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Vol 24 No 36 | September 14, 2026

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Scramble for dairy farms boosts prices MARKETS

Dairy

HE $89,000 a hectare paid for a small Mid Canterbury dairy farm could soon be exceeded as demand for South Island farms outstrips supply. The price of Mid Canterbury dairy land has reached record levels, with buyer confidence underpinned by profitability, high rates of return on investment, a willingness of banks to lend and a belief that the current prosperity will continue. Real estate agents said buyers are active in the dairy, sheep and beef sectors, either adding to existing farms or moving to larger properties. The larger scale of South Island dairy farms has attracted more sales activity than the North Island, they said. Bayleys Waikato rural manager Mark Dawe said while there are plenty of buyers in his region, listings are back to normal levels after a busy year last year. Demand for irrigated Canterbury dairy farms is especially high while prices for Southland dairy farms have also increased, with blue chip dairy farms making $50,000/ha. PGG Wrightson Ashburton agent Dan van der Salm said returns on investment of 6-7% are possible from top-quality Canterbury dairy farms with secure access to water

and sound infrastructure. “There is a lot of confidence in the industry,” he said. “With a blue chip farm who knows where the roof is, but it likely $80,000/ha will be common,” said Van der Salm. He currently has up to 40 people wanting to buy dairy farms in Canterbury. Calvin Leen, PGG Wrightson sales manager for North Otago, Mid and South Canterbury, said prices are at record levels in Mid Canterbury, predominantly driven by individuals but also some corporate activity, such as Dairy Holdings’ recent purchase of Rangitata Dairies. “We are seeing buyers who are in a strong financial position and with the ability to invest.” There were 26 dairy conversions in Canterbury for 2026-27 season, which Leen said were a mix of dairy support and some arable farmers selling to dairy or converting part of their farms after three successive difficult seasons. Leen said this has created a shortage of dairy shed builders and less land for dairy support. Prices for wintering heifers next year have already increased from $16-$18/head/week to $21-$23 while cows have risen from $38$41 to $45-$46. Leen said there is demand for sheep and beef farms, and while prices have increased, they are not Continued page 3

Catlins farmer Robbie Jackson is happiest where there are few neighbours, plenty of animals, and enough space to make a noise as he shares his life on social media. Photo: Supplied

PEOPLE 14

Powering up for calving season

S FOECT CU OR S

Neal Wallace

Splendid isolation – and 22,000 followers

For many years, the approach of calving filled Marc Gascoigne with dread. Over time, he learnt that preparing early and maintaining a healthy mindset changed how he experienced the season.

DAIRY 18-24 Salmonella warning for dairy farmers as disease on farms rises.

Three Bremworth directors resign as partial takeover kicks in.

Do carbon farms protect against climate change or profit from it?

NEWS 3

NEWS 4

OPINION 17

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1. Bingham, C. M. & Hodge, A. (2022) Lamb mortality and clostridial disease. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 70 (1) 49-54. Zoetis New Zealand Limited Tel: 0800 963 847, www.zoetls.co.nz. ULTRAVAC Is a registered trade mark of Zoetls. ACVM No.A3585, A6926, A11606 and A11607.

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Contents News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Sector Focus . . . . . . . 18-24 Rural Women . . . . . . . . . . 25 Federated Farmers . 26-29 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

News in brief Hay joins board North Otago farmer Jo Hay has been appointed a farmer-director on the Silver Fern Farms Co-operative board. She has previously been involved with SFF governance development programmes, including the co-operative’s Emerging Development Group for future governors. Hay farms sheep and beef near Oamaru and serves on the board of Meet the Need.

Ploughing on

Andrea Mansfield | 027 602 4925 National Livestock Manager livestock@agrihq.co.nz

The New Zealand ploughing team has managed to pull together a good performance despite massive challenges leading up to their participation at the World Ploughing Championship in Croatia. Mark Dillon from Dillon Harvesting in Riversdale, Southland, placed 14th in conventional, with team mate Malcolm Taylor placing 15th in the reversible. The pair were left high and dry earlier this year when their tractors and ploughs did not make it to Croatia on time, but fellow competitors came to their rescue.

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Marlborough on top

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Marlborough’s emerging wine talent has come out on top, claiming both of the industry’s major young professional titles for 2026. Isabel Estate’s Nick Lamain, 30, was named Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year. Cloudy Bay’s Kris Godsall, 24, took out the 2026 Young Viticulturist of the Year title.

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Marketplace . . . . . . . 31-32 Livestock . . . . . . . . . . 32-35 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . 36-39 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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NZPork director AWAKE: NZAB director Andrew Laming says ‘it is like rural sector investment has woken up’. STORY P7

Rural leader Mark Hooper has been appointed an independent director on the NZPork board. Hooper is a former Taranaki Federated Farmers president. He was elected to Feds’ national board in 2022 and has been involved in national rural policy and advocacy, including environmental and regulatory issues affecting farmers.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Sharp rise in salmonella prompts warning Gerald Piddock

NEWS

It’s quite a significant human health issue because it can make you extremely sick.

Disease

AIRY farmers are being warned to keep an eye out for salmonella symptoms in their herds after a sharp rise in diagnoses of the disease on farms over the past two years. The latest MPI laboratory data shows that salmonella cases nationwide across all strains were 761 in 2025 and up from 455 in 2024. It was not known whether each case represented a single or multiple animals – or a whole herd. This made it difficult to determine precisely how many cows had the disease, DairyNZ senior technical and policy advisor (veterinary) Mitch Cooper said. This year’s dataset is incomplete but Cooper believes it is trending to be as high as 2025. While there were cases in most of the country’s dairy regions, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, South Canterbury and Otago have seen rises in cases. Continued from page 1 yet at levels last seen in 202122 due to banks requiring more equity and the high price of livestock. Colliers Southland-based agent Mark Wilson said the same drivers in Canterbury are present in the south, with superior dairy properties making $50,000/ha and others in the mid $30,000. He estimated 60-70% of Southland dairy farmers own multiple properties, and many are actively seeking additional properties. Sheep and beef farmers are also seeking to expand but Wilson said properties up to 25,000 stock units are in short supply. PGG Wrightson Otago agent

Mitch Cooper DairyNZ

controls around feed and water troughs as that access is a likely scenario for the disease getting onto the property. Awareness is also key and being mindful of its symptoms. Often it is not until farmers have it in their herd that they pay close attention to it. “It’s something people don’t put much focus on until it happens to them.” Symptoms include a drop in milk production, diarrhoea, a loss of appetite, fever, dehydration and in some cases, abortions. It is also more prevalent in spring and autumn. There is a vaccine for salmonella, which offers protection against four different strains. While not 100% effective, it does significantly reduce the risk, Cooper said. It can be passed on to humans, presenting a significant health and safety concern for farmers and their staff if the disease is found in the herd. “I’ve had several veterinary clients that got salmonella from their herds. It’s quite a significant human health issue because it can make you extremely sick.”

The incidence of salmonella on farms has been steadily increasing for over a decade, he said. “From about 2014 onwards we have seen quite a drastic increase in salmonella.” The cases are predominantly in adult cows and heifers, and while people love to blame

birds for spreading the disease, discovering how it gets onto a farm is more complicated, the former veterinarian said. “There have been several studies done by Massey University to try to identify the major risk factors – and they have identified some – but I don’t think we are fully at the

bottom of where it’s coming from.” The disease is caused by cows ingesting salmonella bacteria, which can live for long periods of time in the environment (more than six months), making elimination of the organism difficult. There are a variety of types of salmonella bacteria that can affect dairy cattle. Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella bovismorbificans are the most common in New Zealand. It is spread via direct animalto-animal contact within a herd, other animals or birds, dirty clothing or objects, contaminated feed or water supply, airborne bacteria or the application of untreated effluent to pastures. Cooper’s advice is to have in place good bird and rodent

Brent Irving said agriculture is currently a rewarding investment. “If you had $2 million, where would you put it today?” Lenders are using their balance sheet strength, which Irving said means they are not as heavily leveraged as previously. He has also noted several sheep and beef farms are being split among multiple buyers. Scott Wishart, a director of agribusiness finance adviser NZAB, said the larger size of South Island dairy farms allows farmers to grow their business, creating more activity than in the North Island. He said corporations and multiple owners of farms are active, with some helping farm

managers and sharemilkers into farm ownership. “They are investing alongside them to help them get a foot onto the farm ownership ladder while retaining their skill in their business structure.” Scale is also a driving factor. “Corporates are looking for greater efficiency from their resources and larger scale farms give them those economies of scale.” Reserve Bank of New Zealand figures show total agriculture debt in the year to July 2026 was $64.3 billion, up from $63.5bn a month earlier and $62.7bn in July 2025. Dairy debt in the year to July 2026 was $37.8bn, up from $36.7bn a year earlier.

IN DEMAND: Buyer confidence is pushing South Island dairy farm prices to record levels.

GROWING: While there were salmonella cases in most of the country’s dairy regions, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, South Canterbury and Otago have seen rises in cases.

To ﬁnd out what works for you and ‘lock it in’, visit farmstrong.co.nz

Look after yourselves and check on your mates during calving. Sam Whitelock Farmstrong Ambassador

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Three Bremworth directors quit board Hugh Stringleman

NEWS

Food & fibre

HREE independent directors of Bremworth have resigned effective later this month as the partial takeover by David Ferrier’s Mangawhai Collective works through. The directors are Trevor Burt, Julie Bohnenn and Murray Dyer, who served on a sub-committee advising shareholders during the contested offer by Floorscape, a subsidiary of multinational Mohawk. Ferrier now has 55% of Bremworth shares and wants new directors appointed, himself included. Chair Rob Hewett is to remain in place to provide continuity as the 2026 financial results are approved

and published in late September. “I want to acknowledge the professionalism and integrity these directors have brought to the board during a period of complex and difficult decisions,” he said.

The board subcommittee received wrong strategic advice and was effectively arguing that Bremworth had failed. David Ferrier Mangawhai Collective Ferrier and his associates opposed the Floorscape bid and made a partial counteroffer, which prevailed when lock-up deeds at 90c purchase price were signed and executed.

Bremworth said last week that the second Floorscape offer from multinational Mohawk at 95c did not go ahead when discussions showed there would not be sufficient support. Ferrier called the second Floorscape offer “dead on arrival” because of the Mangawhai’s 19.73% holding and lock-up deeds over a further 32%. He said he would extend the 90c offer to all shareholders if he could, but $20 million outlay was the extent of his financing. Along with the loss of NZ ownership, Ferrier said Floorscape/ Mohawk would have rationalised Bremworth’s plants and caused job losses. On the other hand, the founding families and the other lock-up deed signatories wanted to see Bremworth succeed and prosper. The company has the capabilities

STABILITY: Chair Rob Hewett is to remain in place to provide continuity as the 2026 financial results are approved and published in late September. and the management expertise it needs and changes to the board are needed, Ferrier said. “The lock-up group are shareholders who reflect my sentiment and trust me to take the company forward.” Commerce Commission approval of the first Floorscape proposal after four delays was alarming to Ferrier, the other shareholders in

his group, and to carpet retailers. “The scheme implementation agreement was not a good document and the sentiment against Mohawk grew. “The board sub-committee received wrong strategic advice and was effectively arguing to the commission that Bremworth had failed, which we are firmly against.”

Warm ag reception for Labour climate pledges Staff reporter

NEWS

Climate change LABOUR’S climate policy – including a commitment not to campaign on taxing agricultural emissions and an urgent review of the Emissions Trading Scheme – has been welcomed by Federated Farmers and Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Labour has campaigned on taxing farm emissions in some form in every election since 2003, Federated Farmers climate spokesperson Richard Dawkins said. “Credit where credit is due, they’ve clearly listened to farmers’ views, looked at the evidence, and been open to changing their position. That’s a significant policy shift.

“We now need Labour to go one step further and categorically rule out any emissions tax on farmers as part of potential coalition negotiations.” Likewise, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) chair Kate Acland said farmers will want reassurances that agricultural emissions pricing will not be revived through coalition negotiations or future policy reviews. “Labour’s potential coalition partners support agricultural emissions pricing, so Labour needs to make it clear that keeping agriculture out of emissions pricing would be a bottom line in any negotiations if it is elected. “There is no need to price agricultural emissions. Sheep and beef farmers are already cutting emissions, and New Zealand should be backing them with

practical tools and incentives, not loading them with costs our overseas competitors do not face.” Labour’s policies point to an emerging political consensus that agriculture and climate policy must be practical, internationally aligned and fair to farmers. “It is encouraging to see broad recognition that pricing agricultural emissions is not the right tool, and that the ETS should not keep incentivising the loss of productive sheep and beef farmland into carbon forestry,” Acland said. Labour leader Chris Hipkins called the ETS broken, with the price too low to drive meaningful emissions reductions. “Current ETS rules also make it cheaper to plant exotic forests than to grow food. That doesn’t

create jobs or help our economy. “Labour will ensure the Emissions Trading Scheme actually does what it is supposed to do and maintains a genuine price on emissions. “We will restore credibility and certainty to the carbon market, generating revenues that can be invested in affordable energy and resilience. “We will stop the shortterm political tinkering that undermines business confidence and puts us all on the back foot.” The party is also fully committed to the Paris Agreement and will put New Zealand on course to meet its targets, he said. Dawkins said Labour is right to recognise the current ETS settings can make planting exotic forests more attractive than producing food.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Arable players commit to sector’s revival Annette Scott

NEWS

Arable

RABLE sector industry bodies have jointly committed to five priorities aimed at driving the positive change that is vital for the sector’s revival. Seed & Grain New Zealand (SGNZ), the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), Federated Farmers, growers and the Ministry for Primary Industries committed to working together at an Arable Sector Forum held last week. The forum brought together industry leaders, growers, seed companies, researchers, and government to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the sector and to identify actions that will lift its prospects. Five initial priorities were tagged: • Addressing poor on-farm profitability and managing costs. • Improving market intelligence and data to support on-farm decisions. • Growing the partnership between the arable sector and

the dairy and livestock sectors. • Identifying opportunities to improve transport and logistics. • Developing customer recognition of the benefits of New Zealand-grown grains. These priorities will form the basis of an industry-led work programme. SGNZ chief executive Sarah Clark said key discussions covered creating value, boosting growers’ returns, building sector resilience, developing market insights, and potential opportunities. “The forum strengthened understanding between different parts of the system, encouraged collaboration, and importantly highlighted a shared commitment to driving change.” Forum facilitator FAR chief executive Scott Champion said everyone in the supply chain has a role to play in driving the sector’s long-term success, with the forum showing genuine willingness and commitment to align efforts and tackle the challenges. “The arable sector contributes directly to NZ’s exports, but it also powers our export-focused livestock and dairy sectors

ENGAGED: David Birkett says the key takeaway from the forum was that everyone was around the table and engaged. through pasture and forage seed production and the provision of animal feeds. “Events like the Middle East conflict have increased production costs, and global oversupply has kept prices low, limiting our export competitiveness, putting pressure on our growers.” Federated Farmers arable

industry representative David Birkett said a key takeaway from the forum is that everyone was around the table and engaged, which is vital to drive change right across the supply chain. “The arable sector underpins NZ agriculture and Federated Farmers is committed to supporting efforts both behind and beyond the farm

gate to help drive the sector’s long-term success and rebuild growers’ confidence. “The forum enabled first steps towards supporting our growers to navigate challenges, strengthen financial resilience, and capture future opportunities.” Associate Minister of Agriculture Mike Butterick assured the forum that the government “recognises the strategic importance of the arable sector in driving the prosperity of our rural communities and the NZ economy”. The focus is now on seeking input from across the arable sector on the key priorities and coordinated actions. Clark said the future direction of the arable sector will be shaped and driven by the sector. “Success will only be possible if all parts of the system work together, including growers, seed companies, researchers, industry bodies, and government. “Our focus now is building strong momentum as we work together to strengthen sector resilience, create value, and lift demand and growers’ profitability.”

Rural butcher supports home-kill rule changes Richard Rennie

NEWS

Regulation TOBY Barkla, the owner of Plains Butchery near Edgecumbe, says he has been encouraged by what he describes as the positive sounds coming out of Ministry for Primary Industries about proposed changes to home-kill regulations. “MPI is making very clear they are interested in changing the rules around home kill, to make it more possible to source meat directly off a home kill, or for farmers to be able to supply meat

... to someone who is not on a farm.” He particularly hopes the “28day rule” is ended. This requires someone to own a cattle beast or sheep for 28 days themselves, caring for it daily and then having it slaughtered on their property. “So that pretty much eliminates everyone in town who may like to have a beast home-killed but doesn’t have somewhere to put it. “It is a rule that has been around for 20 years and is well overdue for a change.” The member of the Federated

Farmers rural butcher leadership team said he believes the government recognises that families are under immense pressure to afford red meat, and the changes are a way to ease that struggle. Barkla’s business has an impressive 85,000 followers on Facebook and his video explanation on why the rules should change has generated almost 2000 “likes”. He is also welcoming rule changes that would allow donated home-killed meat to be distributed beyond the animal’s owner, if it is labelled “home

killed”, cautioning to “consume at own risk”. As the need for charity-based meat supplies grows due to higher food costs, Barkla said there are plenty of farmers who would happily donate the occasional animal to such causes if they were easier to supply. “It’s not to do with on-selling home-kill meat, it’s just for filling up your freezer so the average Kiwi can go out and buy an animal off a farmer, get it processed and put in their freezer.” Submissions on proposed rule changes close on October 5.

ACCESSIBLE: With food costs surging, rural butcher Toby Barkla welcomes proposals by MPI to make it easier for nonfarming families to access homekilled red meat.

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A Short, Sharp Spring

Getting Weed Control and Soil Nitrogen Right Before Summer Arrives

– Dr Elena Duter, Head of Agronomy, Farmlands

pring has a habit of overstaying some years and disappearing in others. This season is shaping up to be the latter. After a cool, wet start, forecasters and paddock conditions alike are pointing to a rapid transition through spring and into an early, dry summer. For farmers, that compressed window changes the calculus on two of the most time-critical jobs on the calendar right now: weed control ahead of sowing, and nitrogen management. When spring runs short, timing becomes everything. A fast spring means soil temperatures climb quickly, weed flushes come thick and fast, and the gap between “time to spray” and “time to sow” can close in days rather than weeks. Farmers used to a more leisurely lead-in to summer cropping should treat this year as a reminder to bring forward, not delay, pre-sowing weed control decisions. Waiting for the “usual” week on the calendar risks getting caught out by weeds that have hardened off, or a soil moisture window that has closed. kill now often costs more later and will be even more expensive the following season. Always check product labels before use and reach out to your Technical Field Specialist rep for advice and product recommendations to suit every operation available through Farmlands and Agchem partners like Nufarm. Don’t ignore resistance risk. Glyphosateresistant ryegrass and other species are becoming increasingly present in New Zealand paddocks. Rotate modes of action rather than relying on glyphosate alone. Pre-Emergent Herbicides: The Other Half of the Equation With a shortened spring, the residual protection from pre-emergent products becomes more valuable, not less. Applied at or shortly after sowing, they buffer against the next weed flush while the crop establishes, this is particularly important if the coming weeks bring the rapid warming that is currently forecast. Careful consideration should be given to: matching product choice to the target weed spectrum and the following crop’s plant-back restrictions, since an early summer crop close behind a spring cereal or brassica changes what’s safe to use. Remember, soil moisture at and

after application drives activation of most pre-emergent chemistry, so a dry run into summer may mean timely rainfall matters more than usual; and don’t treat preemergents as “set and forget”. Always walk your paddocks in the first few weeks to identify any issues before they become a bigger problem. Repairing and Renewing Pasture for a Fast-Moving Season Weed control isn’t only a cropping issue this spring, many farmers are also racing the clock on pasture repair after a wet winter. Treading and pugging damage can cut immediate dry matter utilisation significantly, and if bare patches aren’t dealt with promptly, spring-germinating weeds will fill them instead of grass. The fix depends on how long you need the pasture to last: fast-establishing Italian ryegrass is the go-to for undersowing once soil temperatures reach around 6°C, and suits paddocks due for full renewal within the next 6–18 months. Where the pasture needs to persist for 3–4 years or more, undersow with perennial ryegrass once soil temperatures reach around 8°C, ideally matching the cultivar already in the paddock. Whichever route you take, cultivar choice matters more than it used to. Novel endophyte infected cultivars bred for resistance to pasture pests like Argentine stem weevil and black beetle are increasingly the difference between a pasture that persists through summer and one that thins out under pressure and disappears. With a compressed spring squeezing establishment windows, backing a repair or renewal with a proven, well-infected cultivar reduces the risk of doing the job twice or ultimately losing the investment. It’s also worth looking further ahead than this season. Farmers in warmer parts of the North Island and the top of the South Island are increasingly factoring water restrictions and prolonged summer

dry into their pasture planning. There is a growing push within the industry to trial more drought-tolerant and resilient pasture species and management practices suited to these regions. For anyone renewing pasture this spring in an area prone to summer moisture stress, it’s worth asking your Farmlands Technical Field Specialist rep what resilient or drought-tolerant options are available and evaluated for your region, rather than defaulting to the same mix as always. Diversifying the mix itself is another lever worth pulling. Including chicory and plantain alongside fescues and clovers brings genuine advantages beyond straight dry matter yield. The presence of deep-rooted varieties, give better access to soil moisture and nutrients through summer dry spells, which lifts drought tolerance relative to a ryegrassonly sward. They also maintain higher feed quality through summer when grass quality typically declines. Plantain in particular, has a well-documented role in diluting nitrogen leaching from the system which can be a useful tool for nitrogen management. For paddocks being resown this spring, a mix that includes chicory or plantain can add resilience on both the animal performance and environmental fronts. Working with your local Farmlands Technical Field Specialist rep and using products from our partners such as PGGW Seeds, Agricom and Barenbrug will help you set up for success this spring. A compressed spring rewards farmers who move early rather than to the calendar. Get glyphosate timing right while weeds are still actively growing; don‘t skimp on pre-emergent coverage given the shortened window before summer heat arrives; and it may be worth a conversation with your Farmlands Technical Field Specialist rep to sharpen your nitrogen and nutrient needs.

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Glyphosate: Getting the Basics Right Glyphosate remains the backbone of pre-sowing weed control for most arable, cropping and pastoral renewal programmes, but its effectiveness depends on timing and technique. Spray while target plants are actively growing as any stress from frost, drought or waterlogging reduces uptake, so check paddock conditions in the 48 hours either side of spraying, not just on the day. Match rate to weed size and species; larger, established weeds, mature grasses or perennials like couch and dock need higher rates and sometimes a repeat pass. Allow adequate uptake time before cultivation or drilling, respect the minimum times for adequate product uptake, taking into account growing conditions, leaving it longer if these are marginal. Use appropriate water volumes and nozzle selection for full leaf coverage, especially in dense or multi-species swards. A key factor to consider is to avoid spraying moisture-stressed weeds if expecting a full kill. A fast-drying spring can catch farmers out here more than most seasons. Don’t cut corners on rates to save cost ahead of a tight sowing window; a partial

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Capital activity surges in rural sector

HE rural sector has recovered its appetite for capital activity, with farmers investing, transacting, refinancing and repaying debt in a steady fashion, rural loan broker NZAB says. Gross new lending figures from the Reserve Bank have jumped to $17 billion or 40% in the past year and total agri debt is up $1.1bn. “It is like rural sector investment has woken up,” NZAB director Andrew Laming said. “For a number of years farmers have largely been cautious with investment activity. “The last 12 to18 months feels different. “Confidence has improved, profitability has improved, and people are increasingly willing to invest, transact and make decisions again.” Laming cited the RBNZ statistics from end-June 2026, which disclosed $17bn of gross new agricultural lending in 2025-26, of which dairy accounted for $10.3bn, up more than $3bn from the prior year. “This is not the net change in total debt outstanding as it ignores repayments and facilities that are never drawn,” he said.

AWAKE: NZAB director Andrew Laming says ‘it is like rural sector investment has woken up’. “Capital that has been sitting on the sidelines is starting to reengage with agriculture. “Farmers are investing, farms are changing hands, banks are competing for business, and private investors are re-engaging with agriculture.” Industry commentary suggests farm sales over the past 12 months may have been around the $5bn mark, versus what would more normally be $2bn-$3bn. Every farm sale typically generates both a repayment of debt by one party and new lending for another, creating significant lending activity (captured in the above numbers) without necessarily driving a large increase in net debt across the sector.

TIDAL: Changes in rural debt by industry over the past nine years. Image: NZAB strong returns for much of the past decade, when banks were heavily focused on debt reduction and the tougher RBNZ capital settings. “With stronger farm balance sheets, lower debt levels following

the Mainland capital return and a significant lift in stock values, there appears to be renewed recognition of just how strong many dairy businesses have become.

T B E S S EL L

NEWS

Finance

The RBNZ series measures the value of new or increased lending facilities being established by banks, rather than the change in total debt outstanding. “This data series generally does not include simple renewals of existing facilities where the amount of credit remains unchanged. “It is really best thought of as a measure of fresh credit being established or made available to the sector.” At June 30 total agri debt reported from the main trading banks was $63.55bn, within which dairy was $37.3bn; sheep, beef and arable were $15.6bn and horticulture $8.5bn. While gross new lending has jumped to around $17bn, total agricultural debt has only increased by about $1.1bn over the same period. “That suggests there has been a very large amount of repayment, refinancing, asset transactions and capital recycling occurring underneath the headline figure,” Laming said. The Mainland capital return of $3bn is not captured directly in the data set but helps explain some of the broader capital activity across the sector. “It is like a strong catalyst for some of the activity we are now seeing,” he said. “Dairy has been generating

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

News

Yearling bull sale prices rocket away Hugh Stringleman

MARKETS

Sheep & beef

DELEGATES: JerseyNZ will be hosting the World Jersey Conference in February 2027 in Hamilton, where as many as 80 delegates from 39 countries are expected.

World Jersey Conference coming to Hamilton Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Dairy

ORE than 80 delegates from at least 39 countries are expected to come to New Zealand in February for the World Jersey Conference. Held under the theme The Next Generation, the near-monthlong event will look at where the Jersey breed is heading, exploring the role of genetics, technology, sustainability, efficiency and innovation in shaping the dairy farms of tomorrow. “A lot of younger people are seeing the benefits of Jerseys in terms of not only providing good healthy food for people but also doing it in a sustainable and profitable way,” JerseyNZ president Julie Pirie said. New Zealand has held the conference three times before, in 1965, 1989 and 2011. The 2027 event will be hosted by JerseyNZ and will run from February 8 to 27. Its six days of conference activity are centred in Waikato, bookended by optional pre- and post-conference tours through Northland and the lower North

and South Islands. This will provide the opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s pasturebased efficient Jerseys to the rest of the world. Holstein Freisian-Jersey crossbred cows make up the bulk of New Zealand’s dairy cows at 61%, and pure Jerseys make up 7.5%. The breed is highly prevalent overseas. In Australia, Jersey semen accounts for 25% of the dairy herd, Pirie said. The timing of the conference comes as the dairy industry increasingly focuses on producing more from less, making genetic progress and improving farm efficiencies. The Jersey breed of the future will need to be efficient, adaptable, fertile, productive and environmentally resilient. The breed is already a long way in reaching those goals due to their production and size making them a highly efficient animal, Pirie said. “It’s about ensuring that our access to the best genetics to maintain that advantage continues.” Jersey bulls are also highly in demand to be mated with dairy

heifers because of the resulting smaller calf, she said. The conference programme has been designed to put those ideas into practice, with delegates spending significant time on New Zealand farms and in some of the country’s leading dairy industry businesses. It begins with a pōwhiri and welcome at Zenith and Ebboni Jersey Farm in Taupiri. It then moves into a programme featuring industry sessions, herd visits, genetics, research and opportunities to connect with businesses working across the dairy sector. The conference is also an opportunity for the wider dairy industry to be part of an international conversation about the future of farming. The event will bring together genetics and breeding companies, technology providers, researchers, financial and agricultural organisations, dairy industry businesses and farmers, providing a unique environment for businesses to demonstrate innovation, build relationships and engage directly with an international audience.

BAY of Islands breeder Waitangi Angus has sold a yearling bull for $17,000. The animal was Lot 19 in its catalogue, Waitangi W220, and was bought by Roger Boese Trust and Partners, Whangārei. The Bayly family at Waitangi had a full clearance of 82 bulls and an average of $8106, compared with $5456 last year and $4050 in 2024. Stud transfers went to Te Atarangi for $11,000, to Hingaia Angus at $12,500, $12,000 and $9500. Maranui Herefords and Angus, Waihi, had a full clearance of 28 Hereford yearlings with an average of $5171. Twelve of 13 Angus yearling bulls sold. The high price was $11,000 for Lot 17, Maranui Franklin 2513, bought by Tawanui Herefords, Stratford. Matapouri Polled Herefords, Hikurangi, sold all 61 2-year

bulls with an average of $5118, and a top of $6500, and 54 of 75 yearling bulls, averaging $4733, with a top of $6500. Bluff Herefords, Waiuku, sold all 60 yearling bulls, averaging $4521, with a top price of $6500 twice. Kaingaroa Angus, Lake Ohia, Northland, sold nine out of nine yearling bulls with an average price of $4666 and a top of $7000 paid for Lot 3, Kaingaroa W534. The combined Colraine and Kanuka Polled Herefords sale at Ōhaupō was a full clearance of 23 bulls, 11 of them for Colraine at an average of $5000 and 12 for Kanuka, averaging $4891. The top price on the day was $11,000 for Kanuka Ultron 2501 paid by Otapawa Herefords, Tiraumea. Piquet Hill Farm Angus, Te Awamutu, had a full clearance of 40 bulls, with an average of $5143 and a top price of $10,200 for Lot 12, and a transfer at $8700 for Lot 9 to the Downing family, Whakatupu Angus, South Auckland.

NORTHERNER: Waitangi yearling bull W220 topped the spring yearling sale with $17,000, paid by a Whangārei farmer.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Farmers question right to sell straying sheep Rebecca Greaves

NEWS

Livestock

ATEVA forestry company called off the public auction of wild sheep trespassed from five of its forests in Pongaroa last week after owners collected their stock. Locals are now questioning the legality of holding such an auction in the first place. When farmers turned up at the Pongaroa Hall for the publicised public auction of the sheep they were met with a notice on the door from Tararua District Council (TDC) advising the auction was cancelled. “Please be advised that the public auction for the impounded stock is no longer taking place. The auction has been cancelled because the stock owners have collected their stock,” it read. A letter was circulated to gathered locals from Kelvin and Kathryn Lane, who live in Palmerston North but have two properties in Pongaroa, flanked by two forestry blocks. The Lanes questioned the legality and obligations with regard

to boundary fencing between neighbours. As well as issues with stock in the forestry, their letter outlined problems with feral pests, including pigs and deer, inherited from the forestry, and concerns about possums and the threat of Tb. The Lanes said the Fencing Act “strictly states that the responsibility is mutual on each party sharing a boundary fence”. Under the Fencing Act, they said, the obligation is for stock to be returned. “It’s obvious that forestry has been planted regardless of quality fencing ... If this responsibility has not been met, TDC has no right to hold public auctions, for stock to be sold on behalf, outside of court permission. “Of concern is that this stock is not on public ground, it is on joint neighbours’ property, who have stated, for budgetary restraints, boundary fences are not gaining priority of either renewal or maintenance.” However, the TDC is distancing itself from the question of boundary fencing responsibility or forestry land use, saying they are separate issues. In a statement, a council

spokesperson said the process currently being administered falls under the Impounding Act 1955. “Responsibility for boundary fencing between neighbouring landowners is governed by the Fencing Act 1978. Questions about the condition of a fence, or who is responsible for its maintenance or replacement, are matters for the neighbouring landowners involved,” it said. “Council’s role in this case is limited to administering the process set out in the Impounding Act for stock that are trespassing on another property. In this case, Council was approached regarding sheep that had been living within the forestry blocks for an extended period and which, despite repeated attempts, could no longer practically be mustered because of their wildness and the nature of the forest.” In these circumstances, the Impounding Act (Section 38) requires the council, at the request and cost of the occupier, to publicly notify any owners and provide an opportunity for them to come forward and recover their stock. If stock is not removed within the statutory period, the Act

QUESTIONS: The Lanes questioned the legality and obligations with regard to boundary fencing between neighbours. Photo: Pexels provides for it to be offered for sale by public auction. This process does not require the stock to be on public land, nor does the legislation require a court order before the auction process could occur, it said. The purpose of the council’s involvement is to administer a legal process for dealing with wild

stock that cannot practically be impounded. “We appreciate that the situation is frustrating for affected neighbouring farmers. “The statutory process does, however, provide an opportunity for anyone claiming ownership of the sheep to recover them before the process is completed.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Farm plastics recycling programme rolls out

Massey researcher zeroes in on farm data Staff reporter

TECHNOLOGY

Gerhard Uys

Data

Recycling

A RESEARCH project exploring how agricultural stakeholders respond to and make decisions about emerging technologies aims to better understand how farm data is governed, shared and used in New Zealand’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. As a global leader in agricultural technology, New Zealand has seen significant growth in farm innovation and digital systems. Farmers are increasingly adopting technologies for livestock and pasture management, environmental monitoring and compliance, farm finance and administration, and crop and horticultural production. These technologies provide valuable insights and efficiencies, and generate large volumes of data. Senior lecturer in Farm Management and Agribusiness Dr Albert Boaitey said this raises important questions about who owns that information, how it is being used, shared, stored and protected, and whether farmers are receiving any value from it. “International research shows farmers have mixed attitudes towards data sharing, particularly when third parties are involved. “Similar concerns are emerging in New Zealand, where the pace of digitalisation is accelerating without a dedicated agricultural data governance framework. “With more than 500 agritech firms currently operating in New Zealand, it’s more important than ever that we understand how farmers view

NEWS

NEW nationwide scheme for recycling farm plastics is being hailed as something rural recycling has needed for a long time. Announcing the scheme, Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg said it will significantly increase the recovery of farm plastics. “The new, regulated Rural Recycling Scheme will expand recycling and recovery of agrichemical containers, bale wrap and silage sheet, with a new nationwide take-back system, replacing the current voluntary recycling schemes. “The scheme has been designed by industry and, with the support of farmers, will significantly increase the recovery and recycling of farm plastics,” Grigg said. It will be managed by the notfor-profit Agrecovery Foundation. Voluntary schemes operated by Agrecovery and Plasback currently collect less than half of the inscope plastics that farmers and growers use. Fees to fund the nationwide take-back service vary by product and are typically around 1% or less of the full product price. Commercial manager at Plasback Neal Shaw told Farmers Weekly the scheme is a huge step forward and will bring industry together to contribute to the costs of recovering plastics. Shaw had previously said behaviour change was critical, and that under a voluntary scheme recycling was available but many farmers still buried or burned farm plastics. Under the new scheme it makes

SORTED: Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced the new Rural Recycling Scheme alongside Agrecovery CEO Tony Wilson and Agrecovery trustees. From left, Gavin Kerr, David Molloy, Grigg, Wilson, Anders Crofoot and Alec McNeil.

It’s a real user-pay system. Neal Shaw Plasback sense to use the service that you pay for, he said. Under the mandated scheme everything will be monitored, and anyone who is selling plastic into the market has to contribute, with auditing processes and compliance monitoring. The four products that will start the service are bale wrap and silage pit covers, woven poly bags, both large and small, and agricultural chemicals. The supplier of the plastic, such as an importer or manufacturer, will declare their sales, and a fee will be applied to that. The supplier can either absorb the cost or pass it on to the consumer.

The fee will be then paid from the supplier of the product to the product scheme manager, which is Agrecovery Foundation. Agrecovery Foundation will contract companies to provide a service. “It’s a real user-pay system.” Shaw said there are many links in the chain and even with a fee in place users will have to make products available for recycling, which requires behaviour change. The existing regional network of around 240 take-back sites will be expanded to allow for the increased volume of rural plastics for recycling markets. The take-back service will include a network of free-to-use drop-off sites and collections. A free-to-order collection service will be available for remote farms. Existing voluntary schemes will continue to operate until the Rural Recycling Scheme starts in March 2027.

News

digital agricultural technologies and the data they generate,” Boaitey said. Boaitey is leading the project at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University in collaboration with Dalhousie University in Canada to examine agricultural data governance in New Zealand and explore farmers’ perceptions and experiences of agricultural data practices. The research aims to provide evidence that can support the development of effective agricultural data governance frameworks and help ensure farmers remain at the centre of NZ’s digital agricultural transition. Boaitey said that farm data should be viewed not simply as an input into digital agricultural systems, but as a valuable asset in its own right. “New Zealand farmers are generating more data than ever through digital farm technologies, but many still have questions about who owns the data, who can access it and how they can share in the value it creates. “Many farmers may be entering agreements with digital service providers without fully understanding what happens to their data after it’s collected. “By better understanding farmers’ expectations and experiences, we can help inform future data governance frameworks to reflect farmers’ interests and priorities. “Addressing these concerns is critical to building farmer trust and ensuring that digital innovation delivers benefits across the agricultural sector,” Boaitey said. NZ farmers are encouraged to participate in the anonymous online survey.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Velvet CEO upbeat on widening Asian market Richard Rennie

MARKETS

Deer

SURGE in attendees at southeast Asia’s largest nutraceuticals expo this year has accompanied growing interest in deer velvet as an ingredient in the rapidly emerging market. Provelco CEO Darryl Stretton attended Vitafoods Asia expo in Bangkok, where numbers were up 30% on last year, attracting more than 800 exhibitors and for the first time including a New Zealand country pavilion in the expo floor display. Stretton said the expo provided an insight to the blurring line between velvet’s use in traditional Chinese medicine applications and the increasing interest in it as an active ingredient in measured, administered wellness tablets and formulations. He said demand from traditional-type uses in South Korea and China remains

significant, and he was encouraged by the attendee interest from less-traditional southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam, where market access is now free. “We are very much approaching the point where demand is outstripping supply,” he said.

We are very much approaching the point where demand is outstripping supply. Darryl Stretton Provelco However, he acknowledged the lower returns velvet growers have experienced, coming amid conflicting market signals, and supply issues pushing the industry into a dip. Stretton was optimistic the broadening into wider applications of velvet as an ingredient would go some way to reduce some of the pricing angst experienced in the

past couple of seasons. Here, NZ’s efforts in ensuring clear traceability and proof of provenance will help keep it a priority source for such products. This comes despite clinical evidence that deer velvet delivers positive health outcomes remaining light. A recent paper on deer velvet as a multifunctional resource for nutraceutical applications was published in the Food Science of Animal Resources magazine. While it strengthened the case for velvet being a source of compounds with regenerative, anti-inflammatory activity in lab and animal studies, it did not provide equivalent evidence that consuming conventional velvet supplements produced the same effects in people. The authors acknowledged velvet’s possible human efficacy, but noted that a gap remained between its compounds and adequately powered trials to demonstrate it in people. Stretton said the pathway ahead

Livestock prices set to come off the boil

is open for further research, and regardless of the research still needing to be done, consumer interest is running ahead of trials. He is cognisant of supply challenges arising in coming years given NZ’s relatively static herd numbers. “Of course, I would be very happy for Provelco to get a bigger share of that supply.” As with dairy products, the “grass fed” claim also resonates well with buyers of NZ product, reinforced by this country’s well-developed traceability system, VelTrak.

He also sees Asia as the first “cab off the rank” globally, with other markets following the nutraceutical route. That includes North America within his company’s two-tothree-year horizon. Processing options are also being explored by the company to try to capture more value from the raw product. Meantime, he is adamant farmers need to receive more for their velvet this year, and Provelco has made adjustments to how it pays farmers in what he described as a “pretty scrappy industry”.

Motorheads rev up for mass Massey Muster Staff reporter

NEWS

Machinery

Staff reporter

MARKETS

Sheep and beef STRONG red meat returns are expected to continue this season, but margins are set to be tighter, cautions Beef + Lamb New Zealand. A stronger New Zealand dollar is likely to affect export returns, while rising input costs and the risk of dry El Niño conditions are expected to place pressure on those margins, BLNZ’s New Season Outlook for 2026–2027 for the year ending September says. Average farmgate prices are expected to come off their historical highs and soften slightly. Average lamb farmgate prices are forecast to decrease 8%, with beef cattle prices decreasing 4.5%. Farm expenditure is expected to rise 4.2%. Farm profit before tax is forecast to average $267,200, down 20% on the provisional record season average of $335,500 in 2025-2026 but still well above the five-year average. Even with forecast decreases in both farmgate prices and profit, the new season returns promise to be very good, BLNZ chair Kate Acland said. They are still well above the 2024-2025 season and above the five-year average. The exceptional 2025-26 results came after two hugely difficult years when many beef and sheep

VALUED: Darryl Stretton, CEO of Provelco, addresses delegates at the Vitafoods nutraceutical expo in Thailand recently.

SOFTEN: Average farmgate prices are expected to come off their historical highs and soften slightly. farmers were operating at a loss. Recent prices provided a muchneeded turnaround. Stronger cashflow last season allowed many farm businesses to repay debt, catch up on fertiliser programmes, complete deferred repairs and maintenance, and reinvest in the farm business after several low-profit years, she said. “Improved farm profitability has a powerful ripple effect. Sheep and beef farmers and processors spend $64 million a day on goods and services across New Zealand. “When indirect impacts are included, that rises to $133m a day flowing through the New Zealand economy.” Global red meat supply is forecast to be tight, and demand from key markets continues to support strong prices. However, slower global economic growth, cost-of-living pressures and a stronger New Zealand dollar are expected to limit further price increases in the coming season. Combined beef, lamb, mutton and wool export receipts are forecast at $12.6 billion in 20262027, although the outlook differs across products.

Improved farm profitability has a powerful ripple effect. Kate Acland Beef + Lamb New Zealand Beef and veal’s export receipts are forecast to increase 4.2% to a record $6.75bn in 2026-2027 with an 8.2% increase in production and higher export volumes more than offsetting export prices easing 3.8% from 2025-2026 levels. Lamb export receipts are forecast to fall 5.9% to $4.41bn, as lower production reduces the volume available for export and export prices also ease 3.6% on 2025-26 levels Mutton export receipts are forecast to ease 0.4% to $880m, with lower export volumes largely offset by export prices increasing 1.2%. Wool production and raw wool export volumes are both forecast to fall in 2026-27. A 3.1% lift in export prices offset the lower volume, leaving raw wool export receipts down 1.2% to $567m.

AN ATTEMPT will be made next Easter to set a world record for the number of Massey Ferguson tractors in one place, during a new machinery show in Cromwell. Central Otago Tracks & Wheels is aiming to have more than 1000 machines of various types and ages on display or working over three days at the Cromwell Racecourse, from March from 26 to 28. Event host Jono Robertson says the current record of 285 Massey Ferguson tractors was set in County Kildare, Ireland, but Central Otago Tracks and Wheels has set aside 500 spaces and hopes to beat it. “I’m confident that we will smash the record,” Robertson said. “There’s a Massey Ferguson tractor in every farm shed in the country,” he said. Peter MacDougall, the Massey Muster co-ordinator, agreed. “We only need 286 Masseys to take the record off the Irish. “There are more than that sitting in sheds within an hour of Cromwell. Wash the bird muck off it, get it here, and be part of it,” he said. Last year was the final year of Wheels at Wanaka, a vintage car, truck and tractor show held up the road at Wanaka, and that mantle has been picked up by the new Central Otago Tracks & Wheels event. Robertson said Central Otago

has a proud machinery heritage. The event will include the construction of a permanent arena by sponsors and supporters which, after the event, will be returned to the Central Otago District Council for use by the wider community. Robertson said Central Otago Tracks & Wheels is a not-forprofit event with proceeds going to the community and local club members providing much of the labour for the event.

We only need 286 Masseys to take the record off the Irish. Jono Robertson Central Otago Tracks & Wheels

HERITAGE: A new machinery show, Central Otago Tracks & Wheels, is being held in Cromwell at Easter next year.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Urea prices ease in time for spring Gerald Piddock

MARKETS

Fertiliser

HE country’s two main fertiliser co-operatives, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Ravensdown, have reduced prices on urea and other key products as the year moves out of winter and into spring. Ravensdown cut urea and N protect prices by $60 to $1289 and $1338 a tonne respectively. Granular ammonium sulphate (GAS) was reduced by $32 to $698 a tonne and superphosphate prices rose $20 a tonne to $617. The new prices were effective on August 29. Ballance Agri-Nutrients cut urea and SustaiN each by $80 a tonne to $1280 and $1329 a tonne respectively. SOA (ammonium sulphate) deceased in price by $40 to $685 a tonne. The changes were effective from September 1. Ravensdown acting chief sales

EASING: Both Ravensdown and Ballance Agri-Nutrients have reduced urea prices thanks to easing global nitrogen prices. and marketing officer Gary Bowick said in an email to customers that global nitrogen prices have continued to ease since China started selling into the international market in late June. “While we expect the latest supply and demand dynamics to be

relatively short lived, particularly as northern hemisphere demand picks up, we have been able to secure product at lower prices which we want to pass on to our customers.” Sulphur is a different story, he said.

“Although global demand has fallen away dramatically, sulphur prices are flatlining at an exceptionally high level.” This continues to impact the price of all sulphur-derived fertilisers, including superphosphate. Ballance Agri-Nutrients general manager customer Hamish Hobson said in an email to its customers that the price reductions will help support planning for upcoming applications. “We know fertiliser pricing has been challenging through the year off the back of the global disruption to commodity supply.” Ballance also announced a $49/ tonne discount on Super, reducing the price to $550 a tonne if bought between September 1 and October 31. This is designed to help farmers make the most of current growing conditions, ahead of any potential El Niño impacts later in the season. “Applying super earlier supports soil fertility through key growth

Losses continue to mount for failed apple company Richard Rennie

NEWS

Horticulture THE complex, interwoven nature of the finances of failed Hawke’s Bay apple company Crasborn Fresh has been revealed as receivers start to unravel the company’s multiple creditor claims. The company, owned by exaccountant Wade Glass, was placed into receivership on July 3, and its first liquidators report revealed it owed the IRD over $19 million and unsecured creditors over $30m. But the first report from

receivers Calibre Partners on the company’s position will do little to assuage creditors’ concerns over getting their funds back. The group’s asset schedule has been largely withheld in the report, indicating only $20.4m in “right of use” assets, and $8m in related party receivables and deferred tax assets. Remaining assets’ values, including stock, land vehicles and plant, are withheld. Farmers Weekly reported an extensive auction being held in Hawke’s Bay to dispose of multiple machinery assets owned by the company.

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The report does, however, highlight the $25.3m Crasborn Fresh’s subsidiary Kiwi Crunch owes the ASB as a loan that extends across the group’s multiple holdings. The IRD is also a preferential claimant, seeking $11.7m for GST and PAYE obligations that are unpaid. The ripples of the group’s failure, and impact upon the 290 staff it employed, are also captured in the report, with total preferential claims from them still to be finalised. There are also over 200 PPSR (Personal Property and Security

CRUNCHED: Group-wide losses incurred by failed Hawke’s Bay apple company Crasborn Fresh are continuing to mount, with the full value of unsecured creditors still to be determined.

Register) claims against specific items held by Crasborn. They include Crown Equipment, Bostock NZ, PGG Wrightson, Farmlands, Allied Petroleum and multiple packaging companies and freight operators. However, unsecured creditors have no aggregate figure reported,

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periods and helps ensure product is on when conditions are suitable.” Fertiliser prices globally softened through August, with urea experiencing the biggest downward shift while phosphate remained flat, Rabobank agricultural analyst Osker Mitchell said in the bank’s Agribusiness Monthly September publication. “Farm input prices are likely to remain volatile across international markets, with this also reflected in New Zealand. “Fertiliser import values rose 46% year on year in the year ending June 2026, reflecting the influence of elevated global fertiliser and energy prices, which have been supported by ongoing disruptions in the Middle East and broader supply chain uncertainty.” New Zealand fertiliser costs are expected to remain volatile and while urea prices have softened, there is still a risk of price spikes this year and in 2027, he said.

with the receivers stating it is too early to determine if there will be surplus funds available from the receivership to distribute to them. Another major creditor listed is $22.4m in “right of use” liabilities and a further $7.08m owed to related parties.

Stick with the product that delivers. Made right here in New Zealand for more than 100 years, superphosphate has earned its place on Kiwi farms. Spring is the ideal time to spread quality super and set your pasture up for the seasons ahead.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

News

Just me, the animals and 22,000 followers Olivia Caldwell

PEOPLE

Farm management

T 23, Catlins farmer Robbie Jackson is happiest where there are few neighbours, plenty of animals and enough space to make as much noise in the workshop as he likes. The isolation of farming near Kaka Point is part of the appeal for Jackson, but it has also helped drive a social media presence that now reaches 22,000 followers. Originally from a sheep farm in the Owaka Valley, Jackson has already travelled to 26 countries but returned to his favourite place on the southern east coast of the South Island to do what he enjoys most. “You are out there in miserable cold days and you can’t feel your hands, can’t feel your face and you can’t feel your feet, but for some reason you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he said. Jackson became a farm manager near secluded Kaka Point when he was 20. He had been studying towards a bachelor’s degree in agriculture at Lincoln University but pulled out, in part because he did not enjoy living with close neighbours. “It was infuriating. I got told off

for having a pet lamb, I got told off for working on trucks too late at night and making too much noise.” He took up seasonal contracting work, which led him to a farm behind the Kaka Point lighthouse. He intended to stay for the summer making hay but never left. “It is quite out of the way, I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. “If I am in the workshop at 2am hitting something with the hammer, no one gets annoyed at that.” The farm runs between 800 and 1800 dairy support cows and about 100 Angus beef cows.

If I am in the workshop at 2am hitting something with the hammer, no one gets annoyed at that. Robbie Jackson Kaka Point “I love the variation. A lot of the time it is satisfying work. I enjoy watching the calves grow up, it is a good challenge and highly rewarding.” Jackson has taught himself much of what he knows on the job. He said that, like every other farmer, he gets stressed, and there are not

a lot of people around to talk to about it. “Sometimes it is good to take a step back, sometimes you need to go hang out with your mates and clear your head.” That isolation was one of the reasons he began expressing himself on social media, where he shares his daily life on the farm across Facebook and Instagram. The hard-case Southlander takes viewers through his days on the farm, from farming and workshop jobs to some of the challenges that come with the work. His Southland accent and powerful use of language have even led some viewers to mistake him for a Scotsman. “I am the same on social media as I am in real life. I show what I do, farming things, workshop things, show them what’s great, some of the challenges us farmers go through. “I do it because there are a lot of people these days that just don’t know how to do anything. Just have a crack. If you cock it up, you will still learn from it.” His curiosity has led him into welding, mechanical engineering and just about every job in between on the farm. He fixes cars, bikes and tractors and gets a kick out of sharing what he learns. “I am a real curious bugger and I

RANGE: Kaka Point farm manager Robbie Jackson thrives on working with cattle, machinery and everything in between. Photo: Supplied just want to know how things work and why things happen, and so I just do a lot of research.” Jackson eventually plans to return to his roots, aiming to take over the family farm in the Owaka Valley within the next two to three years. “I think it has always been in

my blood. I was always out on the farm growing up.” For now, he is enjoying the peace and seclusion of Kaka Point, along with the company of his animals. “I am not too bothered by the seclusion, I have got far too many pets, work dogs, a wee Jack Russell and a pet goat.”

Trade strategies adapting to uncertain times Annette Scott

NEWS

Arable

ARABLE has a complex model but when the stars align it can be very profitable – and right now grower profitability is critical to retaining seed production hectares, the seed and grain summit heard in Christchurch. Land use change reduces future production capacity and industry scale while grower engagement is essential to maintaining trusted partnerships, Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Nathan Guy said in his keynote address. “Arable is a sizeable industry that plays a massive part of the double exports role but we can’t be efficient with a business model unless we have adequate production hectares and can get product from A to B.” Breeding genetics will be a primary source of long-term value creation, while regulatory efficiency will be critical for export competitiveness with freight and logistics having an increasing influence on service, cost and reputation. “The food and fibre sectors are powering New Zealand’s economy with $64.3 billion in export revenue forecast for the year June 30, 2026. Investment in infrastructure and getting the politics out of it is going to be crucial going forward as we all pull the plough for our economic recovery.”

VALUE: Nathan Guy says breeding genetics will be a primary source of long-term value creation while regulatory efficiency will be critical for export competitiveness.

Navigating volatility challenges trade as a geopolitical tool by way of tariffs, shipping disruptions and fuel price volatility as a result of global conflicts. “But the outlook does have some upsides. “Despite the doom and gloom there’s a very strong appetite for protein, opportunities for NZ goods in new and improved market access and new and emerging technologies.” The work programme over the coming three years includes potential free trade agreements with Bangladesh and Switzerland not too far away, and in the wings Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria, Uruguay and the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). “The challenge to your arable industry is to be viable and become

more cost competitive; right now there’s a price point and there will always be a trade payoff, that is trade.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs senior trade negotiator Jonas Holland outlined rupture and opportunity, rules, resilience and innovation in NZ’s trade strategy in a “disordered world”. “We are in a chaotic time, the golden weather is over, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is under pressure where economics and efficiency have given over to security. “The Trump era has tariffs on 60 countries now and NZ is one of them with all the big internationals from our point of view behaving badly, walking away from some fundamental parts of WTO rules. “The geopolitical instability is

DIGITAL: Jonas Holland says not every trade needs to go with a piece of paper.

pushing countries [to hide]away from the world, making their own [rules]. “This is the norm now, we live in uncertain times and we are going to be in it for some time.” The positive is diversification through new and expanded FTAs, implementing and enforcing FTAs with agreement on trade in essential supplies. “The likes of India, people who do want quality food: NZ is well placed to service that need, also South Africa and South America are wealthier markets for us to provide into. Innovation is key. “We are a small western country. NZ needs to be innovative to get in the room, reflect our thinking of the trade that goes out of NZ, 75% supported by FTAs and the US a part of that big gap.

We are in a chaotic time, the golden weather is over, the WTO is under pressure where economics and efficiency have given over to security. Jonas Holland Ministry of Foreign Affairs “We need to do more in Asia, and Africa is sitting out there. “Our strategies to build the norms need to be attractive to these countries’ thinking, innovation being growing our voice with digital practical changes to make trade partnerships more efficient. “Not every trade needs to go with a piece of paper.”

We're not normal. EDITORIAL Bryan Gibson | 06 323 1519 Managing Editor bryan.gibson@agrihq.co.nz Craig Page | 03 470 2469 Editor craig.page@agrihq.co.nz Claire Robertson Sub-Editor claire.robertson@agrihq.co.nz Neal Wallace | 03 474 9240 Journalist neal.wallace@agrihq.co.nz Gerald Piddock | 027 486 8346 Journalist gerald.piddock@agrihq.co.nz Annette Scott | 021 908 400 Journalist annette.scott@agrihq.co.nz Hugh Stringleman | 027 474 4003 Journalist stringleman@outlook.co.nz Richard Rennie | 027 475 4256 Journalist richard.rennie@agrihq.co.nz Gerhard Uys | 027 239 4388 Journalist gewrhard.uys@agrihq.co.nz Rebecca Greaves | 027 320 9111 Journalist rebecca.greaves@agrihq.co.nz Nigel Stirling | 021 136 5570 Journalist nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

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16 Editorial

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Letters of the week Forestry’s bill to foot

LETTER OF THE WEEK

Dave Read Wairoa

From the Editor

The rights and wrongs of farm data Craig Page

Editor

S TECHNOLOGY continues to develop in the agricultural space, questions are being asked about who owns the detailed data that’s being gleaned from farms. Massey University has started a research project aimed at getting a better understanding of how farm data is controlled, shared and used in New Zealand’s agricultural landscape. Technology is available for almost everything these days and its use will only increase as time ticks by. It is already for livestock and pasture management, environmental monitoring and compliance, farm finance and administration, and crop and horticultural production. Farmers are routinely armed with phones and computers as they go about their daily chores. The technology is inevitably creating a large amount of data and that information

forms the basis of many decisions being made on farm. Massey senior lecturer in Farm Management and Agribusiness Dr Albert Boaitey says this raises questions about who owns that information, how it is being used, shared, stored and protected, and whether farmers are receiving any value from it. “International research shows farmers have mixed attitudes towards data sharing, particularly when third parties are involved. Similar concerns are emerging in New Zealand, where the pace of digitalisation is accelerating without a dedicated agricultural data governance framework.” There are more than 500 agritech firms now operating in New Zealand. Boaitey says it is more important than ever that we understand how farmers view digital technologies and the data they generate. Earlier this year Farmers Weekly explored the issue of farm data. Sonja Vreugdenhil, who recently completed a Kellogg report on the best way to manage and share data in New Zealand agriculture, said raw data collected from a farm should, in principle, remain the property of the farmer. “However, when that data is analysed, interpreted or combined with proprietary models by a service provider, the resulting insights or derived datasets may justifiably belong to the provider, provided this is clearly set out in the agreement.” Vreugdenhil said on its own, raw data can have limited value. Once that analysis

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULT Almost 69% of those who took the poll do not think councils should be increasing differential rates to pay for roading maintenance. “The road user charges and fuel excise is charged by the government due to the expected cost of commercial vehicles and this is effectively a second charge to recover these costs rather than seeking reimbursement from the government for wear and tear on council roads,” said one voter. Another said: “We’re already paying differential rates. The problem lies with poor planning of work and the wasteful nature and poor work done on repairs.” “Forests harvest once every 25-30yrs. The harvest managers know how much tonnage to expect at harvest, and how long they expect increased truck movements. Levy it at the time of harvest.” Of the 31.6% who voted yes, many believe forestry should be the main target. “Definitely for the forestry sector, those speeding trucks destroy our rural roads.” Another said: “Roading rates should be based on averaged usage. A dairy farm is a frequent user compared to a pastoral breeding stock operation. Forestry is a high user at harvest, otherwise it’s virtually nil.”

and context is added by service providers, the data becomes a useful tool for decision-making. “The question of whether farmers should be paid for their data is not straightforward. “Payment may be appropriate in some situations, but farmers should understand exactly what rights they are granting in return.”

That information forms the basis of many decisions being made on farm. KPMG’s global head of agribusiness, Ian Proudfoot, said the value of a farm’s data has the potential to increase significantly when it is integrated with data from other organisations. “The organisations that will gain the most insight and create the most value from their data are those that are most willing to exchange their data with partners across the value chain,” Proudfoot said. Data and the insights it creates are only as good as the capability of the people within an organisation to develop the tools and interpret and act on the outputs, he said. Massey’s project is timely and the ideal “deep breath” moment for farm data use. It is important that farmers know their rights, and what they are getting into, before signing up for the next big technological development.

THERE is a good reason for differential rates for forestry, “Towns seek soaring new sector rates” (September 7). Road damage is proportional to the total tonnage travelling the road. Forestry generates road tonnage mainly in the form of logging trucks and gravel to get logs to the forest gate. Sheep and beef farming generates road tonnage mainly in the transport of stock and fertiliser. I have analysed the numbers for my own district. Wairoa is a predominantly breeding area for livestock; there is very little trading of finishing stock. The great majority of stock ride on a truck once in their lifetime, either to the freezing works or to a finishing property. In Wairoa, over a 30-year period, 1000 hectares in forestry generates close to 50 times more tonnage than 1000ha of sheep and beef farming. If you think about it, farming adds value to the plant production of the land by converting grass into high-value and much lighter protein. As an analogy, if farmers harvested all their grass as baleage and trucked it to the port, they too would produce many times more tonnage. They would also have to cart metal to form roads to move all that plant material to the farm gate. According to my calculations, the Wairoa District Council’s present rates differential is only getting forestry companies to pay for half of the damage they actually cause. Our council was reluctant to push too hard on the differential as they knew that the powerful forestry lobby would contest any change. They did, but the courts upheld the council’s argument.

An ETS master class Andrew Luddington Christchurch I’M not always in agreement with Alan Emerson but with his recent piece on the ETS I am absolutely with him. The best words to describe the ETS as it currently exists: a totalitarian bipartisan arse. On Banks Peninsula above Akaroa there is a reserve called Hinewai. It is about 1200 hectares of native bush regeneration. The concept was called on its inception worthy of “only fools and dreamers”, which simply inspired the good people involved. The reserve is now a master class in how the ETS should be interpreted.

Last week’s question: Should councils increase differential rates for some primary sector areas to pay for eltiT trmaintenance? ahC roading

31.6%

This week’s poll question (see page 4):

68.4%

Yes No

Do you support Labour’s plans for an urgent review of the Emissions Trading Scheme? Have your say at farmersweekly.co.nz/poll

Opinion

OpEd 17

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

A million hectares of best intentions In my view Aimee Pitcher

Pitcher is the volunteer coordinator at Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group

VERY good morning starts with a coffee. Aromatic steam swirls from my favourite mug, she holds a full-bodied dark roast with subtle notes of caramel, grounded by earthy tones of cedar. It pairs exceptionally well with devastating headlines and gruelling imagery, engineered to hold attention for a fleeting moment before joining the ever-growing list of normalised catastrophes. Europe is on fire. More than 627,000 hectares of the European Union have burned since the beginning of the year. Across the continent, heat, drought and fire have transformed another northern summer into something increasingly difficult to describe as exceptional. This June was the hottest ever recorded in Western Europe. If you, too, indulge in a late-night scroll through social media, the economic, human health and environmental consequences are stripped down to something strangely mundane – disgruntled, sweaty tourists. I’m sitting by the fire. Outside, the weather is an undecided mix of snow and rain. This winter, we’ve opted for “old man’s pine”, more formally known

THREAT: Aimee Pitcher says that if New Zealand was serious about its approach to climate change, we’d have policies that penalise carbon emissions rather than make offsetting increasingly profitable. as Pinus radiata. The same species that dominates New Zealand’s plantation forestry estate. It burns enthusiastically. Perhaps too enthusiastically. I’m not oblivious to the juxtaposition here. The same heat that warms my body, 20,000km away has scarred communities and charred landscapes. “Pine cone grenades and pine baking carbon” captures my attention. Published recently by The Guardian, the article details the ruinous fires in France, which have burned more land than ever recorded, with the number of home evacuations surpassing any point since World War II. I throw another log on the fire for good measure; by the time the log is reduced to glowing charcoal, my coffee still holds a faint heat.

In France, as in New Zealand, the colonial dislike for the simplicity of a landscape’s natural being serves as a catalyst for eventual environmental disaster. The Landes Forest, which feeds France’s inferno, is Europe’s largest man-made forest, consisting almost entirely of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). In the 19th century, much of the Landes in southwestern France was marshland, regarded at the time as more of an inconvenience than a site of ecological importance. In 1857, legislation under Napoleon III ordered communes to drain and “sanitise” the landscape and establish plantations of maritime pine. In 2008, New Zealand’s Labour government took a stance on climate change by establishing the Emissions Trading Scheme. There’s

a strong argument that it was created with the best of intentions. Yet, somewhere along the way, good intentions surrendered to good business, and we created an industry around offering emitters a “green card” out of responsibility. Today, almost 900,000ha of post-1989 forest are packaged neatly into New Zealand’s ETS. More than 97% of post-1989 plantation estate is exotic conifer; for every 10ha, nine are radiata pine. And while the decree of 19th century Napoleon III existed without the environmental intentions behind Helen Clark’s establishment of the ETS some 150 years later, there is an uncomfortable symmetry in the outcome: carbon on the ledger, kindling on the landscape. Depending on who funds the article, New Zealand’s vast estate of radiata pine represents a million hectares of combustible fuel under a warming climate – or a millionhectare answer to that very climate problem. The continued expansion of carbon farms in New Zealand is nothing short of smoke and mirrors. We’ve engineered a system where continued emissions can be offset against monoculture forests, and where the appetite for a generous annual return outweighs consideration of biodiversity, landscape resilience and wildfire risk. The ETS was supposed to make emitting increasingly expensive, creating an economic incentive to invest in lower-emission

alternatives. Instead, forestry has provided something considerably cheaper: the ability to offset those emissions. Carbon farming has become the masquerade of carbon reduction. Recently, rather boldly, RNZ described the mass conversion of New Zealand’s landscape into carbon farms as “kicking the can down the road”. It makes me wonder how blindingly obvious the problem is when the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment publicly warned that mass pine afforestation is destabilising the ETS. A knot of resin explodes in the fire, and she roars ablaze. If New Zealand were serious about its approach to climate change, we’d have policies that penalise carbon emissions rather than make offsetting increasingly profitable. We’d invest in sequestration that demands more than carbon alone. New Zealand’s native bush, unlike the conifer landscapes of the northern hemisphere, evolved largely in the absence of fire. While our native trees may sequester carbon more slowly than Pinus radiata, they do so in a way that enhances our natural environment, complements productive landscapes and avoids the conscious conversion of our country into a giant tinderbox. We’re left with one uncomfortable question: do carbon farms exist to protect against climate change or profit from it? My coffee has gone cold.

What the checkout says about the future of food In my view Chris Quin

Quin is Foodstuffs North Island chief executive and Foodstuffs NZ managing director

Y THE time most people think about the food system, they are usually standing at the checkout. The basket is full. Decisions have been made. The transaction is about to happen. It is easy to see supermarkets as the end point of the food system. But that misses something important. The checkout is not where the system ends. It is where it gives feedback. Every day, millions of grocery decisions are made across New Zealand. Each one reflects changing behaviour, shifting priorities, economic pressure and emerging trends. When aggregated, they provide one of the clearest signals of where demand is heading. For those in food production, manufacturing, distribution and retail, those signals matter more than ever.

Foodstuffs is in a unique position within NZ’s food economy. As a co-operative of 535 local familyowned PAK’nSAVE, New World and Four Square stores, we serve around 5.3 million customer transactions every week. Those transactions are not just sales. They are expressions of demand. When viewed over time, patterns emerge. One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is the collapse of time and distance between global and local trends. NZ consumers are part of the same information ecosystem as consumers in major global cities. They see the same content, follow the same trends and respond to similar pressures. What happens globally now shows up quickly in local demand. We see this across several behaviours. Protein demand continues to grow. Health and wellbeing are more influential. Convenience remains critical. Younger consumers are drinking less alcohol. Demand for low-sugar and low-carb products is rising. At the same time, consumers are more deliberate about how they

spend. They are not necessarily spending less, but they are spending with greater intent. Baskets sizes are smaller, switching between retailers is more common, and demand for value and private label continues to grow – Pams, in our case. Value remains the most powerful force in grocery, but its meaning is changing. Consumers are more analytical, comparing products, assessing quality and weighing trade-offs. They are cooking from scratch more often and planning meals more tightly, while still making room for products that matter to them, like that more premium block of chocolate. The challenge for producers and retailers is not just low prices, but delivering consistent quality and value that feels worthwhile. Health is also reshaping demand. This is not new, but it is accelerating. Changing attitudes to nutrition, including the growing use of GLP-1 medications, will influence consumption patterns. If people eat differently, demand changes. Portion sizes, product formats and nutritional priorities will all need to evolve.

SAME: NZ consumers are part of the same information ecosystem as consumers in major global cities. NZ producers have a clear opportunity to respond to demand for stronger nutritional outcomes, convenience and value. Resilience has also become more visible. After years of disruption, from supply chain shocks to extreme weather, customers now actively value it. During Cyclone Gabrielle, supermarkets became critical distribution points in cut-off communities. The ability to maintain supply and trust during disruption is now a key part of the value proposition. Across all of this, trust remains central. Consumers want confidence in safety, origin and production methods. For NZ, this is a strength. Our systems for food safety, traceability and animal welfare are competitive advantages in a world demanding transparency. The opportunity for the primary

sector is not just to produce more, but to respond better to changing demand. Every checkout transaction is a signal. Together, they show where consumers are heading next. The future of NZ’s food economy will not be determined solely in boardrooms, processing plants, orchards, farms or factories. It will also be shaped by millions of everyday decisions made by consumers. Our challenge, and our opportunity, is to listen carefully. Because when producers, manufacturers and retailers become better at reading those signals together, NZ is better positioned to adapt, grow and compete in a rapidly changing world. More of your favourite opinion pieces now online farmersweekly.co.nz/opinion

18 Dairy focus

Sector Focus

Dairy

‘Equip young farmers with business skills’ Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Dairy

OO many dairy farmers are stepping into contract or sharemilking jobs without the business skills and industry support required to succeed, Canterbury dairy farmer and Kellogg graduate Luke Doyle says. His study on progression pathways within the dairy industry found that those looking to move into these roles often lack the financial and networking skills necessary to be successful. “We need to be upskilling our kaimahi [workers] in financial literacy. We develop some of the best dairy farmers technically in the world and have an incredible system in progressing through the industry, but we need them to also become successful business owners.” These two elements of farming need to be equally developed as people progress through the industry, he said. Doyle would like to see an industry-recognised dairy progression roadmap to help guide young farmers. This would take the guesswork out of progression and could show the steps needed for both employee and farm owner if they wish to move from a management role to contract or sharemilking. A lot of these steps can get missed, meaning farmers have to do them retrospectively, and after they have already moved from management to contract milking, he said.

Many miss learning these skills because they are unaware they need them. Doyle is employed as an operations manager at Ngāi Tahu Farming in Canterbury. He drew from his own observations as a former contract milker in choosing the topic for this year’s Kellogg Rural Leadership programme. While he had great mentors in Dick and Libby Taylor to help him as a contract milker, he recognised he was one of the lucky few to have this support. “The goal of the project was pretty simple: to make a pathway for employees going into business a little clearer for the next generation.”

The goal of the project was pretty simple: to make a pathway for employees going into business a little clearer. Luke Doyle Canterbury There also needs to be mentorship within the dairy industry to help guide inexperienced contract milkers and farm owners looking at employing them for the first time. “They [farm owners] need just as much support as employees trying to become a business owner as well. “I think there is a real opportunity for industry bodies to lend that support and be able to give them guidance.” The best outcome is a long-term

contract between the farm owner and the sharemilker, with both of them achieving each other’s goals, he said. “Throughout my research it was highlighted that farm owners really want to get it right. “It’s how do we support them in making sure all of their boxes are ticked.” According to DairyNZ’s 20242025 Dairy Statistics, contract milkers make up 13% of all herds, sharemilking 26%, and owneroperators 58%. One of the industry’s biggest strengths is its community and the willingness of farmers to ask for help, Doyle said. “There does need to be more structure around that support.” It is not a problem regulation can fix, he said. “We need to build the capability of the person signing that contract. We need to give kaimahi the financial literacy once they become a herd manager right through, rather them having to jump in at the deep end.” Industry groups like Federated Farmers and DairyNZ also have a role to play with the resources they have. He suggested they partner with a bank and develop an incentive scheme where share and contract milkers are looked on more favourably and mentored by that bank if they complete an industryapproved business course, such as Dairy Training’s Biz Start and BizGrow. It could be modelled on the First Farm Award that is presented at the Dairy Awards, he said. Looking ahead, Doyle hopes

FINANCIAL LITERACY: Canterbury dairy farmer and Kellogg graduate Luke Doyle, pictured on the left with Rural Leaders chief executive James Ryan, says more help is required to upskill young dairy farmers in financial literacy. to convene an industry working group to prioritise and implement the recommendations arising from his report.

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This would turn the report from identifying issues into creating a practical pathway for industrywide change.

Dairy

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Fix or factor in: rumen buffers and reproduction Sector perspective

Chris Balemi

Balemi is founder and managing director of Agvance Nutrition

ERTILITY isn’t just about mating or body condition – rumen stability is a crucial but oftenoverlooked factor. Repeated episodes of low rumen pH (SARA) can reduce feed intake and fibre digestion, cut the flow of microbial protein, and raise inflammation through bacterial

toxins. Those changes worsen energy shortfalls and upset the hormonal signals needed for ovulation and early pregnancy, which in turn makes cycling, conception and embryo survival more challenging. A healthy rumen efficiently converts feed into the energy and protein cows need. With steady fermentation, we see cows eating consistently and getting the nutrients required for normal ovarian activity. On the other hand, unstable rumen pH leads to poor fibre digestion, inconsistent feed intake and less microbial protein flowing from the rumen. When the rumen is not working efficiently, pathogenic bacteria can begin to dominate. The outcome of pathogenic bacterial dominance is lower energy production, a reduced bypass protein flow (amino acids) to the small intestine, as well as an increase in endotoxin production, which causes inflammation throughout the body. This environment makes it far more difficult for eggs to develop properly. The likelihood of the uterus then receiving and

implanting a viable embryo, and that embryo surviving, also falls. There are a few common signs that you can watch for on farm. These include falling milk fat-to-protein (M:F) ratios, decreased rumination, and sudden drops in milk fat after a change in pasture or rations. Also look for any cows that take longer to return to cycling and any that need more services per conception. Lameness or poor hoof horn quality postcalving can be an indicator as well. If several of these are happening at the same time, it’s worth looking at rumen stability. Rumen buffers work to keep rumen pH stable by neutralising excess acid, adding to the rumen’s natural buffering, so falls in pH are less severe when cows are eating a lot of rapidly fermentable carbohydrate. Buffers can help maintain steady feed intake and digestion while lowering the inflammation that harms fertility. It’s important to remember that rumen buffers are a great component within a wider management plan – they’re not a cure-all. Cows still need a balanced diet, consistent feeding

FACTORS: Rumen stability is an often-overlooked factor when it comes to fertility. and adequate fibre intake. Think of buffers as a short-term stabiliser for groups at higher risk of rumen upset, such as transition cows, freshly calved cows, high-yielding groups on heavy concentrate rations, or animals under heat stress. Buffers used alongside straightforward management changes will yield the best results. Ensure adequate physically effective neutral detergent fibre (NDF), so cows chew and produce saliva (this helps natural buffering in the rumen). Test pasture and forage for dry matter and fibre and match

pre-grazing covers to cow needs. Avoid abrupt jumps in rapidly fermentable carbohydrates (big changes in grass quality or grain levels). Feed consistently to reduce sorting and sudden intake drops. Set simple KPIs and monitor them. These are protein-to-fat ratio, rumination minutes, DMI patterns, estrous, etcetera. Rumen stability is an important part of your reproductive plan. When cows are at greater risk of rumen upset, adding rumen buffers can help while you assess pasture quality, supplementary feed and feeding routines.

Dairy the lifeblood of many regions, study finds Staff reporter

NEWS

Dairy

ANALYSIS by Sense Partners has underlined the importance of the dairy sector to regional New Zealand, underpinning jobs, wages, businesses and local investment. It also confirms that the sector remains New Zealand’s largest export earner, reaching $28.8 billion in the year to December 2025 and directly providing

more than 51,000 jobs across the country. In the year to March 2024, it generated $10.7bn of direct GDP, equal to 2.8% of the national economy. That contribution was split between $6.4bn from dairy farming and $4.3bn from dairy processing. The report, commissioned by DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ), showed that in Waikato, Southland, Taranaki and the West Coast, dairy is a major

contributor to economic activity and community wellbeing. On the West Coast, the industry delivers 12% of the region’s GDP. It provides one in every four jobs in south Taranaki, is responsible for over 10,000 employees in Waikato and accounts for nearly 50% of the wages paid in Waimate. When dairy succeeds, the benefits extend well beyond the farm gate, DairyNZ head of economics Mark Storey said.

DCANZ executive director Kimberly Crewther said the report shows how dairy has grown exports for the country’s economic benefit. “Since 2021, dairy has delivered $8.3bn in additional export revenue, contributing almost half of New Zealand’s total goods export growth, supporting the national economy through a pandemic and geopolitical upheavals.” Beyond the farm and factory gates, dairy supports a wide network of businesses.

Farmers and processors spend billions of dollars each year on goods and services, helping sustain jobs and economic activity in sectors ranging from transport and manufacturing to professional services, technology and rural contracting. The report showed the industry’s reach across the wider economy: dairy farming is a top 10 purchaser of output from 35 other sectors, while dairy processing ranks in the top 10 for 25 other sectors.

Don’tletJohne’sDiseaseundermineyour geneticinvestment For many dairy farmers, genetic gain is one of the most valuable investments made in the herd. Whether it’s purchasing elite semen, selecting replacement heifers from top-performing cows, or breeding for greater productivity and efficiency, the goal is the same: building a stronger herd for the future.

aiming for. A calf may have excellent genetic potential, but that value can be significantly reduced if the animal becomes infected and is later lost to Johne’s disease.

But when Johne’s disease (JD) enters the equation, those investments can quickly be compromised.

Identifying JDpositive animals allows farmers to target replacement breeding toward lower-risk cows and reduce the chances of passing infection into the next generation.

This raises an important question:

Is it worth breeding replacements from cows known to be JD positive? In most cases, the answer is no. Research and field experience show that calves born to JD-positive cows are at greater risk of becoming infected themselves. Infection can occur before birth, through contaminated colostrum or milk, or through exposure to Johne’s bacteria in the calving environment. Calves are most vulnerable in their first months of life. If infected, they may carry the disease silently for years before showing any signs, all while representing a future source of infection within the herd. As a result, daughters of known positive cows are considered higherrisk animals. While not every daughter will become infected, they are more likely to become JD-positive during their lifetime than calves born to cows where JD has not been detected. This is why investing premium genetics, sexed semen, or valuable replacement opportunities in JD-positive cows may not deliver the return you’re

Calves are most vulnerable in their first months of life.

Testing plays a key role in making informed breeding decisions.

TB Testing *TB testing can affect Johne’s disease ELISA testing by increasing the risk of false positive results. TB testing should be completed after JD ELISA to avoid issues

The decisions made this season will influence herd health for years to come. By reducing young stock exposure today and breeding replacements from lower-risk animals, farmers can lower future JD losses and retain more animals based on performance and genetic merit rather than disease status.

The message is simple: protect your calves, protect your genetic investment, and think carefully before breeding from a JD-positive cow.

To learn more about Johne’s disease, visit:

www.lic.co.nz/johnes_disease

Johne’scosts theNZdairysector * over$88mannually.

Wetestfor: Johne’s BVD Mastitis LIC data shows cows that test positive for Johne’s produce up to 11% less milk on average. However, Johne’s can impact more than the vat, affecting fertility, herd health and culling rates for years. Testing helps you make informed management decisions sooner. Talk to your vet about booking an LIC Johne’s test today. *Refers *Refers to to Dairy Dairy NZ’s NZ’s estimated estimated cost cost of of lost lost milk milk production. production.

Transforming Energy from a Cost to a Business Asset the right solution. From energy

Is the system generating the

assessment and system

energy expected? Are savings

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has different requirements to a

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a successful business. The

at how each business actually

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the investment is delivering as

just consuming energy; they’re

future needs before designing a

intended.

actively managing it.

solution.

That’s where Farmlands FLEX comes in. Whether you’re already generating your own power with solar, considering batteries, or just starting to explore how

The result is a system built around the way the business operates - with ongoing support to help it perform and deliver value long after installation.

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developed when the system was

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designed.

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For some operations, that

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Batteries can provide backup

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power and resilience during

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overlaying the Farmlands FLEX

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It’s not about replacing what

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batteries become an active part of an energy strategy. Excess solar generation can be stored and used later when it is most valuable. Energy can be shifted away from expensive peak periods, demand spikes can be managed, and businesses can increase their use of selfgenerated power when the sun

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about making it work smarter.

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is down.

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ﬂexenergy.co.nz

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patterns change. Business

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flexibility is becoming

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LK0125313©

or many farmers and growers, energy has traditionally been viewed as something you simply

Dairy

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Time to power up for calving season Calving can be a busy and demanding time, even for the most experienced farmers. Preparing well, managing your workload and prioritising rest and recovery can make a huge difference to how you feel, says Farmstrong Champion Marc Gascoigne.

farmstrong.co.nz

OR many years, the approach of calving filled Marc Gascoigne with dread. The combination of winter weather, long days and an evergrowing list of jobs weighed heavily on him. Yet, when he reached the end of September each year, he would look back and wonder why he had been so worried. “I’d think, ‘That was fine. Why was I so stressed about it?’ I’d tell myself I was going to remember that and be much better the following year. Then calving would roll around again and I’d be dreading it.” Over time, Marc learnt that preparing early, protecting his sleep and maintaining a healthy mindset could change how he experienced the season. “It sounds simple, but you can think you’re having a really bad day, or you can choose to see it as a good day with a few speed bumps along the way.” Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after your stock. Learning to manage the pressure Marc grew up around the family farm but did not take the traditional path into farming. After studying at Lincoln University, he travelled overseas and worked as an accountant in London before returning to Aotearoa New Zealand. He and his wife bought a small dairy herd and they began farming when he was 28 years old. About 11 years ago Marc experienced a major panic attack while bringing the cows in for morning milking. “I thought I was completely losing my mind. I imagined I was going to lose everything because it felt like something really serious had happened to me.” Marc went to see his GP, who reassured him that what he was experiencing was common and introduced him to Farmstrong, which had recently launched. He began using Farmstrong’s tools and ideas to support his recovery. “It was tough for quite a few years, but going through something like that makes life now seem so amazing. Sometimes you’ve got to go through those valleys to see the view from the top of the mountain.” Prepare before the pressure builds Marc and his family have now sold their cows and have employed a herd-owning sharemilker, but the lessons he learnt remain relevant to anyone heading into calving. His first piece of advice is to prepare early.

“Don’t leave everything until the last minute. Get your tasks sorted and have good systems and routines in place so everyone knows what is happening.” Clear routines will not prevent every problem, but they can reduce unnecessary stress when several things start happening at once. Marc also learnt to accept that the busiest weeks are not the time to expect perfection in every part of the farm. “Sometimes 80% has got to be enough. Otherwise, if you’re trying to do everything at 100%, you might end up operating at 60%.” Make sleep non-negotiable Sleep is Marc’s top priority for getting through calving well. He remembers falling asleep easily at the end of a busy day on the farm, only to wake at 2am worrying about unfinished jobs and what needed to be done the following day. After getting only five hours of sleep, he would feel exhausted, make poorer decisions and become more stressed. Those mistakes would then give him more to worry about the next night. “It became a vicious cycle.” Marc began writing down whatever was on his mind during the night. This helped reassure his brain that he could deal with it in the morning. “Quite often, I’d wake up and look at what I’d written and think, ‘Really? I was worried about that at 2am?’” If his thoughts continued racing, Marc focused on something deliberately boring. He might repeat a familiar song in his head or pay attention to what he could feel – his head on the pillow and his shoulders against the bed – until he fell asleep again. Marc has been sharing more practical tips on Farmstrong’s social channels, where you can catch up on the conversation and discover a simple technique for settling a busy mind back into sleep. “Sleep is non-negotiable. You’re going to have more issues if you’re getting up every few hours and then trying to work and make decisions when you’re exhausted.” Fuel yourself properly Marc says farmers need to treat calving like an endurance event. “You’re basically an endurance athlete for six to eight weeks, so you’ve got to think like one.” He often saw people begin the day with an energy drink and a chocolate bar. While these might provide a quick lift, he says the energy crash that follows can make a long day even harder. He recommends drinking plenty of water, using electrolytes when appropriate and keeping sustaining food close at hand. Bananas, good carbohydrates

PREPARE: Marc Gascoigne has learnt that preparing early, protecting his sleep and maintaining a healthy mindset could change how he experienced the season.

I felt pressure to be the role model and the strong rock of the family. I didn’t want them to know I was struggling mentally. Now, when I look back, that seems crazy. Marc Gascoigne Farmstrong Champion and protein are better options for maintaining energy throughout the day. Notice what is going well Short pauses during the day can help interrupt unhelpful thinking. Marc remembers afternoon milkings when 350 cows were settled and milking well, but one heifer kept kicking off the cups. “After milking do you think I was thinking about the 350 cows that were perfectly behaved? “No. I was fixated about the one bloody heifer that annoyed the hell out of me.” He began making a conscious effort to notice and celebrate what was going well instead of allowing one difficult moment to define the whole day. At the end of each day, Marc thinks of three things that went well. Before going to sleep, he identifies three things he is looking forward to. These do not need to be major events. It might be having coffee with a mate or simply completing a job on his list. Marc recommends practising habits like these every day for 60-80 days, giving them time to become part of a regular routine.

Talk with your whānau and team For Marc, preparing for calving should also include honest conversations with the people around you. Looking back, he wishes he had spoken more openly with his family when he was struggling. Although they always ate dinner together, his depression meant he was not always fully present. “I felt pressure to be the role model and the strong rock of the family. I didn’t want them to know I was struggling mentally. Now, when I look back, that seems crazy. “I should have been more open and said, ‘Farming is really busy, it’s going to be tough, and I’m struggling.’” Sharing three things that went well around the dinner table can be a simple way to start a conversation and help people stay connected during a busy season. Open communication matters in the workplace, too. Marc encourages managers to explain when they are under pressure rather than allowing staff to think they have done something wrong. “Try not to take it out on your staff. If you’re struggling, explain why you’re feeling that way so they’re not second-guessing themselves or thinking they’re not doing a good job.” Stay connected and active Marc’s final advice is to keep doing something you enjoy away from the farm. It could be a weekly game of squash, a run, a gym session with mates or another activity that provides movement, connection and a mental break. “I know people say they haven’t

got the time or energy, but it’s so important. If you can combine being active with connecting with other people, that’s even better.” Power up for the season ahead The Farmstrong Power Up for Calving resource brings together practical ideas farmers and their teams can use before and during the season. For Marc, the difference between a good calving and a difficult one often comes down to protecting the basics. “The difference between a really good calving and a horrible time can be within your control. It’s a hell of a lot more pleasant to go through calving with less stress than with a heap of stress.” If farmers remember four things, Marc says, it should be to protect their sleep, fuel themselves well, stay connected with others, and keep active. Calving will always bring long days and unexpected problems. Preparing early and looking after yourself can put you in a much stronger position to manage the pressure, make good decisions and get through the season well. Explore the Power Up for Calving resource and choose a few practical steps you and your team can put in place this season.

Farmstrong is a nationwide, rural wellbeing programme that helps people manage the ups and downs of farming and growing. Last year, 20,000 farmers attributed an increase in their wellbeing to the programme. For free, farmer-tofarmer tools and resources head to www.farmstrong.co.nz. is the official media partner of Farmstrong

24 Originally published in Inside Dairy

How DAiSY takes you one step further

Other AI chat tools can be helpful for quick orientation and clear summaries, but when you need advice tailored to New Zealand farming conditions, access to a trusted, research-led source of information is essential. When making spring nitrogen

typical spring timing windows and

decisions, a generic answer is not

common rate ranges, for example.

always enough. Timing, application rates and trade-offs depend on pasture growth, soil temperature, feed demand, and environmental risk, and those factors can shift quickly through the season. To compare how DAiSY, our AIpowered website assistant, handles this complexity, we asked both DAiSY

“The difference wasn’t that one tool was ‘right’ and the other was ‘wrong’. The difference was in the level of local

purpose AI model, DAiSY consistently: Adds value on top of generally correct knowledge by translating principles

New Zealand dairy farm? than granular urea for New Zealand dairy farms? 3. When is the best time to apply nitrogen on my dairy farm?

DAiSY turns answers into actions

Clear summaries and rules of thumb

Reflects seasonal and system complexity

Broad, globallyinformed answers

Reinforces best practice and trade-offs

Good for quick orientation

Links to trusted tools and support

avoiding unnecessary applications

He says compared with the general-

into on-farm suggestions (for example,

2. Is liquid nitrogen more effective

Provides actionable, on-farm decision cues

Ron says.

common spring nitrogen questions:

amount of nitrogen to apply on a

Strong general knowledge

More tailored to NZ pasture-based systems

context and decision support,”

and a general-purpose AI model three

1. What is the lowest practical

Other AI

Grounded in DairyNZ research and guidance

soil temperature and pasture response expectations), rather than stopping at a rule of thumb. Goes beyond simply answering the

The difference wasn’t that one tool was ‘right’ and the other was ‘wrong’. The difference was in the level of local context and decision support.

to actually do, helping you check deficit, how soon you’re likely to see a response, and how to plan grazing

“Because DAiSY’s answers are grounded in DairyNZ research, its local relevance helps by providing seasonal nuance, practical decision cues and clearer links to whole-farm impacts, helping you apply information with confidence,” Ron says.

question to recommending what whether there’s a genuine feed

when conditions don’t support a good response.

Makes trade-offs more explicit by

Have a question? Ask DAiSY today

linking nitrogen decisions to whole-

dairynz.co.nz/daisy

farm impacts (for example, what reduced N can mean for pasture

and supplements around it.

grown, milksolids and stocking or feeding decisions).

In analysing the results, DairyNZ’s

Shows stronger seasonal nuance,

senior farm system specialist, Ron

including within-spring variation and

Reinforces best-practice behaviour

Pellow, says across the three questions,

how pasture dynamics change as you

– in this case, suggesting the

both AI tools landed on broadly similar

move from early to late spring (not just

application of just enough N when

baseline recommendations, including

a high-level ‘spring is best’ message).

it’s likely to be used by the plant and

Meet the expert: Ron Pellow DairyNZ senior farm system specialist

What’s new with DAiSY? We’ve recently made updates and improvements to DAiSY to make it even easier for you to access credible information fast. These include: •

A dedicated DAiSY page that provides a clearer and easier chat experience. You can save this to your phone or computer screen just like an app.

•

Recent conversations are remembered, so you can pick up where you left off.

•

A better understanding of seasons and regions. This means responses and guidance will be aligned to what’s currently happening where you’re farming.

•

It’s easier to find local events and contacts. If you’re looking for a DairyNZ staff member or an event happening near you, DAiSY can now help more effectively.

•

Multi-language support. If you’ve got team members who may not be confident in English, DAiSY can now be used in any language. This can help to improve understanding, onboarding and day-to-day decisionmaking across the team.

Like all generative AI, DAiSY can make mistakes. While we’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure DAiSY provides accurate information, you should still check the source information and the answers provided to make your own decision on its relevance and appropriateness for you.

Rural women 25

Rural Māmā Collective breaking down barriers India Grigson

ARAH Tatham has spent the past 18 months visiting dozens of mothers in rural Wairarapa. Arriving with a home cooked meal, care package and a smile, Sarah greets rural mothers with warmth. “When I see them, I take a meal so they don’t have to cook that night, which might not sound like much, but it just takes one thing off their list,” says Sarah. Sarah is a member of Rural Women New Zealand and works as a registered nurse for the Wairarapa Rural Support Trust, where she delivers the Rural Māmā Collective service as part of her two-day-a-week role. The collective aims to work alongside other health professionals to break down geographical barriers in accessing support for maternal and women’s health. For many rural mothers, support isn’t always just around the corner. “Working alongside rural families has reinforced for me just how significant isolation can be,” she said. “Distance, transport, childcare, finances, weather and simply being busy with rural life can all become barriers to accessing support. Sometimes people don’t need another service, they need someone to notice them and help them find their way to the right support.” The impact of that support is reflected in the experiences of mothers like Summer Priest, who connected with Sarah following the birth of her third child. “Sarah came out with the food

package and some other gifts,” Summer said. “She actually helped me organise an au pair and arrived with more food. She was just very caring and genuine, and more than happy to come back out and check in.” Rural Support Trust (RST) coordinator Sarah Donaldson, who brought on Sarah Tatham, says the Rural Māmā Collective aligns with RST’s mission. “Rural Support Trust is about being alongside our rural community when they’re facing some kind of challenge or adversity, and rural mums are a demographic who have particular needs that come up due to the circumstances of living rural,” she said.

Sometimes people don’t need another service, they need someone to notice them and help them find their way to the right support. Sarah Tatham Rural Māmā Collective “[Sarah Tatham] she has the rural affinity and understanding herself, so she can relate to some of the challenges that come up for rural mums.” Donaldson says demand for the service is high, with challenges like less antenatal classes in rural areas driving demand. “The Rural Māmā Collective can provide continued outreach by on farm visits. I know some of our other health professionals do that, but the visits are much less frequent than they used to be,” she said.

What began as an additional layer of support for new mothers has evolved into a wider community network. “I have mothers that I’ve supported who are now recommending me to their friends, and then I get these requests come in and they say, ‘oh such and such said you were a great help to her’ and it just feels like I’ve built a real community here,” said Sarah. She now visits local playgroups, liaises with midwives and Plunket health professionals, and organises mum-and-bub meetups helping foster connections between rural mums. “For mothers to be able to share with someone who’s going through the same developmental stages, alongside juggling farming life . . . that peer support is really crucial. The Rural Māmā Collective is creating opportunities for that to happen if it hasn’t happened previously,” Donaldson said. Last year, Rural Women New Zealand recognised the impact of the Rural Māmā Collective by providing funding to support its work. “For more than a century, Rural Women New Zealand has worked to reduce isolation and strengthen connections for rural women,” says Heather Sorensen, National President. “We are very aware of the increased feelings of isolation and loneliness in our rural communities, so we really welcome and support the work of Sarah and the Rural Māmā Collective. This initiative fills a very important role in making connections with the mums and their babies through the visits and gift packages.”

SUPPORT: Sarah Tatham says working alongside rural families has reinforced to her just how significant isolation can be. Sarah is also actively trying to remove barriers to her service. “At first I thought my service was for new mothers with babies, but what I’ve realised is that it can be older mums with toddlers or a mother with her second or third baby,” she said. Sarah explained that all pregnancies and post-partum experiences are different, something Summer echoed. “I just had my third child, and you kind of think by number three, you’ve got it down packed, but he’s definitely been my hardest one,” said Summer. “Nearly a year on when I see her in towns, she’ll go out of her way to come have a chat and ask how

Tommy is and the rest of the kids. I would really recommend her.” Donaldson says Rural Support Trust is lucky to have Sarah onboard. “Sarah’s a joy to our team. She’s been a real asset, and she’s just so very passionate and caring . . . we’re very lucky.” When asked why she does it, Sarah’s answer was simple. “I enjoy helping people. Nursing was a really fulfilling career and what I’m doing now just feels like a natural fit.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from The Rural Māmā Collective, reach out to sarah.tatham@ ruralsupport.org.nz

FEDERATED 26 Feds

FARMERS Vol 4 No 36, September 14, 2026

fedfarm.org.nz

TOP tax would hammer farmers: Feds

he Opportunity Party’s proposed land tax would leave most farmers significantly worse off and could suck around $700 million a year out of rural communities, Federated Farmers says. TOP is proposing an annual tax of 0.5% on the value of rural land, arguing the policy would encourage more productive land use and help make land ownership more affordable for the next generation. Federated Farmers board member Mark Hooper says the proposal gets the fundamentals of farming economics badly wrong. “This is a tax on the productive base of farming, rather than on the income that farm is actually generating. “That matters because a farm can have a high land value without having the cash flow to comfortably carry another annual tax bill.” Federated Farmers’ policy team has modelled the proposed tax against a range of farming scenarios, including the impact of TOP’s proposed $19,400-a-year Citizen’s Income and other changes to the tax system. The analysis found the average dairy farmer could face a land tax bill of about $26,992 a year, while the average sheep and beef farmer could face around $39,289. Across the rural sector, that represents a new tax bill of roughly $700 million every year. Hooper says the scale of the proposed charge should concern anyone interested in the future of New Zealand’s primary sector. “Farmers are already carrying

TAXING: Feds’ modelling found the average sheep and beef farmer could face a $39,289 annual land tax bill, compared with $26,992 for the average dairy farmer. significant costs and debt, and they don’t get to choose when their land happens to have a high valuation,” he says. “You could have a year where the farm business is under real financial pressure and you’re still expected to find thousands of dollars to pay a tax calculated on the value of the land.” The modelling also tested TOP’s argument that the Citizen’s Income would compensate farmers for the new tax. It found a single dairy farmer would be about $16,215 worse off each year, while a single sheep and beef farmer would be $28,511 worse off. For farmers over 65, the impact is even greater, with a sheep and beef farming couple around $47,911

worse off and a dairy farming couple around $35,615 worse off. The only scenario in which a farmer came out ahead was a dairy farming couple under 65, and even then, the estimated gain was just $3185 a year. Hooper says presenting the policy as a broad redistribution exercise overlooks the people actually producing the wealth being redistributed. “I really struggle with the idea that the answer to New Zealand’s economic problems is to put another tax on the businesses that are producing export income and employing people,” he says. “We should be asking how we grow the productive economy, not how many different ways we can tax the assets sitting underneath it.

“The big issues for Kiwi families right now are the economy and cost of living, both of which a strong primary sector can help tackle – but not if we keep taxing farmers from every angle.” The proposal would also create practical difficulties around determining the land value, which is the value of land excluding any infrastructure on it, he says. “Most farms are bought and sold as functioning businesses, complete with fencing, tracks, yards and other infrastructure. “Trying to put a value on what a farm would be worth without all that is very challenging,” Hooper says. TOP says the tax is intended to change behaviour, including encouraging some landowners to

shift out of land ownership or put marginal land into conservation. Hooper says that approach risks treating farmers’ landholdings as passive wealth rather than the foundation of productive businesses. “A farm isn’t just an asset sitting in a portfolio. It’s a business, a workplace and the means by which a family earns its living,” he says. “If you make it more expensive to hold productive farmland every single year, you risk pushing decisions that have nothing to do with what is best for the farm business.” Hooper says the debate also needs to recognise the importance of farmers being able to invest in productivity. “Every dollar that gets pulled out of a farm in another tax is a dollar that can’t be invested in the things that make that farm more productive,” he says. “That might be better technology, fertiliser, animal genetics, infrastructure, environmental improvements or simply keeping the business financially resilient through a tough year.” He says New Zealand should be looking for policies that strengthen the primary sector rather than weaken its ability to invest and grow. “A policy that takes hundreds of millions of dollars a year out of farmers’ back pockets is heading in exactly the opposite direction.” TOP’s proposal has been rejected by both National and Labour, and Hooper says he hopes the other parties also kick it to touch.

Federated Farmers

fedfarm.org.nz – September 14, 2026

Wānaka sends its waste to the country

n unwelcome stink is brewing in rural Otago, where residents of a small community are asking why Wānaka’s wastewater has become their problem. Treated human effluent from Wānaka and nearby Albert Town is being trucked out and dumped on a farm in Lauder, an 80-minute drive away. Federated Farmers Otago president Anna Gillespie says the people of Lauder, in the Manuherikia catchment, are quite rightfully upset about what she calls a “shitty situation”. “It’s disgusting that Otago Regional Council (ORC) has signed off on an urban area sending its effluent byproduct to a food-producing rural area. “If the effects of spreading thousands of cubic metres of wastewater sludge on land are ‘no more than minor’, why don’t they dump it on their own doorstep? “Manuherikia catchment locals didn’t even get a chance to have a say on this because ORC granted the consent non-notified, meaning there was no public hearing.” Gillespie says the sludge contains

If the effects of spreading thousands of cubic metres of wastewater sludge on land are ‘no more than minor’, why don’t they dump it on their own doorstep? Anna Gillespie Federated Farmers Otago president

DUMPED: Wānaka’s lake water is for locals and tourists, but it’s wastewater by-product is being trucked out of catchment to a rural area. Photo: Laura Smetsers/UnSplash E. coli levels 6500 times higher than Water New Zealand guidelines allow for suitable discharge to land. “It seems like ORC has completely turned a blind eye to that fact. “Years from now, if they find pathogens, nitrogen, heavy metals or

other stuff leached from this stuff into groundwater, and the Manuherikia and Clutha River networks, I bet those who gave it the tick will run for the hills.” The sludge is mainly de-watered organic matter, the remains of microorganisms that have digested human

wastewater at Wānaka’s sewage treatment plant. It had previously been trucked three hours to a landfill in Southland by SJ Allen Ltd under contract to Queenstown Lakes District Council. The new consent gives SJ Allen the right to spread up to 2000m3 of the sludge each year on 178ha of a former sheep and beef farm in Lauder. Another 3600m3 of waste from grease traps, mud tanks/sumps and winery wastewater can also be spread on the farm. Consent conditions to mitigate risk include use of crops to absorb excess nutrients, ban on use of humanedible crops for one year after

discharge, regular monitoring and testing of groundwater and surface run-off. Gillespie says there are places where it’s suitable to spread waste and soak up nutrients with crop, but Lauder isn’t one of them. “I doubt very much it can be done successfully with that amount of sludge in dryland Central Otago. Our rainfall is only 450 to 500mm a year. “Just a few years ago (Environment Minister David) Parker and ORC were slamming us for degraded waterways in our catchment. Farmers have taken extensive action to improve the environment. “Our reward? They dump this town waste in our neighbourhood.” She says the whole thing smacks of an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ attitude. “Anything to do with farm animal effluent seems to get the nth degree from the council consent people, but this application flies through, with the potential impacts dismissed as ‘no more than minor’. “This is a case of an urban problem being dumped miles away in a rural area, where outrage from the community can be more easily ignored.”

Feds push for pre-election KiwiSaver changes Federated Farmers is urging the Government to keep moving forward with promised KiwiSaver amendment legislation before the House rises for the election. The KiwiSaver (First Home or Farm) Amendment Bill, which will allow farm workers to use their KiwiSaver savings to buy a house or farm, has now been introduced in Parliament. Karl Dean, Federated Farmers dairy chair, says the changes will make a meaningful difference for young farmers, but the Government needs to go further. “It’s great the Bill has finally been introduced, but young farmers don’t want to see these important changes stall now.

“The legislation needs to have its first reading before the House rises so it can progress to Select Committee.” The Bill will allow farm workers and others living in service tenancies to access their KiwiSaver to buy a house without immediately moving in. “This issue is so important to us that we included it in our list of 12 policy priorities for this term of Parliament,” Dean says. “The Government said they were going to make these changes, and we plan to hold them to that promise on behalf of our members. “It’s been an incredibly busy term of reforms for the coalition, and Parliamentary time is at a premium

as the election looms, but this would only take 40 minutes to progress. “We urge the Government to make this a priority and to progress these important changes to select committee – and for the Opposition to support it.” The KiwiSaver changes won’t benefit just young farmers and farm workers, but anyone who lives in a service tenancy as part of their employment. This includes military personnel, rural teachers, country cops, and some tourism staff. “It’s only fair to let these people use their savings to purchase a house – that’s a right available to anyone else to help get them on the

MORE: Karl Dean says the changes will make a meaningful difference for young farmers, but the Government needs to go further.

property ladder,” Dean says. The Bill also allows first-time farm buyers to use their KiwiSaver

towards a farm bought through a company, trust or partnership they majority own and control.

Federated Farmers

fedfarm.org.nz – September 14, 2026

Taranaki pair leasing their way to ownership

or Toko sheep and beef farmer Nick Brown and his wife Sophie, farm ownership is definitely the goal – but they have taken a different route to get there. Rather than putting their capital into buying land, the couple are leasing 800 hectares and focusing their money on the productive assets that generate income. Brown, a fifth-generation farmer and Federated Farmers Taranaki president, says leasing has provided a pathway to build wealth while retaining control of their own farming business. “The reality is that, when you’re young, it’d be nice to think you could just buy a farm, but you don’t have enough money to buy a farm,” Brown says in the Federated Farmers Podcast. “So, the logical step is to start growing your wealth through owning livestock and operating what is basically the engine room of the farm, rather than trying to chuck the little amount of money we had into land, which would just be a drop in the ocean. “Leasing the land was a way for us to start, and we instead borrowed to buy all of that livestock and plant.” The Browns moved to the farm, just inland of Stratford, around 2015. The 520ha block they live on is owned by Brown’s family, and they managed it for several years before leasing it. About three years ago they also leased an adjoining property, taking the total area to about 800ha. The operation now runs about 2600 ewes, 700 replacement

hoggets, 35 rams, 600 R1/R2 bulls and steers, and about 450 dairy grazers, plus about 50 beef cows. When they started leasing, they bought the livestock and plant at market value, with about 5000 stock units initially. The adjoining property and dairy grazing subsequently took the operation to around 9000 stock units, and that scale has allowed them to employ a couple of people. “I think along the way, what I’ve learned is your capital works really hard for you leasing land and owning stock,” Brown says. “The downside is we don’t have the same security as owning land, but for someone trying to establish themselves, it’s one of the few ways to take control of a farming business without having to first accumulate the millions of dollars required to buy land.

BUILDING BLOCKS: Nick Brown says owning the productive assets and building equity first has given his family a way to grow their business without taking on the financial pressure of buying land too soon.

“I think that’s a pathway for a dry-stock farm. Other than equity partnerships, I think that’s the only pathway I can see where you’re in control of your own destiny. “You do need that opportunity to really take control of your farming systems and operation to drive the profit, to get the best growth of your capital over time.” Brown says the strategy is now paying off, as based on their current trajectory, they could probably buy the farm today – but they’re choosing not to rush. “If we’re smart, we’d probably wait a couple more years, just build up a

APPROACH: Nick Brown wants banks to take a more ambitious approach to financing young farmers, as livestock ownership can be the vehicle that gets them into land ownership.

little bit more equity,” he says. “It’s very easy to be impatient and think, ‘I’ve got to own the land’. “But putting all our capital into land now could leave the business under greater financial pressure.” That patience has been particularly important through the tougher years for dry-stock farming. Brown says diversified income streams, including dairy heifers, helped provide cashflow when conditions were challenging. Rabobank’s Changing of the Guard paper last year revealed that, over the next decade, more than half of all New Zealand farm and orchard owners will reach the age of 65. The transition of these farmers’ operations represents a conservative estimate of over $150 billion in farming assets that will depend on a successful succession process. Brown believes longer leases are part of the answer. “It’s too risky for someone to sign up for a three-year lease and then at the end of it potentially have nowhere to put their stock and then have to sell on a bad market,” he says. “Leases basically need to be longer, so that it gives people confidence and banks confidence to invest in these young people.” Brown also wants banks to take a more ambitious approach to financing young farmers, arguing

that livestock ownership can be the vehicle that eventually gets them into land ownership. “We need the banks to be a little bit more ambitious with young people and secure them on a lower deposit like they do in a house. “We want to encourage productive people to invest in productive assets in this country.”

The logical step is to start growing your wealth through owning livestock and operating what is basically the engine room of the farm, rather than trying to chuck the little amount of money we had into land. Nick Brown Taranaki Federated Farmers president The Brown family’s own succession journey has benefited from family security, but Brown says the broader principle is simple: give capable young people an opportunity to build wealth. “If we don’t get these young people the opportunity to grow their own wealth to then buy these farms eventually, we’ll either see large corporate family farms or just large corporates.”

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Federated Farmers

fedfarm.org.nz – September 14, 2026

‘Megatron’ not council of the future

ederated Farmers says Waikato’s new council map must split Hamilton from the provinces – and it turns out the Tron agrees. With the Government currently overhauling local government in New Zealand, the provincial-urban split is a core principle of Federated Farmers. Chris Woolerton, Federated Farmers Waikato president, says it’s encouraging to see New Zealand’s fastest growing city thinks the same. “Our consistent call has been that Hamilton should get its own unitary council, and the rest of Waikato should be divided into provincial councils that reflect the communities and issues they actually serve. “It’s great to see Hamilton City Council agrees with us, so now we just need the Government to back that model too.” Hamilton City Council (HCC) has told the Government the challenge facing New Zealand’s growing metropolitan centres are increasingly different from those facing rural and provincial communities. “That’s a commonsense stance – the needs and priorities of cities are clearly different to those of district councils serving farming areas and rural towns,” Woolerton says. “While everyone’s keen to cut council costs and duplication, lumping rural areas in with cities is a recipe for future disagreements, inefficiencies and ratepayer disengagement.” Woolerton says what matters most to farmers and other provincial residents under council reorganisation is preserving representation and strong local decision-making. “That’s why were so outspoken against those who wanted a ‘Megatron’ – a council that jammed in rural districts with the city. “Hamilton is so much bigger and its residents’ concerns would completely overshadow issues that matter most to people in places like Te Awamutu, Te Kauwhata and Waitomo. “Metropolitan residents deserve

August deadline for council merger proposals, Federated Farmers Waikato was quick out of the blocks. “We surveyed our farming members and quickly learned that not a single person thought Hamilton and the provinces should be combined,” Woolerton says.

Rural residents are on a hiding to nothing if Hamilton is included in their unitary council. Their outlook and priorities are poles apart. Chris Woolerton Federated Farmers Waikato president

SENSIBLE SEPARATION: Feds Waikato president Chris Woolerton says it’s pleasing to see the recognition from Hamilton City that urban and provincial council challenges and priorities are very different. their own council – one free to concentrate on urban issues. “And the districts also need their own councils, ones that can focus on things like maintaining rural roads and bridges, sensible landuse rules, and strong catchment management,” Woolerton says. HCC didn’t put in a merger proposal under the Government’s Head Start programme, but it did submit a paper calling for a separate reform path for metropolitans. “Metropolitan areas are not simply larger versions of rural or provincial districts,” the council said. “They concentrate population growth, housing demand, infrastructure investment, economic activity and public services within complex urban systems.” Metro areas need a reform pathway that examines not only governance arrangements, but also the funding, financing, planning and legislative settings needed to

support growth and delivery, HCC said. When the Government set the 9

Feds Waikato’s model was straightforward: Hamilton gets its own unitary council, while the rest of the region is split into three provincial councils. A West council would combine Waipa and Waikato districts, the East would bring together ThamesCoromandel, Hauraki, South Waikato and Matamata-Piako, and King Country would cover Otorohanga, Waitomo and northern Ruapehu. “It seems to have hit the right note

OVERSHADOWED: Hamilton is so much bigger and its residents’ concerns would completely overshadow issues that matter most to people in places like Te Awamutu, Te Kauwhata and Waitomo, says Chris Woolerton.

for many of the councils and their ratepayers,” Woolerton says. The East and King Country combinations are broadly what councils in those areas put forward to the Government, though Ruapehu District Council decided not to put in a proposal, and South Waikato joined the West. The big departure from Feds’ blueprint was the decision by Waipa, Waikato and South Waikato to bring Hamilton into their proposed unitary council. “It’s a bit disappointing, but I guess it’s not a total surprise,” Woolerton says. “The towns and the councils in those areas have a lot to do with the city. “Ngaruawahia has that three waters link-up; in the long-term their effluent will end up being handled by Hamilton’s wastewater treatment plant. “Places like Te Awamutu, Cambridge, Raglan and to a lesser extent Huntly are deemed sleeper towns for Hamilton. Quite a few residents from those areas work in Hamilton and come home at nights, so they’ve got connections. “But rural residents are on a hiding to nothing if Hamilton is included in their unitary council. Their outlook and priorities are poles apart.” Woolerton insists it’s not a city versus rural issue. “I go to Hamilton a lot. We’ve all got friends and family in each other’s area. “It’s just that the council priorities and ambitions are so different, and Hamilton, with so many more residents, would have a massive majority at the decision-making table. “If provincial areas could be guaranteed an equally strong voice in chambers, one that couldn’t be watered down in later representation reviews, it would have more chance of working. “We don’t see that happening, so our firm call to the Government is to give Hamilton and provincial districts their own councils.”

Leasing his way to farm ownership Hear why Taranaki farmer Nick Brown is putting his capital into livestock and plant to build wealth.

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Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Your Ultimate Hunting and Farming Playground

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A genuine Waikato rural playground where farming, hunting and adventure come together.

The property combines grazing country, rolling hills, established bush and natural rock outcrops, all with spectacular views towards Lake Waikare. A three-bedroom home sits at the heart of the farm, supported by cattle yards, a wool shed, implement shed, established fencing and natural spring water. For hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, there’s an abundance of wildlife including deer, pigs, turkeys, pheasants, ducks, goats and more. Tracks throughout the property and two points of entry make it easy to get out and explore, work the farm or head for the hills. This isn’t a manicured lifestyle block — it’s proper country to farm, hunt, explore and make your own.

Kirsten Anderson P: 022 087 7354 E: kirsten@fusionrealestate.co.nz

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SELLING YOUR FARM? ASHBURTON 49 Dobsons Road, Lowcliffe Well Located Dryland Dairy Support • • • • •

101ha dairy support unit located approx 10km from Hinds and 28km from Ashburton town Presently used primarily for wintering of dairy stock – up to 800 head total Secondary use of growing supplement feed for dairy farm use Dryland property with effectively a blank canvas for the next purchaser Seldom do opportunities come along to purchase affordable dairy support properties in prime location

AUCTION

11.00am, Tuesday 20 October at Hotel Ashburton 11/35 Racecourse Road, Allenton

Dan van der Salm M 021 918 233 Mark Hanrahan M 027 432 4028

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

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CLASSIFIEDS ACCOMMODATION WANTED EX FARMER, mid 30’s, looking for a farmhouse/ cottage to rent, around the Manawatu area. Could also be interested in helping on the farm. References available. Text only 027 816 4821 or email dunnteri31@ gmail.com

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ATTENTION FARMERS WE BUY MILK! Got rejected milk or surplus milk? Call us today on 027 871 5075. We collect within 1.5 hours drive from Te Awamutu. Farrelly Calves Limited. LOOKING FOR SCRUB CUTTING, gorse cutting, barberry cutting or spraying. Small and large areas. Central and Lower North Island. Phone Jayden 021 129 9774. 80¢ BALES / 70¢ FADGES per kg for dags. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 027 458 2727.

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Friday 25 Sept 35 yearling bulls

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32 Purpose bred heifer mating bulls

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Livestock 33

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

CALVING EASE YEARLING BULL THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER

RIVERTON HEREFORDS

Roger & Susan Hayward 163A Clemett Road, Te Akau Viewing 11am, Sale 1pm > 65 Angus Bulls

62nd Annual Hereford Bull Sale

Bulls For Heifer Mating

Bidr® online bidding option available if you cannot attend the auction. Register at www.bidr.co.nz.

Further enquiries: Callum Dunnett (Hazlett) 027 462 0126 Richard Johnston (Hazlett) 027 444 3511 Vaughn Larsen (PGGW) 027 801 4599

Wednesday 23 September 2026, 12noon LK0125355©

BEXLEY HEREFORDS Yearling Bull Sale

FORDELL, WHANGANUI THURSDAY 17 SEPT – 12 NOON

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40 TWO-YEAR BULLS 100 YEARLING BULLS Hybrid auction on Add value to your calves with confidence

To be conducted at Bexley Station, 3715 State Highway 3, Awakino Gorge, Mokau 4376 Registered and Unregistered Bulls comprising of: 45 Yearling Pedigree Herefords, 7 Yearling Herefords, 5 Purebred Registered Speckle Park, 14 Yearling Angus Top yearlings grown to suit heifer mating, cow mating or beef mating. VENDORS: Colin & Carol King P: 06 752 9863 | E: ccking@farmside.co.nz NZFL Stud Stock - Brent Bougen M: 027 210 4698 NZFL Agent - Stephen Sutton M: 027 442 3207 Carrfields Agent - Grant Ross M: 021 174 8403

MIKE CRANSTONE 027 218 0123

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PGGW - KEITH WILSHER 027 596 5143

HEREFORD

NZFL - MALCOLM COOMBE 027 432 6104

www.rivertonezicalve.nz

In Conjunction with Bryce Young Livestock

Spring Bull Sale

On Farm: 399 Buckland Road, Matamata D/No. 77483

50 grass fed Hereford Yearling Bulls – approx 485kg l/w ave . Suitable for cows. BW & LW provided, TB C10, EBL free, BVD negative, double vaccinated, also Lepto 7 in 1

Featuring progeny by $81,000

Tuesday 22nd September 2026 – 11.30AM

A/c: Zenzelle Farm Bred for medium birth weight, calving ease and temperament. All bull purchasers enter a draw for 2 x lots of 30 native trees from Cambrilea Riparian Services. Light luncheon & drinks provided. Signposted from Mobil Karapiro, SH1.

Kincardine Rainstorme Well proven calving-ease sire with 450 progeny recorded.

Comprising: 130 x LIC & CRV Bred 4-9 Yr Frsn & Frsn Cross Cows • Closed Herd – all 1 Herd Code

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• BW 117/50 PW 140/81 97% REC, C10 • Leptop Vac. BVD Tested Clear, Herd Tested 13/9/26 • 474 m/s on Herd Test 25/26 season • SCC Current 130,000 After 30 years milking cows our vendors are retiring from the Dairy Industry. Complete Herd of LIC & CRV Frsn & Frsn Cross Cows milked on rolling contoured farm. System 3 farming practice. Strong capacious cows that will suit any system they go to. In full milk with Herd test info on sale day.

Bull Sale

Friday 18th September 2026 at 12.30pm To be conducted at Rolling Heights Farm 500 McDonald Mine Road, Waikokowai, Huntly

Livestreamed with online bidding available on (please register 48 hours before auction) www.bidr.co.nz

Contact: NZFL Darryl Houghton 027 451 5315 BYL Jason Roberts 027 707 1271

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An opportunity to buy genuine hard working cows that carry strong production, type, longevity and index traits.

Comprising of: 15 x 2yr Purebred Hereford Bulls 30 x 1yr Purebred Hereford Bulls

Contact Vendor: Cory Norman 021 024 12686 NZFLL Stud Stock: Brent Bougen 027 210 4698

KELVIN & CYNTHIA PORT M: 022 648 2417 E: kelvin@bushydowns.co.nz Web: www.bushydowns.co.nz

IN MILK HERD SALE

15th Annual Bull Sale – Monday 21st September 2026 1358 Buckland Road, Cambridge – Undercover – 12 Noon

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT: VENDORS: HELEN & CHARLIE LEA – 07 827 6868 OR 021 833 221 | info@ratanuifarm.co.nz NZ FARMERS LIVESTOCK – BRENT BOUGEN 027 210 4698, GARETH PRICE 027 477 7310 FINDLAY LIVESTOCK – ANDREW FINDLAY 027 273 4808

Also available online on

50 TOP YEARLING BULLS & 62 2-YEAR OLD BULLS

35TH ANNUAL SALE

Friday 25th September 2026 at 12.00 noon

ON FARM - LUNCHEON PROVIDED 660 Ngaroma Rd, 26km off SH3, Sth East of Te Awamutu.

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

ESTB. 1907

M AUNGAHINA STUD

Key: Dairy

YEARLING BULL SALE 2026

Cattle

Sheep

Other

STORTFORD LODGE SALEYARDS SALE

FRIdAY 18 SEptEmBER - 1pm 45 mAUNGAhINA RoAd, oFF CAStLEpoINt Rd, mAStErtoN – StREAmEd LIvE FoR oNLINE BIddERS ANd vIEwS

Wednesday 16 September 10.30am Stortford Lodge Saleyards Lloyd & Sonia Holloway & Family – Waitara Station, Te Pohue Comprising of: • 170 1yr Angus Steers • 35 1yr Angus Heifers • 50 Autumn born Angus Steers • 40 Autumn born Angus Heifers Annual line of mid-October/November born yearlings. Hill Country cattle that are renowned for their shifting ability. Sired by Tarangower genetics. Contact: Paul Bayes 027 442 5151 For a full list of entries please visit our facebook page or our website: stortfordlodgesaleyards.com PGG Wrightson Livestock – Hawkes Bay

25 hEREFoRd YEARLINGS 25 SpECkLE pARk YEARLINGS Follow us on Facebook FACEBOOK.COM/MAUNGAHINA

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Helping grow the country

BULL SALE

Tuesday September 22, 12 noon

On-Farm Auction and Live on 608 Fern Flats Road, Marton. 100 Yearling Bulls • 30 2-Yr-Old Bulls Guaranteed Quiet. Support and bull back-up assured.

NEW LOCATION 633 Waterworks Road, Rd 1, Morrinsville (Te Miro end) (opp. Te Miro woolshed wedding venue)

25 SPECKLE PARK & 15 MURRAY GREY BULLS WILL SELL! Derek Hayward ✆ 027 226 6686 *derek.premier@farmside.co.nz www.premiercattleco.co.nz

Ardo Trust 3207

SCAN TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR THE LATEST SALE INFORMATION

William Morrison 027 640 1166 ardofarm@xtra.co.nz

Kelly Higgins ✆ 027 600 2374

Morrison Farming Ezicalve www.morrisonfarming.co.nz

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THURSDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2026 12 NOON ON-FARM & ONLINE

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

YEARLING BULL SALE 3rd generation Lindsay Johnstone

SEPT

24 12pm

YEARLING BULL & HEIFER SALE

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

SCAN FOR MORE INFO WWW.RANUIANGUS.CO.NZ

BREEDING STRUCTURALLY SOUND, FERTILE ANGUS CATTLE THAT PERFORM IN COMMERICAL FARMING ENVIRONMENTS

Herepuru Station Herefords

OPEN DAY

57 years of breeding

WEDNESDAY 23 SEPT 2026 – 1- 3PM RD

ANNUAL ON FARM SALE

CALVING EASE Designed to get calves off to the best start every season

Cnr Manawahe & Herepuru Rds, Manawahe, RD4, Whakatane

Bred for calving ease and quiet temperament. T.B and BVD clear and vaccinated. Enquiries and visitors welcome.

AGENTS

COMPRISING: 262x Frsn, FrsnX, Jrsy, & JrsyX High Index Cows

www.carrfields.co.nz

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• Taranaki Daniel Hornby 027 636 2090

PAYMENT & DELIVERY TERMS: Deferred payment due 20th October 2026. Immediate deliveries or truck to suit. CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENT: Ben Deroles M: 027 702 4196

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• Manawatu Hamish Manthel 027 432 0298

www.carrfields.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, 07 OCT • 12:30PM 114 KANA ST, MATAURA BID ONLINE WITH

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: This sale represents one of the most impressive offerings ever presented by the Finch Contracting team. With herd data and index rankings placing these cows in the top 5% nationally, each animal has been handselected from leading herds under a rigorous selection process. Young, structurally sound, and in optimal condition for mating, these cows are ready to deliver results! Whether you’re a regular buyer or attending your first Finch Contracting Sale, you can bid with confidence in the quality and consistency of cows on offer.

• Waikato/BOP Matt Hancock 027 601 3787

AVAILABLE ON SALE DAY

PROCESSING PLANT • EQUIPMENT

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• South Island Richard Andrews 027 536 8693

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STEVEN HARRIS 027 442 3546 CHRIS HAY 027 632 7177 SIMON SMITH 027 444 0733

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36 Markets

Markets

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Chasing the market is one way to go Regional variations in markets prompt some vendors to take the risk of sending their stock further afield in the hopes of a better outcome. Fiona Quarrie

MARKETS

Livestock

HOSE reading the special entries for the Feilding store sale on Friday, September 4, would have done a double-take numerous times as several out-oftown consignments were listed. Many a conversation around the smoko table would have considered the possible outcome in terms of increased sale price in relation to trucking expenses. At such a distance, there is also no option of taking stock home again should the market not meet expectations. So, what led these vendors to take the gamble? A Pleasant Point-based vendor supplied the most distantly contributed cattle for this sale. The yearling dairy-beef steers were the tops of the 1500 dairybeef calves reared by the vendor and picked to take through the winter. With the next crop needing space, it was time for the yearlings to move on. Carrfields Livestock agent George Wilson

also happened to be a part owner of the cattle and had spent some time studying the market. “We decided to chase the earlier grass curve in the North Island,” Wilson explained, “and Martinborough Transport do a good job of looking after the cattle.” This included a two-night stay to rest in Martinborough prior to the sale. “Even with the extra trucking expense, it looked likely to stack up,” said Wilson. The other factor that influenced their decision was the shift to more dairy support in Canterbury and the narrowing demand for beef cattle. Adding to the equation was the lack of grass in the area. “We sent a few to Temuka as well and noticed that the buying bench wasn’t as strong,” Wilson said. “While the result was satisfactory, the risk was that the extra steers would have put pressure on the market.” Across the consignment, which included Speckle Park-dairy, Angus-dairy and Simmental-dairy, returns ranged from $5.61/kg to $5.80/kg. This meant a per head figure of

WELL TRAVELLED: Penned at Feilding on Friday, September 4, these yearling Speckle Park-dairy steers were the first pen from a consignment of 72-head sourced from Pleasant Point, Canterbury. At 336kg, they made $5.74/kg. Photo: bidr.co.nz

The greater regional coverage of the Feilding saleyards also plays a role in the stronger market at Feilding. Brenton Giddens PGG Wrightson $2040 for the top cut of Angusdairy at 352kg. “We are very happy with the result,” Wilson said. Not as far afield, but still with other options were Hawke’s Baysourced stock. PGG Wrightson agent Brenton Giddens had entries from two vendors in this sale, one being 2-year Angus and Angus-Hereford steers and the other ewes with lambs-at-foot. From Waipawa and Wanstead, trucking costs were either the same or only slightly greater to send the stock to Feilding rather than Stortford Lodge.

Giddens had been watching the market at Feilding in the weeks leading up to these entries and had noticed some trends. “The ewes with lambs-at-foot market was $10-$20 ahead of Stortford Lodge and where the local yards had been struggling at $5.40-$5.50/kg for 2-year traditional steers, Feilding was running at more like $5.70/kg,” he said. Quizzed as to why that might be, Giddens was quick to point out the cautious approach farmers on the east coast are taking in light of the media talking up a drought. “The greater regional coverage of the Feilding saleyards also plays a role in the stronger market at Feilding,” Giddens said. In the end, the entire ewes with lambs-at-foot section traded from $150 to $171 all counted and Giddens’ vendor was very happy with the result, which was $10 per head greater than hoped. At the time, the vendor of the 2-year steers was also very happy

as two pens collected $5.63-$5.68/ kg and the larger pen of 35 Angus & Angus-Hereford fetched $5.82/ kg, all at 474-505kg. Of course, it has rained since then and the Stortford Lodge store cattle market picked up on Wednesday, September 9. Two-year Traditional steers, 506-549kg, collected $5.81-$5.87/ kg while the lighter portion, 469499kg, managed $5.45-$5.52/ kg. This made the heavier types slightly stronger than the Feilding results and the next tier a fraction softer. When there are regional variations in markets, in this case driven by earlier growth and concerns of drought, vendors will often have a fleeting thought of sending their stock further afield in the hopes of a better outcome. Not everyone has the confidence to do it, though, as the costs and risk get greater. Vendors of Feilding’s September 4 sale got away with it with varying degrees of success.

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Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Cattle

Sheep

Deer

Beef

Sheep Meat

Venison

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Last week

Last year

North Island P2 steer (300kg)

9.95

9.00

North Island M2 bull (300kg)

9.70

8.50

North Island M cow (190kg)

7.70

7.20

South Island P2 steer (300kg)

9.90

8.80

South Island M2 bull (300kg)

9.55

8.05

South Island M cow (190kg)

7.80

7.30

Last week

Last year

North Island AP stag (60kg)

11.50

10.10

5.25

South Island AP stag (60kg)

11.50

10.10

12.15

10.25

8.10

5.25

Fertiliser Last week

Last year

DAP

1874

1519

Potash (MoP)

947

922

Super

629

507

1344

995

July

Last year

China

1,608,775

1,576,392

Last week

Last year

North Island lamb (18kg)

12.15

10.20

North Island mutton (25kg)

8.15

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

US imported 95CL bull

13.11

12.36

US domestic 90CL cow

16.47

16.12

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

Steer slaughter price ($/kgCW)

China lamb flaps

12.61

10.53

27-Aug

Last year

Crossbred fleece

6.60

3.66

Urea (Coated)

Crossbred 2nd shear

6.01

3.52

Forestry

Courtesy of www.fusca.co.nz

Exports NZ Log Exports (m3)

13.0 12.0

10.0 9.0 8.0

NZ average (NZ$/tonne)

(NZ$/kg clean)

Lamb slaughter price ($/kgCW)

11.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Fertiliser

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

Wool

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

7.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Rest of world

196,195

165,190

11.0

Carbon price (NZ$/tonne)

Last week

Last year

10.0

NZU

45.5

58.0

9.0 Sep

Nov Jan North Isla nd

Mar May South Island

Jul

Sep

Nov Jan North Isla nd

Mar May South Island

Jul

Sep

12.0

Australia lamb exports (Jun - Aug, thous. tonnes)

11.0

10.0

9.0

8.0

10 5 0 China

Japan

S. Korea Last year

Rest of Asia

US This year

Stag Slaughter price ($/kgCW)

Source: AgriHQ

Australia beef exports (Jun - Aug, thous. tonnes) 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

8.0

Asia (xcl. China )

Other

China

Mid. Ea st Last yea r

Sep

Nov Jan North Isla nd

US Other This year

Mar May South Island

Jul

Sep

Source: AgriHQ

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

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

Dairy

Grain

Listed Agri shares

Milk price futures ($/kgMS)

Canterbury feed wheat & feed barley ($/tonne)

Company

YTD High YTD Low

10.5

600

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.069

0.132

0.059

The a2 Milk Company Limited

8.3

11.9

6.25

Comvita Limited

0.795

0.84

0.505

Delegat Group Limited

4.68

4.78

3.6

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

7.769

8.539

6.138

Foley Wines Limited

0.55

0.63

0.43

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.11

1.22

1.0

NZ King Salmon Investments Limited

0.235

0.255

0.189

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.24

2.4

2.0

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.039

0.042

0.028

Data provided by

10.0

550

9.5

500

9.0

450

8.5 8.0

Sep

Nov

Jan

Mar

Sep-2027

May Sep-2028

Jul

Sep

Source: NZX

Aug

Oct Dec Feed Wheat

Feb

Apr Jun Aug Feed Barley Source: NZX

Waikato palm kernel & maize ($/tonne)

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

400

Prior week

4 weeks prior

600

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.87

8.17

6.7

WMP

3560

3705

3550

550

Scales Corporation Limited

7.06

7.5

5.59

SMP

3630

3670

3335

500

Seeka Limited

5.23

5.55

4.4

AMF

5960

6225

450

Synlait Milk Limited

0.38

0.66

0.35

Butter

4990

4980

5000

400

T&G Global Limited

2.31

2.79

2.17

Milk Price

9.78

9.95

9.60

350

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

17246

17292

15511

S&P/NZX 50 Index

13819

14013

12702

S&P/NZX 10 Index

13594

13863

12194

* price as at close of business on Wednesday

300

Aug

Oct

Dec PKE

Feb

Apr Maize

Jun

Aug

Source: NZX

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Weekly saleyard results These weekly saleyard results are collated by the AgriHQ LivestockEye team. Cattle weights and prices are averages and sheep prices are ranges. For more detailed results and analysis subscribe to your selection of LivestockEye reports. Scan the QR code or visit www.agrihq.co.nz/livestock-reports Wellsford | September 7 | 377 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Boner crossbred cows, 480kg

3.72

Boner crossbred heifers, 400kg

4.30

Frankton | September 8 | 600 cattle

2-year dairy-beef steers, 415kg

5.04

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 385kg

4.93

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 275kg

5.70

Aut-born R2 dairy-beef steers, 345kg

5.65

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 270kg

5.36

Aut-born R2 dairy-beef heifers, 305kg

5.04

Prime dairy-beef heifers, RWB, 445kg

4.52

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 240kg

5.09

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 295kg

5.53

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef heifers, 115kg

900 3.82

Pukekohe | September 5

$/kg or $/hd

2-year steers, 466kg

4.99

Boner crossbred cows, 510kg

Yearling steers, 279kg

5.86

Frankton | September 9 | 546 cattle

Aut-born weaner heifers, 95kg

816

Prime heifers, 544kg

4.95

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 285kg

6.41

Store lambs, all

165-234

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 275kg

5.98

Prime lambs, all

208-230

Aut-born weaner Friesian bulls, 140kg

1035

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef heifers, 125kg

855

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 525kg

5.22

Boner Friesian cows, 535kg

3.81

Tuakau | September 3 | 450 cattle

$/kg or $/hd 2-year dairy-beef steers, 496kg

5.34

2-year traditional steers, 481kg

5.59

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 403kg

5.36

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 234kg

6.15

$/kg or $/hd

Rangiuru | September 8 | 463 cattle, 14 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Stortford Lodge | September 9 | 994 cattle, 6562 sheep

$/kg or $/hd 2-year traditional steers, 490kg

5.80

2-year Friesian bulls, 470kg

5.64

2-year traditional heifers, 460kg

5.37

2-year exotic-beef heifers, 470kg

5.43

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 400kg

5.26

Yearling traditional steers, 310kg

6.13

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 255kg

5.52

Yearling traditional heifers, 280kg

5.27

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 245kg

5.46

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, most

136-172

Store male lambs, shorn, all

182-304

Store ewe lambs, all

165-296

Feilding | September 4 | 1439 cattle, 3362 sheep

$/kg or $/hd 2-year traditional steers, 520kg

5.71

2-year dairy-beef steers, 450kg

5.43

2-year traditional heifers, 475kg

5.42

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 510kg

5.37

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 335kg

5.80

Yearling traditional bulls, 300kg

5.52

Yearling traditional heifers, 235kg

5.39

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef bulls, 135kg

1065

2-year dairy-beef steers, 545kg

5.22

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 265kg

6.20

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 250kg

5.00

Prime dairy-beef steers, 550kg

5.19

$/kg or $/hd

Boner Friesian cows, 535kg

3.68

Mixed-age ewes, SIL, most

201-233

Store lambs, most

140-180

Boner crossbred cows, 410kg

3.75

Mixed-age ewes & lambs, most

150-171

Prime ewes, most

172-222

Taranaki | September 9 | 858 cattle

Store male lambs, most

212-288

Prime lambs, most

230-281

Store ewe lambs, most

195-257

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 240kg

6.24

Tuakau | September 7 | 950 sheep

Tuakau | September 9 | 275 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

$/kg or $/hd 2-year dairy-beef steers, 465kg

5.50

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 380kg

5.04

Feilding | September 7 | 108 cattle, 5974 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 240kg

6.07

Boner Friesian cows, 515kg

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 250kg

5.15

Boner Friesian heifers, 465kg

Prime traditional steers, 605kg

5.54

Prime exotic-beef steers, 715kg

5.47

Prime dairy-beef steers, 705kg

5.40

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 495kg

5.24

Prime ewes, most

Boner Friesian cows, 520kg

3.87

Prime mixed-sex lambs, all

Stortford Lodge | September 7 | 953 sheep

4.49

Prime ewes, most

190-253

$/kg or $/hd

Prime male lambs, all

275-389

176-271

Prime ewe lambs, all

215-300

239-311

Prime mixed-sex lambs, all

162-380

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Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 14, 2026

Coalgate | September 3 | 466 cattle, 1989 sheep

Te Awamutu | September 3 | 592 cattle

Lorneville | September 8

$/kg or $/hd 2-year dairy-beef steers, 430kg

4.97

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 285kg

5.08

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 265kg

5.20

Prime traditional cows, 500kg

3.74

Prime dairy-beef steers, 580kg

5.07

Store mixed-sex lambs, most

201-230

Store Merino mixed-sex lambs, all

2-year dairy-beef steers, 406kg

4.48

Friesian bulls, all

10-230

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 265kg

5.50

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, most

170-390

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 228kg

4.60

Prime dairy-beef steers, 610kg

4.80

Store lambs, most

145-220

150-203

Prime ewes, most

230-348

Prime ewes, most

167-345

Prime lambs, most

220-392

Prime lambs, all

200-360

Feeder Calf Sales

Canterbury Park | September 8 | 118 cattle, 1389 sheep

Tuakau | September 7 | 429 cattle

4.95

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 485kg

4.87

Store mixed-sex lambs, most

180-222

Prime ewes, most

168-302

Prime lambs, most

200-352

Temuka | September 3 | 896 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

10-270

$/kg or $/hd

Hereford-Friesian (red) bulls, all

125-220

Hereford-dairy bulls, all

180-210

Hereford-dairy bulls, all

40-180

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

120-330

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

120-450

Angus-dairy bulls, all

130-250

Angus-dairy bulls, all

90-285

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

85-280

Hereford-dairy heifers, all

15-130

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

100-180

Angus-dairy heifers, all

35-120

120-210

Yearling Friesian bulls, 240kg

5.21

Angus-dairy heifers, most

80-190

Frankton | September 8, 9 | 1016 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Store Halfbred wether lambs, most

Angus-dairy heifers, all

160-300

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

190-240

50-150

Hereford-Friesian (red) bulls, all

5.45

Store mixed-sex lambs, most

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

140-440

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 265kg

3.39

20-100

120-160

65-150

Boner Friesian cows, 570kg

Hereford-dairy heifers, all

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

Hereford-dairy heifers, most

5.05

40-290

Friesian bulls, all

4.81

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 535kg

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

150-520

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 395kg

5.11

40-290

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

150-260

Prime dairy-beef steers, 570kg

Angus-dairy bulls, all

85-120

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

5.30

160-365

Friesian bulls, all

4.96

Prime traditional steers, 615kg

40-260

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

$/kg or $/hd

2-year dairy-beef steers, 420kg

Temuka | September 7 | 335 cattle, 3907 sheep

Hereford-dairy bulls, all

Tirau | September 9 | 704 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Prime dairy-beef steers, 475kg

$/kg or $/hd

Reporoa | September 3, 7 | 948 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Friesian bulls, all

60-220

Friesian bulls, all

15-150

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

130-405

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

80-430

Hereford-Friesian (red) bulls, all

55-240

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

50-400

Angus-dairy bulls, all

100-200

Angus-dairy bulls, all

20-210

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

120-340

180-240

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

15-270

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

50-225

Prime mixed-sex lambs, most

260-340

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

10-240

Hereford-dairy heifers, all

15-160

Prime ewes, most

180-260

Angus-dairy heifers, all

85-105

Angus-dairy heifers, all

15-50

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

30-190

Balclutha | September 9

Cambridge | September 8 | 526 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Store lambs, most

110-175

Prime ewes, most

240-305

Prime lambs, most

200-330

Friesian bulls, all

40-260

Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, all

180-335

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

120-340

Angus-dairy bulls, all

105-220

Hereford-Friesian (black) heifers, all

140-160

140-252

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

45-180

154-450

Angus-dairy heifers, all

70-140

Charlton | September 3

$/kg or $/hd Store lambs, all

120-204

Prime ewes, all Prime lambs, all

$/kg or $/hd

Feilding | September 3 | 406 cattle

$/kg or $/hd Friesian bulls, all

30-230

Hereford-Friesian bulls, all

100-410

Charolais-dairy bulls, all

100-300

Angus-dairy bulls, all

50-350

Hereford-Friesian heifers, all

70-290

Charolais-dairy heifers, all

20-180

Angus-dairy heifers, all

80-240

Notice of no change to Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) differential slaughter levy rate for cattle Levy rates (GST exclusive): •

Dairy cattle: $14.50 per head (no change)

•

Beef cattle: $4.50 per head (no change)

Background to levy setting The National Pest Management Plan for Bovine Tuberculosis is funded by agreement between the Ministry for Primary Industries, DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Deer Industry New Zealand, and TBfree New Zealand.

Funding is through a combination of fixed funding and levies charged on the slaughter of cattle. Each year, the levy rates are reviewed to ensure funding of the TBfree programme is in line with the TB Plan Funders’ Agreement, and levies are adjusted to reflect the latest industry Farm Gate Values and slaughter volumes for both dairy and beef industries. When necessary, adjustments are made to ensure that each industry is funding the programme in line with the TB Plan Funders’ Agreement over the life of the programme. Dated this 1 September 2026 Sam McIvor, Chief Executive, OSPRI

For further information on OSPRI’s TBfree programme, please visit ospri.co.nz

LK0125427©

Pursuant to Clause 10 of the Biosecurity (Bovine Tuberculosis – Cattle and Deer Levy) Order 2016 the slaughter levy rates for Dairy Cattle and Beef Cattle will remain unchanged from 1 October 2026.

Weather

In partnership with ruralweather.co.nz

It’s all about the placement of highs

Philip Duncan

NEWS

Weather

PRING’S westerly pattern has arrived early this year, bringing noticeably milder weather over the past few weeks for most (but not all) regions. It’s normal to have wild swings in New Zealand’s temperatures and every season is unique each year weather-wise. I’m currently learning how to use AI to bring to life stories and graphics we’ve had on our Education pages at WeatherWatch. One of the stories I came across was one I wrote in August 2022, talking about how the placement of high pressure means everything to our weather pattern, to the point that we really don’t have a “normal” pattern other than the chaos we get generally tracking from west to east. This 2022 story was focused on how a large high east of NZ had brought us an “atmospheric river” from the tropics for mid-August, boosting temperatures up to 8degC above normal. But the story and graphics pointed out that 11 years prior, on the exact same date, we had an equally big high pressure zone, but this time to NZ’s west, and this dredged up an Antarctic

blast that brought snow to Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and even settled in parts of Auckland. Same date, different decade, both about the placement of high pressure bringing polar opposites (excuse the pun). I mention this because the placement of high pressure controls much of the weather we get, and determines if we have a cold week, a warm week, or an “in the middle” set-up. A high east of NZ often brings warm weather, a high west of NZ can dredge up the cold. At the moment the latest long-range forecast for NZ through to almost the end of September shows high pressure dominating to our west and to our north (classic El Niño) and this placement means more westerlies – that is, spring. With so much high pressure streaming into the western and northern sides of the Tasman Sea it leaves our eastern side of the Tasman Sea windier and generally milder – with even more warmth once those winds go over our ranges and spread to the east. Any cold fronts that bring polar air are usually escorted out of NZ promptly by that westerly “hall monitor”, or are more limited to the South Island. I said back when El Niño was announced that we probably wouldn’t

notice it until spring kicked in (because the Southern Ocean weather pattern dominates NZ’s weather in winter). Now that we’re into spring, the warmth is returning, the westerly winds are here and despite regular shots of colder air from south of us, most regions (perhaps not Southland as much) are noticing the change. There are a number of cold fronts forecast for NZ in that continued westerly flow – and while this boosts rain above usual levels for the West Coast, Southland and western Otago, that rainfall is more limited in the eastern and northern sides of both main islands. The soil moisture maps do not currently reflect a worrying sign, but I’ve noticed that the drying-out phases between rain events are now happening faster and faster. This may become more of an issue during October and into November as rain events from the Southern Ocean usually taper off. There is one thing complicating El Niño’s future effects on NZ: the Tasman Sea is warmer than it should be, meaning it may be counteracting some of what El Niño typically tries to do. For a nation that often thrives in the chaos of weather, this may be a positive if it encourages a little more rain this spring.

Soil moisture anomaly (mm) at 9am on 08-09-2026

GOOD STATE: Soil moisture conditions over New Zealand are about as ideal as they can be going into an El Niñofuelled spring. Image: Earth Sciences NZ

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