N EARLY season drought appears inevitable for much of Hawke’s Bay as farm dams empty and pasture soil moisture levels plummet.
Data collected from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s rain system highlights an emerging dry zone throughout Hawke’s Bay, defined by the area south of the Mohaka River with only a coastal strip between Haumoana and Aromoana to the south still in the council’s “green” (non-dry) zone.
This is very much an ’80s or ’90s pattern, with strong westerlies and systems coming from Australia. Phil Duncan
Hawke’s Bay farmer and shearer Heath Kingston told Farmers Weekly things had turned into a “100% winter drought” with an extremely low water table and rising concerns in southern Hawke’s Bay for stock water supplies in dams.
“Every farmer you speak to around here will tell you their dams are only about half full and
simply cannot go too much lower. If they do, you won’t make it to summer, and the water quality in them will start to fall away quickly from here.”
He said many properties with west-facing country look like they have been treated with Roundup spray, exhibiting bare, browned faces after blasts of strong drying nor’westerlies in recent weeks.
While 25mm of rainfall would be good to help boost pasture growth, he said falls over 100mm are necessary to replenish the dwindling dams.
“We grow peas for McCain and the early block looks pretty good, but the other, later block is really huffing and puffing now.”
The council’s weather data bears this out, with a station at Keirunga near Poukawa reporting only 320mm of rain since January 1, against a year-to-date average of 540mm based off 40 years of data.
Tukipo station near Ashley Clinton has had only 410mm for the year, against a long-term average of 693mm year to date.
WeatherWatch forecaster and director Phil Duncan confirmed there is little relief in sight for Hawke’s Bay, with a “back to the future” look to this spring’s weather pattern.
“This is very much an ’80s or ’90s pattern, with strong westerlies and systems coming from Australia.
Continued page 3
The warmth of a rural community with room to unwind
Setting out to outwit a trout
The fishing season is underway and anglers are accessing their favourite fishing spots, often through farmland. Janine Smith and Simon Norwick, who own a 280 hectare Maniototo sheep and beef farm, are keen anglers and conservationists. Their advice to those going fishing is to respect access and leave gates as you find them. ‘If you see a farmer, say g’day and thank them for the access,’ Smith says.
Photo: Bruce Quirey, Otago Fish & Game
Rockit’s recovery to take longer than first expected. NEWS 4
Kiwi tech reinvigorates Illinois farm
Angus cattle and a piece of Kiwi ingenuity are helping North American crop farming couple Greg and Janis Theron embrace regenerative farming principles. Photo: Neal Wallace
OIO gives the AllianceDawn Meats deal the go-ahead.
7
Phil Weir’s keen to join hands and advance Australasia fair.
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ISSN 2463-6002 (Print) ISSN 2463-6010 (Online)
Contents
Focus
Farmers
Sales Season
1-13
14-15
17-19
20-23
24-34
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37-39
News in brief Scales growth
Scales Corporation has agreed to increase its shareholding in its Australian Global Proteins joint ventures. It will acquire 50% of Meateor Australia, 50% of Fayman International and 42.5% of ANZ Exports. As a result of these investments, both Meateor Australia and Fayman International become 100%-owned subsidiaries and ANZ Exports will be 85% owned.
Partnership signed
Wools of New Zealand has signed a partnership agreement with a leading Chinese manufacturer as the company looks to further grow demand in China.
Wools of NZ chief executive John McWhirter said the signing with Anmao was an important opportunity to strengthen customer relationships and promote the NZ wool brand.
Wool demand
CONCERNING: Lincoln University’s head of agribusiness and food marketing, Dr Nic Lees, says Rockit appears to have learnt little from the earlier experiences of the kiwifruit sector.
P13
All wool types have continued to meet strengthening demand for the fourth consecutive week, with average values pushing well through the $4/kg mark on all strong wool fleece types while best topmaking fine wools all sold above $20/kg. South Island auction manager Dave Burridge said significant global shortages of all wool types prompted levels of demand at the Christchurch wool exchange not seen in a generation. Merino fleece best top-making fleece average sale (clean) values all lifted 12% with 16-micron at $25 a kilogram, 17-micron $23.40, 18-micron $22.20 and 19-micron $20.25.
Agrizero investment
Agrizero NZ has lifted its investment in livestock methane vaccine developers ArkeaBio by a further $5.9 million (US$3.5m).
The Boston-based agricultural bioscience company is the first to have demonstrated methane reduction in cattle from a vaccine. This is on top of AgriZeroNZ’s initial investment of US$6m in 2024.
New ship on the way for Chatham Islands
Annette Scott NEWS Transport
THE government has confirmed a contract for a new Chatham Islands supply vessel, set to be operational in 2027.
A joint venture by McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers SA (MBL JV) will supply a new 78m ship, designed to service the needs of the Chatham Islands community, Associate Transport Minister James Meager said. He made the announcement during a two-day trip to the Chathams.
“Contract negotiations will ensure the Chathams have a secure, reliable, long-term service which maintains or exceeds current levels, and has capacity to grow alongside the islands.
“This represents a major step in the progress of a replacement supply vessel, which is a vital economic and community lifeline for the Chatham Islands,” Meager said.
At 40 years old, the current Southern Tiare is nearing the end of its commercial life with increasing unreliability and high maintenance costs
Continued from page 1
“There is little prospect of significant rain to the east coast from it, with heaps for the west coast,” he said.
Any circuit breaker would have to come from a northerly cyclonic system, but even with some La Niña pattern present, these are not penetrating south of Fiji.
NIWA’s soil moisture maps indicate southern Hawke’s Bay soils were 30mm drier than normal by the end of September.
AgriHQ analyst and Hawke’s Bay farmer Mel Croad said water delivery trucks did not slow down even over winter this year, topping up rural households as an
creating significant hardship for a community that relies on it to import and export critical supplies.
“MBL JV’s practical, futurefocused proposal meets locals’ needs, and ensures a reliable service which can be scaled up to support future increased demand.
“It also gave us the greatest confidence a new ship can be delivered in-budget before the current vessel retires, without substantial upgrades required to existing infrastructure.
“Due to the unreliability of
incremental dryness crept up on the region.
“It has meant lamb finishers have been able to quit them and get into cropping earlier on the drier ground. Talking to processors, even they have been caught by how quickly those lambs have come in.”
She said a similar situation was witnessed last year, albeit later in October, with large volumes of stock sold into a rising store market. She picked it is likely many lambs will be exiting the region again this year.
“And the demand in areas like western North Island, where they have had good rain, will certainly be there.”
the Southern Tiare, we’ve seen examples of petrol running out, diesel supplies nearly exhausted, and livestock unable to be moved, resulting in widespread culls.
“This deeply impacts livelihoods and wellbeing and must be resolved.”
The new service will support the Chatham’s economy, particularly farming, fishing, and tourism, while ensuring essential supplies continue to reach the community for at least the next two decades.
Earlier this year, the government
She said some timely rain now could see the situation turn around relatively quickly.
Further south in coastal Wairarapa, feed levels are also tightening.
Castlepoint farmer and Federated Farmers provincial president Robert Hickson said this year’s dryness means feed is less than he may have expected.
“Some more rain right about now will definitely be welcome and help with the summer crops going in now too.”
He is nervously eyeing NIWA’s drought forecasting dashboard, which has a 50% risk of Wairarapa experiencing drought within 35 days.
FUTURE: An image of the new Chatham Islands ship, which is due to be in service from 2027.
Photo: Supplied
information to support a best-forChathams outcome.
“We will now focus on ensuring continuity of shipping services until the new vessel is built and McCallum Bros is ready to commence operations.”
Smith acknowledged the dedication of CISL staff and governors past and present whose efforts have made the shipping service possible.
“Shipping between the Chathams and NZ is effectively part of our State Highway 1 network, alongside our airport, and is critical to our community’s ongoing wellbeing.
invited Chatham Islanders and key stakeholders to share what they saw as important factors for a new Chathams shipping service.
Chatham Islands Shipping Limited (CISL) acting chief executive Doug Smith said the company is “naturally disappointed” not to have been successful in securing the government’s new ship-build contract.
“Throughout the selection process, we openly shared our expertise and sensitive commercial
“We are encouraged by McCallum Bros’ intention to employ local Chatham Islanders, helping to maintain jobs and stability during the transition over the coming two years.”
Mayor Monique Croon said the ship is vital to the island’s economy.
“It brings in all our groceries and fuel, and also we’re a large exporter so we have fish and livestock to go out.”
In Budget 2022, $35 million was put aside for a replacement ship, at least $10m of which has been spent keeping the current 40-yearold vessel operational.
RETRO: WeatherWatch forecaster and director Phil Duncan says there is little relief in sight for Hawke’s Bay, with a ‘back to the future’ look to this spring’s weather pattern.
Photo: File
Rockit responds to concerns of growers
Richard Rennie NEWS Horticulture
ROCKIT Apples CEO
Grant McBeath has responded to a series of Farmers Weekly questions about grower concerns over the company’s performance.
Some growers have told Farmers Weekly they intend to remove Rockit trees from their orchards because of consistent poor returns for the past three years.
McBeath said Rockit is working with several growers to review their operations, which involves grafting over all or part of their orchard, or transferring plantings to another grower.
“We are tightening our quality parameters into the 2026 harvest, and some growers may struggle to adapt their orchard to the changes.
“So some growers are retaining blocks where they know they can grow great fruit and grafting some blocks across where they know they’ll struggle.”
In response to concerns about
handling a surge in apple volume, McBeath said Rockit has launched new product categories, and is working to stimulate demand in key markets.
But he said Rockit’s recovery will likely take longer than initially expected, with a three-year plan in place to increase profit per hectare and improve supply chain efficiency.
What we’ve shared with our growers is that the name of the game is getting demand ahead of supply.
Grant McBeath Rockit
The likely payout range for growers for the 2025 season is 60c$1.00 per tube.
For the 2026 season Rockit is forecasting $1.30 a tube. Breakeven for most growers is $1.10 a tube.
High volume growth predictions were confirmed by McBeath. The
current 60,000-bin harvest is anticipated to double by 2029, with the past high rate of growth expected to moderate over the next few seasons to about 20% a year.
Volume increases and variable fruit quality have also been impacted by broader economic challenges that McBeath said are affecting multiple premium fruit varieties, including the likes of other apple varieties, durian fruit and cherries.
Meantime he cited a 42% increase year on year for sellthrough volume as an encouraging sign of momentum.
Growers producing smallerdiameter Rockit apples have been most affected by payment downgrades in recent years and those grafting onto older, lowdensity tree populations have been hit hardest.
“We are working closely with those growers to provide support with internal and external subject experts, consultants, agronomists, and horticultural scientists to improve on orchard efficiency and optimise fruit sizing.”
He said it is an orchard-layout issue, not a regional issue that is causing the problems.
When it comes to helping Rockit growers move back into profitable production, McBeath said a higher orchard gate return is the company’s priority.
“What we’ve shared with our growers is that the name of the game is getting demand ahead of supply.
“We will achieve this with a three-pronged strategy: deliver
Govt will pitch in on big power projects
THE government has indicated it is willing to back major electricity projects with fresh investment, though the questions of what, when and how much remain unanswered. The commitment comes as part of the coalition’s hotly anticipated response to a sweeping review of the electricity sector after shortages pushed up wholesale power prices.
The package of measures –which stops well short of any major shake-up – also includes moves toward a new gas import facility and stronger powers for the Electricity Authority.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she had written to the state’s three part-owned power companies – Genesis, Mercury and Meridian – to make clear the Crown would take part in any capital raising needed for big new projects.
She said the move was designed to end any doubts that the government will not stump
up extra cash, which has been holding back investment in new generation.
“We wish to correct that perception,” Willis said.
“The government is committed to maintaining its legally mandated 51% stake in the MOM [mixed-ownership model] companies, and we accept we would need to participate in any equity raise required for major new investments.
“We are more than willing to do this, if the proposals stack up.”
Willis said there was “no one
silver bullet” to fix challenges facing energy affordability.
“We are ... the biggest investor in electricity generation in New Zealand, so our investment signals really matter.”
Energy Minister Simon Watts said New Zealand needs more reliable back-up supply for dry years when hydro and wind cannot meet demand.
He said a new procurement process for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal will begin this week. The plan is to get it delivered in time for winter 2027.
TIGHTER: Rockit apples CEO Grant McBeath says Rockit’s recovery will likely take longer than initially expected, with a three-year plan in place to increase profit per hectare and improve supply chain efficiency.
the season, improve our supply chain, and simplify our business.
“Our recovery plan is all about laying stronger foundations for long-term success by shifting our focus from quantity to quality. Tightening quality control, refining our supply strategy, SKU rationalisation, and growing new channels.
“We are committed to regularly updating our growers on progress.”
MORE: See page 13
This week’s poll question:
Do you think the government’s reforms will do anything to lower power prices?
Have your say at farmersweekly.co.nz/poll
Photo: Rockit
At home on the (virtually fenced) range
Neal Wallace in Stockton, Illinois TECHNOLOGY
Exports
EXPORTS of New Zealandcreated agritech are worth about $2.5 billion a year – and could conceivably soon grow to four times that, says AgriTechNZ chief executive Brendan O’Connell.
As an export sector, agritech boxes above its weight with growth of 14-16% a year compared to the sector’s global growth of 12-14%.
O’Connell said that growth comes from NZ’s reputation as a food and fibre producer and its can-do attitude.
“When they see someone from NZ turn up, they know they will be pretty well-regarded and what they have developed will do what they say it does.”
Conventional fencing in the United States and Canada is expensive and labour an issue for many farmers who operate oneman units, said Sharl Liebergreen, Gallagher eShepherd US director of sales.
Gallagher launched virtual fencing into the US and Canada last year, in a market where
farmers can also access significant financial incentives to adopt technology.
Liebergreen said there are between 600,000 and 700,000 beef farmers in the US with an average herd of 44 cows. Much of the existing fencing is barbed wire, which costs US$3.50/foot or US$20,000/mile to build.
“With many farms being a oneman band and the quality of some fencing being average at best, they are looking for a better solution,” said Liebergreen.
These aren’t incremental gains from agritech, they’re quantum shifts.
Sarah Adams Gallagher
Gallagher is one of four virtual fencing suppliers operating in the US, a market he describes as having enormous potential.
Small-herd owners tend to embrace technology. Those slightly larger are more commercially driven but looking for better ways to contain their cattle, and the large ranchers are
TARIFFS,
TRUMP AND THE NEW AMERICA
more traditional, in the mode of the television series Yellowstone.
“Some see the opportunity and are happy to go virtual, but others do not yet believe in it,” Liebergreen said.
For some, being able to move cattle remotely reduces the risk of stock being engulfed by wildfires – and virtual fencing allows those that are grazing Forest Service allotments to prove contract conditions are being fulfilled.
Sarah Adams, Gallagher general manager of global strategy and new ventures, said the fact that NZ agritech has been developed with input from NZ farmers means it is well received by international markets.
Gallagher has recently branched out into Europe, which follows growth into Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
Adams said there has been interest in precision systems that integrate eShepherd with satellite-linked paddock sensors that provide information on feed quantity and quality data into real-
time feed budgets. This in turn is combined with in-paddock stock weighing systems.
The next substantial advance in animal management technology will centre on camera-vision monitoring of animal health, weight and condition in the field.
“These aren’t incremental gains from agritech, they’re quantum shifts.”
Weight-loss drugs a huge gain for dairy
Neal Wallace in Chicago MARKETS Dairy
MILK prices in the United States may currently be down but the dairy industry is playing a long game, according to Chicago-based Rabobank dairy analyst Lucas Fuess.
He told Farmers Weekly that new farms are being established and US dairy processors are investing billions of dollars in production facilities with expectations that demand for dairy
protein is only going to increase. By the fourth quarter of this year, farmgate milk prices in the US are expected to be about a third lower than last year.
Yet June milk production was 4.2% ahead of the same month the previous year and well ahead of long-term annual growth of about 1.5%.
Fuess, the son of a New York dairy farmer, said the view is that significant dairy growth can only come from the US.
New Zealand milk production set new records in August, but Fuess said long-term prospects are for
flows to be static while regulatory controls are likely to result in lower volumes from Europe.
Demand is growing in the US and in countries like Mexico, one of its largest dairy markets, primarily for dairy ingredients and food service.
Two processors, Hilmar and Leprino, are each spending NZ$1.7 billion (US$1 billion) on new cheese production plants, and Daisy Brands is laying out NZ$2bn (US$1.2bn) on a cottage cheese and sour cream plant.
Farmer-friendly states are courting investors to establish new dairy farms, with one of
the country’s largest farmers, Riverview from Minnesota, planning two units in North Dakota, one of 25,000 cows and the other of 12,500.
The US dairy herd is forecast to grow by 30,000 to 50,000 cows this year.
“There are billions of dollars going into processing capacity, the majority on the cheese side,” said Fuess.
The era of animal fat being viewed as evil appears over and protein is now regarded positively, including by diet-conscious consumers, said Fuess.
MORE: See page 11
• 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.
There are billions of dollars going into processing capacity, the majority on the cheese side.
Lucas Fuess Rabobank
It is estimated that by 2035 the US market for weight-loss drugs will be worth NZ$138bn.
Those taking weight-control drugs, predominantly prescribed by doctors, need to also take protein to avoid losing muscle mass along with fat.
Yoghurt, cottage cheese and whey powder are ideally suited.
INPUT: Sarah Adams, Gallagher general manager of global strategy and new ventures, says the fact NZ agritech has been developed with input from NZ farmers means it is well received by international markets.
OIO greenlights Dawn Meats deal
Gerhard Uys NEWS Production
HE Overseas Investment
TOffice has given the Alliance-Dawn Meats deal the go-ahead.
Alliance chair Mark Wynne told farmers at Southland roadshows last week that Delmec Unlimited, part of Dawn Meats Group, has been granted consent under the Overseas Investment Act 2005 to acquire up to 65% of the shares in Alliance Group Limited.
The application was processed under the significant business assets and benefit to New Zealand farmland pathways, Wynne said.
“The approval by OIO represents a significant milestone in the proposed strategic investment partnership process,” he said.
The consent is subject to several conditions, including a minimum capital expenditure amount and conditions that cover the use of the residential land associated with some of the plants.
The Dawn Meats investment is conditional on several requirements, including OIO approval and antitrust and merger clearances, which were also approved in Europe last week.
Wynne told farmers the only hurdle to overcome now is consent from farmer shareholders, which
means a yes vote from their side.
One of the big changes for farmers is that Alliance shares will be transferred to the USX on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with trading confined to shareholders and qualifying suppliers.
Wynne urged farmer shareholders not to dump shares.
He said if farmers rush to dump shares the share value will drop, but if “people hold and there’s good dividend streams over a period of time, the prices should come up. It’s the market at work right now, [there’s a] redemption risk, which is a challenge that all co-ops have [if] people rush for the door. If people rush to buy more, the price will go up.”
Meantime, Alliance is reducing its reliance on third-party suppliers, but they will remain a critical part of operations to fill gaps where necessary.
Pahia sheep and beef farmer
John Dillon told Farmers Weekly at an Alliance roadshow last week that farmers are upset when they hear third-party suppliers pay premiums to those farmers who supply large volumes of stock to the co-operative.
Over a large volume of animals, a premium makes a significant difference, he said, with farmers who do not receive a premium feeling left out.
He said if farmers stand together,
Antitrust and merger clearances were also approved in Europe last week.
Alliance will change its behaviour.
Farmers could talk to stock agents and hold stock back until it is needed, he said.
Large suppliers are holding Alliance to ransom – and Alliance does not treat suppliers equally, he said.
Alliance chief executive Willie Wiese said Alliance has decreased the premium amounts paid for large volumes, and is now sourcing 80% of stock internally.
The general manager for livestock and shareholder services at Alliance, Murray Behrent, told Farmers Weekly that third-party suppliers are critical to keep operations going.
Behrent said farmers forecast their lamb kill, and Alliance updates its chain capacity according to the forecast, but there are often cancellations of up to
CONSENT: Alliance chair Mark Wynne told farmers at roadshows that, with the Overseas Investment Office giving the goahead for the Dawn Meats deal, the only hurdle now is consent from farmer shareholders.
60,000 lambs before delivery. Cancellations are often the result of the lamb schedule moving up and farmers trying to put more weight on animals before sending them to the works, he said.
“The problem is I have people coming to work on Monday morning and I have hooks to fill. If I don’t, our overheads go through the roof and I have to lower the schedule and the plant is inefficient,” he said. It is then up to outside suppliers to fill hooks.
Photo: Gerhard Uys
Date set for Mainland divestment vote
GOOD VALUE:
Fonterra Cooperative Council
chair John Stevenson says the independent assessment by Northington Partners concluded that the price for Mainland Group was attractive and consistent with peer companies and transactions.
Hugh Stringleman NEWS Fonterra
FONTERRA shareholders have been sent a Notice of Meeting setting out how to vote on the sale of Mainland Group to French dairy giant Lactalis for $4.22 billion.
Voting will open on October 7 and the virtual special meeting will be at 10.30am on October 30.
Shareholders have five ways to cast a vote – by post, online before the meeting, online during the meeting, by proxy and by corporate representative.
As it is a virtual meeting, farmers cannot attend to vote in person.
While there will be provision to ask questions online during the meeting, shareholders are encouraged to submit them online as early as possible before the meeting so they may be addressed at the appropriate time during the meeting.
The voting entitlement is based on fully paid-up shares – one vote for every 1000kg of milk production backed by shares.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride said the Notice of Meeting contains the strategic rationale for the divestment, a description of the assets involved and the expected financial shape of Fonterra after the sell-off.
“Following a highly competitive sale process with multiple interested bidders, your board is confident that a sale to Lactalis is the highest value option for the co-op, including over the long term.
“Alongside a strong valuation for the businesses being divested, the sale allows for a full divestment of these assets, is lower risk, and [offers] a faster return of capital to the co-op’s owners when compared with an IPO.”
Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson said the independent assessment by Northington Partners concluded that the price for Mainland Group was attractive and consistent with peer companies and transactions.
The commercial case for the divestment is sound and the sale will make Fonterra a better business, the report said.
Fonterra has the balance sheet strength to fund the proposed capital return and its near-term investment plans, Northington reported.
Stevenson said 26 of 27 councillors support the sale proposal.
The resolution for the special meeting concerns the sale of Mainland Group to BSA SAS, a division of Lactalis, followed by agreements concerning raw milk supply in New Zealand, a global supply agreement and a distribution agreement.
The explanatory notes say that Fonterra will be an essential long-term supplier and partner to Lactalis, with Lactalis becoming one of Fonterra’s top customers following the transaction.
“Lactalis acknowledges the importance of this aspect of the transaction for Fonterra and shareholders and is proud to partner with Fonterra over the long term, including through the agreements referenced above.”
The purchase price is currently estimated at $4.22 billion, subject to adjustments to reflect the actual cash amount, actual debt amount and actual working capital of Mainland at completion.
Conditions in the sale agreement cover the consents required from the Overseas Investment Office and Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board.
Fonterra hopes to complete the sale in the first quarter of 2026.
Three years’ restraint of trade prevents Fonterra from having any part in a business of the nature of Mainland Group – being a global consumer business, an ingredients business in Australia, or a foodservice business in certain parts of the world.
The raw milk supply agreement to Mainland in NZ has an initial term of 10 years, or seven years followed by 36 months’ notice, but it is non-exclusive, meaning that Mainland can source from other providers.
The Notice of Meeting says Fonterra has 15,700 employees worldwide and around 4300 are part of Mainland Group and will cease to be part of Fonterra, including Mainland chief executive René Dedoncker.
the sale of the company’s North Island assets will see a simpler and more focused dairy business.
Gerald Piddock NEWS
Dairy
FOUR months after he took the reins as Synlait CEO, Richard Wyeth believes the beleaguered
Synlait looks ahead to business reset
dairy company has the makings of a path back to prosperity.
In the short term that path includes completing the sale of Synlait’s North Island assets for $307 million to United States company Abbot and developing a new strategy for the dairy company.
“At Synlait, I’m still developing the full strategy but the ‘Big Fix for ’26’ is what we are focusing on this year,” he told Farmers Weekly.
That focus is on operational stability, quality performance, customer satisfaction, financial resilience and strengthening the company’s culture.
“Synlait is filled with great people who have been through a huge amount of challenges over the last few years.
“My observation coming into the business is that it’s very much a culture of reactivity that’s driven some of those challenges.
“I want to reset the business so
we can really focus on proactive performance.”
The strategy for the next three to five years will be finalised in the next two to three months.
In the short term, its business mix of advanced nutrition, ingredients food service and consumer will remain largely unchanged.
However, Wyeth hinted at opportunities to alter that in the future.
“We need to earn the right to grow. The current products we’ve got are good, so we need to make sure we are utilising all of the assets accordingly, so we earn the right to go again and grow.”
Dealing with Synlait’s financial woes is familiar territory for Wyeth, who spent four years as CEO at Westland Milk Products, where he turned around the fortunes of the Hokitika-based company.
Prior to his time at Westland, he
spent 11 years at Miraka, spanning the creation of that business to building it up.
It has resulted in Wyeth being seen by some as the dairy industry’s ‘Mr Fixit’. He said he never intended to have that reputation.
“It’s the nature of turning Westland around after many years of poor performance to have three to four years of good performance there.
“I’ve always loved a challenge and all I can do is utilise my knowledge and experience to help it improve.”
While Synlait and Westland had similar financial situations, how they got into those situations was different, he said.
Westland needed to understand the business it was in and in his four years in that role he was driving that understanding within that company.
Synlait, on the other hand, had manufacturing challenges and
required a different solution, he said.
The biggest lesson from the experience at Westland was the value of simplifying the focus of the business.
That involved initiating a cultural shift so that people understand what they need to do, each and every one of them every day, to make the business go faster.
That proved to be very successful at Westland.
One of the reasons Wyeth came to Synlait was that its fundamentals were so strong, he said.
“I was attracted to this role due to the company’s strategic strengths. It has world class assets, and its foundations are strong.”
After the sale of its North Island assets, Wyeth said, Synlait will be a more focused company and will use the Dunsandel factory’s three dryers to make the highest value products possible.
Slimmed-down dairy co sells North Island assets
Gerald Piddock NEWS
Dairy
SYNLAIT will sell its North Island assets – its Pōkeno factory, blending and canning facility and its warehouse – for $307 million to United States healthcare company Abbott.
The sale was announced along with Synlait’s annual result for the 2025 financial year. It is subject to Synlait obtaining shareholder approval, Abbott receiving Overseas Investment Office approval and other regulatory and customary consents and is targeted to be completed on April 1 next year.
Synlait’s majority shareholder, Bright Dairy, has stated that it will vote in favour of the transaction, meaning that approval is satisfied. The sale also has the full
backing of Synlait’s board, which recommended that shareholders vote in favour of resolution.
Synlait chair George Adams called 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,” Adams said.
The company reported a net loss after tax of $39.8m. In the previous year, it had a $182m loss. Its revenue for the year was $1.827 billion, up from $1.637b for 2024.
Synlait has reduced its debt by 55%, from $551.6m to $250.7m.
Its ingredients business turned around from a $13.5m loss to a gross profit of $13.1m. Its
advanced nutrition business had a 29% increase in gross profit to $95m and the gross profit in Synlait’s consumer business lifted 28% to $39m, driven by growth in export markets including entry to Thailand and Vietnam.
This valuable reset presents Synlait with a rich opportunity to move beyond crises to planning a real and vibrant future.
George Adams Synlait
Synlait’s foodservice business had a 92% lift in production volumes, with improved margins, although further gains are required to deliver profitability. It sold 8.4 million 1-litre bottles of cream last year.
Last season’s milk price was a record $10.16/kg MS for its farmers.
For the average South Island supplier, that equated to a $10.66/
kg MS payment once its 30 cent incentive and 20 cent premium payments are included.
The forecast for the current season is $10/kg MS.
FOCUS: Synlait CEO Richard Wyeth says
FACTORY: Synlait will sell its North Island factory at Pōkeno, along with its canning and warehouse facilities, to US healthcare company Abbott for $307m, subject to shareholder approval.
EU deforestation delay opens gap for NZ
ANigel Stirling MARKETS Sheep and beef
NOTHER delay in the European Union’s plans to make beef producers account for their contributions to global deforestation has raised hopes among exporters that they may yet be given a free pass on the regulation’s onerous reporting requirements.
The EU’s Deforestation Regulation was delayed last year ahead of its original January 1 2025 implementation date to give exporters around the world time to comply with tracing and due diligence requirements.
Now the EU Commission has proposed pushing back the start date for a second time from the January 1 2026 deadline exporters had been working towards.
“We need the time to combat the risk with the load of information in the IT system,” the EU’s
environment commissioner, Jessika Roswald, said.
The New Zealand meat sector is understood to have spent $250,000 developing its own IT system linking satellite images of farms with records of individual animals through the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) system.
Until we have got formal notification that this will not be enforced, we will carry on as if it would be.
Rick Walker ANZCO
Beef exporter ANZCO’s general manager of sales and marketing, Rick Walker, said the cost in time and money for individual exporters was likely to be much greater.
“It was going to be extremely onerous and require a huge amount of data going through
Yearling bull prices still pawing ground
Hugh Stringleman MARKETS Livestock
PEAK prices for yearling beef bulls are nearing $30,000 as the spring sale season surges on.
Sale averages that at the start of the season were $1000 to $1500 higher than last year are now pushing as high as $4000 more, without the help of record-priced top lots.
Koanui Polled Herefords sold all 34 yearling bulls with a top price of $29,500 paid for Koanui Diamond 240342 by Maranui Herefords, Waihi Beach.
Koanui vendors Chris and Jennifer Chesterman said the average sale price of $6347
was very satisfying, along with transfers to Knightlands at $11,500 and Limehills at $10,500.
It was the first Koanui yearling bull sale for many years, aimed at providing premium bulls for heifer mating.
Timperlea Angus, Oxford, sold 26 of 29 offered and received a top price of $26,000 for Timperlea V32 paid by Kenhardt Angus, Nuhaka.
Twin Oaks Angus, Te Akau, had a full clearance of 57 bulls with an average of $7929, some $2500 up on last year.
Vendor Roger Hayward said the crowd turnout was overwhelming and Lot 6, Twin Oaks V069, was the top price at $17,000, paid by the Wilkins family in Southland.
Bushy Downs Herefords, Te
these due diligence statements and that is the issue the [EU] Commission has suddenly realised – just the amount of data that they were going to have to manage at their end.”
Since 2022, when the reporting requirement was first proposed, NZ has sought a free pass on the basis it is planting more trees on its farms than it is cutting down.
In May the EU classified NZ as posing a low risk to global deforestation, bringing lower reporting and auditing requirements for exporters compared to standard and highrisk countries.
Walker said the latest delay is an opportunity for the NZ government to revisit with the EU its earlier arguments for exclusion from the regulation altogether.
“One solution is to go back to the conversation about not just a negligible risk category but a zero-risk category which would take out ... the huge number of countries where this is an
absolutely irrelevant issue.”
The EU Commission will now wait on approvals from the EU Council, representing the governments of the bloc’s 27 member states, and the EU Parliament, before signing off on the delay.
Awamutu sold 39 of 39 yearling bulls averaging $5616 and a top price of $9500 for Lot 86.
They also sold 63 of 63 two-yearolds with an average of $6150, compared with $4400 last year.
The top price was $7500 made twice.
Transfers included for $9000 to N and K Chapman, Wairoa, and for $7000 to Maata Herefords, Eltham.
Ranui Angus, Whanganui, sold
REVISIT: ANZCO’s general manager of sales and marketing, Rick Walker, says the latest delay presents an opportunity for the NZ government to revisit with the EU its arguments for exclusion from the regulation altogether.
However, shipping deadlines mean exporters cannot wait for confirmation of the delay, Walker said.
“Until we have got formal notification that come January 1 this will not be enforced, we will carry on as if it would be.”
all 29 bulls offered and averaged $8100 compared with $4048 last year.
The top price was Lot 1 Ranui V37, sold for $17,000 to Twin Oaks, among six transfers, and vendor Lindsay Johnstone said 51 heifers were sold at an average of $1778.
Premier Cattle Company, Cambridge, sold 28 of 29 Speckle Parks and Murray Greys with a top price of $9500 for Lot 9, SP Premier Anamudi V2.
Vermont Angus, at Alford Forest, Canterbury, sold 27 of 29 with a top of $6500.
Rosemount Charolais, Hawera, sold all 26 yearling bulls with an average of $5068 and a top price of $9000 paid by a commercial farmer. Last year’s average was $3900.
Blackbridge Simmentals, Kaikohe, sold all 21 15-month bulls averaging $5314 versus $3711 last year and a top price of $8200.
WORKING HOLIDAY: Koanui Diamond 240342 is swapping Hawke’s Bay for Waihi Beach, after the highest transfer price this spring.
Kiwi tech helps reinvigorate Illinois farm
ANGUS cattle and a piece of Kiwi ingenuity are helping a North American cropping farming couple adopt regenerative farming principles.
Greg and Janis Theron grow crops and farm cattle on 960 hectares of rolling farmland near Stockton in northwest Illinois, about two hours west of Chicago.
Alongside corn, wheat, rye, soya beans and barley, they also integrate cover crops and seed mixes for their 160 Angus cows, 22 replacements and up to 60 finishing cattle.
The third-generation farmer enjoys working with livestock – and that is where Gallagher’s eShepherd virtual fencing comes into play.
About 80ha is pasture and 880ha is tillable for cropping but Theron was uncomfortable with the volume of chemicals he was using so he adopted a regenerative system that included a greater role for cattle.
It fitted Theron’s holistic approach: take care of the soil and it will take care of him.
“I see a major role for ruminant livestock in soil management. They are a key, and eShepherd is brilliant, I love it,” he said.
Illinois is predominantly a cropping state and has few if any permanent stock-proof fences, which are expensive to build.
Previously Theron used Gallagher’s electric fencing system but with a landholding ranging from a few hectares to a few
hundred spread across the county, shifting multiple mobs of animals was a time-consuming task.
To fully use the cattle manure and natural tilling of their hoofs requires timely shifts when residual cover is not too long or too short.
This is possible using virtual fencing.
Theron has not tilled his land since 2012, does not use genetically modified seed and grows cover crops to feed the soil and his cattle.
Other than low application rates of nitrogen for his corn, he uses no other fertiliser or chemicals, the soil getting all it needs from some dairy manure, diverse seed mixes, crop management and cattle.
“The key to regenerative farming is diversity and making sure everything I do is holistic,” Theron told Farmers Weekly.
A closed herd means he does not
use worm treatment, other than for calves.
He is experimenting with the sowing space between corn rows to find the ideal distance to allow cover crops to establish and provide feed for his cattle, which could have additional benefits.
ROAM COMPANION:
to clear
uses Gallagher eShepherd
“Corn are wimps. It is one of the least tolerant crops.
“They say the worst weed for corn is another corn, they hate competition.”
All his corn is sold as stock feed and cereals to feed and milling markets.
I like knowing where my cattle are and eShepherd is brilliant.
Theron intends increasing his cattle herd and said he could easily double the number, but for his reliance on leased land and the need to install stock water.
Natural springs that Theron’s ancestors drained to dry the land to grow crops, are being tapped to provide water for his cattle.
Using eShephed’s virtual fencing means from his phone he can manage feed breaks even in inaccessible places, while keeping
track of each individual animal.
“I like knowing where my cattle are and eShepherd is brilliant.”
For his prime cattle, Theron targets between 630 and 680kg liveweight at 18 to 22 months, which are sold in autumn to regular customers for which he gets about a 10% premium over current market returns.
Theron aims for crop production in the top 10% of the district.
His average corn yield is 6340kg/ ha (180 bushels/acre) while the best in the district average over 8000kg/ha.
Having much lower input costs and premiums earned for some crops due to his regenerative practices, he is more profitable now than under a conventional system.
His average soya bean yield is 1832kg/ha and wheat 2537kg/ha.
Northwest Illinois winters can be cold ,with sustained temperatures below 0degC, but summers can be hot, ranging from 17degC to 28degC
The Therons have two children who are forging their own careers so the couple aim to help settle three young farming couples on the farm and assist them to continue with regenerative practices.
“We had some tough years but I think we can help people by telling them the mistakes we made.”
Theron doesn’t regret blazing his own path, saying he loves the challenge and at age 68 still bounces out of bed each morning.
“If you hit the easy button all the time, you’ll never evolve.”
• 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.
weeds under a woodlot on Greg Theron’s Illinois farm, where he
to contain them.
Neal Wallace in Stockton, Illinois TECHNOLOGY On farm
PLACID: Greg Theron feeds his cattle hay most days. Photos: Neal Wallace
Greg Theron Stockton, Illinois
Rockit flight path needs a major adjustment
Richard Rennie NEWS Horticulture
ROCKIT problems echo those in the kiwifruit sector decades ago that prompted a near collapse as volumes surged and grower returns evaporated, says Lincoln University agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Lees has an extensive career history in the horticultural sector and was working in the kiwifruit sector in the late 1980s when highly taxed investors sought refuge in kiwifruit orchard projects.
Supply surged and prices collapsed, prompting the creation of Zespri and with it stricter supply control, quality standards and plant variety right licensing.
“Rockit is repeating the same mistakes, chasing volume without controlling supply or securing sustainable consumer demand,” Lees said.
“With 950 hectares licensed in NZ this already represents almost 10% of our total apple supply, with another 750ha overseas”
Unlike Zespri, though, Rockit’s shareholders are not its growers
– who are in line for a third consecutive year of losses.
Lees challenged how Rockit managed to initially predict a $1.50-plus per tube payment to growers earlier in the year, only to revise it down to nearer 60c, well below breakeven.
“What were they basing their forecasts on earlier? That is highly inaccurate, and they did that for two seasons, raising questions about their market insights and forecasting.”
A premium apple delivering commodity-level payouts is not sustainable.
Dr Nic Lees
Lincoln University
He said a core problem lies in a business model that prioritises short-term capital over long-term value.
Rockit has driven rapid expansion, benefiting from licence fees of $100,000 a hectare providing the company with up-front cash.
However, unlike Zespri growers who also pay a licence fee and receive the return from that as a
dividend, Rockit growers are not Rockit shareholders.
“For growers, it has meant large investment and exposure, with licence fees, orchard infrastructure and labour costs weighing on balance sheets. When forecast returns collapse, the growers shoulder the risk.”
It is a pathway that reflects a failure to learn from the kiwifruit experience, he said.
“One of the things I learnt is if you have a proprietary brand you absolutely need to protect and control supply, and you may also need another outlet to sell surplus product.”
He cited experience with Agriseeds, where surplus proprietary ryegrass was sold into the lawn seed market on years of heavy supply.
He also challenged Rockit’s value-add proposition, selling small apples in plastic tubes.
“It is still just a small apple. Consumers have a choice and can just buy a normal apple and cut it up.”
This contrasts with Zespri’s ability to lock in a premium on its Green fruit, for example, thanks to a unique and hard-won clinical health claim.
CONCERNING: Lincoln University’s head of agribusiness and food marketing, Dr Nic Lees, says Rockit appears to have learnt little from the earlier experiences of the kiwifruit sector.
“Creating a fruit brand is tough.
“Zespri has probably proven industry wisdom wrong with its success, but that success has been not only in being a single desk seller but also having a breeding programme delivering SunGold and controlling supply of it.”
He said Rockit’s future hangs in the balance and unless it resets its strategy it will face continued erosion as even more fruit hits
the supply chain from maturing orchards.
“A premium apple delivering commodity level payouts is not sustainable. Rockit could go down as a cautionary tale rather than NZ’s next horticultural success.
“It must either invest heavily in growing global demand, or reduce planted area to ensure supply is constrained and market returns are protected.”
From the Editor
Synlait streamlines for southern focus
Bryan Gibson Managing editor
SYNLAIT’s annual results, released last week, show the company has hopefully turned a corner and is ready to put a shocking few years behind it.
It eked out a slim net profit after tax and adjustments, and announced its North Island operations will be sold to global healthcare company Abbott.
Chief executive Richard Wyeth said the sale “will deliver a stronger, simpler, and more secure Synlait”.
He said the volatility of recent years had given Synlait a “culture of reactivity” and turning that around is vital.
The manufacturing challenges of recent years have also been fixed and Wyeth said the short-term focus will be on what Synlait does well now, not what it might do in the future.
LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULT
The good news for North Island suppliers and staff is that the milk will be collected by Open Country, and Abbott plans to take on the current Pōkeno workforce.
Synlait’s move is similar to Fonterra’s – a narrowing of its operational focus, jettisoning parts of the business that haven’t delivered the required value.
Fonterra’s push to build big, global consumer brands brought some wins but the overall consensus by many market analysts, and now its management, was that Fonterra’s strengths were suited to another arena.
The proposed sale of the Mainland assets to Lactalis would mean Fonterra supplies the ingredients, while the new owner manages the fickle world of supermarket shelves and consumer taste.
It will be interesting to work through the forces behind two of our major dairy processors deciding to streamline operations.
Did they dream too big, investing in things beyond their capabilities?
Is it simply the global economy forcing these cuts to the cloth?
Obviously, it won’t be one factor, but a perfect storm of several.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride told reporter Hugh Stringleman that high dairy prices have put a strain on working capital for processors.
MORE than 68% of voters reported their internet connection was no better than two years ago. Several said weather conditions appear to impact their connectivity. “It appears to be affected by the weather more often,” one said. “On the very fringe and it comes and goes depending on the weather,” another said. Of those who reported improved access, Starlink featured prominently. “Yes, because we changed to Starlink – much superior to our previous options.”
“Starlink is the way to go. Not as good as fibre, but no fibre in lots of areas.”
While internet connections improved for some, cellphone reception was still a major issue. “Internet is fine as we use WizWireless. But our cellphone connectivity on farm is appalling. We are only 6km from Greytown and flat all the way. Hard to understand and very frustrating, with dropped calls etcetera. Also doing electronic ASDs nearly always requires a return to the house and internet. It’s not efficient.”
That’s the Catch-22 for many of our co-operatives, including our meat processors.
When farmgate returns are high, the processor sees its margins disappear as it pays those high prices to suppliers.
That can make saving for a rainy day difficult and with farm business margins slimmed by stubbornly high input prices, farmers don’t have the equity to help raise capital when it is needed.
Is it simply the global economy forcing these cuts to the cloth?
As Alliance chair Mark Wynne told me last week, why would a farmer invest in processing when there are other options that offer a far better return on investment?
This is an ongoing challenge that our industry will have to grapple with.
Synlait, of course, isn’t a co-op, but it has still struggled to keep its balance sheet in the black.
The wide-angle lens of opportunity used by previous leaders has been refocused to blur out all but the core goals.
What is refreshing is the decisiveness both processors have shown in defining what they are and what they are not.
Last week’s question: Is your internet connection better than it was two years ago?
Letters of the week Nitrates: heads must roll
Gerard Pain Hinerua
THE “word count” condemning Mike Joy in the September 15 Federated Farmers pages, where the organisation described his suggestion about (perhaps) needing to bring back hanging for industry CEOs as “violent anti-farming statements”, was fairly spectacular.
But no one has has mentioned what caused him to get so angry.
“Nitrates in drinking water” did get a brief mention at the start of the initial article but nothing further. Why? Probably because Fed Farmers was only interested in “shooting the messenger”.
In the latest issue, Fed Farmers continued that approach by attacking other environmental activists over ECan’s “[Nitrates] emergency” declaration, although it did, at least, say that “New Zealanders should take health advice from medical professionals”. It just so happens that the vast majority of them are saying what the environmental activists are saying.
To its credit, Fed Farmers did also say, “Despite a huge amount of work already done to improve the situation, it takes a long time for nitrate-rich water to work its way through the groundwater system.”
That is exactly what the Canterbury Regional Council was being told back around 2010 but the National government sacked them for being “dysfunctional” and appointed commissioners who would ignore that advice and produce the problems we have today.
In the September 22 issue, Fed Farmers exhorted the government to get rid of Te Mana o te Wai altogether and, among other things, Mark Hooper said, “I’ve never met a farmer yet who didn’t care about improving freshwater quality.”
But the problem is that when the rules are too lax and the science-based standards are too low, we end up with what has happened in Canterbury because the farming practices there met the legal requirements and the farmers, with hand on heart, could say, “I care about freshwater quality because I’m not doing anything I’m not allowed to do.”
So yes, I agree that Mike Joy was wrong in his suggestion about “hanging”, but very heavy penalties, and perhaps even life sentences, for those in power who ignore the science-based evidence should be on the table. Probably impractical to go back too far in time but the removal of knighthoods, especially for the prime minister who gave us the nitrate and other contaminants problem in Canterbury, should be considered.
This week’s poll question (see page 4):
Have your say at farmersweekly.co.nz/poll Do you think the government’s reforms will do anything to lower power prices?
Advance Australasia fair
Eating the elephant
WHILE I was out docking lambs last week, Daniel Eb’s article warning that food security underpins national security kept rolling through my head. Dan argues that selfsufficiency in paddocks and silos is vital to broader national security, and I agree. Up to a point.
But after switching between the Bledisloe Cup, the NRL finals and even catching Snoop Dogg at the AFL, it struck me that we already have a big brother looking out for us.
On national security, if things ever got nasty, we’d lean on our ANZAC mates across the ditch. In that light, I’m less worried about stockpiling feed than Dan is. What really matters now in Aotearoa is
scale and how we overcome our lack of it.
Ag politicians are looking at district and regional councils for consolidation and efficiency. But I wonder if we are pi$$ing up the wrong lamp post and instead should be thinking bigger. Like joining the commonwealth of Australia – if they’ll have us.
In 2024, New Zealand’s GDP per capita lagged Australia’s by about 25%, and labour productivity per hour trails by a similar margin.
A stark example shows up in a comparison with Queensland.
Queensland’s 5.6 million people generate roughly AU$510 billion in gross state product, while New Zealand’s economy sits at about AU$260bn. Our dairy exports (NZ$26bn, for about AU$22bn) represent roughly 4% of Queensland’s entire output. On its own, that’s solid for 5 million people in the Pacific; but imagine that revenue merged into a single Australasian budget. Overnight, we’d unlock a far bigger war chest to underwrite shared priorities – everything from strategic port upgrades to cutting-edge agritech R&D and emergency food stockpiles that, if called upon, would stretch from Cairns down to Invercargill.
Take education as another example. Queensland’s universities and polytechnics turn out about AU$25bn of economic value each year – on par with our entire dairy sector. Instead of duplicating training schemes and international-student recruitment
efforts, a trans-Tasman union could pool scholarship funds for agritech and climate-adaptation postgrads.
How attractive and beneficial could it be for a Kiwi student to hop into Brisbane’s lecture halls without missing a beat – after all, our truck drivers and labourers are already hopping in and out of their coal pits. Given it is 2025, new infrastructure could include shared virtual campuses that slash overheads while expanding access across both islands, with us likely the disproportional winner.
On the export front, Aussies and Kiwis are the only ones who do anything with lamb. Combined, we account for 71% of global sheepmeat shipments. No other region comes close. Our combined mastery of genetics, animalhealth protocols and pasture management sets the world standard.
CSIRO’s livestock-methane chambers in Victoria and AgResearch’s methane-research facilities are well established with Canberra and Wellington funds. What if these individual centres could be merged, aligning the labs under a single funding model to halve the duplication, speed up vaccine trials and get the breakthroughs into the paddock twice as fast?
Let’s forge a formal economic union built on science and scale, not token gestures and sporting cliches. We are not talking about getting rid of the All Blacks or the Wahs, we are talking about
Let’s forge a formal economic union built on science and scale, not token gestures and sporting cliches.
cheekily asking if we can join the commonwealth. Together, we could top not only the medal tables at the Olympics, but double down on Gondwanaland being the leader in global food production and agritech.
Our opportunity would come from scale. On-farm solutions would be built for 200,000 farmers instead of 47,000 – serving up nutrition and food security to a population of 32 million rather than our current 5 million.
We first opted out of Australian federation in 1901 (old mate
Richard Seddon prized our independence), yet our destinies have been tangled together since our nation-creating battle in Gallipoli and the 1983 Closer Economic Relations agreement. The relationship has been tested by 501s, but we are the best of mates and if push came to shove, Kiwis and Aussies would “glove up” for each other. If we are to think about either security or scaling up, let’s look to closer relations with our mates across the ditch. Beyond paddocks and policy, a true trans-Tasman reset could reshape tourism, tertiary-education pipelines and climate adaptation. Two paddocks with one big blue fence. Although always Up the Wahs.
Cool reason lacking on global warming
recent NZ First jamboree in Palmerston North questioned the Paris Accord. ACT has already rubbished the agreement, as has Groundswell.
TO SAY there are confusing messages coming from all sides concerning climate change, its causes and mitigation measures would be an understatement.
It starts with the Paris Accord, which commits us to a reduction in emissions of 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, ultimately achieving net zero by 2050.
In Parliament recently, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts reaffirmed the government’s support for the reduction. Despite that statement the
In Australia both opposition parties are committed, if elected, to get out of the agreement.
Last week Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed Australia to an emissions cut of between 62% and 70% by 2035. That’s far greater than the New Zealand targets.
Australia believes that the world has been on track for 2.9degC of warming, which would threaten the livelihoods of more than a million Australians by 2050.
Interestingly, as one of the world’s top coal and gas exporters, Australia doesn’t include those climate pollutants in any targets for the reason the products are burned elsewhere.
Maybe we could get our meat and dairy industries excluded as well, as most of the product is consumed elsewhere.
My concern is that if Australia has better green credentials than NZ it will give it an edge in international markets.
The international scene is interesting as, according to Australian senator Matt Canavan, “there’s not a centre-right party in the English-speaking world that remains committed to achieving
net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050”.
United States President Donald Trump has left the Paris Accord, the only country to have done so. In my view there appears a lot more talk than action and all the talk on emissions reduction is confusing and contradictory.
It gets even more farcical when you consider our Emissions Trading Scheme, the ETS. The government has proudly stated that the ETS is one of its key tools for reducing emissions.
We’re all paying for the ETS but the harsh reality is we’re not paying once but twice.
It will be, as with all the productive farms being converted to forestry there will be less emissions from cars, stock trucks, school buses, quads and tractors. As there will inevitably be fewer freezing works, the emissions reduction will be major.
Then there are the costs to Kiwis of the ETS. The current estimate is that for every litre of petrol or diesel we buy, 18 cents goes to the ETS. It costs the ordinary Kiwi and puts extra costs onto business that are inevitably passed on to consumers.
Modelling has indicated that for every $50 increase in the price of carbon there is a corresponding $307 annual increase in household costs. We’re all paying for the ETS but the harsh reality is we’re not paying once but twice. As well as paying extra for fuel and electricity, the taxpayer is subsidising the major polluters who are, effectively, encouraged to pollute.
The Canadian-owned multinational Methanex has, according to Newsroom, received an estimated $300 million in taxpayer subsidies over the past 10 years. It doesn’t pay for its emissions as you and I must.
In addition, it paid no tax in NZ but gave $700m to its Canadian parent company.
The final piece of utter stupidity is that we have a shortage of natural gas yet we allocate up to 45% of it to Methanex. What that means is that we may have to import expensive gas to meet our domestic needs.
Finally, again according to Newsroom, Methanex pays only around $6 a gigajoule for gas while you and I pay $30.
We also subsidise Rio Tinto (NZ Aluminium Smelters) and the multinational NZ Steel to pollute.
Multinational Rio Tinto uses 13% of our power, paying much less for it than the rest of us. That contributes to our having
to burn coal to power electricity generators. Burning a tonne of coal produces between 2.2 and 2.9 tonnes of CO2 and Huntly burns up to 500,000 tonnes of coal annually. That means Huntly emits between 1,100,000 and 1,500,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Ed Millar from the Centre for International Corporate Tax and Accountability Research estimated in May that over the past decade the value of industrial allocation (free ETS units) to large polluters had reached almost $2 billion.
The government has given away carbon credits at a cost to the taxpayer and as a result can’t sell its own credits at auction, which would benefit the taxpayer.
The final iniquity is that both Inland Revenue and the Treasury told the government there is no proper evidence that the subsidies are needed.
The government rejected that advice. Why?
It’s a shambles and frustrating in that I believe the climate is changing and we need to do what we can to minimise that change.
My view is that the government hasn’t a clue, is doing nothing to remedy the problem and is playing fast and loose with the taxpayer.
More of your favourite opinion pieces now online farmersweekly.co.nz/opinion
GIRT BY SEA: New Zealand should be thinking big, says Phil Weir – like joining the commonwealth of Australia if they’ll have us.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Phil Weir Weir is an associate trustee of AGMARDT and a Beef + Lamb New Zealand farmer-elected director
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Sector Focus
When it comes to FAW, the eyes have it
Gerald Piddock NEWS Pests
VISUALLY scouting maize crops for signs of fall armyworm is the best way of halting its destructive path across the country.
If farmers properly monitor their crop during the warm summer months when the pest is active, they can then decide whether to spray or not, said Graham Walker of Plant & Food Research, part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute. He was speaking in a webinar run by the Foundation for Arable Research.
Most maize crops get one flight of FAW moths during the insect’s lifecycle.
“As long as you scout once a week, once you know it’s gotten warm enough in your crop – it will literally take five minutes – you will know if and when you get a few egg masses laid,” he said.
Farmers then have two weeks to decide whether to spray or not.
“As long as you have a quick look
in your crop, that’s all you have got to do.”
The webinar was run to highlight its new FAW website, https:// fallarmyworm.nz/, and update the industry on the latest information about managing the pest.
FAR’s Ash Mills said FAW was first confirmed in New Zealand in early 2022 in Northland. It has now been found in 140 different locations, spreading rapidly across the country, found as far south as Haast on the West Coast.
There are limited chemical options available for farmers with FAW and many of the solutions used overseas are not practical for New Zealand conditions from a climatic and regulatory perspective.
As a result, FAR created the new website to act as a trusted resource for impacted farmers and those within the industry, he said.
Vegetables New Zealand’s Daniel Sutton said when it comes to managing the risk for sweetcorn crops the risk never drops because its impact on the corn cobs directly impacted the quality of the product.
Insecticide control options are
limited with the agrichemical Sparta being the most popular. But there are not enough options to use that to manage risk through a crop’s lifecycle.
“It doesn’t allow us to lean fully into integrated pest management and it definitely doesn’t give us options for rotation for resistance management guidelines.”
Northland Seed and Supplies agronomist Mark Dunham was one of the first to discover FAW, finding
it in January 2022 as an unknown worm on a maize plant.
Since then he has identified key risks that elevate the chances of FAW striking: late plantings, if the crop is in poor health, if the crop is in a warm and sheltered site, and the plant lifecycle stage – the plant is more susceptible to FAW moth flight if it is at a leafy stage or when the silk starts to emerge.
On the question of spraying, he said it is difficult not to want
My concern is largely gone. I feel like we can manage it a lot better now.
Mark Dunham Northland Seed and Supplies
to when walking through an impacted field.
“It’s really hard to ignore the visual impact. Even at 5-10% [damage] it’s really quite scary, the look of the maize.”
But Sparta works as long as it is done at the right time and the right coverage.
It is, however, a future risk that this is the only available insecticide for controlling FAW, which raises the question of resistance, he said.
However, three years on, he is confident that the industry can manage the pest.
“Personally, my concern is largely gone. I feel like we can manage it a lot better now, industry support is well aligned now and I have plenty of people I can turn to, to help me through these situations.”
Inaugural NZ-Australian seed conference a hit
BIG conversations characterised the recent Seed Business 2025 event that brought together almost 300 participants from across Australia and New Zealand, marking the inaugural joint transTasman convention for the seed industry.
From expert panels and keynote addresses to field tours and social networking, the energy and en-
thusiasm made it clear “this one was a hit”, organisers said.
It was the first time that Seed and Grain New Zealand (SGNZ) and the Australian Seed Federation joined forces for a business event aimed at inspiring and connecting leaders across the Australian and NZ seed sectors.
From innovation and regulation to Trans-Tasman collaboration, the event set the stage for practical discussions about the future of the industry and how the two peak bodies can effectively
work together. Field tours gave delegates a chance to see the industry in act-ion across the Canterbury Plains.
The next premier gathering of the industry is the Asian Seed Congress (ASC), the flagship event of the Asian and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA).
The ASC delivers a dynamic and immersive week of business development and knowledge exchange, providing a prime platform for industry leaders, government officials, researchers
and technical experts to connect and collaborate as they shape the future of seed in strategic and high growth markets.
This year’s theme, Sowing Prosperity Through Quality Seed, underscores the essential role of high quality seeds in boosting farm productivity, improving climate adaptability and strengthening market competitiveness from cutting-edge plant breeding and biodiversity conservation to seamless trade and sustainability.
The ASC 2025 will be hosted in
Mumbai, India from November 17-21.
• At the recent SGNZ annual general meeting Edward Luisetti of Luisetti Seeds was appointed as the new president with Charlotte Connoley stepping down but staying on to serve a further term on the board.
Richard Merrilees of Barenbrug was appointed chair of the forage and turf business group and Sam Clarke of South Island Seed Dressing was appointed general councillor of the board.
SIGNS: Taking the time to look for signs of fall armyworm egg masses in maize crops will let you know if the plant needs to be sprayed or not.
Annette Scott NEWS Seeds
A r able info: coming your way
Ever y arable farm is different and so is ever y arable farmer That means, delivering relevant arable farming information to the people who need it requires a number of different approaches
Some people like long technical documents, others shor t summaries Some love chat ting to researchers at field days, others don’t have time or prefer to gather information on-line, via podcasts or from farming colleagues or advisors However you prefer to receive your arable info, FAR ha s you covered
Field events 51 FAR Weekly Newslet ter
From June 2024 to July 2025 year FAR ran 107 events from the far Nor th to the deep South touching on ever y thing from cover crops to cocksfoot, maize establishment to cereal disease management
Alongside that, we released podcasts, repor ts, books and fact sheets and launched AskFAR A , a world leading tool that provides quick and reliable answers to arable crop management questions by scanning the hundreds of resources on the FAR website
Digit al tools
With tools and channels like Aphid Chat, AskFAR AI , You Tube and the FAR Weather Plat form we’re finding ways to make digital tools work for growers; and arable growers are living up to their reputation of being the most willing of the primar y industries to adopt digital technologies
Joi n ou r YouTu b e c h a n n e l at ht tps://w w w youtube com/@arable FAR Ac c es s t h e l a tes t a n d ol d e r podc a s t s at ht tps://w w w cut thecrop co nz /
Ch e ck ou t A p h i d Ch a t the one-stop shop for ever y thing to do with cereal aphids, including weekly regional updates of aphid and the beneficial insect populations ht tps://aphidchat com/
Wa nt a loc a l wea t h e r r e por t d e li ve r e d to you r i n box eve r y mor n i ng? Sign up to the FAR Weather Plat form, select your location and submit a request Your daily repor t will include a five-day forecast of temperature, rainfall, humidit y, wind, and spray drif t risk ht tps://far met watch nz /
Ask FAR A is now an app That’s right, you can access Ask FAR A via What’s App on your phone Here’s how to do it
1 Download What’s App from the App Store
2 Add the Ask FAR A phone number to your phone contact list: Ask FAR A +64 27 277 2536
3 Open What’s App and search for Ask FAR A
4 Type in your arable question and wait a few seconds for the answer
5 Done! (only you can see the question and answer)
Upcoming event s
Wednesday 26 November, 10.45am – 3.30pm FAR Arable Site, State Highway 1, Chertsey
Every farmer must care about velvetleaf
Sector perspective
NEW Zealand’s farms are more than just a source of pride, they’re the backbone of our farming communities and economy.
But across every paddock and at every fence line, weed pests threaten to undermine the hard work of generations.
Among these, velvetleaf stands out as a cautionary tale of how a single invasive weed can jeopardise livelihoods, crop yields, and even our international reputation.
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is a fast-growing invasive weed that’s become a significant issue in New Zealand’s cropping regions. This broadleaf plant can reach up to 2.5 metres tall, with heartshaped leaves and yellow-orange flowers.
Velvetleaf infestations require ongoing attention for many years.
It reproduces rapidly, producing thousands of seeds per plant, each capable of lying dormant in soil for decades.
While velvetleaf has been found in the Auckland and Waikato Regions since the early 2000s from an unknown incursion, more recently the plant pest entered the country through contaminated fodder beet seed in 2016. Its incursion demonstrates how quickly a single oversight in biosecurity can spiral into a nationwide problem.
As velvetleaf is mechanically
spread, the biggest risk to a farmer is machinery or purchased feed coming in the farm gate.
Velvetleaf competes aggressively with any crop, such as maize or fodder beet, stunting their growth and cutting yields if not controlled.
Its presence can contaminate harvests and lower the value of crops.
It is an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act, so crops infected by it cannot be sold.
Managing velvetleaf adds extra costs and time to farm operations, with infestations requiring ongoing attention for many years.
While the velvetleaf incursion underscores the importance of strict biosecurity checks at the border on imported seed, preventing ongoing spread requires farmers to control what comes, and goes, through their farm gate.
Early detection, and prompt action are critical for any unwanted weeds.
Farmers who discover velvetleaf on their properties and report it promptly enable a coordinated effort to limit its spread.
However, prevention is better than cure and velvetleaf highlights the ongoing challenges of weed management with seeds that can lie dormant for decades.
Biosecurity isn’t just a set of guidelines, it’s an essential responsibility. It means keeping our farms safe from unwanted pests, diseases, including invasive weeds.
Unchecked, weed pests outcompete crops, lower yields, contaminate seed lines, and cost millions to control. For arable and pastoral farmers alike, weed biosecurity is fundamental to protecting land productivity and business viability.
What can farmers do about weed biosecurity?
• Check feed purchases. Only buy feed from trusted suppliers and,
if possible, walk the crop prior to harvest.
• Farmers can also monitor their land. Regularly walk your paddocks and boundaries. Look for unfamiliar plants, especially after planting.
• Report unusual seeds: If you spot a suspicious weed, especially something resembling velvetleaf, report it immediately to the Ministry for Primary Industries or your regional council. Early reporting helps everyone.
• Clean machinery and equipment. Make sure tractors, harvesters, and contractors are washed down between properties to avoid spreading weed seed.
• Keep good records. Note where different seed lots are sown and track any weed outbreaks. This makes long-term management easier and assists with tracing the source.
Biosecurity doesn’t just occur at New Zealand’s border – it’s about being proactive against all types of biological threats,
including weeds. By learning from the velvetleaf experience, New Zealand farmers can better protect their own land and the country’s agricultural future.
Remember, a single plant
today can mean thousands more tomorrow.
If you suspect you’ve found velvetleaf or any unusual weed, contact MPI at 0800 80 99 66 or your regional council.
One-stop ryegrass info shop goes live
Staff reporter NEWS
Arable
VIEWING the seasonal and annual yield results for most ryegrass cultivars is just a click away for farmers considering re-grassing options in the coming months.
They can view the 2025 National Forage Variety Trial (NFVT) results by going to the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (PBRA) website at www.pbra.co.nz and clicking on the Trial Data tab in the navigation bar.
The information ranks the regional and seasonal yields for perennial, hybrid, annual and Italian ryegrasses, produced from data collected from about 25 trial sites across the country.
The biggest job requires
Sam Lucas, forage systems manager at PBRA member company RAGT, said the NFVT provides insights on the performance of ryegrass cultivars produced by PBRA member companies, which are committed to research and development and support the robust testing regime.
“For farmers and field advisers, the results are an independent, trustworthy and up-to-date source of information for them to review and select the cultivars that should best suit their individual farm system needs,” Lucas said.
The regional and seasonal yield tables are where Lucas sees most value for farmers looking for cultivars that will deliver extra growth potential at key times of the year for their farm.
“For instance, a Canterbury dairy farmer might be looking to maximise summer feed production, so they need an option with superior growth at that time,” Lucas said.
“Or a sheep operation in Manawatū could have ewes with lambs at foot which have a high demand for quality feed in the early spring.
“In both cases, farmers and field advisers can delve into the NFVT tables, drill down into the results for their region of the country, and see a list of cultivars they should consider using.”
Displayed alongside each cultivar is the endophyte present in the seed, so farmers can choose one that will provide protection to the plant against attack from pests common in their region.
Sally Linton Linton is the North Island velvetleaf coordinator for FAR and North Island regional councils
WARNING: Velvetleaf provides a cautionary tale about how a single invasive weed can jeopardise livelihoods, crop yields and even New Zealand’s international reputation.
FEDERATED FARMERS
Boy racer bill must protect farmers and livestock
It’s lucky for the boy racer who ploughed through Ross Wallis’ fence earlier this year that they managed to get their car out of the paddock themselves.
“Honestly, I would have picked it up with a front-end loader and dealt with it,” the Raglan dairy farmer says.
“Everyone around here is pretty much fed up with this sort of stuff. “Gatherings for burnouts and skids are happening at least once a month. It’s getting more and more dangerous,” Wallis says.
“A favourite spot for boy racers is a kilometre away from us as the crow flies but we still hear them clearly at night.”
The Government’s Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill has just passed its first reading in Parliament and is now with the Justice Committee for consideration.
At the heart of the bill is a presumption of vehicle forfeiture or destruction for behaviour such as street racing, burnouts, or fleeing police.
Under current laws, that’s only open to the Courts if someone has been caught three times in four years.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the Government wants to send a powerful message: “If you use your car to intimate or endanger others, you risk losing it”.
The bill proposes forfeiture or destruction can only be applied if the offender has an interest in the vehicle used in the offence, or is the registered owner.
There’s a proposed new offence for taking part in an intimidating convoy and driving dangerously or recklessly, with intent to frighten or intimidate road users.
Fines will increase and police would have new powers to temporarily close roads to traffic where antisocial road use is occurring.
Federated Farmers is broadly in support of the tougher stance, rural policing spokesperson Karl Dean says.
“However, we’re arguing that the offence around intimidating or frightening behaviour by illegal street racing, burnouts and so on needs to be extended to the impact on farm animals.
“We’ve also said that if police close a road, they must consider the
practical needs of rural communities, such as farm operations, and moving stock for milking or welfare reasons.”
In the Federated Farmers’ 2023 Rural Crime Survey, just under 62% of the 1000 farmers who took part said they’d experienced antisocial behaviour on roads.
“When you’re in an isolated rural area a long way from where police are stationed, these big gatherings of boy racers tearing around and doing burnouts is very intimidating for families.
“Fences are damaged, fuel is stolen and farmers are having to keep stock out of road-adjacent paddocks because animals are being spooked and injured,” Dean says.
“Distressed animals running from noise can be injured or killed in their panic to get away, and there’s the risk of miscarriage with pregnant livestock.
“That should be recognised in the new legislation.”
Ross Wallis said whoever cut his fence off SH23 to retrieve their car eight months ago had no regard for the fact his cows could get out.
“They’d left it so that the cows could easily have just walked straight through and onto the road, potentially causing a major accident.”
In another incident about four months ago, a builder Wallis had been working with rounded a bend at 80km/hr at Te Uku to find a group of drivers doing burnouts by the community hall and store.
“He could see people filling up with petrol to his left and had no choice but to swerve and hit one of the boy racer cars.
“He basically wrote off his vehicle that he uses for work and then these guys got aggro with him for crashing into them.”
Earlier this year, after police breaking up a car gathering were pelted with rocks, bottles and fireworks, Carterton Mayor Ron
ANIMAL IMPACTS:
Distressed livestock running from boy racer burnouts and noise can be injured or killed in their panic to get away – that needs to be recognised in the legislation changes, Karl Dean says.
Mark said damage to rural roads and reserve areas were costing ratepayers thousands of dollars a month.
Eventually “these idiot racers, these clowns, are going to get it wrong and someone is going to get killed,” he said.
Trish Rankin farms near Opunake in South Taranaki and says T-intersections where rural roads join the state highway are frequently criss-crossed with skid marks and the remains of tyres.
“There’s plenty of straight, flat stretches of road and they’re used as a sprint track,” says Rankin, the 2019 Dairy Woman of the Year.
Asked if she thought Taranaki farmers and residents would appreciate a tougher stance from the government and the Courts, she was unequivocal: “100%. Get them off the roads”.
Federated Farmers has submitted formally on the bill.
Photo: Pexels/ Erik McLean
Farmers could save more under bank changes
Farmers will save thousands of dollars on loan interest costs under proposed changes to bank capital settings –but Federated Farmers argues the changes must go further.
“The reduced capital settings we’ve pushed hard for would cut around $9000 a year off an average farm mortgage of $4.5 million,” Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Mark Hooper says.
“That’s a significant saving for farmers and their families.
“But the Reserve Bank’s proposal still leaves Rabobank, the secondlargest lender to agriculture, at a disadvantage because it relies on government’s standardised risk weights, unlike the big four banks who can set their own lower ones because of their size.
“Adjusting the standardised weights closer to the big four’s models would level the playing field and boost competition in rural lending.”
After sustained pressure from Federated Farmers, the Government launched an inquiry into banking last year.
A key finding highlighted how risk-weighted assets contribute to consistently higher agricultural lending rates compared with urban loans.
In 2019, the Reserve Bank tightened capital requirements –the buffers banks must hold against losses or unforeseen circumstances – costs that are passed on to customers.
We were told fighting this would be futile but, given the cost to our members, we battled on.
Mark Hooper Federated Farmers banking spokesperson
Federated Farmers and others argued the 1-in-200-year risk ratings were overly conservative by international standards.
“We were told fighting this would be futile but, given the cost to our members, we battled on,” Hooper says.
“A positive outcome of the banking inquiry is that the issue has been forced back onto the table in the form of the 2025 Capital Review.”
The Reserve Bank has put forward two options to adjust agricultural risk weights, which could reduce average farm loan rates by around 0.17%, or 0.23 percentage points.
“Federated Farmers welcomes the move to more granular standardised risk weights for both residential mortgages and agricultural lending,” Hooper says.
“It’s a really positive shift from the current flat framework and gets closer to reflecting the actual risk of lending.”
The stumbling block now is the big four banks are considered large enough to set their own internal risk weights (IRBs), but smaller players –including Rabobank – are not.
“That anomaly must be fixed,” Hooper says.
“Rabobank holds around 22% of the $61 billion agricultural lending market – it’s hardly a niche lender but it’s being treated like one.
“It isn’t allowed to use its own IRBs and must use the Reserve Bank’s
standardised risk weights.
“This means nearly a quarter of the agricultural market is structurally disadvantaged, forced to operate under a higher cost regime than the big four.
“The result is less competition, higher average rates, and fewer options for farmers.”
SAVINGS: The reduced capital settings Federated Farmers pushed hard for would cut around $9000 a year off an average farm mortgage of $4.5 million, says Mark Hooper.
Federated Farmers has found no other market where a ‘tier-two’ lender with such a large share has to operate under standardised settings.
“In comparable jurisdictions, institutions like this almost always use IRB settings.”
The mismatch creates a structural competitive imbalance.
“The big four can hold materially less capital against low-risk agricultural loans, allowing them to offer sharper pricing, greater flexibility, and more capacity to grow.
“But Rabobank has to carry significantly more capital, even on highly secured lending, which puts them at a built-in disadvantage.”
Hooper says reducing the standardised risk weights would give Rabobank and other standardised banks a more level playing field.
“It would create genuine market
pressure on the big four to reduce their margins, benefiting the entire agricultural sector – not just Rabobank’s customers.”
Federated Farmers also sees scope to introduce an ultra-low tier of standardised rates of 10-15% for highly secured, low-Loan-to-ValueRatio (LVR) lending, consistent with stress tests and historical loss data.
“Our goal in this, of course, is a fair deal for farmers and a sector that is the engine room of the New Zealand economy,” Hooper says.
“If farmers and other agricultural borrowers are paying less in interest, they have more money to invest in environmental protection and production, helping achieve the nation’s goal of doubling primary export revenue.”
Hooper says Federated Farmers welcomes the Reserve Bank’s recognition that agricultural capital settings need to change.
“The proposed savings are a good start and will put a decent chunk of money back in farmers’ pockets.
“But we’ll keep pushing for the lowest possible rates for farmers, and for a competitive banking environment that reflects the realities of farming risk.”
FURTHER STEP: Bank capital changes are heading in the right direction but an anomaly that leaves major agricultural lender Rabobank at a disadvantage needs to be fixed, Mark Hooper says.
Farmers need to ask the hard question
For North Canterbury dairy farmer Bex Green, one simple question could have made a huge difference during her darkest period.
“I wish people had reached out to me and asked, ‘Bex, how are you doing?’
“I had taken on a lot of roles in the community, was really busy and not going well at all, but nobody asked how I was coping.
“If someone had asked how I was truly feeling, I might have opened up — and it might have helped me get better so much sooner.”
Green’s struggles began in 2021 when she suffered a severe injury.
“I was playing netball — one of the best games I’d played in a while — and I felt my knee give out. It turned out I’d ruptured my ACL.
“It happened just before calving, so it was a really challenging time. I couldn’t exercise and couldn’t do much at all.”
The mental toll was immense, she says.
“It was especially hard watching my husband Blair train for the Coast to Coast over summer while I was stuck at home.
“He was training so much that he didn’t notice how I was struggling.
“I couldn’t go for walks or bike rides with the kids. I felt miserable and just sat in bed feeling sorry for myself.”
Green, who’s been active her whole life, says not being able to exercise sent her to the lowest point of her life.
“I withdrew from socialising and felt constantly fatigued. I couldn’t sleep and felt guilty as a mother for putting the kids on devices instead of spending time with them.
“I felt like a terrible mum, and my weight ballooned as I tried to cope by eating.
“It was a really horrible summer, and I spent it indoors — on my bed, often staring at the wall for hours on end.”
Accessing support was difficult in her small rural community of Cheviot.
“I didn’t want to go to my GP because they were part of the community — it felt embarrassing.
“I needed help straight away, but everything seemed so slow. I wasn’t aware of other support options at the time, and I didn’t know what to do.”
Green eventually sought counselling through a rural charity, but long waiting times added to the challenge.
“I applied for funding to see a counsellor, which was a massive step for me, but there was an eight-week wait.
“It felt far too long. In hindsight, I probably could have waited, but at the time it felt impossible.”
She held leadership roles with Federated Farmers, the school board, and Dairy Women’s Network, but says no one knew she was battling — not even family and close friends.
“There was the public Bex that everyone saw, and then there was the private Bex at home.
“For months, I could only confide in my husband, and even that took three to six months. We were on such different paths, I felt I couldn’t bring it up with him.”
It took courage, structured support, and returning to physical activity to begin her recovery after about 18 months of depression.
“When my husband suggested I try the Coast to Coast, I was overwhelmed but thought maybe I could experience what he’d been living through.
“We found a connection again through multisport, and that helped me start healing.
“To my surprise, I went on to win my category in Coast to Coast, which was awesome.”
She says moving to Culverden, where she and Blair now contract milk 1000 cows, also gave her a much-needed fresh start.
She’s now president of North Canterbury Federated Farmers, Feds national dairy vice chair, and
president of the Hurunui MultiSport Club and Culverden Netball Club.
Green stresses the importance of community and checking in on one another.
“People thought I was ok but inside I was falling apart. I don’t blame people for not asking, because I didn’t ask people that question either.
“It’s something all of us need to get better at in the rural community.
“Just asking each other, ‘How are you really doing?’ could actually save someone’s life.”
She also highlights the barrier of long waiting times for rural mental health services.
“When you’re struggling, you need support immediately — not in a month.
“My message to Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is: please invest money in getting those waiting times down. We need that urgently.”
ROAD TO RECOVERY:
Deciding to have a crack at Coast to Coast marked a turning point for Bex Green, who last year competed in the two-day three-person event with husband Blair (wearing hat) and Pat Whittle. Bex cycled, Blair kayaked and Pat ran.
There was the public Bex that everyone saw, and then there was the private Bex at home.
Bex Green
North Canterbury Federated Farmers president
Now, Green combines farming, leadership and multisport while prioritising her wellbeing.
“Being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak; it makes you real.
“Sharing my story for Mental Health Awareness Week is part of that, and I hope it encourages others to reach out before things get too heavy.”
MORE:
Hear the full conversation with Bex in episode 55 of the Federated Farmers Podcast.
Consent chaos sparks call for Govt intervention
Urgent action is needed to prevent more farming families hitting a “council brick wall” in the resource consent process, David Clark says.
The Canterbury farmer, who recently went public about the struggle to renew his farm’s resource consent, says the ordeal has left his family under immense pressure –and highlighted a systemic problem affecting farmers nationwide.
“Our consent legally runs out on 29 September, and while we have a continuance clause that allows us to operate in the short term, this process is going nowhere,” Clark says.
“We applied in June for what’s essentially a rollover – same activities, with one change: swapping some sheep for cattle because of drench resistance issues. We thought it would be straightforward.
“This isn’t a consent for something new or different – just consent to farm the land.”
They requested assessments on river flood protection, soils that haven’t changed in decades, full Overseer remodelling, surface water and ecology studies, and even an investigation into a possible historic fishing site on the property.
“The kicker was we had 15 days to respond, or the application would be publicly notified, open to submissions and potentially declined.
“That rocked us as a family. I mean, what does ‘declined’ look like? On the 29th of September, do they come
and confiscate my breeding ewes and take away the fertiliser spreader? Or do they just arrest me if I keep farming?”
Speaking on the Federated Farmers Podcast, Clark said a nonnotified consent would cost an estimated $50,000, and if it goes to a full hearing, the total could reach $250,000–$300,000.
“You start to wonder: why even bother?” he says.
Federated Farmers vice president
Colin Hurst highlights other examples: a winter grazing consent costing $30,000 plus a $750 annual inspection fee, and a 1300-hectare hill country farm facing $100,000 just to renew a small irrigation consent.
ECan administers some 20,000 resource consents, with thousands due to expire in the next 18 months.
“These aren’t all dairy farms –they’re often sheep and beef or hill country, not particularly profitable businesses,” Hurst says.
The examples reflect a larger structural issue with the Resource Management Act (RMA), Hurst says.
“Councils take years to develop plans, and their staff are hyperlegalistic because of legal challenges from groups like the Environmental Law Initiative. They’re checking everything, sometimes excessively.
“Farmers end up facing a ridiculous level of cost and complexity.”
Hurst is calling for an urgent transition period on expiring, inprocess and renewing consents, pushing for a backdated two-year window and a five-year buffer after the new RMA reforms take effect in regional plans.
“We want farmers with an existing
consent to be able to continue farming under that consent until the reforms are completed.
“The Government needs to step in – and quickly – to prevent unnecessary costs and uncertainty for farmers.
The consents being issued now may be redundant under the new RMA. It’s an inefficient use of everyone’s time and money.
Colin Hurst Federated Farmers vice president
“The consents being issued now may be redundant under the new RMA. It’s an inefficient use of everyone’s time and money.”
Hurst says he’s not in any way calling for the environment to be unmanaged.
“This isn’t a backwards step
for water quality because those consents are already in place. We just want them extended in the meantime.”
Clark fully agrees.
“Government needs to step up –call on councils to halt this process and instead build a fit-for-purpose system that encourages production, investment, and environmental protection.”
He says the process has forced him to halt all capital projects, from tractor replacements to new farm initiatives, covering only day-to-day operations.
“This is economic activity lost.
If farmers are on short-term consents with no certainty, no one will invest.”
Both emphasise that farmers are committed to improving environmental outcomes.
“Farmers care, and there’s been continuous improvement in Canterbury,” Hurst says.
“We’re on the journey; we just
need a system that lets farmers keep going while improving.”
Clark also notes the broader impact on the farming community.
“I had 60 to 80 calls, texts, and Facebook messages on the first day after posting our story.
“This isn’t about me – it’s about families across New Zealand hitting the same council brick wall. It’s time for real change.”
For Hurst, Clark’s experience underscores the need for a clear and consistent approach for all farmers while the RMA reforms are implemented.
“We need a system where farmers have certainty, can invest in their businesses, and continue improving environmental outcomes without being paralysed by a hyper-legalistic consent process,” Hurst says.
“It’s not just about David’s farm –it’s about protecting livelihoods and building confidence in our primary sector until the new law comes into effect.”
BROKEN: David Clark says the consent system is crippling farming families and needs urgent Government intervention.
Options abound, dairy farm and support block
Tenders are invited for three adjoining dairy farms near Waitakaruru combining Canterbury-style efficiency with Hauraki Plains land values Covering (more or less) 362 3ha they operate as one unit with three sheds under a single contract milker In 2024–25 production exceeded 552 000kg milksolids from autumn and spring calving plus winter milking The prior year topped 476 000kg showing proven consistency Buyers may tender for one two, or all three farms, with scope for scale, shared resources, or collective management Infrastructure includes feed pads, compliant effluent systems, six homes, quality soils, and reticulated water to 220 paddocks Strong feed supply supports stock rearing, with large silage reserves remaining at settlement Located 15km from Ngatea, and about an hour from Auckland Airport, these farms provide rare scale in a proven dairying area bayleys co nz/2630127
Central Waikato grazing and finishing block
Situated just 20 minutes drive from Cambridge and 15 minutes from Morrinsville, this superbly located dairy grazing and finishing property features excellent stock handling facilities for both cattle and sheep, complemented by a range of quality farm shedding Contour ranges from easy to rolling hill with most steeper sidlings retired and planted in a variety of natives A spring provides gravity fed stock water to troughs in all 32 paddocks, which are accessed via good farm tracks and stock lanes The renovated four bedroom character villa has a large deck offering spectacular views to the north, and a detached sleepout provides additional flexibility A grazing option on a further 120 hectares adds significant scale to the opportunity on offer
Seldom do farms of this size and location come to market, your inspection is highly recommended. bayleys co nz/2316983
362 3 ha
Tender (unless sold prior)
Closing 3pm, Wed 5 Nov 2025
96 Ulster Street, Hamilton
Phone for viewing times Karl Davis 0508 83 83 83 karl davis@bayleys co nz
Sam Aislabie 027 429 5410 sam aislabie@bayleys co nz
Proven dairying with infrastructure and scope
Set over 257 hectares (more or less), this Mangatangi dairy farm offers scale and consistency with a wellestablished layout The land shifts from flats to gentle hills, with around 100 paddocks enabling efficient grazing Soils are ash on the hills and clay on the flats, recognised for production and resilience A bore installed in 2022 secures reliable water strengthening the farm’s base alongside its contour and subdivision Infrastructure includes a 50 ASHB shed at the core a 400-cow feed pad for flexibility and a range of implement sheds hay barns and storage Four homes provide accommodation for family staff or support Located in North Waikato Mangatangi connects easily to the Hauraki Plains Pokeno and south Auckland The district’s farming heritage and the backdrop of the Mangatangi Dam and ranges enhance both strength and appeal bayleys co nz/2630147
Wiltsdown 2005 Old Taupo Road, Putaruru
Multi-generational family farm
It’s time to bid farewell to this 72 08ha (more or less) farm, proudly held in the same family since the 1930s An ideal first farm or larger run-off, it is currently milking 180 M/A XB cows through a 14 A/S HB shed, consistently producing up to 80,000 M/S Farm infrastructure is comprehensive, with a large implement shed, calf shed, lockable workshop, haybarn, reliable laneway system, and predominantly 2-wire electric fencing A quality bore supplies ample water across the property The land offers a mix of contour, from flat to rolling with some steeper sidelings Accommodation is well catered for, with three dwellings: a spacious five-bedroom 1970s homestead with sleepout, a well-maintained three-bedroom home, and a basic two-bedroom cottage Combining productive land, strong facilities, and versatile housing, this property delivers both farming and lifestyle appeal bayleys co nz/2311477
257 4587 ha
Auction (unless sold prior) 11am Thu 13 Nov 2025
96 Ulster Street Hamilton
Phone for viewing times
Karl Davis 027 496 4633
karl davis@bayleys co nz
Sam Aislabie 027 429 5410
sam aislabie@bayleys co nz
SUCCESS
72 0818 ha
Tender (unless sold prior)
Closing 2pm, Wed 5 Nov 2025
96 Ulster Street, Hamilton
Peter Kelly 027 432 4278
peter kelly@bayleys co nz
Angus Kelly 021 165 5031
angus kelly@bayleys co nz SUCCESS
Marton 268 Wanganui Road
Craigend – 114 hectares (more or less)
Located just outside of Marton, Craigend offers productive Marton & Halcombe silt loam soils and sound infrastructure across 114 hectares (more or less) Flat to easy rolling contour has supported cropping, finishing, heifer grazing, and more recently sheep and beef grazing Fertiliser history and extensive tile and nova flow drainage underpin consistent performance and versatility Infrastructure includes reticulated spring water, steel cattle yards, sheep yards, a woolshed, and sheds plus a laneway Impressive riparian planting adds to both the aesthetics and environmental value of the property The four-bedroom home with modern kitchen and spacious living is set privately behind mature trees, with established gardens, fruit trees, and vege gardens Well located near Marton, with Palmerston North and Whanganui in easy reach bayleys co nz/3053165
Pukekura has location and subdivision potential
Pukekura Station is a 595ha quality limestone landholding in four titles located only 22km south of Havelock North With a fantastic mix of flat and easy finishing country coupled with strong hill country this early breeding and finishing farm has a history of producing good livestock Given the road frontage and close proximity to Havelock North there is excellent subdivision potential An elevated executive schist homestead provides exceptional views up and down the Tukituki River There are a further four dwellings on the property with two of these currently tenanted Improvements include a four-stand woolshed with sheep yards cattle yards and fivebay implement shed Water is provided by a near-new bore water system and a secondary spring This strong station has fantastic potential to increase production, as well as exceptional subdivisional opportunity bayleys co nz/2854155
113.799 ha
Tender (will not be sold prior)
Closing 1pm, Wed 12 Nov 2025
49 Manchester Street Feilding
Phone for viewing times
Jack Monckton 027 394 3705
jack monckton@bayleys co nz
Mark Monckton 021 724 833
mark monckton@bayleys co nz
Heenan 027 599 3527
heenan@bayleys co nz
Hawke's Bay 634 Crownthorpe Settlement Road, Crownthorpe
Quality finishing land with subdivision potential
Located at Crownthorpe 25 kilometres west of Hastings this well developed early finishing farm offers 365 hectares with large portions of easy tractor country The standard of fencing is exceptional with 12 5 kilometres of near new conventional fencing supported by aluminium electric leadout wires providing the base infrastructure for further subdivision if required Stock water is supplied from a reliable creek source and reticulated to all paddocks Fertility is strong, with regular ground spread applications of sulphur super and high analysis fertiliser on cropping paddocks Improvements include an elevated and refurbished four bedroom manager’s home, a three stand woolshed and well set up sheep yards This is a well presented property providing an excellent opportunity to secure a quality finishing farm with an easy commute to Hastings bayleys co nz/2854139
365 ha
Tender Closing 4pm, Tue 18 Nov 2025
15 Havelock Road, Havelock North
View by appointment
Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253
tony rasmussen@bayleys co nz
Chris Heenan 027 599 3527
chris heenan@bayleys co nz
EASTERN
Central Hawke's Bay 337 Ongaonga Waipukurau Road
Quality farm, so many options
First time on the market since 1918, Braemar is a 313 4ha property offering class one soils, scale and versatility in the Ruataniwha Basin, just 10 2km west of Waipukurau Seismic electric surveys have identified potential groundwater sources, creating opportunities for horticulture and other land uses A consented 27ha feedlot provides excellent wintering options, while laneways, tile draining and strong fertiliser history compliment the farm Improvements include a five-bedroom home, three-bedroom cottage, 2018 woolshed, workshop, Te Pari cattle yards and sheep yards Reticulated water from bores services both farm and houses A rare opportunity to secure premium Hastings silt loam soils with proven performance bayleys co nz/2871084
ha Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 12pm, Wed 29 Oct 2025 26 Takapau Road, Waipukurau View by appointment
Andy Hunter 027 449 5827 andy hunter@bayleys co nz EASTERN REALTY LTD BAYLEYS LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Tawa Park
Tawa Park has been tightly held in the Boyle family since the late 1800s and offers a discerning buyer a highly productive land holding The property is held in four titles with a land area of 269 8971ha with 117ha being LUC 2
Situated 31.7km West of Waipukurau and only 9 6km to the local Sherwood primary school The contour would be best described as flat to easy with an area of sidlings leading down to the Mangatewai river reserve The property has been enhanced by regular fertiliser applications, drainage and pasture renewal, along with wetlands and aesthetic plantings 26ha of the farm is currently under a lease agreement with the neighbour being utilised as a dairy platform Two houses and numerous shedding bayleys co nz/2871148
Small farm or large lifestyle
Great location approximately 9 kilometres south of Taihape and 2 5 kilometres off State Highway 1. Relatively close to Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, the Whanganui coast or Palmerston North airport Featuring a tidy and well maintained three bedroom Lockwood, nestled on an established and elevated site with views to Mount Ruapehu, with large open plan living areas and double carport and an extensively renovated bathroom
The farm is mainly easy contoured hills with many areas cultivatable plus fantastic wetland options Currently used for sheep breeding and finishing it is serviced by a three stand wool-shed sheep yards and cattle facilities
This property presents a rare opportunity to acquire quality land and housing in a sought after location bayleys co nz/2900821
(will not be sold prior)
12pm, Thu 6 Nov 2025
Takapau Road, Waipukurau
by appointment
Hunter 027 449 5827 andy hunter@bayleys co nz
(will not be sold prior)
2pm, Thu 20 Nov 2025
Thomas & Co, 8 Tui Street, Taihape 4720
by appointment
Stratton 027 484 7078 peter stratton@bayleys co nz
Luxury lifestyle meets country living
milk solids with all young stock on.
The quality infrastructure includes a modern 38 aside herringbone with auto drafting, six homes and ample shedding.
We recommend you give this property serious consideration. Very few farms offer such flexibility and scope. Contact Rex today or view at the open days.
AUCTION: Wed 5th Nov, 11am (unless sold prior) Matamata Club
VIEW: Wed 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Oct 11.30am - 1.00pm
AGENT: Rex Butterworth 021 348 276 rex.butterworth@ljhooker.co.nz
LJ HOOKER MATAMATA Link Realty Limited Licensed Agent REA 2008 matamata.ljhooker.co.nz/KZUHR1
Buckland Road, Matamata
TENDER
PUKEATUA, WAIKATO 578 Waimanu Road
BENDALE - Profit and Production
A well-structured, highly productive dairy unit wintering just over 400 cows with a three-year production average of 265,000kg MS, 662kg MS per cow. The farming system is efficient, consistent, and supported by quality infrastructure.
• 110 effective hectares, mainly easy rolling contour
• Steeper sidings retired and planted in natives
• 26 well-fenced paddocks
All pastures regrassed with high-performing tetraploids
Soil tests showing excellent fertility levels
Strong, reliable bore water supply across the farm
• 40-bail ASHB dairy shed with adjoining feed pad
• Ample feed bunkers and silage pits
• Wintering 400+ cows
Outstanding four bedroom homestead with full views over the property and tidy two-bedroom cottage
pggwre.co.nz/TEK42076
NEW LISTING
KATIKATI, BOP 237B Busby Road
Busby Park
Set on 6.25ha, this lifestyle block is a standout
Positioned at 70MASL and facing north, it enjoys the warmth of the Bay of Plenty climate in an easy-care, sun-soaked setting.
The home is generous and relaxed, featuring four bedrooms and two lounges.
Extensive concrete parking connects the double garage to the sheds. A charming rocky-bottom stream meanders along the bottom of the garden. The property includes 3.0ha of mature Hass avocados, plus 2.0ha of 30-year-old Cupressus forest.
4 2 2 DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 1.00pm, Thur 6 Nov VIEW 1.00-2.00pm Sunday 12 & 19 October
4 1 3
TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior)
Closes 4.00pm, Tuesday 28 October
VIEW 11.00-1.00pm Friday 10 & 17 October
Peter Wylie pggwre.co.nz/TAR41878
afowler@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 275 2244
NEW LISTING
M 027 473 5855
E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz
WILTSDOWN 2085A-B Old Taupo Road
Scale, Presentation and Production
Here is a prime opportunity to acquire a very productive 157 hectare (more or less) dairy unit with considerable scale in a very strong South Waikato dairy farming district. Currently milking a 480-500 split calving herd through a modern 44 ASHB dairy shed, producing a 235,000kg MS three-year average. The property is well fenced and tracked and contour is flat to easy with a small balance of steeper gullies Infrastructure includes a large drive through calf rearing shed and other supporting farm buildings. Three dwellings including a modern executive homestead with stunning views. DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus
SOUTHL AND DAIRY PORTFOLIO
Tenders Close: 12pm, Wednesday 19th November 2025
Note: No Prior Offers
Open Days: Rimu Farms October 9th, 16th & 23rd, 9 30am start
Open Days: Wyndham Farm October 10th & 17th, 9 30am start
PGG Wrightson Real Estate is privileged to be favoured with instructions from MT & LH Clinton Limited to sell par t of their Rimu and Oware land por tfolio The offering consists of a total of 515 hectares (subject to sur vey) at Rimu made up of three dair y farms and 140 hectares at Oware, Wyndham Whether you are seek ing a single farm or look ing to expand with multiple holdings, this is a rare oppor tunity to acquire quality land tailored to your farming and investment objectives For fur ther information regarding any of the four dair y farms, please contact Andrew
Located in a sought-after area close to Te Puke and handy to Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Rotorua and Whakatane.
This bare block offers a fantastic rural lifestyle with the opportunity to build your own offgrid dream home on one of several north-facing potential house sites with expansive rural and coastal views encompassing Motiti Island, White Island and the East Coast. Potential for future subdivision and Transferable Developments Rights associated with the protection of riparian areas.
Expressions of interest over $1.85 million + GST (if any)
Contact the vendor for a property information pack, to learn more, or to arrange an appointment to view the property.
Ron or Jo 022 378 7117
Email: lifestyle@eol.co.nz
Roberts Line, Bunnythorpe
Arable Operator
We
We operate a large scale
arable
2700ha made up of cropping, lamb finishing, beef units and a wastewater farm We grow a wide range of crops including grass seeds, cereals, small seeds and vegetables
Job description
Reporting to the cultivation and drilling supervisor this role will primarily be operating our large HP John Deere tractors performing cultivations and operating harvest equipment
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
• Attention to detail and take pride in completing task to a high standard
• Ability to follow instructions work within a team and independently
• A can-do attitude
• The ability to multi-task and adapt to everchanging priorities
• Tactor operation experience (in particular, large horsepower tractors) including cultivation, drilling, fertiliser spreading and crop harvesting
• Modern technology and GPS knowledge
• Class 5 licence (would be an advantage) or willing to obtain
Addition information
In return we can offer:
• Competitive rates of pay (based on experience)
• Modern well-maintained equipment
• Opportunities for individual growth
• Supportive team environment
• On farm housing options
Applications close on October 17 2025
Ready to start?
Applicants will need to be legally entitled to work permanently in New Zealand If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for please apply via email including a cover letter and copy of your CV to geoff roberts@fairfieldfarms co nz or alternately contact Geoff Roberts on 027 487 9867
DEAN EDWARDS FARM CONSULTING LTD
Independent Dairy Advisory –Proven. Practical. Professional
Over 20 years helping NZ dairy farmers boost productivity, profitability & compliance
Serving Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Central Plateau, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki & Lower North Island
Free Introductory On-Farm Consultation
Call Dean Edwards: 027 332 2996 www.deanedwardsfarmconsultant.co.nz dean.edwardsfc@gmail.com
BOAT FOR SALE
SALE TALK
Wisdom of the ages: Man who runs behind a car gets exhausted. Man who runs in front of a car gets tired. Man who drops watch in toilet bound to have a shitty time. Man who stands on toilet is high on pot. Man who throws clock, watches time fly. Man who eats cookies in bed has a crummy night. Man who runs fast into turnstile at airport is going to Bangkok. Man who cuts self too often while shaving loses face. To make eggroll, push with finger. Man who meditates on pond is a sitting duck. Man who laughs last does not get joke. Man with fly on testicles learns violence is not always the answer. War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who’s left. Man who eats many prunes get good run for money.
Here at Farmers Weekly we get some pretty funny contributions to our Sale Talk joke from you avid readers, and we’re keen to hear more!
• Aerial Spraying
• Bulk or Bagged Fertiliser
• Weed Spraying
• Lifting building materials & water tanks
• Aerial Survey
• Gorse & Blackberry Spraying
The ultimate trailer boat for long range missions. Built with award-winning craftsmanship and powered by efficient Volvo Penta diesel technology, this 10-metre sportfishing cruiser is equally at home chasing gamefish or enjoying weekends away with family. Featuring a spacious, versatile layout, premium finish, and proven sea-keeping ability, the Custom 950 delivers confidence, comfort, and capability in every adventure.
• 240 litres fresh water 570 hours-still in use
• 6.7 tonnes on trailer
Top speed 38 knots
• Cruising speed 27-32
• Average fuel use at cruise 1.8L/per nm
• Over 400nm effective range
• Wasp/timezero
• 2021 trailer with brand new WOF included in the price
Owner moving to a launch so reluctantly selling.
If you’ve got a joke you want to share with the farming community (it must be something you’d share with your grandmother...) then email us at: saletalk@agrihq.co.nz with Sale Talk in the subject line and we’ll print it and credit it to you. Conditions apply
n Ideal for shearing sheep, alpacas, goats and cow tails
n Variable speed from 2600-3500rpm
n Latest brushless motor technology means minimal heat build up
n 1400gms means 100-200gms lighter than standard handpiece
n At 2800rpm the 12v lithium battery will crutch 300-400 sheep or trim up to 400-500 cows tails
n We customise cables for lifestyle shearers
WATER PUMPS, suitable on high headlifts. Low energy usage for single/3-phase motors, waterwheel and turbine drives. Low maintenance costs and easy to service. Enquiries phone 04 526 4415, email sales@hydra-cell.co.nz
RAMS FOR SALE
WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556.
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.
View in action go to www.handypiece.co.nz Email: dave@handypiece.co.nz
To submit your sale results or to subscribe to our complimentary Bull Sales eNewsletter contact Andrea or visit farmersweekly.co.nz/bull-sales
Deadline October 20
Andrea Mansfield 027 602 4925 • livestock@agrihq.co.nz
SJC SPECKLE PARK BULL SALE
FOR SALE
last season
• Bred on a 870ha hard hill country property rising up to 637m asl
INCREASED confidence among sheep farmers bodes well for breeders of rams for sale from November to February.
Unprecedented lamb prices have resounded through the industry and given rise to expectations that commercial sheep farmers will spend more money and time on selecting better genetics.
Paki-iti Farms principal Stewart Morton, Rangitikei, said sheep farmer confidence is much improved in the past two years.
He will have about 800 Romney, Suffolk, Romtex and Suftex rams for sale in the paddock before Christmas and a further 150 to lease out next autumn.
During the autumn and winter, farmers reacted to the stronger prices for their weaners and bid up accordingly on bulls.
“Our years as ram breeders have taught us that farmers are confidence-driven purchasers.
“If they are breeding the right rams for the sheep industry then they should expect good demand
and higher prices this season.”
Morton said he will receive ram orders from repeat customers and the demand in each of the price brackets will provide useful intelligence on setting prices.
“It’s a fine balance between recognising what the ram is worth with what the customer will pay for it.”
He said that high lamb prices do not automatically flow into higher ram prices.
“Because what happens if lamb prices go down? Do we then drop ram prices? Generally not.”
Wairere principal Derek Daniell, Masterton, said he will have about 1750 rams for sale, about 1100 of them Romney and the rest shedding sheep.
“Our Nudie ram lambs have sold well for the past three years but now wool prices are lifting.”
Regarding the pricing levels, Daniell said farmers traditionally have spent more on bulls than rams, relative to the value of their progeny.
“In my father’s time farmers spent their wool money on bulls –now they are spending their lamb money on bulls!”
The numbers of rams required in
the sheep industry are still falling because of the conversion of hill country to trees, he said.
Central Otago Poll Dorset ram breeder Sam Stevens said he wouldn’t get too carried away with the high lamb prices, although demand is strong for good sheep of any breed.
He will put up 90 rams for auction in the second week of December and the upset price of $700 won’t change.
“High lamb prices are well and good, but you must have the grass to grow them out. A drought will temper expectations.”
In central Otago, country that can’t be converted to either dairying or trees will continue to carry medium or fine-woolled sheep and the Poll Dorset rams provide a good crossing option.
Southern South Island stud stock agent Callum Dunnett, for Hazletts, said the outlook for ram sales is pretty good and quality rams should be in demand with healthy clearances.
“Returns for sheepmeat are unprecedented and that should translate into good prices for rams.”
Sales will begin in the third week
of November and run through until Christmas, after which attention turns to the fine wool sector.
Perendale NZ breeder Russell Proffit, in King Country at Mahoenui, said new confidence in sheep farming should flow on to demand for better genetics, especially facial eczema and worm resistance.
“I hope that ram breeders who have made genetic investments in their own flocks will be rewarded.”
Proffit thinks there is room for price rises of $100 or $200, if only to recover some of the cost increases.
“The reduction in ewe numbers means less rams needed – that’s the main issue.”
The Proffit family will have its 10th on-farm auction on November 18, with 200 rams offered.
Last year’s auction had a top price of $18,000 which Proffit would love to repeat.
“But that’s not up to me – we need two people bidding.”
Southdown sheep breeder Andrew Christey, in Canterbury, said clients who order before
Christmas tend to take the cream of the crop.
Price levels will be up $100 on last year, with the top selection at $1000, followed by $900 and $800 rams.
He sells 30 two-tooth rams followed by 30 ram lambs in the autumn for ewe hogget mating.
All 135 Southdown ewes are recorded on SIL, mainly for Christey’s own breeding programmes, and not so much for the ram clients.
PGG Wrightson northern North Island stud stock agent and auctioneer Cam Heggie said the biggest hindrances will be hill country tree planting and falling ewe numbers.
“But how many rams for sale is too many? We saw very good clearances of bulls as buyers wanted better genetics.”
Heggie was speaking on his way to the first ram inspections of the season, where he would get breeders’ feelings about how many rams would be offered this season.
“All of the price indicators are positive and I think we are going to have a good sale season.”
REPEAT BUSINESS: Russell and Mavis Proffit, Raupuha Perendale stud at Mahoenui, and their agent Cam Heggie with last year’s $18,000 yearling ram sold to Andrew Savage, St Ledger, Gisborne.
Hugh Stringleman MARKETS Sheep and beef
READINESS: Puketotara Stud rams penned up and ready for business in the ram selling season
Breeders help future-proof our industry
IN THE 2011 ram-selling season it became apparent to breeders that there was a need for more education to help commercial farmers source the right genetics to tackle facial eczema.
Rams were being sold as ‘FE tolerant’ without any testing or recording. As these rams often failed – with their progeny or even the rams themselves showing signs of FE – this undermined the work that the credible breeders were doing.
Commercial farmers thought they were buying good genetics and as the results weren’t there, they were sceptical of the value of genetics to combat FE.
FE Gold was formed. Breeders of tolerant genetics began to work together to educate farmers, helping them make informed choices about ram purchase for FE-tolerant genetics.
This was the first all-breed group formed in the industry. The focus was not on selling rams; it was instead on a campaign of awareness – busting myths and helping commercial farmers ask the right questions:
• How long have you been testing?
• At what level?
• May I see your Ramguard certificate?
Members of this elite group are required to adhere to certain criteria.
This guarantees that the genetics produced by these breeders are top in the country and the breeders have all shown true dedication to incorporating FE genetics into their flocks.
These criteria are: Ramguard testing for at least 10 years, 10% of sale rams tested, using tested sires, dosing at 0.6mg/kg sporidesmin.
The FE Gold logo is now widely recognized as the gold standard for FE genetics. The success of this group has also set a benchmark, and more breeders are lifting their game, putting a stronger focus on FE in their programmes.
The prevalence of the disease is increasing rapidly. Parts of the country that were considered ‘safe’ now see the damage this disease can cause, and this will only increase.
The future of our sheep industry will depend on breeders who are dedicated to producing topperforming genetics with FE tolerance. FE Gold breeders are leading this charge.
For years there has been little research funding available to study this disease. The availability of zinc as a prophylactic and the work done by sheep breeders was deemed enough. With the recognition of the spread of FE further south, and its devastating impact on stock, income and
• Map is based on faecal FE spore counts from the B+LNZ sheep poo study
• Results are from 202 farms in Season 1 and 278 farms in Season 2
• Presence of spores indicates potential FE risk
• West Coast region – no spores were found in the two study farms tested, but the region has a history of FE
mental health, coupled with market vulnerability, we now have some bright signs on the research front.
The Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme, which has a budget of $20.75 million over 10 years, is a cross-sector partnership between Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the Ministry for
Primary Industries, DairyNZ, Fonterra, PGG Wrightson, LIC and several other companies.
The project aims to provide tools, knowledge and solutions for farmers to combat the disease while also improving productivity in the red meat and dairy sectors.
Part of this project is the Sheep Poo Study. As many as 350 farmers
Highest spores/gram dry weight No spores observed <100,000
100,001-300,000
300,001-600,000
600,001-1,000,000 >1,000,000
from all over NZ are collecting samples in order to clarify the existence of spores and
Continued on page 42
Facial eczema spores identified across NZ in 2023/2024 season
• Map is based on faecal FE spore counts from the
• Results are from 202 farms
• Presence of spores indicate potential FE risk
Data provided by:
of faecal
Kate Broadbent FE GOLD
Continued from page 41
build an understanding of where the spores, which cause damage, are occurring.
Now entering the third year of sampling, this has been a real eyeopener, especially for locations further south, usually not seen as FE risk areas. Building on this information, predictive models are being developed to help identify trigger levels of spores and create warnings.
Commercial farmers in the upper South Island are now looking north to FE Gold breeders to begin a breeding programme that includes FE tolerance. Innovation, forward thinking and looking to the future are the hallmarks of any successful
breeding programme. Breeders who began the FE journey in the early days of testing were also the breeders using performance recording of other traits to make gains.
So, it is no coincidence that breeders of FE-tolerant genetics are also producing some of the country’s most productive sheep. Incorporating FE Gold genetics into a flock has the added benefit of the high MW background these breeders have long been focused on. In other words, there is everything to gain and nothing to lose by sourcing genetics from an FE Gold breeder to future-proof your flock against the increasing risk of FE. Genetics are cumulative, so the gains made compound over time. The best time to start is now.
Coopworth – Romworth – Romney – ShedX
Phil & Deana Cook office@hinenuigenetics.co.nz www.hinenuigenetics.co.nz
PUKETOTARA STUD
•
•
•
•
•
• Structurally sound
ewes
Building Better Bloodlines
Follow
RAUPUHA
Perendales
Flocks selected for over 22 years
Compare our Breeding Values for WormFEC 57 years of Pressure Selection
Saleyard closures have become all too common for Northlanders.
Alex Coddington MARKETS Livestock
THE most beautiful thing about markets is that even in the toughest times, there’s always a silver lining to be found. Falling prices mean cheaper entry points for buyers, while expensive buy-ins signal that someone has done well. It may come as a shock to some buyers to see how much cattle prices have risen in just a year. But for those with cattle to sell, the saleyards and their annual fairs have been a place of big wins in 2025.
It’s never easy to watch saleyards close. As regular attendees know, they are more than just venues for auction. They hold years of memories, reminders of big wins and hard losses, and the ever-turning cycle of the market in a fast-changing world. For many long-standing traders, the saleyards are the closest thing to a weekly social coffee club that they’ll get.
Unfortunately, saleyard closures
have become all too common for Northlanders. As cattle numbers fall away, so too does the feasibility of weekly auctions. The most recent casualty is the Kauri saleyards in Whitianga. Regular vendors have been redirected to Wellsford or Kaikohe, an extra 80km north or south for the Kauri regulars.
It’s a sad thing to be part of the generation witnessing what feels like the end of an era. Yet the silver lining lies in the resilience of the core saleyards that continue to thrive despite the challenges.
The Mid-North Spring Cattle Fair, now held at the Wellsford saleyards after 75 years at Kauri, took place last week and showcased all the attributes of a standout fair – some of the best cattle Northland has to offer, a good turnout of locals, excited vendors, eager buyers, and plenty of new faces from up and down the region.
Much of Northland is blanketed in kikuyu grass, infamous for its durability in warm climates. However, the unusually high number of frosts over winter took
was the perfect set-up for a price lift.
As cattle numbers fall away, so too does the feasibility of weekly auctions.
a toll on pasture leading into spring. For a time, it looked touchand-go, but the cattle market was robust throughout.
This gave many cattle traders a safe exit, which meant a lot of farms were already running low numbers on farm. A return of warm days and adequate rainfall helped turn things around just in time for the annual fair. The result
Throughput totalled just under 760-head, a slightly smaller supply than last year, as expected, but the market was markedly different. With payouts around $9.20/kg for finished cattle, nearly $2/kg higher than this time last year, buyer confidence was high, pushing prices well beyond what has been seen at the regular Monday sales.
Yearling traditional steers averaged 250kg and $5.80/kg. The top pen of Angus weighed 264kg and sold for $6.18/kg or $1630 per head. Most of the section consisted of dairy-beef types
that averaged 240kg and $5.80/ kg, or $1395 per head. This was markedly impressive considering last year’s top pen fetched $5.29/ kg or $1220.
There were also plenty of yearling traditional heifers on offer. Purebred Herefords, ranging from 312-358kg, sold for $5.45$5.50/kg, equating to $1700-1970 per head. Most were dairy-beef types, averaging 225kg and $5.25/ kg or $1185 per head. At the 2024 fair, the top pen of dairy-beef heifers made only $4.23/kg, seen as a standout result at the time. The results from this fair were not only well ahead of last year but also firm on previous weeks.
HARD YARDS: As regular attendees know, writes Alex Coddington, saleyards are more than just venues for auction. They hold years of memories as well as reminders of big wins and hard losses.
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Kaikohe | October 1 | 387 cattle
Weather
The weather has its knickers in a twist
Philip Duncan NEWS Weather
THE underwear that Antarctica wears is getting a bit old. The purpose of underwear is to protect and keep things in place – so what happens when the elastic finally gives out? They can ride up or suddenly drop down.
That’s what’s happened to the atmospheric system that normally keeps all of Antarctica’s “cold junk” down where it should be.
The more technical term for this “underwear” is the “polar vortex” – a fairly circular ring that keeps the coldest air stuck over Antarctica and we get tastes of this cold, especially in winter, when it expands further northwards into NZ – bringing us our cold fronts, wintry outbreaks, frosts and snow.
Recently there has been a Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) very high above Antarctica. Put simply, this has broken the elasticity of Antarctica’s polar vortex – so instead of fitting snugly, it’s now more loose and ill fitting.
SSWs don’t occur often in the southern hemisphere due to there being very little land around the Southern Ocean to interfere with things.
We don’t have a huge amount of history and data to look at to see what this all means, but, put simply, it produces spring/
autumn type weather, so the fact it is occurring at the peak of our spring season means it may all get lost in the noise and weather chaos of this time of year.
But it’s likely the reason we felt colder, windier air over the past two months – and it may certainly be behind adding some extra “oomph” to our westerlies, which this week will again blast over New Zealand off and on with surges and lulls.
The SSW can fire out polar blasts of air – I call them “polar flares” as they look similar to solar flares on maps. But this could happen anywhere around the southern hemisphere out at sea – not necessarily over NZ.
Also, the “loose-fitting” polar vortex means as cold shoots northwards, warmer air can fire southwards – again bringing spring-like swings in temperatures to places like NZ and Australia.
So October is going to be more springy – more westerly-driven winds, more West Coast rain and more cold fronts brushing the South Island in particular. If it makes you feel any better, Tasmania and Victoria are in the same boat as us. Hey, sometimes a problem shared is a problem halved!
Our ClimateWatch monthly outlook paints October as being basically “textbook” – with the westerly lean to our weather and more injections of warmer days too. There is a lack of high pressure over NZ
– and we may have to wait until mid to late October to see some changes. One positive about westerlies is it limits frosts, especially in the North Island. But it also makes the western side of NZ wetter and cloudier, and eastern areas
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drier and windier.
Mother Nature is a good repairer, so we’d expect those Antarctic undies to be fixed over the coming months – but we may well see more westerly-driven weather for longer this season.
Farmers Weekly senior Journalist Neal Wallace reports from the US against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, growing nationalism and the further dismantling of international rules-based trade.
Follow our Meeting the Market series as Neal continues to uncover global perspectives for New Zealand farmers and growers.
IT’S COMING: Low pressure this past weekend, along with westerlies this week, brings rain into the west and drier conditions in the east overall.
