Gifts.
Once the board was formed, they made the decision to renovate the building. Additional funding was raised to achieve this, as it needed
some major TLC, which happened over the past year.
“We completely gutted it, took out the bedrooms to create the retail spaces, and ripped up the carpet and restored the natural flooring throughout the building. In the garden bar outside we put in a huge covered deck,” Hamish said. Everything has been done with families in mind, including the installation of a sandpit. In the bar, they have replicated the old middle leaner, a place where young and old can hang out together and have a yarn.
“None of this would have happened without the support of the community, from the working bees to the local ladies painting and all the shareholders getting in behind it. It has 100% been a team effort.”
Hamish said that while it is for the community to enjoy and take pride in, they also hope to inject some money into the town by capturing outside people passing through.
“It’s about making Hunterville great and building a better Hunterville.”
GDT prices still heading south
Hugh Stringleman MARKETS Dairy
THE GDT index fell 1.4% in the second auction of October, the fifth consecutive fall of the market index.
Whole milk powder was down 2.4%, skim milk powder down 1.6%, butter down 0.8%, cheddar down 1.9% and mozzarella had a hefty fall of 5.3%.
Anhydrous milk fat was the
only product to rise in price, by 1.5%.
The publication of the results was delayed by technical issues in the GDT computers.
NZX dairy analyst Lewis Hoggard said the delay might have been impossible to foresee, but the fall in prices was predictable.
“Confirmation of strong September milk production results for New Zealand, which were up 3.4% milksolids, will continue to weigh on the market as the bulk of any additional
milk will likely be channelled into WMP at this time of year.”
The GDT auction occurred at what is the seasonal peak of NZ milk production and the collections to date have been 2-3% ahead of last year.
In the five months since June, mozzarella prices have fallen 34% while WMP is down 17.5% over a six months period.
The GDT index as a whole has fallen 12% during the past six months.
Rebecca Greaves PEOPLE Community
STEPPING UP: Fifty families came together to purchase the Argyle Hotel after it was closed.
Photo: Argyle Hunterville
ROADFRONT: Hamish Cavanagh is chair of the board of directors for the revamped Argyle complex, which now boasts three shop spaces on the State Highway 1 roadfront.
DINING: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 8am till late, the Argyle Cafe offers seasonal flavours and relaxed dining.
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NEW ZEALAND CASHMERE QUARTERLY INDUSTRY UPDATE
Strong markets competing for New Zealand supply
New Zealand farmers have hosted market visits from leading fashion houses Hermès and Johnstons of Elgin this spring because something special is happening here in New Zealand.
In September Chris Gaffney, CEO of the iconic Scottish cashmere textile house Johnstons of Elgin visited Temora Downs, Johnny and Jane Harrison’s cashmere focus farm with the NZ Cashmere team. Johnstons of Elgin have been making some of the world’s finest cashmere products for over 225 years and are also a supplier for the luxury fashion industry, including brands like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Burberry. Johnstons of Elgin processes over 250 tonnes of cashmere fibre annually (roughly equivalent to fibre from 1 million cashmere goats).
NZ Cashmere also had a visit from Thierry Lanier, Director of Research and Commercial Development, at Hermès who is involved in sourcing materials needed for their cashmere programme. He visited the Woolyarns cashmere fibre processing and spinning facility in Lower Hutt and was in time to see cashmeres being shorn by students from Woodford House on Chipinga Station, Caroline Smith’s Waitara Valley property in Hawke’s Bay.
Over 90% of the world’s cashmere is supplied
by China and Mongolia and customers are looking to diversify their sourcing of cashmere fibre and yarns.
These customers are exploring what is quietly emerging as a world-class source of ultra-premium, fully traceable cashmere. The global cashmere market is hungry for provenance, quality, sustainability, and traceability. Demand is strong and it’s growing for New Zealand sourced cashmere fibre and yarns. Pricing remains firm.
China Market
NZ Cashmere and Woolyarns CEO Andy May and Woolyarns International Sales and Marketing Manager Jimad Khan also visited China to meet with existing Woolyarns yarn customers at the Intertextile Shanghai trade show and the Autumn YarnExpo. While there, they took the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the cashmere supply chain in China. They were invited to see cashmere processing facilities for scouring and dehairing the fibre and built some valuable relationships in the market. While the global cashmere industry operates on a vast scale, there is a clear opportunity for NZ Cashmere to occupy a distinctive niche at the very top end of the global market, producing an ultra-premium product that combines exceptional fibre fineness with full traceability and provenance.
Australian Farmers look to NZ Cashmere
Australian farmers are also looking at the growing demand for sustainably produced traceable cashmere fibre and are looking to collaborate with New Zealand and learn from the strong foundations that have been set by NZ Cashmere.
Andy May visited Australian Cashmere growers in Victoria and New South Wales to learn about the Australian Cashmere Goat initiative. The Australians were impressed with the progress of the New Zealand industry, in particular the support guides and tools for farmer growers, Woolyarns fibre processing,
NZ Cashmere focus farm update
– with Temora Downs’ Johnny Harrison
NZ Cashmere: How was your first shearing this season?
Johnny: There was a lot of interest in shearing the cashmeres and we had a few neighbours over who were keen to see it happen and give it a go too. It went really well – much easier than shearing the sheep. Even the kids had a go, and the fibre looks great.
NZ Cashmere: What’s the process you used?
Johnny: We had two NZ Cashmere head
bales that we set up on the stand in the shearing shed. The cashmeres are shorn standing up – not turned on their backs like sheep. You don’t need to shear the whole animal. You take blows from their neck down the back of the animal and along their flanks as these are the areas where there’s the most down. They’re really calm and we even got an extra stand going where we held the goat by their horns while someone was shearing.
They’re very calm which made it really easy. Unlike sheep with lanolin in their fleece, the cashmere’s coats are very low in natural oils so you have to oil the handpiece between every animal.
NZ Cashmere: How did the animals hold up post shearing?
Johnny: You want to shear them when they have the most down, but before they start moulting. We kept an eye on the weather as we had snow forecast and managed to avoid that, but it was cold. The cashmeres have thinner skin than sheep but they went really well, we had shelter for them and they were able to return to the shed overnight, but they were out and about in the sun the next morning and they all did well, with no losses.
NZ Cashmere: Looking ahead what’s your plan for late Spring and Summer?
Johnny: As things warm up and plants get moving again, we’ll get them back into areas of the farm where we want them to deal to more of the thistles, and they’ll browse on seed heads opening up the pastures. They’re doing a brilliant job on thistles. It’s great feed for them, they are saving us lots of time on the tractor, and they’re low cost to run compared to a spraying programme. Then you get the upside of the fibre revenue.
and the long-standing relationships with end markets.
Farmers in Australia are aligned around the opportunity for cashmeres to provide cost saving weed control and pasture benefits on farms while having the upside of providing additional revenue from fibre.
There are an estimated 1 million rangeland goats in Australia behind fencing that are able to be a foundational start for growers with the right cashmere fibre genetics. Andy May will have an ongoing involvement in the Australian Cashmere Goat initiative as there is a clear opportunity for collaboration across countries.
Chris Gaffney, CEO Johnstons of Elgin, expresses delight at Johnny Harrison’s cashmere fibre from the Temora Downs flock.
Shearing was
FARM MANAGEMENT - GENETICS
Breeding Cashmere Goats
Being able to produce a premium luxury fibre and capture direct pasture benefits from goats is valuable to any farm. With modern performance recorded and tested genetics a high-quality cashmere flock can be simply developed. Breeding is a critical part of cashmere farming and producing luxurious cashmere.
Fibre production and quality is set by genetic traits. Research has shown cashmere production is mostly independent of nutrition compared to other animal fibres like wool. This makes breeding decisions critical for growers looking to develop their cashmere fibre production and quality.
The key genetic trait parameters for cashmere selection are Total Down Weight and Fibre Diameter. Advantageously both have very high heritability relative to many other livestock traits and makes rapid genetic improvement easier.
For commercial growers this speed of improvement enables faster production gains.
base animals a cashmere flock can be built relatively quickly.
Modern improved genetics are a step up and enable rapid breeding progress even when starting with foundation does. Most growers start their cashmere production with a foundation flock of does and proven high genetic merit bucks.
Most kids born come out of does white, even from coloured does, due to most bucks being homozygous white (white coat colour being genetically dominant). Successive generations will quickly adopt the quality fibre that international brands demand.
As at October 2025
buck, as over time you follow the source flock’s genetic performance.
With superior genetics, cashmere goats can be a leading farm enterprise. Some key points:
• Even first-generation progeny will delivery fibre in the best grades.
• Kid/hoggets first fleeces are generally 1 to 3 microns finer than adult fleeces.
Today, Hēpara Genetics’ top cashmere goats can produce 300-500 grams of cashmere at fine and stable microns, show great cover, longer fibre and higher cashmere yield (ratio of cashmere down to guard hair components of the fleece), and reduced guard hair length. The goats also have to be resilient, bred in a wet cold environment and now decades of selection.
Feral genetic background can be very diverse, and most goats naturally produce some down fibres as part of their winter coat. Ferals are readily available and make ideal foundation does. Entry level does can be sourced at a modest cost or by capture. They are resilient and naturally adapted to their local environment where they have survived with little intervention for generations.
F1 to F5 generation cashmere’s focus should be on improving cover, total downweight and general production to maintain a low input and resilient complementary farm tool.
Genetic gain is cumulative, which means that people breeding today are starting at a very different point and potential. From
NZ Cashmere hosts Minister
NZ Cashmere hosted Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister of Agriculture, and members of the MPI team at Woolyarns to provide an in-depth understanding of Woolyarns’ expertise in processing a range of specialised fibres, including cashmere, and to experience their state-of-the-art production facility.
It was a valuable opportunity to provide an update on the current status and future prospects of cashmere fibre in New Zealand,
highlighting exciting opportunities to collaborate with prestigious global luxury brands such as Hermès, Givenchy, and Chanel.
These visits demonstrate that New Zealand produced cashmere is viewed as an ultrapremium fibre and the market is calling out for more New Zealand growers, particularly those with the ability to scale beyond 500 goats and can provide NZ Cashmere with fibre for limited-run yarn into global luxury brands.
A basic general principle is that choosing the flock (or family line) where the bucks come from is more important than the individual
Hēpara Cashmere has developed a comprehensive recording program built on Dunedin based AbacusBio’s dTreo Platform. Full flock fibre testing continues to demonstrate exceptional fibre quality. Now into our fifth decade of selection using modern selection, recording and testing, our elite flock continues to make significant gains that benefit today’s cashmere producers.
To read more about breeding for cashmere download the Breeding Cashmere Goats guide at: https:// nzcashmere.com/breedingguidelines and visit https://heparacashmere.co.nz/
Woolyarns International Sales and Marketing Manager Jimad Khan, Associate Minister of Agriculture Mark Patterson and NZ Cashmere and Woolyarns CEO Andy May discuss the outlook for ultra-premium yarns.
David Shaw Hēpara Cashmere
Hēpara Cashmere genetics produce ultrafine fibre from resilient animals following decades of selection.
The continuation of a family legacy
FARMING runs deep in the Polson family – Mark Polson’s parents are still stalwarts in the docking crew.
So when the Craig family approached him last year about buying their original family farm near Whanganui, Mark understood the weight of the offer.
“They were very particular about who would take it over when they recognised it was time to move on,” Mark said. “It was a privilege to be asked.”
It was too good an opportunity to decline, so the 1250 hectare breeding block, Te Hue, has become part of their farming business, Waipuna Farms.
The home farm, Waipuna, sits 25 minutes down the road and covers 1900ha, including 200ha leased. Mark describes it as “hard hill country with some beautiful irrigated river flats.”
Most of their lambs are finished there, supported by an intensive cropping and regrassing programme to lift productivity.
Two other breeding and finishing properties make up their business; 600ha Te Tui and 700ha Awarua, in which they have in equity partnership with a family friend.
All of the properties are scattered between Whanganui and Raetihi, connected by the Parapara road.
Across the business they run 15,500 ewes, 5000 hoggets and about 1000 cows. They breed from the ewes, from around 1000 hoggets (normally more, but autumn was tough this year), and from the cows. Nearly all progeny are finished on farm – all male calves are kept as bulls – and everything goes to Silver Fern Farms, a relationship they’ve held for many years.
The sheep are a composite breed called Highlander, robust and able to cope with hill country conditions. Mark’s parents, Donald and Liz, started breeding in the 1980s and have put a lot of emphasis on resilience to worms.
“We do a lot of work on worms,
The facts
• Waipuna Farms
Mark and Lynsey Polson Waipuna 1900ha, Te Hue 1250ha, Te Tui 600ha, Awarua
700ha
• 15,500 ewes
• 5000 hoggets
About 1000 cows
both resistance and tolerance. So they either resist getting worms or if they do get a burden it doesn’t slow down their growth rates,”
Mark said.
“Facial eczema tolerance is also critical, especially in our part of the country.”
They breed rams and partner with David (Norm) Alderson and Dr Dani van der Linden of genetics consultancy company ALLIN
Solutions, who take the rams to a property near Feilding to grow and manage sales.
“We’re really pleased with our sheep performance and it shows in terms of our sales.”
With the new farm they also purchased a Romney flock, which they’ll slowly migrate towards
their Highlander breed.
The cattle are Rissington Profit Makers, a stabilised composite breed. They are predominantly black cattle that are selected for feed efficiency, fertility and a medium frame, which is important for cattle living a hardy life on hills.
A team of five works alongside Mark at Waipuna, with a manager
on each block and a few extra hands spread across the business.
“We employ people based on skills and particularly attitude,”
Mark says.
“It’s important to have people who are on board with what you’re trying to achieve.”
This year they’ve introduced an air fryer at docking – and it’s been a big hit.
“The crew were already bringing the generator to keep their boom box going all day, so we thought why not bring an air fryer to have a hot sausage roll at morning tea.”
Mark went to Canterbury University after he finished school to study Engineering, but after the first semester he decided some farming overseas was a better option. He spent a season in the
Samantha Tennent NEWS On farm
LEGACY: For the Polsons, farming is both livelihood and legacy – the goal is to run a productive business while leaving the land in better shape for the next generation.
Photos: Samantha Tennent
TEAM: Docking brings the whole Waipuna team together, including Mark Polson’s parents who continue to front up every season.
SUPPORT: A good team of dogs comes in handy when you are farming across multiple properties.
QUALITY: Across the business nearly all progeny are finished on farm, with all stock ultimately supplied to Silver Fern Farms.
It’s important to have people who are on board with what you’re trying to achieve.
United Kingdom and another in Australia, farming and driving tractors before returning to study Agricommerce at Massey University.
“The second time around at university was much better. I remember turning 21 in my first
year and realised how old I was compared to the other students. I was taking it more seriously and it just all clicked that time.”
After four years, including completing his honours, he headed to Wellington for a role with Pāmu as a business manager looking after a number of farms in the Te Anau Basin. He learnt a lot about managing people and still keeps in touch with a few of his team today.
Next he was involved with Farmlands, starting in Tauranga and moving to Christchurch before another role with Carrfields, where he enjoyed being part of a family business.
He met his wife Lynsey at
university and several years later they reconnected, got married and had their first son, Fred, in 2021. They’ve since had Henry too; he is 18 months old.
It wasn’t long after they’d had Fred that they decided they wanted to be closer to family and the farm, moving to Whanganui so Mark could get involved with the farming business. Dad Donald is still involved but having less and less to do with the day-to-day operations, except at docking time. Lynsey worked for ANZCO Foods until they relocated to Whanganui and now is busy with the family and her own projects.
With the farming business,
they’re trying to diversify where they can, including developing a bull finishing system at Te Tui and planting trees on marginal land at Waipuna.
“It was a big decision, especially because some of that land had been broken in by Mum and Dad but the numbers stacked up well.
“We planted the worst parts, where we never got good performance from the sheep anyway. And fortunately there is a forestry road that runs right along the boundary which will allow us to harvest them eventually.”
They did reduce about 500 of their lower performing ewes, and Mark is confident they
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made the right decision despite the controversy around carbon farming.
For Mark, farming is more than just a business – it’s a continuation of a family legacy and a commitment to sustainable land management.
“We’re not just trying to make a profit,” he said, “we’re trying to leave the land in better shape for the next generation.”
With two young sons already growing up on the farm, the Polson family’s agricultural story is far from over – it’s just beginning its next chapter.
• This article was made possible by Silver Fern Farms.
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EXPANSE: Now leading four properties between Whanganui and Raetihi, Mark Polson balances production, people and long-term land care.
ROLES: The Waipuna business spans hard hill country and pockets of river flat between Whanganui and Raetihi, with each block playing a defined role in the system.
Mark Polson Waipuna Farms
LIC launches methane research barn in Waikato
Gerald Piddock TECHNOLOGY Emissions
ANEW chapter in the future of sustainable dairying has begun with the opening of a state-of-the-art methane research barn in LIC’s Innovation Farm just south of Hamilton.
The barn will be used by scientists to measure emissions from dairy cattle to help better select which animals emit lower emissions while maintaining other traits, such as milk production and fertility.
It was officially opened by
TRIAL: Dairy heifers feed on a grass silagegrain mix in the methane research barn. The animals’ emissions are being measured in a 60-day trial.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
LIC CEO David Chin said the opening was timely, coming just days after the government’s announcement on new emissions targets that are 14-24% below 2017 levels.
“That announcement reinforces why the work happening here matters,” he said.
The research undertaken at the barn was based on strong collaboration with others, including Pāmu, CRV, the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ag Emissions Centre. The research will help New Zealand farmers be the most sustainable milk producers in the world.
NEW PRODUCT
Early results have been encouraging, Chin said.
“We know that our elite bulls can produce between 18-28g of methane per kilogram of dry matter eaten.
“We also know that this trait is heritable and is passed from sire to daughter.
“The next phase of this research and what this barn is involved in, is observing these cows as they milk. That will confirm whether that low methane advantage carries through into production.”
If it does, they will have the data to be able to breed dairy animals that are lower emitting and productive.
“That’s transformational, not just for LIC, but for every New Zealand dairy farmer and our reputation globally.”
The barn is divided into two large pens with a woodchip floor and a race in the middle. The pens are currently being used for a 60-day trial of a mob of high- and low-emitting heifers being tested using 10 methane measuring machines.
Using feed pellets, the machine entices the animal to stick its head in, and measures its emissions while it is eating.
The machine also reads the animal’s RFID tag, and will permit only five feedings a day. For the rest of the time, the cattle are fed grass silage mixed with grain.
The data is then collected and analysed and the results are expected mid-2026.
LIC chief scientist Dr Richard Spelman said the barn will look at how the methane trait correlates with other economically important traits in the animal, such as production and fertility.
“We don’t want to be breeding low-methane cows that are economically poorer for New Zealand. There are quite a few scientific questions we need to answer in this experiment and other experiments that will need to follow.”
He estimated it could lead to a 5% reduction, or a one-third to
one-fifth of the government’s new target range.
“That comes from permanent cumulative gain that we will get from genetics.”
The work within the barn will underpin the low-methane genetics they hoped to deliver to farmers, he said.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said New Zealand farmers and agritech are not the problem when it comes to emissions reductions – they are part of the solution for finding ways to achieve that reduction.
The government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research and the government and industry have committed more than $400m to speed up the development of methane-cutting tools for farmers, he said.
Samuel Whitelock Plant Science Graduate, Lincoln University.
TRANSFORMATIONAL: LIC CEO David Chin says the work being done in the barn could be transformational for the dairy industry.
Frustrating weather delays contractors
Gerald Piddock NEWS Contractors
IT’S been a spring of pure frustration for rural contractors as unpredictable weather has caused delays in getting in the groundwork for summer feed crops and mowing grass paddocks for silage.
In Wairarapa, Rural Contractors New Zealand president Clinton Carroll said the strong winds across the region for well over a month have put contractors at least two weeks behind in their work.
The work of a spraying contractor such as himself was made impossible. It also delayed the planting of crops such as barley and maize.
“The farmers are just like us –very frustrated. They want to get their paddocks sprayed out to drill.”
But they are very understanding of the conditions the contractors are facing, he said.
Spraying helps retain soil moisture and the wind is quickly drying out those paddocks. What makes matters worse is that there is no let-up in the forecast, with wind continuing to dominate weather patterns.
Spraying contractors Carroll has spoken to in other regions face
similar frustrations, he said.
In Waikato, recent heavy rain has pushed back Julie and John Clark’s work by at least a month.
Their Ōtorohanga-based contracting business received 150-250mm, closing roads and saturating farmland.
It is what it is. None of my clients are having a major panic about getting their maize in the ground.
Julie Clark Waikato
Julie Clark said that this, along with cooler weather in the early part of October, has caused the slower start to spring.
Other Waikato contractors she has spoken to indicated they are behind in planting maize compared to the same time last year.
Traditionally the grass surplus starts to build later in the month, closer to Labour weekend, Clark said.
“Give us a fine week – which we are supposed to be getting – and we will see things hopefully dry out from the weather and we’ll get away.”
The farmers Clark has spoken to are fairly relaxed about the delay and contractors are confident
they can catch up if there is good weather for the rest of the month.
“It is what it is. You can’t get on the ground to turn it over if it’s water laden. It’s not like it’s November 20.
“None of my clients are having a major panic about getting their maize in the ground.”
The rain has also set up many farmers for a good growing season up until Christmas, and it is also better to have had the deluge now rather than after all of the summer crops have been sown, she said.
Sam’s twin brother, Bill.
B ut with Cor teva’s new TwinGuard
“It hasn’t been the easiest start, but its manageable so long as the weather plays ball.”
Clark also noted that planting intentions among farmers are up. This is because supplementary feed reserves have been used up after last season’s drought and farmers are taking advantage of the high dairy payout and meat returns.
In Southland, RCNZ vicepresident Daryl Thompson said while it is not as wet as last year, the persistent wind and rain have
delayed cultivation, silage and baleage making.
“It’s not letting us get a consistent crack at anything. It’s been so stop-start.”
It has put them seven to 10 days behind in their work and there is no letting up with the region facing heavy rain for the next week.
“It puts more pressure on to get things in, to get seed in the ground or grass off because instead of getting four cuts, you only get three.”
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RAIN: Persistent wind and rain have delayed work for contractors this spring.
Action needed to build climate resilience
Annette Scott NEWS Insurance
HOW quickly policy can translate into action will be the real test of the government’s new National Adaptation Framework, an insurance industry leader says.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has welcomed the government’s National Adaptation Framework as an important and necessary first step towards building New Zealand’s climate resilience and keeping insurance accessible.
But ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi said while the framework provides much-needed direction on how the government, councils, the private sector and communities will work together to reduce and manage climaterelated risks, it is just a first step.
“The government’s focus on clear roles and responsibilities, better information on natural hazard risks, and investment in risk reduction are all steps in the right direction,” he said.
“We’ve seen how damaging and costly severe weather events can be. The sooner NZ moves from talking about adaptation to acting on it, the better protected our communities will be.
“We all know it’s better to act before disaster strikes, rather than pick up the pieces later.
“By reducing risk from the social and economic shocks of flooding, landslips, and sea level rise, we keep insurance accessible and available across our communities.” Under the framework, councils will be required to develop 30-year adaptation plans for priority locations facing flood and coastal hazards, setting out actions, costs and funding mechanisms.
Faafoi said these measures will help communities plan ahead but
emphasised the urgency of putting in place the rules and tools that councils need to deliver them.
“Adaptation needs to be accelerated. Some vulnerable communities are already facing repeated losses, and they can’t afford to wait five years for plans and longer still for adaptation projects to get underway.
“We need to see the rules, funding arrangements, and costsharing mechanisms finalised as soon as possible.”
Faafoi highlighted the importance of cross-party political support to ensure long-term continuity of adaptation policy.
“The challenges of climate change won’t wait for electoral cycles.
“What’s needed now is enduring broad-based political support so that adaptation work continues with certainty, no matter who is in government.
By reducing risk from social and economic shocks we keep insurance accessible and available across our communities.
Kris Faafoi ICNZ
“There is still a lot to be done.”
Faafoi said insurers are committed to working with the government, councils, and other groups as the framework is developed and implemented.
“Our goal is a NZ where communities are protected, risks are reduced, and insurance remains accessible.
“The framework is a good start. However, the real test will be in how quickly we can translate policy into action.”
Fonterra butter spreads out at Clandeboye
Gerald Piddock NEWS Fonterra
FONTERRA has announced a $75 million expansion of butter production at its Clandeboye plant in south Canterbury.
The investment will see construction of a new butter line at the factory, expanding its current butter production capacity by up to 50,000 tonnes a year.
The new line will expand Fonterra’s capacity to produce different butter formats such as lactic and unsalted butter, tailored to its global ingredients customers and professional kitchens.
It will also be capable of producing products that meet
diverse market requirements, including halal and kosher certifications.
Traditional churned lactic butter is a European-style product made using a highspeed version of traditional hand-churning.
Unsalted butter is a popular choice in products such as croissants, danishes, bread, cakes and cookies, and is increasingly used in traditional Chinese pastries
CEO Miles Hurrell said global demand for butter continues to grow, and this investment positions Fonterra to better serve customers worldwide.
Fonterra plans to invest up to $1 billion over the next three to four years in projects that will generate further value for farmers
and drive operational cost efficiencies, he said.
“We’ve said that through focused execution of strategy we are targeting our earnings to be back at 2025 levels by 2028 if the Mainland Group business is divested.
“This investment supports that goal by increasing our production of a high-value product and improving our product mix by adding value to milkfat.”
Fonterra chief operating officer Anna Palairet said the expansion strengthens its network in the South Island by improving flexibility and resilience.
“This investment is part of Fonterra’s broader strategic asset roadmap supporting longterm growth in high-value dairy categories. The expansion will
create 16 new jobs at the site, supporting the local economy.”
Construction starts in December 2025, with commissioning scheduled for early 2027 and first product expected off the line in April 2027.
It is Fonterra’s third investment in the South Island in the past year, following $75m put towards an advanced protein hub at Studholme and a $150m investment in a new UHT cream plant at Edendale.
The co-operative has also recently invested $64m at Clandeboye for the conversion of two coal boilers to wood pellets, a crucial step in Fonterra’s commitment to exit coal by 2037. The conversion was completed in August 2025.
Concern GE reform may reopen animal trials
Gerhard Uys NEWS Animal welfare
THE Soil & Health Association of New Zealand is concerned that trials involving the genetic engineering of animals will resume at AgResearch’s Ruakura site if the Gene Tech Bill is passed. The site closed down in June, with a spokesperson for AgResearch (part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute) telling Farmers Weekly recently that the closure was a result of the lease running out and the substantial investment required to undertake large animal research.
“The Bioeconomy Science Institute is not looking to initiate further research in New Zealand focused on genetic modification of large animals,” the spokesperson said. However, the spokesperson
said picking up trials again would “depend on the final detail of any new legislation”.
The comments follow a report by GE Free NZ, based on AgResearch reports to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and OIA requests on GE animal trials in New Zealand.
According to GE Free NZ, large numbers of cows, goats and sheep in the trials were born deformed and there was high foetal loss and early euthanasia, with trials not delivering real benefits to science.
AgResearch denies this, saying GE Free NZ is nitpicking results.
But the chair of the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, Charles Hyland, said public documents and monitoring reports show persistent animalwelfare problems in the trials.
“These costs are hard to justify ethically given uncertain practical pay-offs and the availability of
non-GE pathways to similar goals,” he said.
“When welfare burdens remain high over many years, the justification weakens, especially for trials aimed at speculative human health products.”
Hyland said there are proven, non-GE tools that lift resilience and environmental performance at herd/flock level, such as genomic selection and multi-trait indexes already used by NZ breeding programmes.
Dr Chris Hill, the general manager for hazardous substances and new organisms at the EPA, said permission to do GE animal studies was granted in 2010 following public consultation.
Studies included research into the production of therapeutic proteins using genetically modified bacterial and mammalian cells from mice, goats, sheep and cattle.
The AgResearch spokesperson said research included production of biopharmaceuticals that could be used to treat diseases such as cancer.
AgResearch scientists also completed a five-year, $10 million Endeavour Fund research programme to use gene editing technology to help breed cattle better adapted to warmer temperatures and with lower methane emissions.
All the animals in the trials are eventually euthanised and disposed of as this is a stipulation under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.
“Animal welfare is a priority for our scientists,” the spokesperson said.
“Whilst we believe gene technologies are an important tool for ensuring long-term sustainability of the agriculture sector, the institute is looking
for
at alternative ways of advancing knowledge for its use in animals, such as overseas collaboration.”
WELFARE: GE Free NZ says trials at AgResearch’s Ruakura site had animal welfare issues and did not deliver enough results
science.
ACTION: Kris Faafoi says the sooner NZ moves from talking about climate resilience adaptation to acting on it, the better protected communities will be.
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Fonterra’s UHT cream rises to the top
Staff reporter NEWS Food and fibre
FONTERRA’S Easy Bakery Cream has been crowned the Supreme Award winner at the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards.
The Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University Massey-run event recognises the country’s leading food and beverage producers, celebrating the excellence and innovation driving New Zealand’s food industry.
The problems that our finalists and winners have solved to bring their food and beverage products to market are huge.
Professor Jan Thomas Massey
Vice-Chancellor
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas said the awards have evolved over time to reflect the maturing of New Zealand’s food and beverage sector.
“The New Zealand Food Awards celebrate homegrown expertise while also expanding horizons to recognise innovation that reaches global markets and creates new export opportunities, all while delivering real value to a diverse community of producers and creators.
“The problems that our finalists and winners have solved to bring their food and beverage products to both the domestic and export markets are huge. We celebrate their innovation and resolute focus on the flavours, textures and experiences their customers are looking for.”
In addition to the supreme title, Easy Bakery Cream won the Ingredient/Food Service
What is Winston Peters up to on Fonterra?
Alternative view
Award. The UHT (ultra-high temperature) cream has been developed for the needs of bakeries and the foodservice sector, in particular the rapidly growing mid-tier segment of China’s UHT cream market.
The Fonterra team behind the winning product was also recognised, winning the title of FoodHQ’s Food Technologist/ Developer of the Year.
Fonterra cream products manager, Herman Bhatt, said the product’s initial development began over nine years ago, but the science breakthrough that delivered the final product was rapid.
“It happened very quickly. We launched within six months from the final concept to commercialisation.”
Judging convenor Nikki Middleditch said Fonterra’s win celebrates not only one product, but the scientific excellence and creativity that define New Zealand’s food sector.
“Achieving a full-dairy whipping cream at just 30% fat, without losing any of the flavour, structure, or functionality that professional bakers demand, is a remarkable scientific feat.”
Harraways Rolled Oats took home the Product Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to its enduring place in New Zealand’s kitchens and hearts.
Sponsored by AsureQuality, the award was introduced in 2019, and recognises iconic New Zealand products that have stood the test of time.
Another standout winner was Aoraki Salmon, winning both the Chilled/Frozen Award for its Zesty Salmon Spread – Yuzu & NZ Lemon, and the Primary Sector Award for its Blackcurrant with Kamahi Honey Cold Smoked Salmon. Aoraki Salmon is the largest employer in the Mackenzie district and breeds, farms and cures its own freshwater salmon for all its products.
balance sheet took an $880 million hit from its ill-fated China Farms and Beingmate investments”.
While technically correct, Fonterra launched its China farms initiative in 2007 as part of a joint venture with San Lu. Beingmate was spawned in 2014. Barron wouldn’t have had anything to do with either. I’d argue that selling those dogs was a credit to all involved.
I thought the Barron statement was a cheap shot.
Peters criticises the Fonterra executive for not being as open as he would like. The farmers I spoke to are happy with the Fonterra consultation process. I’d also note that it wasn’t the executives who made the final decision, it was the board.
IWAS a little surprised to get an email from Winston Peters last weekend pleading with me not to agree to Fonterra selling its brands to Lactalis.
I’m not and never have been a dairy farmer.
I immediately phoned Federated Farmers dairy head Karl Dean for comment but he told me he hadn’t received the email, which was surprising too.
The email is classic Peters.
He urges Fonterra shareholders not to sell to Lactalis for a shortterm sugar hit but to think of the “long-term security of their children, grandchildren and country”.
How selling the Fonterra brands would disadvantage children, grandchildren and the country, he didn’t say.
He pushes the alarmist button, asking why Lactalis would offer any long-term security to NZ farmers.
He has a crack at the Fonterra executive claiming they had not been open and upfront.
He also takes a swipe at former Fonterra shareholders council chair James Barron, claiming he was chair when “Fonterra’s
He concludes with the statement, ‘‘in the end we will ensure New Zealand’s economic interests are safeguarded even if Fonterra executives do not”.
To me it was all a series of cheap shots, misinformation and irrelevance. I spent the best part of a day phoning around my dairy contacts, Fonterra suppliers and others.
The strong response I received was to suggest that the NZ First Leader should “butt out and stick to the knitting”.
Dairy farmers have positioned Fonterra where it is today. It is their money, their future and their decision, full stop.
The additional point was made that “dairy farmers don’t like being told what to do, especially by politicians”.
I have faith in the current Fonterra board to make sound financial decisions in the best interests of its shareholder farmers.
That hasn’t always been the case. It is now.
I accept that investing in the ingredients business is the way of the future. For the year ending 2024 and 2025 it generated approximately $16 billion in
revenue annually with a return on capital of 12%.
It makes sense to concentrate on where the money is both now and into the future. Ingredients currently go to 1000 customers in 100 countries.
Currently 85% of milk solids goes into ingredients. If, in three years, Lactalis or Fonterra pulls the plug, it will be a business decision. Either way the result won’t be catastrophic.
I believe Peters would realise that his email and media profile weren’t going to change farmers’ minds which begs the question as to why he did it.
My view is that it was nothing more than a publicity stunt.
His threat of legislative interference in the sale process was extremely dangerous to NZ Inc.
He can’t threaten legislation when National, Labour and ACT have said they will leave the decision to dairy farmers.
He has zero credibility in the Fonterra debate. I don’t remember anything from him when Silver Fern Farms, Synlait and Westland Milk went to Chinese ownership, not to mention the current selling out of Alliance to the Irish. I also felt his threat of legislative interference in the sale process was extremely dangerous to NZ Inc.
On one hand we have a coalition government jumping through hoops to encourage foreign investment in New Zealand. Countering that is a coalition partner threatening legislation if a company doesn’t do what it wants. Would any major entity invest in NZ knowing that if it offended part of the government it could receive a legislative kneecap?
The answer is a resounding no.
My view of the issue is simple. The local dairy industry is 150 years old and, unlike any other industry in NZ, it has got to where it is through a strong co-operative ethos, good financial management, guts and determination.
Yes, it has made mistakes, but they are hopefully in the past. It has evolved over the decades into a strong international entity. As history has shown, dairy farmers aren’t stupid. Unlike the meat and wool industries, they are prepared to settle their differences to progress profitably as a united industry.
They know what they’re doing and should be left alone to do it.
Finally, Fonterra is highly successful. I’d humbly suggest its books are in a lot better position than those of the NZ government. Peters is part of that government.
Alan Emerson Semi-retired Wairarapa farmer and businessman: dath.emerson@gmail.com
ZERO: Foreign Affairs Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters has ‘zero credibility in the Fonterra debate’, says Alan Emerson.
TOP SPOT: The Fonterra team behind Easy Bakery Cream, the Supreme Award.
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From the Editor
A new dairy superpower rises
TNeal Wallace in Utrecht
Senior reporter
HE hierarchy of global dairy exporters is about to be reset as environmental regulations eat into production in one of the world’s traditional key players, the European Union.
With declining or static production in key dairy-producing countries and an insatiable consumer appetite for protein, the sector looks set for a prosperous few years.
But the list of chief beneficiaries looks set to change.
The EU has traditionally accounted for about 32% of global trade but regulations to control nitrogen and ammonium will start to affect it, with Rabobank expecting cow numbers to fall by up to 5% in the coming decade.
This will result in lower export volumes, with some predictions they could drop 40-50%.
That would usually open up new and existing dairy markets for traditional
LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULT
exporters such as New Zealand, but the major beneficiary is more likely to be the United States.
The US was a net dairy importer until 2004, but its milk production has grown by a third in the past 20 years to about 100 million metric tonnes, due mainly to increased per-cow performance from larger herds.
With its efficient cut-and-carry and supplementary feeding system, the US can ramp up production very quickly – and is preparing to do just that.
Large farming companies are establishing new herds – one of up to 25,000 cows – in states some distance from the traditional dairy area of California, due to water issues.
Dairy processors are building new billiondollar factories to handle expected milk flows.
With the Russia-Ukraine war on its doorstep and other geopolitical issues, the EU has adopted a food security policy, but it still has environmentally heavy policies to curb discharges of nitrogen, through limits on applying of manure to land, and ammonium.
There is general agreement that those policies will reduce Europe’s 19 million dairy cow herd, which farmers cynically claim is the aim.
Lawmakers counter that they are balancing farm production and environmental issues.
More than 80% of voters said they are not satisfied with the government’s reduction of methane targets.
Of those who commented, by far the majority believed the changes mean New Zealand is no longer doing its part in helping to ameliorate or reduce climate change.
“The ‘no additional warming’ target is spineless and will come to bite NZ down the track,” said one voter. Another said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. This is full-blown climate denial by the Coalition government and it’s not doing NZ and our reputation any good. The reduced target will not help us ameliorate increasing extreme weather problems and this risks badly tarnishing New Zealand’s international standing.”
However, others felt the government should have dropped the methane targets completely: “Methane targets shouldn’t even be on the table. Cows and sheep have been around for centuries and on top of that the Paris agreement says it won’t affect food production.”
Of the 18.3% satisfied with the changes, one voter put it succinctly, saying: “A difficult target that can be achieved is more realistic than hoping for a miracle solution from an impossible target.”
Since 2020, Europe’s raw milk production has been consistent at around 160 million tonnes, but last year that was expected to drop to about 150 million tonnes due to falling cow numbers and lower profitability.
That trend is expected to continue.
Rabobank says European domestic demand for dairy will remain constant but export markets will miss out, opening opportunities for other exporters.
The US can ramp up production very quickly – and is preparing to do just that.
In 2024 European dairy exports were worth about N$36 billion, of which 70% was cheese, butter and skim milk powder.
Another issue for the EU dairy industry is the recent signing of a free trade agreement with the four Mercosur countries, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
The European Dairy Association was enthusiastic about the opportunities offered by a free trade agreement with countries that have an established dairy culture.
But it appears doubtful EU dairy exporters will service that market in the long term, given declining milk volumes.
That could open up opportunities for the world’s new dairy superpower, the US.
Last week’s question: Are you satisfied with the government’s reduction of methane targets?
Letters of the week
Alliance: what an absolute disaster
Tom O’Sullivan
Hawke’s Bay
WELL, what an absolute disaster for the New Zealand meat industry [the Alliance announcement was].
I was very involved with the visionary Meat Industry Excellence group 10 years ago and it is cold comfort for me to see how very accurate we were back then, with our predictions on the dire state of the industry if nothing changed.
The detailed Pathway To Long Term Sustainability report we produced identified the downward spiral this section of the meat industry was in and offered solutions for a profitable farmer-controlled new direction. It should be noted that Beef + Lamb NZ partially funded the thorough analysis we produced, only to then campaign against the report’s recommendations!
The then Alliance governance team completely rejected our Mega Co-op proposal, without any serious consideration. Silver Fern Farms also rejected this opportunity and was subsequently taken over by Shanghai Maling.
So, the Alliance announcement last week spells the end of any hope of farmer control in the industry, a very sad day for red meat farmers and indeed New Zealand.
The absolute irony here is not lost on me, in that the global demand for red meat is at record levels – great news, I am sure, for all the industry’s foreign owners.
The real problem with soil loss
David Scobie
Lincoln University
HAS John Foley shone a light on the real problem with his Seuss soil story, “Dr Seuss can teach us a lot about our soil” (October 20? Eating the Elephant is indeed a thing to be progressed one bite at a time.
I wonder if the government should step in and prohibit the sale of land by farmers who own the land to the evil Once-ler who develops it for subdivision.
I can imagine the farmer who was going to sell it for a bomb to a developer will be more than happy for it to remain in agriculture at a fraction of the value.
Once land goes under houses it will never, ever return to pasture. Well now, that might happen if something like the Christchurch red zone appears after a natural disaster like an earthquake. That is only 600 hectares of green space now compared to the 400ha farmers are selling to Once-lers each year.
Continued next page
This week’s poll question (see page 1):
Are farmers well served by their business leadership?
Polarised paddocks: how did we get here?
Eating the elephant
In this two-part series, the Elephant Eaters hand the pen to a person who thinks a lot about the state of healthy debate in rural
WE’VE all felt it lately – that sense that every rural issue is now an argument waiting to happen.
One minute people are swapping notes about lambing percentages; the next, the conversation has turned into a shouting match over carbon, climate, councils, or gene technology.
Somewhere between the
Continued from previous page
There are 13.2 million hectares of agricultural land in New Zealand. In 3300 years it will all be under houses!
I am sure that the figure John cites of 0.5 mm of soil generated per year would have been comforting to the people around Mount Tarawera when the ashes came down from the eruption in 1886.
That did some real damage to the forests and tourism industry based around the pink and white terraces.
headlines and the woolshed, good conversation keeps getting hijacked. It’s not your imagination. Over the past few years, the tone of rural debate really has changed.
What used to be a tussle of ideas has become a tussle of identities.
You’re either for farmers or for the planet. You either trust the science or you’re “one of them”. Every issue seems to demand we pull on a team jersey.
That’s not an accident. Behind much of today’s noise sits what might be called the polarisation playbook – a set of repeatable tricks and traps that turn ordinary differences into outrage theatre. It thrives on pace, certainty and heat. And when those tricks go unnoticed, people end up being manipulated by other’s moves.
The polarisation playbook has three moves.
The first is what psychologists call grievance gaslighting. That’s when real frustration is twisted into either weakness or weaponry. Raise a fair concern – say, the cost of compliance or the stress of low farmgate returns – and someone will quickly reframe it: “Stop whining; just adapt.”
Or, just as slyly, another voice will amplify it into, “They’re destroying farming!” Same grievance, opposite spin – and both feed division and extremes, instead of exploring the middle ground where all good solutions get built.
There are villages, forests and soil there now. Time passes. Things change. Burying the bones of the elephant takes time.
There was once a Selwyn Plantation Board in the area where John lives. Not much further afield were extensive forests in the Culverden basin. These and tens of thousands of hectares of other forests were converted into pastures in two decades across this entire country. Surely that gain in pasture area will keep the elephant fed so we can eat it later. Hang on – what is that, people
The second move is binary binds. The binary bind is presented as a false choice. Complex realities get squeezed into tidy opposites: “You can’t be green if you’re in the red.” It sounds like common sense but functions like a trap. Once discussion is forced into either/or, the conversation stops exploring the middle ground – the space where most practical Kiwi solutions live.
The third move is discredit and distract. This is the jab that undermines trust in anyone who might bring facts to the table. Scientists become “agendadriven”. Council staff are “bureaucrats”. Industry bodies are “sell-outs”. When every source of evidence is suspect, what’s left? Opinion, rumour, and the loudest megaphone.
Put these three plays together and you get the modern global media scrum: grievance for sale, outrage on tap, and good people walking away from conversations that matter.
Farmers are problem-solvers with a bias for action – practical people more inclined to roll up their sleeves than lecture on theory. That pragmatism is a strength of the sector, yet it can also leave people open to emotional shortcuts.
When something feels unfair, the instinct is to respond fast. When someone says, “City people don’t get it,” it rings true. The playbook
have started planting trees on valuable irreplaceable agricultural land as well? Good grief – more and more bites are being taken out of our valuable soils. Apparently once pastures are in trees they will never ever return to pasture – but there once was a lot more forest covering New Zealand and that is now in agriculture. Did nobody tell the pioneers that could not be done – not even one bite at a time? John noted that it takes 300 years to make 15cm of soil. Someone else has estimated that 180 to 200 million tonnes of soil slip or wash
to sound exactly like what it is – a sales pitch.
It’s not your imagination. The tone of rural debate really has changed.
feeds on that speed and familiarity. It turns good instincts into someone else’s revenue stream – clicks, donations, or political capital.
The New Zealand ag sector faces genuine change – climate accountability, consumer expectations, shifting markets. We can navigate that, provided trust remains intact. But if the playbook keeps dictating the conversation, energy will be wasted fighting each other instead of shaping our shared future.
The antidote isn’t silence; it’s awareness. Once the moves are named, they lose power. Mockery loses its sting. False choices look flimsy. And loud certainty starts
off New Zealand and into the lakes, rivers, estuaries and seas every year. Apparently, that is among the highest in the OECD and costs us $100 million or more in lost production from hill country alone. River flooding, coastal erosion or some other natural force might take a bite out of either urban or agricultural development.
At a published soil density of 1.1 to 1.3 grams per cubic centimetre and if I have done my maths correctly, then ten times the surface area of New Zealand is going to wash out of the hills
Most of all, rejecting the playbook means being proud to defend the middle ground. Most people in rural New Zealand live between the extremes. They care about the land and the ledger. They believe in science and in common sense born of biological systems and the weather.
That middle ground isn’t weakness; it’s the nation’s competitive edge. I reckon we need to protect it like we do topsoil. So next time a debate feels strangely scripted, assume it might be. Take a breath. Ask better questions. And remember: when the plays are spotted, we stop being played.
• Next week we cover how to break the playbook and steer conversations back to civility.
across our floodplains next year! Or I did my maths wrong. Alternatively, the Lorax could plant the right tree in the right place to prevent erosion. Farmers could look after the soil they do have rather than defoliating it and pugging it and watching it wash out to sea. Urban developers could be taxed to the limits of their enthusiasm for expansion. Each person could take responsibility for their own impact on the earth. Unless someone cares an awful lot, the elephant will start stinking up the place before we get it eaten.
More of your favourite opinion pieces now online farmersweekly.co.nz/opinion
DOERS: Farmers are problem-solvers with a bias for action – practical people more inclined to roll up their sleeves than lecture on theory, says Phil Morrison.
Photo: Pexels
Phil Morrison Environment Southland councillor Morrison left the NZ Army as a lieutenant colonel for a spell in tertiary education and local governance
New Zealand.
Sector Focus Sheep & Beef
Shepherding rounds up confidence, skills
Tennent PEOPLE Sheep and beef
THE first time Amanda Whitlock worked the sheep yards, she was too shy to make a sound while trying to push a mob into the diamond. These days, she has no trouble being loud to move stock or direct her dogs – no matter who’s watching.
She said shepherding is the best thing that has happened to her and she is grateful for the personal growth and development it has brought.
“I used to be excruciatingly shy,” Whitlock said.
“I’d go red whenever someone spoke to me. But shepherding has brought me out of my shell. I’d have never known 10 years ago that I’d be like this now.”
She grew up in urban Whanganui with a single mum and never really had any idea of what she wanted to do. Her high school years are a bit of a blur, but she did spend a lot of time riding horses.
“When I was six, I asked my school teacher, who was also a horse riding teacher, if I could have some lessons. That was my intro to rural life, I guess.” After school, she landed an administration job, doing payroll and accounts at an accountant’s firm. She’d been offered a job riding racehorses around the same time, but she’s thankful she took the accountant’s role. She enjoyed her employers and appreciates that the skills she learned set her up nicely.
At the time she yearned to be outside working with animals, but
she didn’t know what that looked like. She left the accountant and tried dairy farming for around 18 months, but didn’t feel like it was cutting it. She wanted more.
Around that time, she met a boyfriend who was a shepherd, and it got her thinking that might be the path for her too. Not long after, she moved up to Waitotara Valley and spent a season working in a honey shed, learning the ropes of extracting honey.
She soon took on casual shepherding work on the farm
It’s never too late. I always tell people who say they wish they had got into farming that they still can.
Amanda Whitlock Whanganui
where she was living, starting in the yards with an old Huntaway at her side. Not long after, she was given a heading dog too.
Step by step, she began helping with mustering, eventually being trusted to manage an area of a paddock on her own.
“It wasn’t much, but it was something. A lot of those paddocks are hard for one person to muster, so it was helpful having me,” she said.
“I was thrown in the deep end. It’s tough country up there to learn on, but I am pleased I got to experience that.”
One day the farm was crutching, and she decided to give it a go. Gradually, she got more chances to learn and shear a few sheep – and soon she had caught the shearing bug.
It took a while to build more opportunities. She mostly worked for farmers who do their own
shearing, and an occasional day for a contractor.
In 2019, she hit her first tally –100 ewes in an eight-hour day.
“It was the physically hardest day of my life. I reckon the first hundred is the hardest.”
Since then, she’s hit 320 lambs in a nine-hour day, when she was aiming for her 200. Then she clocked 202 ewes, and in December last year she managed to hit 401 lambs.
“The best I did was 90 in a run, but it’s hard maintaining that pace for a whole day when your body is slowly deteriorating, especially not having the same fitness as someone who shears full-time.”
On the shepherding side, the opportunities grew into fulltime work, and after six years on different farms, Whitlock decided to leap into self-employment. Four years on, she’s still loving it.
“The range of work speaks for itself, and I was surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed turning up, getting the job done, and then leaving the pressures and responsibilities behind.
“I enjoy being able to help people who need it; it’s rewarding
to give back to those who have looked after me.”
She covers the wider Whanganui area, based near Kai Iwi. She still rides horses – her old boy Murphy is retired in the paddock – and joins the Egmont Hunt Club whenever she can during hunting season.
She’s also a keen pig hunter and tries to get out as often as possible, even though her main pig-hunting dog recently had a leg amputated after an injury.
Looking back, she wouldn’t change a thing.
“Part of me used to wish I knew I wanted to be a farmer and went to a farming school, but that professional start has really set me up well for being self-employed.
“And it’s never too late. I always tell people who say they wish they had got into farming that they still can. Whatever trade you did before farming would be valuable, and you can farm at any point, even if you don’t come from a farming background.
“But you’ve got to want to do it. It’s not glamorous, it’s hard work in every way, but it is achievable and so worth it.”
When she’s not shepherding, Amanda Whitlock is a keen pig hunter, often taking her dogs out across the Whanganui hills – even after her main pig-hunting dog recently lost a leg to injury. Photos: Supplied
Samantha
CONFIDENT: Amanda Whitlock never imagined she’d end up shepherding, but over the past decade she’s grown from a nervous starter to a confident self-employed shepherd, with her dogs always by her side.
BENEFITS: CRV managing director James Smallwood says farmers are making smarter breeding decisions that not only support herd improvement but also deliver stronger returns.
Healthy drop in bobby calf numbers
remain Charolais and Hereford.
Partnership ramps up genomic testing
Staff reporter TECHNOLOGY
NEW Zealand cattle breeders now have access to one of the world’s most advanced genomic testing services, with Performance Beef Breeders announcing a new partnership with global leader Weatherbys Scientific.
FEWER bobby calves are heading to the works this season as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
Industry data shows bobby calf numbers are down significantly – 18.5% lower in the North Island and 28% in the South Island.
CRV managing director James Smallwood said the shift reflects the industry’s growing focus on efficiency and creating value.
“Farmers are making smarter breeding decisions that not only support herd improvement but also deliver stronger returns,” said Smallwood.
“By using beef genetics across their lower-performing cows and sexed genetics on their best, they’re adding value to every calf born and meeting increasing demand for quality dairy-beef calves.”
CRV’s sales data shows dairybeef straws now account for 14% of total straw sales – up from just 8% in 2021.
The most popular breeds
A new entrant to CRV’s lineup, Changus (a Charolais and Angus cross), has also been well received, making up 10% of dairy-beef sales in its first season.
CRV’s product manager for dairy-beef, Maddie Drew, said rising demand for beef from dairy herds and farmers’ strategic use of beef genetics are driving growth.
“Farmers now have better access to herd data and tools that help them identify their top and bottom performing cows,” she said.
“That insight means they can make more informed breeding decisions – not just which cows to mate to beef, but also which beef breeds best suit their farm system and goals.”
Smallwood said processors and beef suppliers right through to the consumer are putting more emphasis on sustainability.
“This shift is about more than just genetics,” said Smallwood.
“Beef suppliers and consumers are increasingly focused on sustainability, and that’s shaping demand right through the supply chain.”
7,825
www.pppindustries.co.nz sales@pppindustries.co.nz
The collaboration marks Weatherbys’ first major partnership in the New Zealand beef sector and will give breeders the ability to access Weatherbys nextgeneration Bovine Versa 85K SNP chip through the DNA services of Performance Beef Breeders (PBB).
Weatherbys national business development manager for Australia and New Zealand MichaelJohn Barry said the company is excited to expand its support for the genetics-driven improvement of beef breeds across New Zealand.
“New Zealand cattle breeders are among the most progressive and innovative in the world, with a strong focus on data, performance and herd improvement,” Barry said.
“This partnership means we can combine PBB’s trusted onthe-ground sales and support with our world-class genomic testing services to provide fast, detailed and flexible options for genotyping.
“This not only expands the options available for breeders seeking genetic improvement in their herd, but it also brings cost-effective solutions due to our global scale.”
Barry said Weatherbys Scientific took considerable time to identify a strategic partner in NZ that could deliver premium customer service, has genuine capability
New Zealand
are among the most progressive and innovative in the world.
Michael-John Barry PBB
in the beef genetics sector, and shares the company’s customerfirst values.
“We were looking for a partner with strong market reach and a reputation for integrity, responsiveness and service, and we have found that in the PBB team,” he said.
Weatherbys Scientific, which operates internationally across livestock and equine industries, offers a suite of SNP-based genotyping and DNA profiling tests, including the next-generation Bovine Versa 85K SNP Chip,
which builds upon the highly successful 50k chip.
PBB NZ general manager Jamie Tait said the partnership is driven by the demand for high-quality and innovative services.
“Genomic testing is becoming increasingly important, even beyond the realm of stud breeding, and in the past five years we’ve seen average year-on-year growth of 20%,” Tait said.
“It’s becoming a sales tool for our breeders. But farmers have preferences which are driven by many things including quality of results, speed, simplicity and a commitment to science.
“This is an opportunity to bring more choice into the New Zealand market.”
Barry said Weatherbys is looking forward to supporting PBB and ensuring New Zealand farmers have access to the cost-effective solutions that drive genetic gains.
STUD: PBB NZ general manager Jamie Tait says genomic testing is becoming increasingly important, even beyond the realm of stud breeding.
Photo: Performance Beef Breeders
cattle breeders
Shine a light on your local heroes –nominate them for a Beef + Lamb New Zealand Award today!
ENTRIES OPEN
Award Categories are:
• Bioeconomy Science Institute Emerging Achiever Award
• Rabobank People Development Award
• FMG Rural Champion Award
• Alliance Significant Contribution Award
• Market Leader Award
• Datamars Livestock Technology Award
• Gallagher Innovative Farming Award
• Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award
20 May 2026 Christchurch
The B+LNZ Awards are now part of Out the Gate 2026, powered by the B+LNZ Farmer Council and Kāhui. Save the date for the biggest celebration of the red meat sector on 20 May in Christchurch
Scan to enter and learn more at beeflambnz.com/awards
Side businesses help boost cash flow
Rebecca Greaves ON FARM Diversification
FROM boutique accommodation to innovative wool bandages for horses, Raetihi sheep and beef farmers Sam and Alex Roke are seizing every opportunity to diversify their business.
This energetic young couple are passionate farmers and love the lifestyle it affords their young family, but they’re also keenly aware of the need to create a sustainable business that generates regular cash flow.
“For our kids to grow up on a farm is pretty special. I realise, from the time I’ve spent in big cities, that space and fresh air are not actually free. It’s having the ability to live and farm the way we want to, too” Alex said.
The couple lease 400 hectares of steep hill country from Sam’s family in the Ruatiti Valley, 25 minutes from Raetihi. It’s a deadend valley that leads to The Bridge to Nowhere, which is a popular tourist attraction. It is also near to the Mangapurua Cycle Way.
They run 3000 breeding ewes and about 35 Angus cows, put to a Charolais bull. All ewes are a quarter Poll Dorset and they have a strong focus on terminal, weaning and selling or killing everything off mum in one week in January every year.
“We kill a good proportion but also have a really good forward store lamb for people to have a quick turnaround.”
Sheep are the primary enterprise on the farm and they have honed a system that works well – but one that means all of their income comes in a two-month window. From a cash flow perspective, it’s not ideal.
The commodity price strains and high interest rates of the past few years drove home to them the importance of having other income streams.
Sam always knew he wanted to farm – he never considered anything else. Alex has had a varied career, from being a retail manager at a vet clinic to working for the regional tourism body, Visit Ruapehu. With two young girls, Grace, nearly 3, and Scarlett, 7 months, her current work in
photography, marketing and communications fits nicely around family life – though it does mean some late nights editing photos.
“All of these experiences I’ve had in my life have come together. I’ve learned some random skills that I’ve been able to utilise when an opportunity comes along, things like building websites and photography.”
I knew it would be perfect as a gamgee alternative.”
In just six weeks Alex had developed a product and brand, built a website and created a social media presence.
DIVERSIFY: Raetihi sheep and beef farmers Sam and Alex Roke with their daughter Grace. The farming couple diversified their farm with side businesses to help boost cashflow.
Photos: Supplied
OPTIONS: Sam and Alex’s Whispering Hills boutique accommodation plans to target guests who would like to bring horses and trek the vast swathes of native bush.
In 2020 they purchased their own 140ha block, nearby Whispering Hills. They have turned the house into boutique accommodation (it’s right at the start of the cycle way) and plan to target guests who would like to bring horses and trek the vast swathes of native bush.
Alex built the website, did the branding and marketed the business. She also employs her skills in their other business, WoolGard, which uses strong wool to create wool bandaging for treating horses.
“It was triggered by a post I saw on the Love New Zealand Wool Facebook page about putting raw wool on a horse’s leg. The penny dropped. One of my marketing clients was Sustaina Grow and I had seen how you could get wool in a nice needle-punched roll.
“I knew if I was going to do it, I had to be fast and be first. I was lucky I had the skills to do it, and I had the connections to source the raw product, and people in my family could give me an objective test.”
Cash is king and cash flow is hard in sheep if you’re not trading lambs.
Alex Roke Raetihi
Both Alex’s parents are vets, and were happy to trial the product. Sceptical at first, they were soon won over.
Naturally odour free, biodegradable, able to regulate temperature and moisture, and malleable enough to conform to a horses’ leg beautifully, wool ticks all the boxes. It’s also reusable, able to be used up to a dozen times before a gentle wash, and it’s good to go again.
While they are not using their own wool, Alex reckons any use of strong wool has to be of benefit to farmers.
“We want really low vegetable matter, 0.0%, and our wool wouldn’t meet that. Maybe in the future we could use our hogget wool.
“As long as wool is being used, we’re happy. It may not be our own wool, but at least it’s wool from New Zealand farms.”
The response to WoolGard has been positive, and they’re now developing new products to be used for companion animals, not just horses.
Between small children, the farm and three other businesses, it’s certainly a juggle, but they see it as their time to hustle.
“We are people who are driven by having something to do. The potential we see in Whispering Hills and WoolGard excites us,” Alex said.
“Cash is king and cash flow is hard in sheep if you’re not trading lambs. We’re trying to get ahead of the game rather than the game owning us.
“We’re making the most of being young and having the energy to chase the thing while we can.”
Allied shareholders to vote on Farmers Livestock sale
Hugh Stringleman NEWS Livestock
LLIED Farmers
Ashareholders will vote on the sale of NZ Farmers Livestock to Rural Livestock on November 6 in an online annual meeting.
Notice of meeting has been circulated, including an independent appraisal report for the $11 million sale.
The agreement for sale and purchase of Allied’s 67.7% of NZFL shares was announced in late August.
The other two shareholders in NZFL – Stockmans Holdings (17.8%) and Agent Company (14.4%) – have also agreed to sell all their NZFL shares to Rural Livestock under the agreement.
The Simmons Corporate Finance appraisal report says the terms and conditions of the sale are fair to the company’s shareholders not associated with the related parties in Stockmans and Agent Company.
All parties have entered into the sale on identical terms and the related parties have not used undue influence or personal connections to receive a favourable outcome to themselves.
Simmons says the rationale for
the sale is sound and there was a thorough sale process.
Included in the sale are the veal processing and marketing subsidiary, the finance subsidiary, saleyard interests and the 52% share of Redshaw Livestock. Rural Livestock approached Allied in November 2023. NZFL and Redshaw will continue to operate regionally and separately with staff members and livestock agents employed or contracted as they currently are and with the same management team.
Allied Farmers will be left with 100% ownership of NZ Rural Land Management and intends to look for more rural management opportunities, chair Shelley Ruha said.
Allied’s share of the sale proceeds will be approximately $7.45m and the directors have not made any further statements on their intentions. The meeting will consider an ordinary resolution for the sale approval, which requires a simple majority.
Century Farms call is out for 1925 properties
Annette Scott PEOPLE Community
THE deadline is looming for the 20th annual heritage farming awards as the call goes out to farming families with a long history of farming their land.
Families have until November 30, 2025, to submit their application in time for this year’s intake for the New Zealand Century Farms and Stations (NZCFSA) awards.
Families who have farmed their land since 1925 or earlier are encouraged to apply for this special acknowledgment of their hard work and perseverance.
NZCFSA chair Edward Fitzgerald said it’s a chance for all generations to reflect on the challenges and achievements and share those memories.
“Keeping any farm or station in a family from generation to generation through challenging times is an impressive achievement and deserves to be recognised.”
Farming, whether agricultural, viticultural or horticultural, continues to be the backbone and prosperity of NZ, from breaking in the land by hand and then horse to modern day equipment, Fitzgerald said.
“Through wars, depressions, pandemics, droughts and floods, financial crisis and government policies these families have survived and built an amazing legacy.”
The programme began in 2005 in Lawrence, Otago, where a formal dinner in the small rural town each May honours the awardees and their significant farming achievements as they receive their distinctive bronze plaque and certificate to display on their property.
To date, more than 650 families from throughout New Zealand have joined the circle of centenarians and sesqui-centenarians.
MORE:
For further information, including the application go to: www.centuryfarms.co.nz
Silver Fern Farms is pleased to invite current and prospective suppliers and shareholders to our 2025 Plate to Pasture Supplier Roadshow.
Join us for an opportunity to catch up with some of Silver Fern Farms’ directors and executives. We’ll be talking about the markets, company strategy, farmgate outlook, plus an opportunity to have your questions answered directly. We’ll also enjoy a delicious red meat meal
We hope you’re able to join us. Please RSVP for catering purposes by scanning the QR code, or talk to your local Livestock Representative.
SOUND: The Simmons Corporate Finance appraisal report says the rationale for the sale of NZ Farmers Livestock to Rural Livestock is sound.
FEDERATED FARMERS
Feds back TB plan, warn of possum resurgence
Federated Farmers supports a plan to wipe out bovine TB by 2040, but warns that unless delivery is watertight, a resurgence in possum numbers could put the goal at risk.
The 2025 TB Plan Review sets out a strategy to eliminate the remaining hot spots of highly infected possums and achieve TB freedom in both livestock and wildlife by 2040.
Karl Dean, Federated Farmers’ animal biosecurity spokesperson, says farmers want to see the plan succeed, but the experience of past TB outbreaks weighs heavily.
“We’re 100% behind the goal of eradicating TB, but many farmers are really nervous about a repeat of the 1980s resurgence.
“At that time, underinvestment and patchy possum control allowed the disease to bounce back.
“Farmers vividly recall the stock losses, repeated testing, and damage to their personal reputations when infections were identified on their farms.
“Many of our members are concerned that, unless delivery of this proposed plan is operationally
watertight, history could repeat itself,” Dean says.
Bovine TB has affected New Zealand livestock for more than a century.
At its peak in the 1990s, more than 1700 herds were infected, causing production losses and threatening market access for primary exports.
Unlike many countries, New Zealand’s challenge is complicated by possums, which act as a selfsustaining wildlife vector capable of reinfecting livestock even after herds have been cleared.
“Possums are the key to this whole problem,” Dean says.
“If we don’t eliminate them as a disease vector, we’ll just keep chasing infections from one valley to the next.”
Federated Farmers has consistently supported national TB eradication plans, but Dean stresses that farmer confidence has been knocked by past operational weaknesses and inconsistent resourcing.
“We’ve seen system failures before, so we’re wary.
“The 2040 target is ambitious, but it’s meaningless if we don’t have a programme capable of delivering it.”
The 2025 Plan Review places possum eradication at the centre of its approach.
It proposes using cost-effective, large-scale possum control measures alongside targeted, criteria-based on-farm testing.
Federated Farmers strongly supports this focus and wants it aligned with broader biodiversity and predator control initiatives, such as Predator Free 2050.
“Possum control isn’t just about TB – it benefits the wider environment too,” Dean says.
“If we can integrate these efforts, it’ll make the programme more effective and sustainable.”
In its formal submission on the plan, Federated Farmers has also called for strong governance, clear reporting and independent oversight to rebuild trust.
Recent challenges, including the $16.6 million MyOSPRI write-
If we don’t eliminate them (possums) as a disease vector, we’ll just keep chasing infections from one valley to the next.
Karl Dean
Federated Farmers animal biosecurity spokesperson
Federated Farmers warns that a patchwork approach could leave gaps where the disease could resurface.
“You can’t have one region doing well and another falling behind because it’s harder or more expensive,” Dean says.
“Consistent funding and delivery across all regions are critical if we want to meet the 2040 goal.”
off and ongoing NAIT compliance issues, highlight the need for robust traceability systems.
“Farmers have been asked to put their faith in the system time and again.
“To earn that faith back, OSPRI must prove it can deliver – through transparency, consistency, and accountability,” Dean says.
A fully functioning, enforceable livestock traceability system –whether NAIT or its successor – is essential, he says.
“That’s critical for farmers to trust that freedom from TB can be declared and maintained.
“We need a system that works, so there’s a fast response when any new infections crop up.”
Achieving TB freedom will also require adequate and sustained funding, particularly in hard-toaccess regions like West Coast, North Canterbury and Central North Island.
Despite their concerns, farmers are committed to backing the plan, recognising the long-term benefits of a TB-free New Zealand.
Progress to date has been significant, with infected herds down more than 95% since the 1990s.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to finally rid our country of TB,” Dean says.
“Farmers are ready to get it done – now we need OSPRI and government to match that determination with delivery, governance and funding.”
For farmers, it’s not just about hitting a date on paper; it’s about making sure the disease doesn’t come back and undo decades of hard work, Dean says.
“The 2040 target is ambitious, but it can be reached.
“We just need everyone involved to commit fully, because history has shown what happens if we don’t.”
WARY: Federated Farmers is nervous about a repeat of the 1980s, when underinvestment and patchy possum control allowed TB infections to bounce back.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Govt told to ‘stop stalling’ on KiwiSaver
The Government’s failure to act on promised KiwiSaver rule changes is costing young farmers the chance to invest in their futures, a Waikato mortgage adviser says.
Kylee Smit works with young farmers across the Waikato and sees one or two people every week in the same situation – unable to use their KiwiSaver to buy property.
“These are hardworking rural New Zealanders who’ve done everything right, only to hit a wall when they try to use their KiwiSaver to get on the property ladder,” Smit says.
“They’ve saved consistently, been careful with their money, and are trying to do the right thing – but when they finally want to buy a house, they’re told they can’t touch their own savings.”
If you truly believe farming is the backbone of our economy, then prove it –give these people a fair go.
Kylee Smit Waikato mortgage adviser
On the eve of the 2023 election, the National Party promised to change the rules to allow young farmers to use their KiwiSaver savings to buy their first home or farm.
But two years later, young farmers are still waiting – and feeling increasingly frustrated.
“My message to the Government is simple: stop stalling,” Smit says.
“You’ve said you’re going to make this change and rural New Zealand is waiting. Every month you delay is another opportunity lost for the next generation of farmers.
“And if you truly believe farming is the backbone of our economy, then prove it – give these people a fair go.”
Under current KiwiSaver rules, members can withdraw funds to buy their first home only if they intend to live in it.
That might make sense in urban New Zealand, but it’s unworkable for rural workers, who almost always live in accommodation provided by their employers, Smit says.
“It’s a one-size-fits-all rule that doesn’t reflect rural reality.
“Farm staff can’t live in town – their jobs require them to live on-farm. Yet the current system penalises them for working in agriculture, which is crazy when you think about it.
“The very people keeping the industry running are being locked out of home ownership.”
Federated Farmers board member Karl Dean says the delay is unacceptable.
“The Government made a clear commitment to young farmers before the election and now they need to follow through,” he says.
“We’re hearing from people all the time who’ve done everything right financially but are still locked out of the property market because the rules don’t fit their reality.”
National MP Suze Redmayne has put forward a member’s bill to address the problem, but Dean says that’s not enough.
“There are more than 70 bills sitting in the ballot box, so there’s no guarantee it’ll ever be drawn. A member’s bill isn’t delivery – it’s a lottery.
“The Government needs to show real leadership by picking it up as a bill and getting it passed. That’s how you keep promises.”
Smit says a sense of
disillusionment is creeping in among young farmers.
“People are asking, ‘Why bother?’ They see their friends in town using KiwiSaver to buy homes, while they’re locked out of the same opportunity simply because they live rurally.
“Some are even thinking about leaving the industry – and once they do, they often don’t come back.”
She knows of one long-term farm worker who’s spent a decade on the same property, saving diligently and contributing to KiwiSaver, yet still can’t use those funds for a deposit.
“He’s doing all the right things but doesn’t trust he’ll ever be able to use that money for his future – not
until retirement. That’s what’s so heartbreaking,” she says.
Another client has saved a solid cash deposit but needs his KiwiSaver to reach the 20% threshold for a mortgage.
“If he could access his KiwiSaver, he’d avoid low-equity fees and secure better rates.
“But because of the rules, he’s now looking at driving an hour each way to and from the farm just so he can technically ‘live’ in the house.
“That’s how absurd the situation has become.”
Both Smit and Federated Farmers say the change would have an immediate and positive impact across rural New Zealand.
“If the Government fixed this
tomorrow, I’d be inundated with young farmers ready to buy property,” Smit says.
“It would create stability for them and their families and bring a huge sense of optimism back into the industry. The flow-on effects for rural communities would be massive.”
Dean agrees, saying the issue goes to the heart of fairness.
“Farmers shouldn’t be penalised for living where they work,” he says.
“This is about giving rural New Zealand the same opportunities as everyone else to build wealth and security. The Government made a promise – now it’s time to deliver.”
Hear Kylee Smit discuss KiwiSaver on Federated Farmers Podcast episode 59, out 28 October.
GET MOOVING: The National Party campaigned in Morrinsville on the eve of the 2023 election promising KiwiSaver rule changes — two years later, young farmers are still waiting.
Coldplay detour leads to milking job
When Jono and Ruby Frew set off to see Coldplay perform in Auckland last year, they didn’t realise the real highlight of the trip would happen before the concert.
“We were on our way up to see Coldplay last November and decided, on a whim, to stop in at a Federated Farmers workshop in Waimate,” says Jono.
“We’d only just heard about the workshop, but it turned out to be a random, very influential decision.”
That impromptu stop for the ‘Managing Risk in Sharefarming’ workshop ended up opening the door to an exciting new chapter for the North Otago couple.
At the time, the Frews were managing a large beef and dairy grazing operation but were keen to get back into the dairy industry.
The workshop – which Federated Farmers is kicking off again nationwide over the next few months – offered practical insights on contracts, due diligence and managing risk in sharefarming.
“It really fired us up,” Jono says.
“Even before anything came of it, we left that day fizzing about what was possible.”
During the session, Jono and Ruby spoke at length with Myfanwy Alexander, then-North Otago Federated Farmers dairy chair, about their hope of moving into contract milking.
Six weeks later, Myfanwy reached out with a lead.
“She must have felt confident enough to refer us to a farm owner she knew who was looking for contract milkers.,” Jono says.
“The owner called us, we had one interview, and we were offered the job. It just clicked – we got on really well straight away.”
On June 1 this year, the Frews moved 30 minutes down the Waitaki Valley, where they’re peak milking 590 cows and thriving in the position.
But Jono says the workshop’s impact went far beyond securing a job.
It gave us the belief that what we wanted to do was totally achievable – even with three kids and another on the way.
Jono Frew North Otago Federated Farmers sharefarmer chair and dairy cochair
“It gave us the belief that what we wanted to do was totally achievable – even with three kids and another on the way.
“We’d worried that farm owners might be hesitant to take on a couple with young children, but what we learned that day made us realise it was completely doable.”
Now, the same opportunity that helped kickstart Jono and Ruby’s
next step is returning – with a new round of ‘Farming Partnerships that Work’ workshops in November and December.
Delivered by Federated Farmers, DairyNZ, and FMG, these events are designed to help sharemilkers and contract milkers get the basics right, from understanding the critical parts of a contract to making sound business decisions.
Brendan Attrill, Federated Farmers sharefarm owner chair, says the aim of the workshops is to continue lifting the standard of the contract milking and sharemilking sectors in New Zealand.
“In my mind, we want to achieve something great — a result where both the sharefarmer and the sharefarm owner feel they’re getting real value for money and genuinely valued in the roles they play.
“That’s how we build a stronger industry. We’ve made some changes to these workshops based on feedback from last year, tweaking the content to better meet the needs of both parties.
“It’s about making sure our contract milking agreements – and the people working under them – are protected, supported and remain a key part of how we staff farms across New Zealand.”
Jono says anyone going contract milking or sharemilking – or who’s already in a role – should definitely head along to the workshops.
“It was really helpful for us – we got so much out of it.”
And he has some advice of his own for those currently applying for positions.
“Be upfront about your nonnegotiables and expectations from the very first meeting,” he says.
“We were hesitant to mention that we were expecting a baby because we thought it might be a dealbreaker.
“But we decided to be honest, and the owner just said, ‘no worries – I know you can handle that’.
“I think farm owners appreciate when you’re straight up about where you’re at and what you want out of the job.”
Since taking on the role, Jono has also stepped up as North Otago Federated Farmers sharefarmer chair and dairy co-chair for – further proof of how one small decision can spark lasting change.
“That workshop really set things in motion for us.”
MORE:
To find a workshop near you and register, go to www.dairynz.co.nz/events/ partner-events
FRESH BEGINNINGS: Jono and Ruby Frew with their family – now thriving as contract milkers in the Waitaki Valley.
Farmer trust washed away by lagoon ruling
Environment Southland has lost all credibility with Waituna farmers and the wider community over a ruling on when the lagoon can be opened to the sea, Jason Herrick says.
“The hearing panel’s consent ruling is an absolutely farcical piece of ideological wording,” the Federated Farmers Southland president says.
“Common sense and landowners’ rights have been trampled.”
Earlier this month a hearings panel of independent commissioners granted a new 20-year consent for periodic opening of the lagoon, as sought by the Department of Conservation (DOC), local iwi Te Rūnanga o Awarua, and Environment Southland.
A channel can now only be cut when lagoon levels are higher than those that have previously triggered openings.
“This puts surrounding farmland at serious risk of flooding, saturates highly erodible stream banks, and compromises catchment drainage systems,” Herrick says.
“Managing flooding and drainage and preventing erosion are core responsibilities of Environment Southland.
“The council should have fought harder for those factors to be considered by the panel - or simply pulled their involvement altogether.
“Right now, farmers and the community catchment group have lost trust in Environment Southland; it’ll take the council a lot of work to earn it back.”
For more than a century, at times of high rainfall and flooding, a channel has been cut in the bank of the lagoon to allow water to escape into the Pacific Ocean.
Consents held by the communitydriven Lake Waituna Control Association since 1969 have in recent years seen openings made when the lagoon reached 2.2m in depth.
But existing permits expired in 2022 and landowners had to abandon a bid to have them renewed after legal bills topped $140,000.
The new consent granted to DOC/ iwi/Environment Southland means
The arguments of the people who’ll have to live with more severe flooding and compromised catchment drainage have been completely ignored.
Maarten Van Rossum
Federated Farmers Southland executive member
in the first 10 years, an opening can be cut when the lagoon reaches up 2.3m in depth in winter months, and
2.4 in summer months. The trigger level increases progressively over the next decade to 2.5m.
It’s at the discretion of DOC and fellow consent holders whether an opening is made, even at those trigger points.
Local farmer and Lake Waituna Control Association chair Maarten Van Rossum says there will be significant flooding of farmland when the lagoon depth passes 2.4m.
“The community is bitterly disappointed with the ruling,” the Feds Southland executive member says.
“The applicants got pretty much everything they asked for.
“Meanwhile, the arguments of the people who’ll have to live with more severe flooding and compromised catchment drainage have been completely ignored.”
Herrick says DOC had purchased some of the farmland that floods when lagoon levels reach 2.3m, and leased it back to farmers.
“But that money to purchase ran out, it seems, so through the consent they found another way to pursue their goals, sidestepping responsibility for impacting farmer livelihoods.”
Rural voices lead the way in council elections
Farmer voices will be heard loud and clear in district and regional council chambers over the next three years, with nearly 70 candidates with Federated Farmers’ affiliations elected.
“In the election run-up Federated Farmers urged rural people to get involved in local decision-making –both as candidates and voters,” Feds local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says.
“The response on both fronts is really heartening.”
While this year’s local government
elections have seen the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with only 32.65% of eligible voters bothering to have their say, the response in provincial and rural New Zealand was significantly better.
The rural turnout was 43.6%, and in provincial cities it was 38.3% - both eclipsing the 28.8% who cast a vote in metro areas.
“Perhaps this shows rural and provincial residents have a greater understanding that decisions by local authorities – on things such as roading, water infrastructure, district
planning rules – have a huge impact on their daily lives,” Faulkner says.
“A major part of the work of Federated Farmers is advocating to councils for a focus on core infrastructure, reining-in unnecessary spending, fairer cost apportionment and common-sense planning rules.
“We urged candidates with a strong understanding of rural and farming needs to fight for election.
“They did just that – and clearly plenty of voters appreciated their policies and skillset.”
Among the 69 successful
candidates who are Federated Farmers members are 11 current or former Feds provincial presidents.
They are: Will Foley (Mayor, Central Hawke’s Bay District), Alan Cole (Franklin Local Board), Andrew McGiven (Matamata Piako District), Luke Pepper (Ruapehu District), Jamie Falloon (Masterton District), Keith Holmes (Waikato District), Geoff Young and David Rose (Environment Southland), Ben Fraser and Sally Dryland (Horizons Regional Council), John Blackwell (Northland Regional Council).
We urged candidates with a strong understanding of rural needs to fight for election…clearly plenty of voters appreciated their policies and skillset.
Sandra Faulkner
Federated Farmers local government spokesperson
FLOODED FUTURE: A new consent for a channel to be cut to open Waituna lagoon to the sea are set at levels that will see farmland flooded and catchment drainage compromised.
Photo: Environment Southland
Ruawai 1108 Tokatoka Road 653 2536 ha
Outstanding 653-hectare beef finishing unit
Opportunities of this scale are rare Spanning 653 2536 hectares (more or less) across 15 titles in Ruawai this property is offered by tender with five purchase options It’s a serious farming operation developed and maintained to a high standard after decades of dedication to the land Divided into 158 paddocks and 77 cells it runs around 1200 cattle and finishes 600 annually Infrastructure includes cattle and sheep handling facilities wool shed, workshops, implement sheds, silage bunkers, limestone races, and quality fencing Two reliable water sources support consistent productivity A spacious four-bedroom home and one-bedroom sleepout provide ample accommodation A limestone quarry only adds more value This is a complete, well-run farming unit ready for new ownership bayleys co nz/1021086
A Hauraki Plains legacy - productive and proven
Opportunity before Christmas! A significant 241ha (more or less) dairy holding in the heart of the Hauraki Plains offering scale, infrastructure, and lifestyle appeal Flat, fertile land with 146 paddocks supports around 600 cows producing over 207,000kgMS Infrastructure includes a 43-aside herringbone cowshed, wintering barns, calf facilities, sheds, and staff accommodation Around 90% of troughs and water systems are new With council water, efficient effluent, and multiple dwellings, this high-performing farm offers proven production and longterm potential close to Ngatea, Hamilton, Auckland, and the Coromandel bayleys co nz/2630156
Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Thu 4 Dec 2025
84 Walton Street, Whangārei View by appointment
Todd Skudder 027 439 1235 todd skudder@bayleys co nz MACKYS REAL
Asking Price $10,900,000 + GST (if any) View by appointment Karl Davis 027 496 4633
karl davis@bayleys co nz
Sam Aislabie 027 429 5410
sam aislabie@bayleys co nz
City boundary farming
Conveniently located on the western edge of Hamilton city this 108 hectare cattle grazing block offers a myriad of options Currently the home of Big River Hereford and Angus the property has been breeding service bulls for a loyal dairy farming clientele for over two decades Subdivided into 44 main paddocks with reticulated bore water and a good set of cattle yards the farm would equally be suited to dairy support or given its proximity to meat processors and saleyards, would make a handy livestock trading or beef finishing block Contour ranges from loamy peat flats to volcanic clay rolling hills with some steeper sidlings, and a network of races with two internal underpasses facilitates ease of stock movement Managed with organic principles at front of mind, Stonebridge Farm is a unique opportunity to acquire a good sized block with city amenities on your doorstep bayleys co nz/2312170
Quality South Waikato dairy
Located just 12 mins drive east of Tokoroa, this well-developed dairy farm has been in production for 16 years, and achieved record production last season of 306,229kgMS from 630 spring calved cows A feature of the property is the predominantly loam soils with very good fertility levels, and the undulating to easy rolling contour Wide stock races are maintained by on-farm rhyolite quarries, servicing all 65 paddocks, and ample water is supplied by two new bores Excellent farm infrastructure includes a 50-bail rotary dairy, combined calf rearing and implement shedding, and three well-maintained brick and tile homes that provide good quality accommodation This farm should appeal to owner operators and investors alike, and represents a great opportunity to secure a quality dairy farm with consistent production levels bayleys co nz/2311499
897 ha
Tender (unless sold prior)
Closing 3pm, Tue 25 Nov 2025
View 11am-12pm Tue 28 Oct, Tue 4 Nov & Tue 11 Nov
Dave Peacocke 027 473 2382
dave peacocke@bayleys co nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED BAYLEYS, L CENSED UNDER
For Sale by Deadline Private
Central Hawke's Bay 683 Bush Road, Wallingford
1,083 hectare breeding/finishing property
The Estate of AW Parsons offers a genuine sheep and beef breeding/finishing property Situated 37km southeast of Waipukurau with the school bus at the gate only 24km to Flemington Primary School Currently run as one unit the estate is split into three separate blocks The main landholding of 869ha provides the easy to medium/steeper breeding platform with a very good standard of fencing, subdivision and laneways Three large dams form the source of the extensive reticulated water system Improvements include the four bedroom manager’s residence, staff accommodation, and a four stand woolshed complex The 43ha bottom finishing block of flat to easy contour includes cattle yards The Awahiwi Road block of 169ha can be purchased separately to the main farm and comprises easy contour, sheep and cattle yards, and an all weather airstrip bayleys co nz/2854191
1,083 ha
Tender Closing 4pm, Thu 20 Nov 2025 15 Havelock Road, Havelock North View by appointment
Andy Hunter 027 449 5827 andy hunter@bayleys co nz
Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony rasmussen@bayleys co nz
EASTERN REALTY
NEW LISTING
78 0 & 874 Wani Road, Paeroa Scale, production and
204 ha STT(more or less)
Rare opportunity to s ecure a large-s cale 2 04 ha (subject to title) dairy operation on the fertile Hauraki Plains Comprising two neighbouring units with two herringbone dairy sheds, it produced over 234,0 0 0kgs/ms in 2 024/25 from 650–70 0 cows (off 23 9 ha) Includes prime
SALE Clos es 21 Nov 4pm st (unless s old prior) VIEW Thurs 3 0 Oct th Thurs 6 , 13
AGENT Glen Murray 027 488 6138
AGENCY LJ Hooker Matamata Link Realty Limited Licens ed Agent REA 2 0 0 8 En uire today
four double bedroom, four ensuite bathroom home has been designed and crafted to the highest standard with no detail being overlooked bayleys co nz/5525654
Rangiwahia 925 Main South Road
Outstanding dairy farm
A rare opportunity to secure a large-scale, well-equipped dairy operation combining proven production, advanced technology, and long-term sustainability. Set across 511 ha (approx.) the farm offers an excellent balance of scale infrastructure, and natural resources. The 212 ha effective milking platform produces up to 220,000 kgMS, supported by free-draining soils and strong pasture growth. A modern 40-bail rotary cowshed with ACRs, auto drafting, and Halter technology streamlines management, complemented by excellent calf-rearing facilities, support buildings, quality farm tracks and three dwellings. The balance provides support for young stock, wintering, supplements, or beef finishing, plus forestry blocks with ETS registration. The property has multiple purchasing options available.
Apiti 625 Table Flat Road
Scale, performance & lifestyle
An exceptional opportunity to secure a proven, large-scale dairy operation offering excellent infrastructure, strong production, and lifestyle appeal in a highly regarded district. Covering 333 ha, this summer-safe farm benefits from reliable rainfall, free-draining soils, and strong natural contour, making it highly productive and resilient The 249 ha milking platform produces up to 275,000 kgMS, supported by quality soils and pasture. Infrastructure includes a 50-bail rotary cowshed with automatic systems, feed pad silage bunkers calf-rearing facilities reliable water supply, and multiple support buildings. Accommodation comprises three comfortable homes, ideal for owners, staff, or managers. Adding unique lifestyle appeal, the Oroua River borders the property, offering fishing and hunting A genuine turnkey operation with scale, performance, and natural advantages a smart investment for the future.
This highly productive 288 ha dairy unit offers scale, quality infrastructure, and some of the Manawatu’s best soils. The flat Te Arakura and Kairanga silt loams are known for their fertility and year-round growth. Supported by a 107m stock water bore, strong fencing, and well-formed races, the farm is designed for efficiency and consistent performance Currently peak milking 820 cows under a System 3 model, it features a 50-bail rotary cowshed, calf and implement sheds, feedpad, standoff pads, silage bunkers, and a twin-pond effluent system with 90 days storage Cows are wintered on farm, with maize and grass silage – some maize grown on farm and grass silage brought in. Excellent internal fencing and races support stock management. Accommodation includes a five-bedroom homestead and three additional homes, allowing for family or staff needs With proven production, fertile soils and prime location near Palmerston North, this is a rare large-scale dairy opportunity.
Takapau 227 Whenuahou Road
135ha Dairy Farm in Central Hawke's Bay
Situated 24 km north of Dannevirke, this productive smaller dairy farm presents an outstanding opportunity. Milking between 325 and 340 cows and averaged 156,000 kg/MS over the last two years Excellent infrastructure, including a 32-aside shed with an In Shed Feed System, implement shed, and calf rearing facilities Well-maintained races and an underpass beneath Whenuahou Road ensuring efficient cow flow The land is flat/easy, with well-fertilized pastures. Currently running a Halter farming system, the farm benefits from modern herd management technology. The property boasts a reliable water supply and features a picturesque environment, including areas of native bush and numerous Totara trees, along with the Manawatu River forming the northern boundary. The property includes three homes, with the main residence being a comfortable three-bedroom home This uncomplicated dairy farm is a perfect blend of productivity and natural beauty, offering a great farming opportunity.
Tender closes 11.00am, Tue 18th Nov 2025, 54 Kimbolton Road, Feilding View Fri 31 Oct 12.30 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/FR213183
Blair Cottrill M 027 354 5419 E blair@pb.co.nz
Ted Shannon M 021 833 536 E ted.shannon@pb.co.nz
8 4 1
Tender closes 2.00pm, Tue 25th Nov, 2025 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/WR215498 Pat Portas M 027 447 0612 E patp@pb.co.nz
Scan for more
Dannevirke 227 and 255 Te Rehunga North Road and 77 Tamaki River Road
Tender
Turn key dairy business - 249 ha
Located in the highly regarded Te Rehunga farming area within the sought-after Tararua District, this well-developed 225 ha dairy farm with a separate 24 ha support block offers genuine scale, premium soils and quality infrastructure Currently milking approximately 450 cows and supplying Fonterra with around 175,000 kgMS annually the property performs strongly on a grass-only system The contour is all flat, underpinned by fertile soils that support healthy pastures through a well managed fertiliser and re-grassing programme The 2018-commissioned 40 ASHB dairy shed is well positioned near the centre of the farm and supported by a one-million-litre effluent storage bladder. Excellent supporting infrastructure includes multiple implement and storage sheds, near-new calf-rearing facilities and a reliable water system. Accommodation is a standout feature with four dwellings providing flexibility for owners managers and staff.
Dannevirke 467 Waitahora Valley Road
Located just 20 minutes from Dannevirke in the sought after Waitahora farming district, Waitarere presents an exceptional opportunity with its prime location and significant farming improvements The property boasts approximately 80 ha of cultivatable land with 60 ha utilised for harvesting supplements The remaining effective area is mainly easy to medium limestone hill with the ineffective area (34 ha) made up of ETS registered woodlots and native Notable improvements on the farm include a well-equipped four-stand woolshed and yards cattle yards satellite yards and reticulated water across the majority of the property. Two large modern implement sheds provide ample storage for both supplements and implements. The main summit stone home features four large bedrooms with the second two-bedroom cottage providing ample accommodation or secondary income as required Seldom do properties of this quality come to the market with an excellent level of improvements
Tender closes 2.00pm, Thu 20th Nov 2025, Property Brokers, 4 Stanley Street, Dannevirke View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/DR106488
Sam McNair M 027 264 0002 E sam.mcnair@pb.co.nz
Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 E jared@pb.co.nz
Tender closes 2.00pm, Wed 19th Nov, 2025, Property Brokers, 4 Stanley Street Dannevirke View By appointment
Web pb.co.nz/PR207533
Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 E jared@pb.co.nz
Sam McNair M 027 264 0002 E sam.mcnair@pb.co.nz
Waitarere - 369 ha
'TULLYMORE FARMS', WAIKATO 318 Aotearoa Road
176ha Premium Dairy Opportunity
Superbly presented and meticulously maintained, Tullymore Farms offers a turnkey dairy operation with outstanding infrastructure and a strong track record of performance. Set on 176ha of predominantly rolling, fertile land and currently milking 400 cows, with additional livestock including 30 beef cattle and 88 calves. Production has shown consistent growth over the past three seasons, production of 193,903kg MS (373 cows) in 2022/23, 202,360kg MS (390 cows) in 2023/24 and 205,664kg MS (395 cows) in 2024/25. Infrastructure includes a 40 ASHB cowshed, Protrack drafting system, a vet race and a removable AB race. Effluent management is handled by a 2020-built lined pond (40m x 40m x 4m), a weeping wall and a travelling irrigator. Feeding facilities feature a 400-cow feed pad with flood wash, two 300-tonne concrete feed bunkers, one 25-tonne concrete bunker, and a 125-tonne concrete tilt panels and concrete grass silage bunker. Supplementary feed includes 577 tonnes of maize and palm kernel purchased, with grass silage made on the farm. The main home, built in 2022, is a 132m² three bedroom residence Additional dwellings include two three bedroom homes. The vendors have continually invested in improvements, ensuring the farm remains highly efficient and ready for the new owners.
pggwre.co.nz/CAM42329
KARAPIRO, WAIKATO 4/366 Karapiro Road
Premium Cambridge Further Opportunities
Massive possibilities abound with this 168.4889 hectare (more or less) farm, 12km from Cambridge. The rolling contour and neighbouring land use changes highlight the farms versatility, with use for conversion to dry stock, equine, kiwifruit or lifestyle development. Confirmation of six (6) Environmental Benefit Lot entitlements in exchange for the protection of a total of 16.38 hectares of bush and restoration areas is a key element with this property given its fantastic locality. elevated immaculately presented four-bedroom homestead, built in 2010 and recently refurbished.
pggwre.co.nz/TEK42183
TENDER
Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior Closes 3.00pm, Thursday 13 Nov
VIEW 10.00-12.00pm Tuesday 28 Oct & Monday 3 Nov
Peter Wylie
M 027 473 5855
E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz
Richard Wright
M 027 454 6000
E richardwright@pggwrightson co.nz
FINAL NOTICE
AUCTION
Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior)
11.00am, Wednesday 19 November VIEW 12.00-1.30pm Monday 27 October & 3 November
Scott Borland
E scott.borland@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 486 4893
E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz M
PIARERE, WAIKATO 310 Paparamu Road
Large Scale Dairy with Location
Consisting of 214 hectares (more or less) with approximately 180 hectares effective dairy platform. The balance is fertile flats ideal for maize and grass silage production with the balance in steeper sildings ideally set up for dairy heifer grazing. Current production is from approximately 500 MA spring calving cows milking a three year average of 187,000kg MS through a 44 ASHB dairy shed, with inshed feeders and cup removers. Other supporting buildings. Tracks and fencing are well maintained. Two well presented dwellings support the farm.
pggwre.co.nz/MAT42279
AUCTION Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 11.00am, Wednesday 19 November
VIEW 11.00-1.00pm Friday 31 October & 7 November
M 021 791 643 Trevor Kenny
E trevor.kenny@pggwrightson.co.nz
OPEN DAY
GALATEA, BOP 436 Haumea Road and 1035 Troutbeck Road
369.56 Hectare Dairy Unit, Irrigated
On offer is a dairy platform of 369.56ha milking 1250 cows, with 258ha’s under irrigation, covered by six centre pivot structures with water supplied from 3 bores under a new ground water consent granted until September 2040 to add to your dairy investment portfolio.
• 360ha effective milking 1250 cows
• 2023 – 2024 seasons production was 484,973kg MS, (52ha irrigated production)
• Irrigated area of 252ha (more or less) under 6 centre pivot irrigators
Ground water resource consent compliance in place until 2040
Recent upgrades to effluent systems with lined storage ponds
Effluent discharge resource consent compliance in place until 2038 for 1250 cows
• 1 x 36 ASHB & 1 x 40 ASHB dairy sheds & a full range of support buildings
• Excellent fertiliser history with consistent application
• Five homes and a self-contained unit, all to Healthy Home Std It’s all here with large scale and must be a consideration if you have been looking for a property to add to your dairy investment portfolio.
pggwre.co.nz/WHK42189
KATIKATI, BOP 35 Canon Road
Scale to Graze, Grow, Ride and Divide
Two road entrances. Massive views. Close to the ocean low altitude 166.8ha. 24ha ideal hay/hort land. Dairy grazing, finishing, breeding, subdivision, kiwifruit, forestry, tourism and carbon credits are all options. 80ha of clean, rolling grazing well fenced and watered for beef and stud stock. Fresh water streams tumble down impressive valleys. A decent woolshed. Power and access to one house site. This farm has scale. It offers future diversity with an enviable BOP location. Bring your surveyor and your dreams.
pggwre.co.nz/TAR42240
TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Friday 21 November VIEW 11.00-1.00pm Tuesday, 28 October & 4 November
Phil Goldsmith
M 027 494 1844
E pgoldsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz
TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm, Thur 20 Nov VIEW
1.00-2.00pm, Thur 30 Oct
2.30-3.30pm Sun 9 Nov
afowler@pggwrightson.co.nz
ONGAONGA, HAWKE'S BAY 2048 SH 50
'Indigo Heights' | Dairy Support, Grass Factory Indigo Heights presents as a well-developed and highly functional dairy support block comprising 280.182ha (692.32 acres) held in two titles Ideally located just 3km from Ongaonga Village and a convenient 55km from Waipukurau, this property offers both scale and strategic positioning. The property is currently utilised for growing out dairy replacement calves, including older age groups. The infrastructure is equally suited to a highend bull beef finishing operation. Large areas have been taken for grass and maize silage.
pggwre.co.nz/HAS42305
OPEN DAY
• 664 Ngahape Road, Ngahape, R D 3, Te Awamutu
• 210 58 hectares - 5 titles; attractive with a scattering of mature specimen trees
• flat to easy rolling contour with some sidlings
• soil types include free -draining mairoa ash + heavier soils in lower lying areas
• v g water reticulation sourced from deepwell bores + roof collection of rainwater
• substantial homestead, 3 brm + office, modernised with ensuite, new kitchen & bthrm; attached triple gge; dble basement gge; pool + tennis court; sep new dble gge/storage
• 3 additional dwellings for farm support families
• approx 900 cows currently being milked: 750 spring calving cows, 100 autumn calving cows; 50 in -milk carry-over cows
• production 2024/25: 427,670 kgs milk solids, 3 year average: 418,657 kgs milk solids
• 50 bale rotary dairy shed; auto cup removers; Protrack system for auto drafting, heat detection etc ; adjoining 400-cow covered feed pad with flood wash system; quality effluent system with solids separation & large lined effluent pond; v g implement sheds & calf rearing facilities; lge concrete silage bunkers for maize & imported feeds
• excellent lo cation with easy access to a range of options for schooling
Larger Scale Dairy
• 3 x large concrete silage bunkers; variety of utility shedding
•
Accelerating Success.
A Family Legacy Ready For The Next Generation
531 Parklands Road, Rotoorangi
For Sale by Tender closing 4pm, Tuesday 18th November 2025 (unless sold prior)
Colliers presents 531 Parklands Road, Rotoorangi, Cambridge, a 194-hectare property offered to the market for the first time in over 96 years. Held by one family for nearly a century, this farm represents an exceptional opportunity in a proven Waikato district
Featuring around 166 hectares of effective grazing, the land offers a balanced mix of flat to rolling and steeper contour suited to finishing, grazing, or cropping Improvements include good fencing, a reticulated water system, a three-stand woolshed with yards, quality cattle yards, and an airstrip with a 65-tonne fertiliser bin
A five-bedroom homestead with pool and a separate three-bedroom home add comfort and flexibility Combining scale, contour diversity, and strong infrastructure, this is a standout rural offering
Opihi Terrace Road, Waitohi, South Canterbury
Colliers Waikato
2,550
20,000+ Stock units sheep, cattle and deer
• Flat to easy rolling ash and pumice soil. 35km from Turangi and 15km from National Park
Well developed with full facilities including 4 dwellings,1100ha deer fenced, approx. 220 paddocks, reticulated water throughout
• 6 years from 1 June 2026
• Potential for longer term relationship with compatible tenant
• Joint inspections proposed 1pm Tuesday 11 November and Wednesday 19 November
Information Pack with basic lease terms & Conditions, proposal requirements and Inspection details available from: Rob Gollan – Farm Consultant, Whanganui Email: rgollan@xtra.co.nz | Ph: 06 349 0071
• Aerial Spraying
• Bulk or Bagged Fertiliser
• Weed Spraying
• Lifting building materials & water tanks
• Aerial Survey
• Gorse & Blackberry Spraying
435 424
/ Finishing Mower
11.5HP Briggs & Stratton Motor. Electric start. Belt driven.
soft and fuwwy black wabby or maybe one like that cute wittle brown wabby over there?” She puts her hands on her knees, leans forward and says in a quiet voice, “I don’t fink my pyfon weally gives a damn.”
TRAVEL
INDIA & SRI-LANKA package tours. Visit www. maharajahtours.co.nz or email india@xtra.co.nz or call Craig on 021 193 0091 for details.
WHAT’S SITTING IN your barn? Ford, Ferguson, Hitachi, Komatsu, JD. Be it an excavator, loader or tractor, wherever it is in NZ. Don’t let it rust. We may trade in and return you a brand new bucket for your digger or cash for your pocket. Email admin@loaderparts.co.nz or phone Colin 0274 426 936.
SAWN SHED TIMBER including Black Maire. Matai, Totara and Rimu etc. Also buying salvaged native logs. Phone Richard Uren. NZ Native Timber Supplies. Phone 027 688 2954.
NATIVE LOGS WANTED. Salvage logs and Green standing trees, all species. Top prices paid. We acquire all necessary MPI and Council consents. All enquiries welcome. Phone Mike 027 458 5250.
MACROCARPA AND PINE TREES. Plantations, Shelterbelts, Farm lots, Big or small, Lower North Island, Good $$$ paid. No obligation free quote. Call Grant 021 246 4329 HSF Ltd.
WANTED
WILD DEER WANTED –North Island (Reds) for venison recovery. Paying competitive rates. For more information contact Scotty 021 135 0737.
WORK WANTED
EXPERIENCED ANGUS BEEF breeder. 60 years on the land. Looking for something to do. Please email waimeadowns@ gmail.com
your
us
1YR Ang & Exotic Heifers 270-320kg
1YR Angus steers 270-340 kg
1YR Friesian Bulls 250-300kg
2YR Heifers 380-450kg
2YR Beef or Fries Bulls 470-520kg FOR SALE
Lines 1YR Friesian bulls 340-400kg
info@dyerlivestock co nz www dyerlivestock co nz Ross Dyer 0274 333 381
Easycare Genetics NZ
Renowned for their resilience and adaptability, Easycare sheep are a stabilised shedding breed established in the UK 20+ years ago. 2th rams derived from embryos imported to NZ in 2024 from top UK Easycare studs will be available this season.
Open Day – Wed 19th Nov at 1.30pm 7 Crow Road, Winton Rams and ewe hoggets with lambs available for inspection For further information phone 027 229 7267 or email: easycaregeneticsnz@gmail.com
INAUGURAL ON-FARM SALE
A/c Stewart Farming Rotohiwi Road, Flemington 18th November 2025 Commencing 1pm COMPRISING:
• 3500 Undrafted M/S Romney / Sufftex X Lambs
• Wairere Romney Ewe X Wairere Dominator Terminal Ram
• 500 4/5yr Wairere Romney Ewes
• 1000 CFA Wairere Romney Ewes
A grand opportunity to purchase undrafted terminal hill country lambs.
All lambs and ewes are GAP & NZFAP & ABF accredited.
1.5% Rebate offered by prior arrangement.
CONTACT:
Chris Johnson – 027 406 2001 Paul Johnson – 027 441 2229 Dylan Bibby – 020 4142 5991
Contact us 0800 141 545 www.carrfields.co.nz
Friday 7th November 2025, 11am
A/C M Jamieson & M Haslem
237 Whiriwhiri Road, R.D 2 Waiuku
Comprising of a large selection of Ferguson tractor and implements Various other vintage machiner y and some modern agricultural contactors equipment
Vintage Machiner y Potato implements, Ploughs, Cultivators, Saws, Hay Mowers, Scoops, Seed Drills, Hay Tedders Grader Blades Rotar y Hoes
Discs, Combine Har vester, Hedge Cutter, Forage Har vester, Ellis Chambers and Ferguson Tractors, Hay Elevator, Hay Balers, Hay Sweep, Buck Rake, Banana FEL, Front Weights, Wheel Girdles, and Dar vel Stakes, Lifting Jacks, Drawbars, Wheel Weights, and numerous vintage items
Modern Machiner y Under Sower, Disc Mower, Hay Bob, Hay
Tedder, and Post Rammer
Terms of Auc tion
• All items will be sold as is where is
• At the fall of the hammer all goods become the purchaser ’s responsibility
• Payment terms are strictly payment on sale day (Eftpos available) or charge to PGG Wrightson full account holders (No Credit Cards)
• Light refreshments for sale by FVMC
OPEN DAY: Thursday 6th November 2025 10am – 3pm
Full sale details and photos, please go to www.agonline co nz/upcomingsales
Contact: Craig Reiche (PGW ) 027 239 1181 PGG
SHEEP GENETICS
NZ’S LEADING CERTIFICATION FOR WORM RESISTANT
Worm FEC Gold genetics are a valuable tool in the box for managing worms. Farmers selecting for high FEC index rams with good production figures are in a strong position. Worm resistant sheep will help enhance the success of your parasite management in three main ways:
DECREASE PASTURE CONTAMINATION
Worm-resis tant ewes act as net removers of parasites, reducing pas ture contamination.
They also provide an excellent source of refugia.
Effective drench programmes rely on monitoring drench efficacy and pas ture contamination. Worm-resis tant genetics help reduce pas ture contamination, decrease drench reliance, and minimise the risk of drench failure. 1. 2. 3. Add rea l va lue to your parasi te management plan
BOOST PERFORMANCE
Under similar management parasite-resis tant/ resilient lambs and ewes remain healthier, s tay more productive, require fewer inputs, and maintain higher body condition compared to flocks without these genetics.
MINIMISE DRENCH FAILURE
Spring 2025 Bull Sales Review
Yearling beef bulls rev up value for vendors
Hugh Stringleman MARKETS Livestock
SPRING bull sale averages rose $800-$1600 this year as beef farmers chased higher genetics and dairy farmers bought in more service bulls to produce dairy-beef calves and weaners.
Average prices for all breeds rose when compared with last year and demand continued strongly through two months, registering 96-98% clearance rates for all the auctions where results were reported to Farmers Weekly.
The higher tone in spring sales was an echo of the resounding results of winter beef bull sales, when mainly two-year-olds for beef cow matings were sold.
The spring swing to yearling bulls suits dairy and beef farmers wanting to have their heifers run with the bull and keep birth weights and gestation lengths down.
The demand for white-faced calves meant Hereford auctions were very well attended and produced excellent results, including the top price of $29,500 paid by Maranui Hereford Stud, at Waihi, for Koanui Diamond 240342, from Havelock North.
The Diamond purchase occurred in a 50th anniversary in Hereford breeding for the Brown family at Maranui, marked by a special presentation from New Zealand Herefords.
Hereford Association general manager Posy Moody said all breeders were thrilled with the results of this year’s bull sales, where buyers have been more speculative and are using breeding values as well as structural soundness.
Dairy buyers have greater knowledge, informed by the calf rearers who know what is feed efficient and grows out really well.
Posy Moody NZ Herefords
“Demand for the white-faced calves is growing and dairy buyers have greater knowledge, informed by the calf rearers who know what is feed efficient and grows out really well,” she said.
“Buyers are looking for Herefords because they can trust them, and our breeders have been in the bull supply business for so long.”
The results recorded from 30 breeders of Hereford yearling bulls showed an average price increase of $886 this spring compared with 2024, with bulls in the North Island about $1000 dearer than in the South Island.
For 28 Angus breeders the gain this year was an average of $1686 and there was no difference between islands.
A small sample of Charolais breeders enjoyed $1675 higher prices on average.
Murray Grey breeders achieved full clearances and saw their averages climb $1229, and Speckle Park vendors gained $697 on last year’s prices.
There was insufficient data from sales of Simmental and Jersey yearling bulls.
Seven of the nationwide Angus breeders who had spring sales had top prices of $20,000 and above. Excellent average prices of $7500 and above were recorded by six studs – not necessarily those with the highest individual lot prices.
For example, Komako Angus at Ashhurst averaged over $10,000 for 47 sold, with a top of $16,000.
Four Angus studs sold more than 100 yearling bulls, led by Rissington Cattle Company in Hawke’s Bay selling more than 300.
Two Hereford Ezicalve studs sold more than 100 bulls each and four North Island sales of Hereford yearlings had average prices between $5200 and $6300, with 2025 increases between $700 and $1400.
AngusNZ president Mike Smith, in Wakatipu region, said his breed society members had received increased demand from commercial farmers who had enjoyed incredible beef and cattle prices at the farm gate.
That rewarded the efforts that went into genetics and cattle care. Prices for yearling bulls went up and breeders sought new bloodlines.
Smith observed the trend away from bobby calves in favour of more dairy-beef calf rearing, and said demand is strong for Angus bull semen.
The beef cattle industry is expanding again, and dairy farmers are looking to finish more cattle, he said.
The last of the yearling bull sales in spring included Kakahu Angus at Geraldine selling all 29 lots with an average price of $8620 and a top price of $14,000.
Further south, Mount Linton Angus sold 45 of 50 with a top of $9200 twice and an average price of $5752.
Sister studs Hollow Top Angus and Waiohine Hereford, Āpiti, sold nine of 12 Angus yearlings at $5222 average and 13 of 17 Herefords averaging $4400.
Top prices for vendor Dave Warburton were $9900 paid by a commercial farmer for a Waiohine Hereford and $6500 paid by Mangaotea Angus.
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CONGRATULATIONS: Fifty years of Hereford breeding were marked in early September by, from left, Rosalie Russo, Rita Brown, Bryce Heard (NZHA) and Stuart Brown. Photo: Maranui
DEAREST: Top of the yearling bull prices for Stern Angus was 24V091, sold for $26,000 to Leefield Station in Marlborough.
Photo: James Fraser
STANDING OUT: Top price for Charolais yearling bulls this year was $11,000 paid for Potaka’s Lot 10 by a commercial farmer.
Photo: Marcus Totman
Spring 2025 Bull Sales Review
Markets
Processing plants hang on as kill plummets
Three million sheep have disappeared from the annual kill in around a decade, yet only two significant ovine processing sites have closed.
IT’S common knowledge that the meat processing industry has an overcapacity issue.
The number of livestock around no longer justifies the number of processing plants operating. Wait times to get stock away, which used to be normal in peak parts of the season, have been almost unheard of for backto-back years now.
While this has provided some benefits to farmers – increased price competition between processors being the main bonus – it has ultimately led to plants becoming inefficient and costly to run, limiting the margin processors can allocate to schedules before incurring losses. Although not the only reason, it was one factor behind both Alliance Group and Silver Fern Farms posting back-to-back years of large losses through 2023 and 2024.
While there have been some adjustments over the past decade to fix overcapacity, change has been slow. Only two major plant closures have occurred in the South Island – Silver Fern Farms Fairton (outside Ashburton) in 2017, and Alliance’s Smithfield plant based in Timaru last year. Both were primarily sheep plants. No plants have closed in the North Island over this timeframe. What tends to get skipped in these discussions is that processing capacity has increased in some instances. Some plants have undergone large-scale upgrades, including adding processing chains, and staffing issues have balanced out postcovid, all allowing more stock to be processed in a week.
So how much has the kill really changed?
Unsurprisingly, lamb processors have been feeling the largest pinch in recent years. The 202425 season’s combined lamb and mutton kill came to 20.4 million head, the lowest since before the
late-1980s and down 848,000 head or 4% from 2023-24.
The brunt of this drop was in the South Island, where the lamb kill fell by 789,000 head in only one season. This was due not only to people fully or partially exiting the industry, but also because of high weather-related lamb losses last spring.
What’s concerning is that the national mutton kill actually reached a three-year high, 7% more than the previous season nationally, again driven by the South Island.
If we look through the 2010s, when dairy conversions were passing their peak and forestry conversions were yet to crank up, the average seasonal lamb/ mutton kill was 23.6 million head. So, effectively, 3 million ovine (or 13%) have disappeared from the 12-month kill in around a decade, yet only two out of roughly 30 significant sheep processing sites in the country have closed.
For cattle, shortages through 2024-25 processing season were much like ovine when comparing to the 12-months prior, ending the season down 118,000 head (-4.6%). This was similar in both Islands.
The major difference is this is likely the low point of the cattle supply cycle and comes off the back of record-high cattle kills through 2019-2023.
The only cattle class to report especially low kill numbers versus historic levels was bulls, which were the lowest since 199899 in the North Island and the lowest since 2016-17 in the South Island.
This aligns with low dairy-calf rearing rates due to poor returns two to three years ago, and the increased use of beef genetics in dairy herds, as these calves usually enter the slaughter system as steers or heifers.
In contrast, while the national steer/heifer kill was the lowest in
four years, it was higher than any season pre-covid.
Considering the winter/spring bobby calf kill to the end of September was 170,000-head less than last year, the lowest in over a decade, and beef breeding cows numbers have lifted, it’s safe to assume the steer/heifer/bull kill will spike again in around two years. Much the same as it did two years after 2018, when bobby numbers were similarly (but not quite as) low.
The national cow kill dropping to a 13-year low was another major reason for the slower cattle kill this season too. This is driven by much higher retention rates among dairy farmers due to the high payout and the ability to buy in feed if required, alongside a lift in dairy conversions.
Considering dairy cow numbers haven’t changed drastically in recent years, this will likely balance itself out either this coming season or next.
Reece Brick MARKETS Production
DOORS SHUT: Alliance’s Smithfield plant, based in Timaru, pictured, and Silver Fern Farms Fairton, outside Ashburton, are the only major plant closures to have occurred in recent years, says Reece Brick.
Cattle Sheep Deer
Weekly saleyard results
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Taranaki | October 22 | 615 cattle
Stortford Lodge | October 20 | 1661 sheep
Stortford Lodge | October 22 | 1178 cattle, 3685
2-year
2-year
2-year traditional steers, 560kg
2-year traditional heifers,
heifers, 255kg
Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 325kg 5.28
Mixed-age ewes & lambs, all 117-150
Store cryptorchid hoggets, most 171-178
Store ewe hoggets, most 170-221
Feilding | October 20 | 65 cattle, 2162 sheep
Boner Friesian cows, 560kg
Prime male hoggets, all
Prime mixed-sex hoggets, all
Prime mixed-sex lambs, all
Rongotea | October 21 | 65 cattle, 9 sheep
2-year Friesian heifers, 485kg
Aut-born weaner Friesian bulls, 165kg
Blenheim | October 22 | 597 cattle
2-year traditional steers, 380kg
2-year traditional heifers, 380kg
Yearling traditional steers, 305kg
Yearling traditional heifers, 300kg
Coalgate | October 16 | 173 cattle, 2454 sheep
Prime traditional steers, 495kg
Prime dairy-beef steers, 520kg
Boner Friesian cows, 475kg
Boner Friesian heifers, 630kg
Mixed-age ewes & lambs, all
Store finewool mixed-sex hoggets, most
Prime ewes, most
Prime hoggets, most
Canterbury Park | October 21 | 117 cattle, 1278
Temuka | October 20 | 390 cattle, 4045 sheep
SPRING HIGHLIGHT: The Taupo Spring Cattle Sale offered up
consignment of yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers on
Photo: bidr.co.nz
Philip Duncan NEWS Weather
IT’S amazing how fast a wet and cold start to spring can turn windy, dry and hotter.
Following 10 months of very few complaints and concerns from farmers and growers around New Zealand, there has been a rapid uptick in recent weeks. It’s not just about the dry in the east either – but other areas getting the repetitive weather, which is making life tougher.
Hawke’s Bay would be the main area of concern right now when it comes to being so dry so early in the season. Following a drier than usual year for parts of the region, the windy, dry, spring has only spread this dry further afield – and throw in some almost 30degC days and any moisture is fast evaporated.
With the often relentless windy westerly it means it’s not just Hawke’s Bay feeling the dry changes. Canterbury, Marlborough and Northland are all showing signs of a fast dryingout phase now.
Unless a northern rain maker (or easterly rain event) comes in the next couple of weeks we may find parts of Waikato, northern Auckland, Gisborne and Wairarapa fast joining this drierthan-usual list.
Then we have the other side of the coin. Those in Westland and Grey District have had a huge amount of rain lately – all pushed in by those westerlies and occasional wintry blasts. That heavy western rain has spilled over northwards into the North Island too, but the western North Island has had warmer and drier days than its West Coast neighbours to the south – meaning from a soil moisture point of view the western North Island isn’t too saturated (although a few of you have asked for some sunnier, drier, days please).
Then there’s Southland. Polar airflows have hugged the lower South Island since winter and into mid-spring, bringing some miserable days. Huge storms south of New Zealand have been fuelling this (like the low last Thursday with central air pressure of 958hPa near Stewart
Island) – ensuring the bleak weather of winter has continued on, with warmer days not as frequently in the mix.
So is there any relief coming for these regions? Unfortunately, not yet. We do see more high pressure crossing NZ itself in the first week of November –but these anticyclones are also caught up in the roaring forties belt of westerlies, meaning even if we get some settled weather, it’s unlikely to linger long.
Still, it may give westerners and southerners some drier, warmer, sunnier spells. But in the mix are more lows and rain bands from the west – and more windy westerlies.
High pressure isn’t a friend to Hawke’s Bay and other dry areas – although the break in the wind will be a positive. I always try to find silver linings and we do see some low pressure or rain potential for the North Island in November. But Hawke’s Bay may not get that rain relief.
Our November ClimateWatch outlook is issued Friday October 31. I hope next week I can see if we have some better news for these regions.
COVER ART: Rainfall accumulation over seven days starting from 7am Sunday October 26, through to 7am Sunday November 2.
