SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYER
DAMN THE DAMNERS Farmers take to the streets in Waipukurau. PAGE 12
Low hanging fruits, crops on the radar. PAGE 42
RURALNEWS
SEE PAGE 8
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS
JULY 1, 2014: ISSUE 564
www.ruralnews.co.nz
China exports soar P E TE R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
A NEW era is unfolding for the meat industry with the rapid, unprecedented growth of the Chinese market, says the chief executive of the Meat Industry Association (MIA), Tim Ritchie. One hundred years ago the focus was on the UK market, but a new era arrived in the 1970s when Britain joined the European Union and New Zealand was forced to diversify into other markets
including more of Europe, North America and especially the Middle East. But with China now taking 40% of New Zealand’s lamb exports the paradigm has changed again. The China market’s importance to New Zealand is seen in a visit during the past few weeks by a group led by the Meat Industry Association chairman Bill Falconer. Ritchie says this was the highest powered overseas delegation in 40 years. It included chairmen and chief executives
Get off the fence
ilar to the MIA but with a much broader mandate, and they sort-of act as a bridge between the regulatory authority and the industry itself.” Ritchie says it was very important that top people from the meat industry fronted to demonstrate the supreme importance New Zealand places on that market. They wanted to tell the Chinese they were in the market for the long haul and wanted to understand their needs and establish good relations with government regulatory bodies dealing with imports into China. The meetings were very successful and will help develop better long term relationships. Following their meetings the New Zealanders stayed on for the World Meat Congress in Beijing with a worldwide attendance of at least 1000. China’s entry into the lamb market is producing excellent benefits for New Zealand. Lamb flaps, once considered low value, are popular in China in a dish called ‘hotpot’. The Chinese now pay more for flaps than they once paid for shoulders.
of all the leading meat companies, intent on relationship building with Chinese business people, trade associations and government officials. “The business in that part of the world has grown very quickly – probably more quickly than the relevant relationships at the regulatory and trade level. Many individual companies have relationships with their commercial partners there, but we haven’t done that at a whole-of-industry level with regulators and the trade bodies in China. They have associations sim-
SHEEP AND beef farmers should stop looking over the fence with envy at their colleagues in the dairy industry, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman James Parsons. His comments follow those in a recent KPMG Agribusiness Agenda, that some sheep and beef farmers are losing self esteem as they see the business success of dairy farmers. But Parsons says sheep and beef farmers need to realise that it’s “not all beer and skittles” in the dairy sector, where farmers must endure early morning rising, long work hours, moving stock and regularly monitoring such things as pasture growth. “Sheep and beef farmers must stop looking over the fence at what other people are doing and instead start refining what they do themselves. “There are three types of farmers: those who look at their boots, those who look over the fence and those who look at the horizon.” Parsons says it’s a fact that dairy farmers tend to invest more in technology, but confidence drives that sort of investment. Many efficient sheep and beef farmers have per-hectare profit up there with dairy farmers. – Peter Burke
THREE GOLDS FOR ZESPRI Simon Limmer, Zespri’s general manager for China, shows off three identical gold kiwifruit. But don’t be deceived by the colour, because the taste of the three are quite different – sweet, sweet-and-sour and very sweet. The new kiwifruit are a sign the industry is now over the hump of PSA and things are looking brighter for growers. See story p9
$
3495*
$
Set up – made easy
5000 Series
Visibility – made easy Data storage – made easy
Weigh Scales Hard work Made easy
2495*
Data capture – made easy Data transfer – made easy
Call us for an on farm demonstration * Pricing includes GST
How are you tracking? Let’s talk. 0800 263 278
Ask about our ductspl!y) o r p g in r a e r lf a c (Conditions ap on selected
NZAgbiz SupaCalf™ Calf Milk Replacer 20 kg
NZAgbiz ancalf™ Calf Milk Replacer with Deccox 20 kg
NZAgbiz Denkavit Whey Calf Milk Replacer 20 kg
NZAgbiz Brown Bag CMR™ Calf Milk Replacer 20 kg
Gusto 20% and 16% Textured Calf Feed 25 kg
Premium curding Calf Milk Replacer with essential vitamins and minerals. Contains Actigen® for gut health and Deccox™ to help prevent Coccidiosis.
Premium curding Calf Milk Replacer with extra calcium for bone development, Actigen® for gut health and Deccox™ to help prevent Coccidiosis. Also available without Deccox.
Whey based Calf Milk Replacer containing a prebiotic and acidifiers to enhance disease resistance.
Made with quality nutritional milk powders and contains Actigen® to combat Salmonella and E Coli.
Designed for young calves, Gusto textured calf feeds are high quality, highly palatable feeds, developed by dairy nutritionists to provide essential nutrients for growth and rumen development.
34
$
K BAR ONE OF THREE 0MLILMOBILE 50 CLASSIC, 50EDERS CALF FE GST EACH) 0 INCL (VALUED AT $3,85 $200 OR MORE ON D EN SP U YO EN WH R PRODUCTS!* SELECTED MILK BA
SealesWinslow Calf Pro1® 20% and Calf Grow® 16% Pellets 25 kg Delivers optimum intake, rumen development and contains leading coccidiostat and mineral additives.
SealesWinslow Calf Pro1® 20% Muesli 25 kg Highly palatable to encourage early feed intake and maximum rumen development.
McKee Plastics Grain Feeder 80 L on Skids Normally $423
389
$
MILK BAR 50 Classic, 500 L Mobile Calf Feeder
3,850
$
Valid 1/7/2014 - 31/7/2014
*Valid 1/7/2014 - 30/9/2014. Visit www.pggwrightson.co.nz for full terms and conditions.
Cydectin® Pour-On 5 L + 500 ml free
ALLIANCE® Cobalt and Selenium 10 L
36
$
Metaboost (previously Minject) 4 in 1 Injection 500 ml Pillow
15
$
95
18
Normally $535
275 499
$
Valid 1/7/2014 - 30/9/2014
Combination Pour On for Cattle 5L
$
Valid 1/6/2014 - 30/9/2014
10% VOLUME FREE
635
$
699
$
Vitamin B12 Cobalex 2000 500 ml Plain
Selenium
8990 $9490
$
Terms and Conditions: Offers and prices valid for dates specified, or while stocks last. Prices include GST and are subject to change. Some products may not be available in all stores but may be ordered on request. Prices do not include delivery, delivery costs are additional. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
Freephone 0800 10 22 76
www.pggwrightson.co.nz
Helping grow the country
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
NEWS 3 ISSUE 564
www.ruralnews.co.nz
Professor queries uni’s changes
No plan to delist PA M T I PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
PETER BU RKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
NEWS ������������������������������ 1-17 WORLD ������������������������� 18-19 MARKETS �������������������� 20-21 AGRIBUSINESS ����������� 22-25 HOUND, EDNA ������������������� 26 CONTACTS ������������������������� 26 OPINION ����������������������� 26-29 MANAGEMENT ����������� 30-35 ANIMAL HEALTH �������� 36-40 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS ������������������ 41-46 RURAL TRADER ���������� 46-47
HEAD OFFICE Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122 POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: PMP Print CONTACTS Editorial: editor@ruralnews.co.nz Advertising material: davef@ruralnews.co.nz Rural News online: www.ruralnews.co.nz Subscriptions: subsrndn@ruralnews.co.nz ABC audited circulation 81,232 as at 31.12.2013
THE IMPLEMENTATION of Lincoln University’s new vision is going horribly astray, says its professor of farm management and agribusiness, Keith Woodford. He told Rural News that he essentially agrees with the overall vision but says the way the vision is being implemented is crazy. In his area he’s having to shed staff, while student numbers are increasing. His present eleven staff will be reduced to seven. “This is a debate going on for the heart and soul of Lincoln. Those of us who teach in farm management and agribusiness believe in a ‘pasture to plate’ approach which is integrating commerce and science. The university wants to teach things like farm management from what they call a ‘commerce plus’ perspective, meaning you have people who have general skills in commerce who then seek out particular applications in agriculture.”
Lincoln University vice-chancellor based research fund (PBRF). “This encourages staff to publish Dr Andy West declined to comment. The situation is “driving people to in international journals on very theoretical issues and there is distraction,” Woodford says. a lot of discouragement of “At this stage I’m still staff taking more practical trying to get traction on key approaches. ideas such as if you have a “Fundamental science is farm management course really important but, hey, in with 180 students that you an institution like Lincoln are taking out onto farms, we need staff who can get you can’t do that with one out there and talk to farmlecturer. Keith Woodward ers and deal with issues as “There is a huge amount more work in teaching a ‘case study’ they present themselves on the farm. “[The government approach based course in farm management to these very big numbers, than teaching affords] no room for staff in univera generic subject in, say, economics or sities who don’t have PhDs and who statistics which comes straight out of a aren’t publishing in international journals. Whereas if you publish work in textbook. “That’s the nub of the issue which we journals such as Primary Industry Manare debating at the moment and which I agement here in New Zealand or the Proceedings of the Society of Animal Proam not winning.” Woodford says there are other phil- duction you don’t get any credit for that. osophical issues the government has [But] it’s those sorts of articles in those to look at in respect of what’s going on sorts of journals that get through to the in universities. The government has in farm. I don’t think we’re getting it right place a measure called the performance at the moment.”
Council’s $80m tick THE HAWKES Bay Regional Council (HBRC) has voted for building the Ruataniwha storage dam and has allocated $80 million towards its construction. But the project faces many hurdles including obtaining major investors and getting farmers to commit to buying water from the scheme. The government board of inquiry (BOI) was due last Friday to have declared its final decision on the proposal, the day after Rural News went to press. While the BOI granted consents for the building of the dam itself, in its draft decision it imposed major restrictions on land use in the Tukituki River catchment – known as Plan Change 6. Farmer groups including Federated Farmers, DairyNZ and Fonterra made
submissions on the BOI draft decision, but as Rural News went to press there was no word on whether these submissions carried any weight. The chairman of HBRC, Fenton Wilson, says the decision to allocate money for the project was important. “The decision is more than symbolic; it’s quite definite and sends a very strong message to the farming community, to the investment community and to the country that Hawkes Bay has put its money up and is ready for business. Our money is now locked in. We are the cornerstone investor and we’ve allocated the funds and it’s in the bank but of course there are a whole lot of other challenges to be overcome before the diggers start going up the road.”
Before the council can hand over ratepayers’ money certain conditions must be met, notably local farmers must sign up to buy some 40 million m3 of water, the investment company responsible for the dam must find at least another $155 million to add to the HBRC’s $80 million, and workable environmental consent must be gained for the project. Wilson says the council will require proof that all the conditions it has set are fully met – “condition precedent” is how he describes it. There is no timeframe for this but the opting out by Trustpower and Ngai Tahu poses challenges for the Ruatahiwha Investment Company: it must find other investors. – Peter Burke
GERMAN COMPANY BayWa says it has no plans to delist fruit and vegetable trader Turners & Growers. The company is sticking to the commitments it made to the New Zealand Government three years ago when it bought T&G, saying the company would stay “as a listed company here on the New Zealand stock exchange”, BayWa’s chief executive Klaus Lutz told a function last week. BayWa always also said it wanted to be part of the consolidation of the industry in this country, Lutz says. Lutz, who also chairs the T&G board, flew to Auckland for the PMA Fresh Connections conference. Over the last months there had been negotiations for the purchase of Hawkes Bay based Apollo Apples. The transaction is still subject to Overseas Investment Office approval. “But we are confident we will get approval finally,” he says. He says BayWa is happy with the transaction it made three years ago (to buy the major shareholding in T&G) and the results of the last three years. The budget will need to be worked on for 2014 and he is confident they can get it under control and “we can go back to the capital market and tell them the investment BayWa made a few years ago was a very positive one”. Lutz says Jazz and Envy are promising varieties. They are important for T&G and for BayWa and for the future. T&G chief executive Alastair Hulbert says this year it is succeeding worldwide with Jazz and Envy apples. “It is proving the value of a coordinated programme running from the field right through to the consumer. It is driving value for our customers and our growers alike. It is continuing to build year on year.”
Serious about keeping on top of mastitis with your teat spray?
Then the all NEW Teat Clean Plus H/S is for you! ❱❱ A true 9 to 1 dilution rate (from the day you start milking) ❱❱ High levels of emollient (45%) which reduces the need for addition emollient, at an extra cost. Keeps your cows teats in better condition ❱❱ Non tainting & non irritating ❱❱ Made in New Zealand for New Zealand dairy farmers. Call
The Drench Company now
on 0800 118 888 for your nearest supplier
Your price for 200 litres
$
ALSO AVAILABLE IN 20 AND 100 LITR E PRESENTATION S
1599 incl GST Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act No. 10013
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
4 NEWS
'Tragedy of the commons' looms A N D REW SWA LLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz
NEW ZEALAND’S dairy farmers are heading for a ‘tragedy of the commons’ crisis, Dairy NZ’s strategy and investment leader on sustainability Rick Pridmore, warns. Speaking at last week’s Business SIDE, the South Island Dairy Event’s conference within a conference, he told attendees they’re in danger of crippling the industry for everyone if they don’t act collectively to address environmental issues and perceptions. “If we all behave independently, in our best interests, and they start imposing environmental limits, we are all shooting ourselves in our collective feet,” he warned. The ‘tragedy of the commons’ economic theory was defined by Garrett Hardin in the 1960s as the phenomenon of individuals acting rationally in their own interests, but collectively
those actions spelling disaster for the common resource(s) on which they depend. Collapse of fisheries is the classic example but dairy farmers seeking to convert every last hectare of land in catchments that can’t cope with the nutrient loading could become a modern day New Zealand proof of the phenomenon. “The biggest reason we’re overshooting [water quality limits] in catchments is land use change. Second is intensification, and third is poor practice. It’s fantasy to suggest good practice is going to solve all the problems,” said Pridmore. A few regions and catchments, such as Rotorua Lakes and Taupo, are already in the situation where regional plans designed to give effect to central government’s national policy statement for freshwater management are jeopardising farm businesses. “I go to meetings where people end up crying.”
While in an ideal world regional councils would never have allowed such situations to arise, historically science and knowledge was lacking and now they are obligated to sort them out. Pridmore says farmers must work together to find solutions with other stakeholders. “If you don’t work with your mates to solve these problems you will be hurt, and you could be hurt a lot.” Constraints on the industry risk sparking infighting and loss of cooperation and innovation across the sector – major strengths of New Zealand’s industry to date, he added. Processors need to play their part too, Pridmore warning that ‘industry good’ work appears increasingly to mean what’s good for the dairy company, rather than the farmer. “Can it be both? Only if you really work together well.” A couple of examples of that were relayed at the conference during work-
Ice Maidens: South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) committee members Heather Stevenson and Annalize Du Plessis dish out TipTop ice creams and lollies in Invercargill last week.
shop sessions. “The first thing is to engage those people who don’t turn up for meetings and think if they just carry on farming they will be fine,” said Graeme McKenzie, one of a trio of farmers who spoke about their experience farming in Southland’s Waituna catchment. The area hit the headlines “out of the blue” in February 2011 with four inde-
pendent scientists warning the lagoon which it drains into was on the point of “flipping” to a eutrophic state. Working collectively the farmers prevented a knee-jerk reaction from Environment Southland and by making many small changes and, in some cases, considerable investment despite the uncertainty of five-year consents, things appear to be improving.
Huntaways were bred for one reason. To become the perfect working dog. They have the intelligence, ability and endurance to perform any task. We came into being for one reason too. We’re an agribusiness bank. That means we’re able to harness a global network of agribusiness knowledge for the sole benefit of farmers just like you.
Rabobank. One focus.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
NEWS 5
Opening Fonterra to the world The annual South Island Dairy Event last week attracted a record attendance for Southland with its usual mix of first-class keynote speakers, practical workshops and networking opportunities. Andrew Swallow reports on some highlights. GOODBYE FORTRESS Fonterra, hello globally connected co-op. That’s Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings’ goal, judging by his presentation last week to the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) in Invercargill. “We need to transform the cooperative from a proud New Zealand cooperative to a globally relevant and globally connected cooperative,” he told the 546 attendees, a record for SIDE in Southland. To do that requires focus on things that truly make a difference, and Fonterra’s reputation is a priority. “If your reputa-
tion is doubtful you are not going to win.” At home initiatives like Milk for Schools and looking after waterways are essential. Overseas it means shifting perception from ‘Fortress Fonterra’ with four distinct divisions to one approachable company. “We have only 3% market share around the world and that is how we have to behave, not like the 90% milk collector in New Zealand with sometimes big, arrogant behaviours.” He conceded there’s “still a lot of work to be done” in getting that across. Maintaining or growing
market share with global consumption growth of 3% a year and traded volume increasing 6% a year will require more overseas milk. “If our focus is only on the New Zealand milk pool we’re going to lose market share… We have to be present in other milk pools,” Spierings said, later saying supply would come from six milk pools. “But our sustainability in New Zealand is essential. That’s out ticket to the international trade.” China would continue to be a key market but Russia could soon be as important. “The Russian market might even be
Three years 'in the scrum' THEO SPIERINGS’ SIDE presentation came nearly three years since he joined the cooperative. “It has been three years in the scrum. That’s how it feels,” he admitted, reflecting on the Trading Among Farmers debate that was in full swing when he joined, but not mentioning the whey protein scandal that broke a year later. However, he did say that looking
at Fonterra from the outside prior to joining he “saw a few issues”, notably the noise about water quality, the perception of a closed circle of farmers accumulating wealth not accessible to others and availability of milk domestically. “Milk was not accessible to the young. In a country that’s a major exporter of milk to the world that’s not acceptable.”
Theo Spierings
bigger in five years than China.” At present “Fonterra’s pretty good in all geographies except Russia” but “that is going to change,” he added, pointing out Russian president Vladimir Putin doesn’t consider as “friends” the European Union and Ukraine, which currently supply 85% of Russia’s dairy imports. “If that stops, where are they going to get their milk?” Increasing returns on every litre of milk sold from the current New Zealand export average of $0.90/L – 30% behind the global average of $1.2/L – to $1.15/L is another aim. “Right now we make everything in New Zealand. Should we make everything in New Zealand? Maybe not.” Traditional cheeses and casein were singled out as “reduce immediately” categories. “We need to shift to what we’re good at, which is making
milk powder products…. It doesn’t mean we’ll not do casein: we might, but internationally sourced, not from New Zealand…. That would mean we can still service our customers.” Similarly, with reduced cheese making – Fonterra now makes 300,000t and the domestic market is 25,000t – Fonterra would
look to Europe to source whey product, he added. At least $800m is being spent in New Zealand to deliver on that strategy and avoid the 60-day peak supply problem it faced last year when Fonterra’s “back was to the wall” with no choice about product mix. “We want 10% flexibility over that peak.” That $800m “does not
include Lichfield” Spierings said, alluding to investment in a powder plant at the Waikato cheese site, or “a possible next step in the South Island” where supply is still growing “very fast and we will come into capacity constraints pretty quickly.”
ALPINE CLEARSPAN Birdproof kitset sheds
BIRD PROOF Solid and robust Protects your assets Free delivery na�onwide Galvanised box sec�on ra�ers
www.alpinebuildings.co.nz
Phone now for your free brochure pack on
0800 428 453
All In One account. All your business finance needs in one. As New Zealand’s only dedicated agribusiness bank, we understand the unique financial needs of farmers. That’s why we’ve created the All In One account. With a single account, you have all the advantages of working capital with term debt. And what’s more, there’s the everyday convenience of ATMs, online access and Debit MasterCard. To discover how our All In One account can benefit your business, call Rabobank to arrange a visit.
Call 0800 722 622 or visit rabobank.co.nz
@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
6 PMA FRESH CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE
Let’s work more closely – Joyce PA M TI PA
pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
NEW ZEALAND and Australia should align commercially in as many fields as possible, Australia’s Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce told the PMA Australia-NZ conference in Auckland. With 1100 guests from 10 countries it was the largest ‘Fresh Connections’ conference ever held by PMA,
co-hosted by Horticulture New Zealand, United Fresh New Zealand and the Australian Chamber. Speaking via video link, Joyce noted that Perth is further from Sydney than Sydney is from Auckland. Melbourne is further from Darwin than from Wellington. “So it makes sense for us to have a close commercial alignment between our two countries on as many fields as
Guy pushes stronger biosecurity THE MINISTRY for Primary Industries fruit fly plan has been peer reviewed by international experts and reflects international best practice in responding to fruit fly detections, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. Since the detections in Whangarei earlier this year, MPI has launched more measures including more traps in and around the Whangarei area, trialling greater use of detector dogs for large vessels, enhanced questioning and risk assessment of passengers arriving from high risk areas and handing out information to yachties intending to sail to New Zealand from the Pacific. “We also increased funding in Budget 2014 by $17 million with a focus on strengthening core systems to do with biosecurity and safety. The funding increase pays for more MPI staff in overseas markets, strengthening and developing overseas relationships and ensuring on-the ground expertise to help resolve trade issues.”
possible. We also have a complementary position: Australia with a Mediterranean climate and dry, and New Zealand cold and damp. We have the capacity to have good links. “It is essential we get a better return back to the farmgate. We [need] those channels – which go from the farmgate to the shelf – well and truly organised. PMA Australia NZ gives us the opportunity to build those relationships and to grow this connection so that we have beneficial relationships between ourselves and South East Asia, and have the capacity to learn from each other and tap into great new export markets. I hope this organisation, with over 160 corporate members, builds those networks so we can grow as a region.” Joyce says we need to make sure our parochialisms are not attached to our commercially beneficial arrangement of working to a mutual goal. He looks forward to a strong involvement with PMA in building those networks to get a better return back to the farmgate. Horticulture New Zealand president Julian Raine said Fresh Connections was the largest horticultural conference ever held in New Zealand. New Zealand’s horticulture indus-
HortNZ president Julian Raine at the conference.
try enjoys a tradition of strong yearon-year growth fuelled almost entirely by our determination to export our products to the world. At last count we were exporting horticultural products to at least 155 countries. This takes huge effort and dedication.
TRX500FM1
TRX500FM2
TRX500FPA
$13,387 EXC GST
$14,257 EXC GST
$14,778 EXC GST
“We don’t have all the answers. Innovation takes time, money and inspiration. It is hard to gather all those in one place especially when you are working in your business more often than on your business. That’s why conferences like this are so important.”
TRX420TM1
TRX420FM1
TRX420FM2
TRX420FA2
$9,300 EXC GST
$11,300 EXC GST
$12,170 EXC GST
$12,865 EXC GST
TALK TO YOUR LOCAL HONDA DEALER TODAY!
ATV Rural News Ad.indd 1
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
PMA FRESH CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE 7 the China easier to trade Making sea journey with than US, EU together PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
CHINA HAS an extraordinary number of entrepreneurs: many billionaires in China got there by massive, serial risk taking, says Fonterra’s director business transformation Phil Turner. “They tend to make their money in one industry initially – often real estate or food – then expand rapidly into unrelated areas. It may appear to you or me as a mess. Typically they will have a number of ventures underway at any one time. Maybe seven of those fail – but three hit the jackpot. “Compare that with New Zealand and Australian companies, like mine. We are very cautious, we mitigate risk, we take ages over business cases, we have cautious boards and we concentrate on one or two ventures at a time if we are
lucky. So it’s not really surprising cessful. It has no hesitation about that foreigners are just too damn picking winners. It wants to see slow and the prize goes to the fast Chinese brand names around the world and competing with the reacting, high risk taking local.” famous names of the west. It will He says for every one Chilimit the success of foreign nese billionaire there are companies on the way. 100 or so who didn’t “China is a bit like a make it. teenager wanting to flex “New Zealand is its economic and politregarded as one of the ical muscles and it least corrupt countries has a political strucin the world to do business. ture that enables it But it can also make us to intervene in the naïve when it comes to Phil Turner, Fonterra dealing with a country as dynamic economy of the business world without any embarrassment at all. and complicated as China. “The best response is not to “Whatever you may think, your counterpart or partner in China cry ‘foul’. Especially since China is not looking for a level playing joined the WTO in 2001 it has field: he or she is looking to make been very respectful of internamoney and be successful and will tional law including agricultural assess whether you are likely to regulations. “China is way more open, conhelp them get there or not. “China’s government is quite sistent, easier to do business with explicit about wanting to see and less captured by domestic Chinese companies become suc- lobbies than Japan, United States
and the European Union. Enthusiasm for picking winners is hardly unique to China; here we are in 2014 still talk about New Zealand film subsidies.” Turner says the key thing is to show respect to China. All foreign companies no matter how big or small are guests in China, he says. “To succeed in business there we need to at least be aware of what the government is trying to achieve and at least be aligned to the government’s projectives. “This does not mean pandering to a political agenda but understanding what matters to China – typically issues like food quality, rural unemployment and building global brands. “If foreign companies like ours can show we are working to support those objectives officials will not only not interfere, they will let us achieve our objectives.”
NEW ZEALAND will end up with one or two big ports and a couple of shipping companies that send huge ships when it suits them, not us, says Phil Turner, Fonterra’s director business transformation. One area in which horticulture and Fonterra could work together is in the supply chain. “We have a joint venture with Silver Fern farms called Kotahi. We are very interested in doing better for New Zealand in shipping and transporting.” There could be better ways of filling up those ships with stuff coming in and stuff coming out, Turner says. “So we got together with the meat guys because it gives us scale we can use to deal with the shipping companies. “Can we add fruit and vegetables in there as well? We have seasonal complementarity between products: that would be interesting. We have a big milk curve: we fill our ships largely between October and March but not for the rest of the year. “There are opportunities in working with other complementary industries – agricultural exporters and importers. We are in fact talking to guys at The Warehouse to put together a deal to keep the shipping companies honest and reduce our costs of getting our goods to China.” Turner’s remarks were prompted by a question from the floor at the major transTasman horticultural conference PMA Fresh Connections in Auckland last week.
. H T A P W E N A E . E G FORG N A R DA ATV ON H 4 1 0 2 W E N E H T
Available while stocks last. At participating Honda dealers only. Specifications may not apply to all models. Contact your local Honda Dealer for more information.
www.hondamotorbikes.co.nz 9/06/14 3:12 PM
BEAUT, I WANT TO
WIN THAT UTE! mahindraauto.co.nz
SCORE YOURSELF A BEAUT NEW PIK-UP ON US! Rural News is giving readers the chance to win a brand new Mahindra Pik-Up single-cab 4x4 ute. Mahindra started making vehicles in 1947 with the iconic Willies Jeep. Today it is a US$16.2 billion company that manufactures utility, commercial and passenger vehicles and is the largest manufacturer of tractors by volume in the world. Mahindra utilities and SUVs, designed to tackle the toughest environments, are fitted with a tough 2.2-litre common rail turbo charged engine designed for Mahindra by Austrian diesel engine specialist AVL. Complete with flat deck tray, our prize is valued at $32,440 (including on-road costs). HOW TO ENTER
BEAUT, I WANT TO WIN THAT UTE!
Each issue of Rural News during June and July, 2014 contains a token with an entry code that will give you one entry in the prize draw. Collect them all and post them in, or go on-line and enter it each week.
1. COLLECT THE CODES & ENTER TO WIN
Collect as many tokens as you can from Rural News during June and July and send them in to win. Entrants will receive one entry per unique token code submitted online or by post. BONUS CODE
ISSUE 562 June 3 Affix token here
ISSUE 563 June 17 Affix token here
ISSUE 564 July 1 Affix token here
ISSUE 565 July 15 Affix token here
from Fieldays, Facebook, Twitter or e-newsletter (write number here)
Postal Address: ...................................................................................................................................................... Phone: .................................................................................................................................................................... Email: ...................................................................................................................................................................... Yes, I have read and agree to the competition terms and conditions
CUT & KEEP
ENTER ONLINE: www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/winTHATute 2. SCORE A BONUS ENTRY
First Name: ............................................................... Surname: ..........................................................................
Terms and Conditions: See www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/winTHATute/tsandcs
Enter by post: Send to arrive on or before Thursday 31st July, 2014 to: BEAUT, I WANT TO WIN THAT UTE, Rural News Group, PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740
....................................
My details:
Yes, please sign me up to receive the Rural News Group weekly email newsletter. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time, by clicking on the unsubscribe link within it. Post to: BEAUT, I WANT TO WIN THAT UTE, Rural News Group, PO Box 331100 Takapuna, Auckland 0740. Entries must be received by close of business 31st July, 2014
Keep an eye out in each edition of Rural News for this prize page. There’s a different code in issues 562, 563, 564 and 565. Clip the token containing the entry code and send it in to us with the entry form to be in to win.
NZ'S ONLY
A bonus token and code will appear intermittently during the promotional period on Facebook, Twitter and in our e-newsletter. To get access to this bonus entry code: Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruralnews And/or, follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Rural_News And/or, sign up to our e-newsletter: www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/newsletter TOKEN: ISSUE 564
COMPLETE RURAL READ
RN564PK
The more codes you collect, the more chances you have to win.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
NEWS 9
Kiwifruit – gold for some, not for others P E TE R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
TASTE RATHER than colour is the most important attribute of kiwifruit for consumers, says Zespri general manger for China, Simon Limmer. Zespri now exports three varieties of gold kiwifruit, each tasting slightly different and appealing to consumers in different markets. The taste difference is subtle, Limmer says. “Taste is an incredibly important attribute in selling kiwifruit. Convenience is important but taste is probably the most important thing people are looking for and that drives repeat purchases.”
Three varieties of gold kiwifruit taste slightly different.
The new gold varieties are a far cry from the original green kiwifruit. “The original gold which the industry has developed over the last decade, Hort 16A, has had phenomenal uptake in the market, particularly in Asia. It is a very sweet, consistently good tasting product.
“The new variety called G3 tends to have slightly more sour after-taste and is a combination of sweet and sour. It’s working well in the market now, in particular our big gold markets Japan and China. But it does differ from the old Hort 16A. The Charm variety is sweeter again.” Limmer says the G3,
with its slightly more acidic taste, tends to appeal to Europeans whereas the Asians prefer the sweeter tasting kiwifruit. Growers are now being incentivised to grow for high drymatter fruit – a key foundation of the kiwifruit industry. The Zespri stand at the Waikato field days attracted many people keen to sample different varieties of kiwifruit. Limmer says the onset of PSA three years ago made for pretty sombre discussions with growers at field days, but this year was different “There is a real sense of optimism. Grower returns are probably as good as they have ever
keen to reconnect with the domestic market. Often lower quality fruit makes it onto the domestic market but things may change, the market seeing a greater presence of the Zespri brand. There is no evidence of what varieties New Zealanders prefer, Limmer says.
been despite our foreign exchange rate being a negative for us. Equity has recovered for orchardists; most importantly the value of orchards has recovered to pre PSA levels.” While almost 99% of the kiwifruit grown in New Zealand is exported, Limmer says Zespri is
The Spreading
MASTERS! ROTAFLOW RO-M & RO-XL SPREADERS • Eight stainless steel vanes on each disc, for consistent gentle flow, no pulsation and less wear
Meat firm returns to black AFTER TWO and a half years of “industry turmoil”, Blue Sky Meats is back in the black, and its chairman Graham Cooney predicts its result is a bell-weather for the sector. “I expect all meat companies should have made a profit this year,” he told Rural News. However, he say in his report to shareholders that status quo for the meat industry is not a viable option for the future. The industry continues to be production- rather than market-led and most of its challenges are in New Zealand, not offshore. Cooney says there’s at least $5/lamb to be gained by developing a properly planned processing industry.
However, when asked how that’s to be achieved, he said, “That’s a good question. You need to have a substantial number of meat companies and farmers on the same page. Is that likely? History says ‘no’.” Transparency at all levels in the industry is a critical culture change needed in an industry that will in future be driven by demand to secure constant supply for international exporters, he says. Cooney’s comments were made as the Southland lamb and calf processor announced on June 20 an after tax profit of $1.95m for the year ended March 31, a turnaround from a $3.88m loss last year. A dividend of 10c/share will be
“Anecdotally we all grew up with the green kiwifruit and so many New Zealanders seem to identify with it. But the sweet gold changes the game. Good green kiwifruit is hard to beat but many like the gold as well and, who knows, we might see other colours in that rainbow in future,” he says.
paid, distributing 59% of after tax profit. Cooney, who founded BSM and retains a 9.5% shareholding, says a strong balance sheet and considered approach to the rapidly expanding Chinese market helped the company negotiate the most difficult period in its history. Good people, at Woodlands in Southland and the Auckland Horizons marketing subsidiary, also helped the result. Revenue for the 2013-14 year was down 2.2% on the previous year but costs were cut 9.9%, mainly by paying livestock suppliers prices that reflected the market, which hadn’t been the case in the previous year.
• Unique RotaFlow system whirls the fertiliser onto the disc in exactly the same place for a consistent spreading pattern, regardless of the angle of the machine on hills and slopes • Effective spreading widths of 12 to 45 metres • Capacity of 1100-3450 litres
Normal lending criteria and conditions apply.
*
FINANCE FROM
1.95%*
Contact your local Power Farming Dealer or visit our website for further details.
www.powerfarming.co.nz
Line 7 Aqua Flex or Aqua Dairy Range Jacket
199 ea $ 139ea $ 129ea $
Bib Overalls
Over Trouser
Swanndri Egmont Brushed Cotton Shirt Assorted Colours S-3XL
Normally $34.90 twin pack
29
$
Aqua Flex range pictured
Jacket and Over Trouser
289
$
$
39
Jacket and Bib Overalls
299
$
$
39
Terms and Conditions: Pricing valid 1 July 2014 to 31 July 2014 or while stocks last. Prices include GST and are subject to change. Some products may not be available in all stores but may be ordered on request. Prices do not include delivery, delivery costs are additional. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
Helping grow the country
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
10 NEWS
Let’s collaborate, not compete P E TE R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
IRELAND AND New Zealand should collaborate rather than compete in world dairy markets, says Ireland’s ambassador Noel White. He told Rural News the two countries being competitors makes each a good fit for working with the other. White says there is more to it than just product and markets: Ireland and New Zealand are
similar in size, population, production systems and the farming challenges they deal with. “Grass and rain” are two things that come to mind, he says. “If you take the examples of the dairy side of things, New Zealand is a global leader and that is highly valued and something New Zealand is clearly to be congratulated for and we recognise it. “We have a lot in common and can work together on growing our products and space in the market together.
Excited Irish eye more milk AMBASSADOR WHITE says Irish dairy farmers are excited about the lifting of EU restrictions on how much milk they can produce. The restrictions (quotas) come off in about one year. White says Ireland hopes as a result of this to increase its milk production by 50% by 2020. “We are clearly behind New Zealand in production, herd size and so on, but in Ireland I think you are going to see a lot of consolidation and intensification. A lot of young Irish farmers have grown up with the quota system and now feel they will benefit from the freedom of it being lifted. “A 50% increase would bring us up to about 10 billion L by 2020. When quotas were imposed in the 1980s Ireland and New Zealand would have been producing about 5 billion L. New Zealand produces 20 billion L now, but there is capacity in Ireland to significantly increase production.”
There’s lots of space there especially in the emerging markets such as China and Asia. “There is space for us both and we can actually support and reinforce each other in those markets. To see our relationship solely in terms of competition is to miss a trick – the trick is about collaboration.” One initiative taken by Ireland is called ‘Origen Green’ and recently Mike Petersen, New Zealand special agricultural trade envoy noted that New Zealand should take a similar initiative. White says Origen Green is intended to meet the needs of the modern sophisticated consumer. “Origen Green is a voluntary system that food producers can sign up to which provides for traceability and measurability in the production of food and it gives the consumer a guarantee that what they are buying lives up to those criteria. It then generates best practice within the industry. “It’s not just the consumers who are sophisticated; the producers are also sophisticated about what the consumers want. The consumers in developed and emerging markets are conscious
Irish Ambassador Noel White at the field days in Waikato.
and demanding about the quality of the food they want, so it’s important to stay with or ahead of the market you are
trying to penetrate.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
PRODUCT ADVICE
EXTENSIVE RANGE
ORDER ONLINE
Order online anytime up to 5am and in-stock items on your order will be packed and ready for pick up at 10am*
WHAT YOU NEED WHEREVER YOU ARE IN STORE RD1.COM 0800 731 266
* Applies to items that are in stock at the time of placing your order for orders placed between 1 June – 31 August 2014. Delivery terms and conditions apply. RD10041_FP_GOOD
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
12 NEWS
Dam supporters take to the streets VIVIE NN E H A L DA N E
GRIDLOCK DOESN’T often happen in Waipukurau’s main street, but on Friday June 20, if you’d been in a hurry to get somewhere, forget it. Hundreds of people with trucks, quads and tractors gathered for a ‘Don’t damn our dam’ rally, in support of the proposed Ruataniwha water storage scheme (RWSS), then listened to prowater storage speakers Dr William Rolleston, vice-president of Federated Farmers and its Hawkes Bay provincial
president Will Foley. Central Hawke’s Bay district and the wider economy could benefit if the $275 million project goes ahead, the proponents say. The rally was timed to remind the community that the dam project is a hot issue: the Hawkes Bay Regional Council (HBRC) is due to vote on June 25 on whether to spend $80 million on the RWSS, and the board of inquiry is due to deliver its final report by June 28. Hawkes Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRIC) needs commitFarmers came with their tractors to join the protest.
ment by June 30 to a minimum water uptake of 40 million m3. So far, there are 111 non-binding expressions of interest accounting for 42% of available water, or 44 million m3. Gavin Streeter, one of two local electricians who organised the rally says he was “sick and tired of hearing negative commentary about the RWSS and decided to put a stop to it. I support this project and we need it.” Rolleston says he attended, “because water is a national issue and I want to bring a message from farmers and fishermen of South Canterbury that water storage is good for the economy and environment”. As a result of the Opuha water scheme South Canterbury is now prospering, Rolleston says. “It’s created over 500 jobs and is bringing over $100 million extra GDP into the region. We have a lake available for recreation – fishing, boating, kayaking and camping – and we have water, which gives reliability to the farmers of South Canterbury. It’s given farmers the options and security to make the investments they need. For the last decade we’ve been growing above the average GDP. Timaru is in the top three cities of New Zealand in
The rally through Waipukurau’s main street called for the project to go ahead.
its growth; this sort of thing can happen with water.” Central Hawkes Bay District councillor Andrew Watts told the crowd, ”finally the majority is standing up and being counted. The Green anti-progress few have dominated this debate, pushing misinformation and scaremongering via a complicit press. They’ve had their say, it’s our turn now. “The RWSS is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the whole province. Today’s turnout indicates there’s overwhelming support for this project.”
KingSt12576/RN/AR
3
MONTHS
At NRM we know farming’s all about doing things the easier, smarter way. So we’re making your life easier with up to 3 months deferred payment* on your first load of ProForm pellets delivered by 29 August.
DEFERRED
0800 800 380 | www.nrm.co.nz
ON FIRST LOAD
*Terms and conditions apply. Visit nrm.co.nz for further details.
PAYMENT*
Apart from one loud shout of bull***t during the speeches, no opponent was obviously dissenting. Rural News spoke to Amanda Fraser, CHB Harvesting, which grows contract potatoes. She says, “We currently irrigate and would love the opportunity to grow more. We will definitely tap into the RWSS.” Phil King, a farmer who for 40 years has irrigated his cropping and finishing property, says “water storage here is a no-brainer.” @rural_news
facebook.com/ruralnews
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
NEWS 13
Pioneer reaches for global markets SUD ES H K I SSU N sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
DAIRY FARMERS worldwide are upgrading their milking systems, and New Zealand technology is high on their shopping lists. Waikato Milking Systems, Hamilton, is installing 25 rotaries this year in its major markets US, Australia, UK and China
and has won contracts in Russia. WMS is also a leading supplier of milking rotaries to local farmers; here the company will this year install about 75 rotaries. WMS chief executive Dean Bell says rotary technology has accelerated in the past few years “and we are a major player in this space so markets
have come towards us…. Over the years we have matured our relationships around the world and can now send rotaries to countries we haven’t [serviced] in the past,” he told Rural News. Despite its products being more expensive than competitors’, WMS enjoys the advantage of designing and manufacturing almost
Demands remains high DEMAND FOR rotary milking machines will remain high despite volatility in the dairy industry, says Dean Bell. A rotary milking machine is a long term investment for its owner. He agrees that when milk price softens, farmers are reluctant to spend. But this is a constant in the business, he says, and though “it will not change demand for rotaries, it will mean there
won’t be a linear supply”. Bell says farmers are optimistic because of the $7/kgMS opening forecast announced by Fonterra. WMS installed a record 100 rotaries locally in 2008, the first year of the global financial crisis. It will install 75 this year. But Bell notes farmers are now much more measured in their spending.
everything; it has factories to make rotaries, stainless steel components and associated automated technology. Bell says this makes WMS unique. “Even our bigger competitors don’t have all these services inhouse. So we are able to build a much higher-performing bespoke offering…. We don’t just build a rotary platform then have someone design a milking machine to fit. We have all our design services integrated so when we design a new rotary platform we design a milking machine to fit. “It’s a whole package and I think we have been able to integrate a lot more technology and make it look very simple… and because of that have
Waikato Milking Systems chief executive Dean Bell (left) and chairman John Anderson.
better reliability and lower cost of long term ownership.” In China WMS is supplying large milking systems to two of the biggest dairy cooperatives – Mengniu Dairy and Bright Dairy – in partnership with global herd management experts Afimilk. Two of the milking systems, in Jiangsu Province, north of Shanghai, are counterrotating 80-bail rotaries set up next to each other to milk 7500 cows three times a day.
“These twin 80-bail rotaries are pretty rare worldwide but are a clear indication of the increasing scale of dairy farming in China,” Bell says. “They are impressive to watch in action and their performance is exceeding customers’ expectations.” In Russia, it has supplied a rotary milking system to Voronezh, 500km south of Moscow. Russia has an expanding dairy market and vast tracts of land available for dairying development. Its
dairy farmers are seeking technology that will help them milk efficiently and cost-effectively – a Waikato Milking Systems strength. The company recently won a tender to supply 15 large rotaries to Russia; the first one has been shipped. To install them two teams are sent from New Zealand, the first working with the local dealer to install the platform and the second team arriving later to install the milking machine.
Peter Young, ANZ Hawke’s Bay Agri Manager. When he’s at work he’s right at home.
Having lived here for more than a decade, Peter is proud to call the Hawke’s Bay home. He loves the landscape, from the Ruahines to Cape Kidnappers and the diverse range of agri business that comes with it. He brings over 20 years worth of experience as an Agri Manager to the local farming
community, and is part of ANZ’s dedicated Agri Business Team of nine industry specialists providing expert local service to the region. To find your local ANZ Agri Specialist, visit anz.co.nz/rural or call Peter himself on 06 830 0210.
Best Agribusiness Bank New Zealand 2012 - 2014
anz.co.nz/rural ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
ANZ1551/RN/6
W5I0 N PAIRS
1 OF T RO A U Q OF S! BOOT VISIT
WWW.S
ETAI FOR D
/WIN
.CO.NZ
TWEAR UPFOO KELLER
LS.
WHY DO HAND BUILT RUBBER BOOTS OUTPERFORM Plastic? QUATRO GUMBOOTS ARE HAND BUILT USING NATURAL RUBBER FORMULATIONS DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY FOR NEW ZEALAND CONDITIONS, UNLIKE INJECTION MOULDED PLASTIC GUMBOOTS. THEY OFFER EXCELLENT SLIP AND PUNCTURE RESISTANCE, ARE CUSTOM DESIGNED FOR A SPECIFIC FIT AND ARE FULLY LINED WITH PERFORMANCE FABRICS, SUITED TO A RANGE OF APPLICATIONS AND CLIMATES.
HCA.CO.NZ_SKP0817
TO WIN ONE OF FIFTY PAIRS OF QUATRO BOOTS SIMPLY TELL US ONE REASON WHY rubber quatro boots outperform pLASTIC gumboots. TO ENTER LIST YOUR REASON, NAME, EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBER VIA EMAIL: PRIZES@SKELLERUP.CO.NZ, ONLINE: WWW.SKELLERUPFOOTWEAR.CO.NZ/WIN OR BY POST: SKELLERUP QUATRO, PRIVATE BAG 4736, CHRISTCHURCH 8140. ENTRIES TO BE RECEIVED BY 8TH AUGUST, 2014.
www.skellerupFOOTWEAR.co.nz/WIN AVAILABLE FROM LEADING RURAL RETAILERS NATIONWIDE
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
‘Don’t ignore massive US meat market’ PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
THE US is one of the world’s strongest markets for meat in terms of price and it faces a tight supply this year, says a visiting US expert. While urging New Zealand to keep developing trade with emerging markets, the New York-based head of Rabobank’s US food and agribusiness research division, Bill Cordingley, warns against ignoring traditional markets such as the US. “We expect overall meat supply to be flat-to-lower on the basis of rebuilding in the cattle herd, a PEDV epidemic in the hog industry and challenges with bird flu in Mexico,” he says. “Whilst growth is continuing in the US, with a slow but steady recovery in the economy, production is not growing
at all and we are seeing record prices for cattle, hogs and poultry. “So the demand for imports from New Zealand to satisfy that tightness in the market is going to drive the market this year. Losing focus on the US, which is the largest meat or beef importer in the world, would be a mistake.” Cordingley acknowledged to Rural News that direct exports to China, particularly beef, have “exploded” in the last 18 months. “First through the door has been New Zealand with great access, the first in the world to the highest growth market. “That’s a testament to a range of qualities New Zealand has in terms of its disease status, the quality of its product, the export orientation of the industry, and the long term strategy of bringing down trade barriers and opening up good-perspective trade markets
NEWS 15 New Zealand’s pasturebased system positions our meat exports well for the higher end of the market, says Bill Cordingley (inset).
even before they appeared to offer that sort of opportunity.” Positioning New Zealand for longer term success has been a critical ele-
Stay on message about premium quality TELLING THE story is critical to reaching the high end of the market and ‘Brand New Zealand’ is a critical part of that, says Cordingley. But health and quality also top the list. “If you look at some of the issues the animal protein industry has had with disease, and even in the dairy industry with contamination and tainting of products, you understand quickly that consumers are highly sensitive to food safety and perceptions – not even the reality, but the perception of high quality food safety.
“The real challenge here is for New Zealand to tell the story of clean and green, premium, high quality safe meat positioned for the emerging consumers of the developing world and the developed world. ‘New Zealand has a strong story to tell and will be given an opportunity in the world because of it. Many other players don’t have such a strong track record. “Quarantine is also critical, so are herd and flock management, traceability and the ability to tell consumers about your product from
Well fed ewes produce well grown lambs Feeding ewes to maintain body condition over winter ensures good lamb birth weights and colostrum production, improving lamb survival. Talk to the team at PGG Wrightson about your winter sheep requirements today.
Freephone 0800 10 22 76
a marketing point of view.” Cordingley says the message from Rabobank is that New Zealand has great opportunity but it will take ongoing work and tapping into and following what’s going on in markets around the world. “Access is critical: wherever there are barriers New Zealand should continue to bring those down. “You should also work on the product, making sure it’s positioned and branded as meeting consumers’ needs in those emerging markets.”
ment of this. “Free trade agreements with countries that matter in agriculture gives New Zealand a head start relative to the competition. That said, a place like China has enormous demand and New Zealand can’t meet all the demand.” Australia and Uruguay also have access and, with New Zealand, the three countries are getting the lion’s share of that market but will eventually face more competition. Putting too many eggs in one basket can be a pitfall, Cordingley says. The search for new market opportunity and the hard work that goes into those markets should not stop. New Zealand should keep looking at emerging markets such as Africa, the Middle East or South East Asia. “You should keep developing those because they will be needed over time.” Poultry is first up for new consumers coming into protein from a grain
based diet. It introduces consumers to animal protein and creates a demand for this across the market. By 2020 poultry will be the world’s mostconsumed meat. This is competition for red meat, but New Zealand is well placed for the higher end of the market. “New Zealand with its low cost, highly productive grass based system has a strong opportunity to be in those markets at the higher end. To be in the higher end you’ve got to take care of disease status at a national level but also brand and positioning of the product as a premium item. New Zealand has done well, but will need to continue to focus on those niches in all those emerging markets as they continue to look at higher quality imported product.” Cordingley was speaking last week at Rabobank seminars nationwide on ‘Raising the steaks – what’s driving the global protein industry?’
Zolvix®
ALLIANCE®
Expo™
MAGNUM®
Zolvix contains Monepantel, a broad spectrum anthelmintic not found in any other drench. This is a great choice for an exit drench following a long acting drench in ewes. Remove any resistant worms with Zolvix.
The potent, low-dose, triple combination oral drench that can be used in both sheep and cattle. Triple combinations are best practice for drench resistance management and are ideal for use as a routine drench.
Fast, easy spinosad lice pour-on treatment. Ideal for rotating your lice products to slow the development of resistance. Nil meat and wool withholding period.
With correct application, MAGNUM’s high-tech water-based formula means you get a highly effective, thorough lice kill.
www.pggwrightson.co.nz
Helping grow the country
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
16 NEWS
Banker sees more business-savvy corporate dairying PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
DAIRY FARMERS are growing more sophisticated in their business management practices, says Westpac’s general manager corporate and institutional, Karen Silk. After eight years in Australia she now has a new role at the bank, includ-
Karen Silk, Westpac.
ing agribusiness, where farmers need to increase their skills, she says. Service providers such as banks are focused on this and will help build farmers’ capabilities. Silk has also noticed that “the trend that started ten-twelve years ago towards multiple farm ownership – almost a corporate model – has picked up pace,” she told Rural News.
“I saw this trend in the early-mid 2000s. This has picked up in pace and it won’t stop because of the need for increasing productivity which you get through scale.” The drop in the Fonterra payout to about $7.00/kgMS should not present any problems to the majority of farmers, she says. “We’re picking $7.10/ kgMS, still a substantial
payout, so we’re not picking that any real issues will come out the back end of this. With average farm costs, even if you’re running at $4 to $4.50/kgMS there is still a substantial surplus sitting in between the payout number and the net farm input costs.” Silk comments that though some dairy farmers are highly geared, that is their choice and they
FORAGE WAGONS | TIP TRAILERS | MANURE SPREADERS | BALE FEEDERS BALE FEEDERS | FORAGE WAGONS | TIP TRAILERS | MANURE SPREADERS FORAGE WAGONS | BALE FEEDERS | MANURE SPREADERS | TIP TRAILERS | BALE FEEDERS | FORAGE WAGONS | TIP TRAILERS TIP TRAILERS | BALE FEEDERS | FORAGE WAGONS | TIP TRAILERS | MANURE SPREADERS | BALE FEEDERS | FORAGE WAGONS FORAGE WAGONS | TIP TRAILERS | BALE FEEDERS | FORAGE WAGONS | TIP TRAILERS | MANURE SPREADERS | BALE FEEDERS BALE FEEDERS | FORAGE WAGONS | TIP TRAILERS | BALE FEEDERS | FORAGE WAGONS | TIP TRAILERS | MANURE SPREADERS
0800 622 276
www.mcintosh.net.nz
Palmerston north
Strength / Quality / Performance
can reduce debt by selling assets or with new forms of equity. On borrowing, Silk says the bank chiefly wants to know a farmer’s ability to make a profit. And he must be able to manage within new environmental limits, by “quality management”. “It doesn’t matter what business we are lending to, quality of management… and compliance with environmental regulation are fundamental to our understanding of the viability of that business.” On China, Silk says there is no doubt that demand coming out of there has the potential to create concentration risk. “The key thing to understand is what’s driving that demand and how sustainable is that position. New Zealand is not unique; we will see increasing competition from other [countries] in that market…. But with the rate of urbanisation in China and their focus on food safety, you’re not going to see demand diminish for New Zealand products.” Silk says despite strong Chinese demand the Government is right to look for new opportunities for FTAs to diversify our markets.
Realise your farm’s potential with an ANZ Agri Development Loan.
The ANZ Agri Development Loan is designed to help farmers grow and develop their business by providing them with a revolving line of credit to be utilised for on-farm investment. ANZ’s dedicated team of agri specialists can help you invest in irrigation, farm
conversion, feed systems, milking technology and stock housing for your farm with a loan that allows you to match repayments to your future cash flows. Give us a call. To find an ANZ Agri Manager near you go to anz.co.nz/rural.
Best Agribusiness Bank New Zealand 2012 - 2014
anz.co.nz/rural ANZ lending and eligibility criteria, terms and conditions and fees apply. ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited.
ANZ1843/RN
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
NEWS 17
Fashion can ‘make wool cool again’ pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
CHIC BOUTIQUES may be remote from woolsheds, but head-turning images in fashion “reach urban people and will get the cash tool going in the end,” says a fashion writer and Wool Week organiser, Anna Caselberg. A passionate supporter of wool and the Prince of Wales’ Campaign for Wool, Caselberg organised New Zealand’s first Wool Week by signing up brand partners in the trendy Auckland Britomart to highlight the wool in shop window collections. Events like Wool Week, financed by Primary Wool Cooperative, turn people on to the fibre, then they start to notice its qualities in many wool products, she says. “The rurals know about wool, they know it’s brilliant, they all wear it. We make a lot of carpet. But there’s always icing on the cake, a platform to engage people. I see that as the arresting images we can make with fashion imagery.” Caselberg thought Wool Week would be small this year – 18 shop windows at Britomart. But social media messaging, particularly out of Campaign for Wool’s central North Island base and through Primary Wool’s network, saw it fan out through the North Island. Then South Island people began contacting her with suggestions of inclusion, but she says she did not have time to get around everyone this year. The week was preceded by the billboard ‘We’re loving wool”. With photographer Sara Orme, she
wanted to open a conversation, “Why are they talking about wool?” “Because Wool Week was mobilised throughout the country it went beyond our expectations,” says Caselberg. “I had imagined a very small event but it spread out, getting the message out to important people and important media. “I think it gained more traction in a wool industry sense: fashion and the wool industry coming together. It established itself well in that sense. But I had imagined that would happen next year when I was able to bring on some brand partners who would help stage a bigger event with maybe fashion and the wool industry included. “The fashion component is important to me because as a stylist I’ve been working with wool forever. I did Wool Board promotions for fashion in my first job as a stylist. Wool is dear to my heart.” Her daughter Isabella was the face of fashion week on posters and her friends in their 20s have said they have noticed the advertising and billboards. So it was reaching the generation she hoped will “make wool cool again”. She believes Wool Week next year will be even bigger again. She wants to stimulate retail more next year to get people coming through the door asking for wool. Campaign for Wool has introduced Wool Week events globally and essentially it is a retail event, she says. Rural towns could get engaged in their local shops, Campaign for Wool’s Wool in Schools will get the primary chil-
dren making wool articles and there could be a design initiative for tertiary students. “We want to do ‘yarn bombing’ as they do all around the world. Say it’s crocheting: they take a fire
FMG0546
PA M TI PA
hydrant or telephone box, and people wake up [to find] it’s covered in crochet. That throughout the rural towns in New Zealand could be really cool. “It’s engaging people, opening a conversation.”
That’s what works out here.
On fire: fashion stylist Anna Caselberg holds a blow torch to Billy Black Woolman to show wool’s fire resistant qualities.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
18 WORLD
Oz meat markets now on app for producers AUSTRALIAN RED meat farmers have a new market information tool – a smartphone app. Developed by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), it provides cattle, sheep and goat producers with live-
The new smartphone app for Australian meat farmers.
stock market information in one convenient location where they need it most. The ‘MLA market information’ app enables producers to keep up with news and market intelligence in the beef, sheep and goat industries.
MLA collects and sends domestic and international market data relevant to the Australian livestock industry, which MLA chief economist Tim McRae says is a driving factor in the app’s creation. “MLA is the largest sup-
IMPRESS THE GIRLS. *
4.49p% osit
hs mont Noupdte o 24
ee ent f
m for arly settle No e
NGS
$1,895 excl. g st
FREE fendEr extenders & roof
ALL-NEW VIKING
g r eat ac ro sav i n g s ss o u r entir e ut i ra n g l i t y e
With its long-travel independent suspension, 500kg towing capacity, ultramatic transmission for class-leading engine braking and three way locking differential, the Viking drives straight over just about anything. Matched with flexible payment terms, 0% deposit and financing from 4.49%, that ‘anything’ includes every other utility in its class. If you sign up before 31 July you’ll get free extenders and roof. Head down to your local Yamaha dealer for more great offers or catch us at Fieldays to experience one today.
YAM6107C
*4.49% finance over 24-month terms is to approved GST Registered purchases. No deposit, structured finance over monthly, quarterly, six-monthly or annual repayments is to approved purchasers only. Application fees, charges and conditions apply. Offer applies at participating dealers only and while stocks last. Finance is provided by Yamaha Motor Finance New Zealand Ltd. Price is excluding GST. Prices, availability and specifications are subject to change. Offer ends 31 July, 2014.
buyer information. “Producers often don’t have spare time to spend in front of a computer, so this app is designed for them to connect from wherever they are.” Producers’ day-to-day business decisionmaking is in view, McRae says. “They can access national indicators, feeder cattle, slaughter levels, over-thehooks, skins and wholesale meat markets and read market analysis of Australia’s key livestock and export meat markets.”
Study grants for SE Asian dairy leaders
CASH SAVI
of up to
plier of market information for the Australian cattle, sheep and goat industries. We provide reports on price indicators from 90 livestock markets, as well as market analysis services, forward projections and detailed data on international trade flows,” says McRae. “The app will place all these resources into the hands of producers. They can customise searches for market reports specific to region, detailing price, supply and quality and
www.yamaha-motor.co.nz
DAIRY AUSTRALIA is bringing up to 15 dairy leaders a year from South-East Asia to study production and manufacturing. The scheme, which stems from a scholarship scheme with Japan and China, builds on fast-growing demand for Australian dairy produce in the region. Dairy Australia’s group manager trade and strategy, Charlie McElhone, says Australia’s dairy exports to South-East Asia were worth $810 million in 2013 – 29% of its total dairy exports. “Our goal with the Dairy Scholarship Program is to build deeper relationships in the Asean countries on the ground, create stronger personal links and help spread knowledge and understanding of Australia’s dairy value proposition,” he says. “This is particularly important if we are to effectively counter the intense activity of export oriented competitors already engaged in the region.” While Dairy Australia runs regular missions and seminars in the region to help its dairy industry capture business opportunities, in-market links and knowledge are crucial in the battle for niche markets. “The scholarship programme for South-East Asia will be tailored to meet the region’s needs, with a rotating focus on different aspects of dairy practice each year, such as retail, bakery and ingredients,” says McElhone. One or two scholarships will be available for Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines, and up to three additional scholarships will be shared among the remaining Asean member states Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Brunei.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
WORLD 19
UK sheepmeat prospects high UK SHEEP farmers are expecting a good season for domestically produced lamb, according to their industry-good organisation Eblex. Favourable weather through the winter and spring lambing season have raised expectations, says sector director Nick Allen. He says after the losses and bad weather of winter 2012 and spring 2013 made life difficult for sheep and beef farmers, the fortunes
for summer 2014 are in dramatic contrast. And the forecasts are for high quality lambs coming forward to supply quality product to the market while offering good value for money for consumers, he adds. ‘’All the indicators [point to] a good lambing season for sheep farmers in terms of healthy lambs born,” says Allen. “The weather has been excellent for grass growth so we
can expect some of the best quality home-produced lamb seen on the shelves for years. “Consumers should take the opportunity to buy a quality product and get exceptional value for money.” Unlike their beef counterparts, sheep farmers expect good returns. Allen says the difficulties now seen in the beef market are not expected in the sheep trade because of the differ-
ent market dynamics. Importantly, producers should market their lambs at the right time – when they hit the spec processors are looking for, he says. “We are a major player in the international trade of sheepmeat and there remains strong demand for our product at a time when other sheepmeat exporters are not at the peak of their production. “This gives us plenty of opportunities to sell our
sheep meat. Consumers tell us they love lamb for its great taste and tenderness so we would expect to see continued robust demand domestically, and quality lamb available at a competitive price during the next few months.” Lamb sales are up 9% on the past few years. Eblex has television advertising due to screen in September. And an inexpensive Indian dish – keema – will encourage more adventur-
UK’s domestic sheepmeat production is looking up this season.
key markets abroad, notably France, are also helping to stimulate demand for UK lamb.
ous cooking, and will position lamb as the meat to go with spices. Marketing projects in
Beef summit calls for plan to break spiral FARMING LEADERS in the UK say a downward spiral of farmgate prices of beef is causing serious damage to farmers’ confidence. They want retailers, processors and caterers to take responsibility for the decisions they make and the impact those decisions have on the sustainability of the beef sector. After a “presidential summit on
beef ”, heads of farmer organisations also called for promotion of British beef to the consumer by retailers. NFU president Meurig Raymond says all involved are determined to work together to resolve the current issues facing the beef industry. The deadweight price for all finished steers has fallen to $7.03/kg, 82c/kg less than this time a year ago, when it was
approaching a high in the wake of the scandal over horsemeat-contaminated products. And the liveweight price last month dropped to $3.51/kg, down 74c/ kg in the same period. But while farmgate prices have gone down, the cost of beef on supermarket shelves has been creeping up, cutting the farmers’ share from almost 60% in May 2013 to 51.3% in March this year.
There is also concern about rising beef imports, particularly from Poland. Raymond urged processors to look at what can be achieved by making long term commitments to their suppliers. “With a reduced beef supply forecast as we reach the end of the year, and with fewer cattle coming forward, there needs to be a change of attitude and a realisation that beef farmers have
no option but to work to a long term plan. “It’s impossible to work to do that when everyone else is thinking in the short term. It is a cliché that we have used before, but the beef supply is not a tap that can be turned on and off at a moment’s notice.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
ucts and... Buy selected Zoetis pre-lamb prod
BE IN TO WIN A...
HANDYMAN’S PACK FROM *
see www.winwithcydectin.co.nz
Create a legacy... Getting things right today will have major benefits down the line. Choosing the best protection for your ewes and their unborn lambs is essential in creating the right environment for a productive lambing season. Strong, ‘worm-free’ ewes will wean healthier, stronger offspring, helping create a lasting legacy. More lambs, and better lambs this season will have continuing positive results for your business, season after season. EWEGUARD®, which contains moxidectin, is an original product from Zoetis, the company that makes CYDECTIN®. EWEGUARD provides reliable, potent and persistent worm control, as well as the convenience of a 6-in-1 vaccine – in one single shot.
Get it right and create a legacy for the future – ask your vet or rural reseller about EWEGUARD® now!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Zoetis New Zealand Limited. Level 3, 14 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand. Tel: 0800 963 847, Fax: 0800 628 629. Eweguard and Cydectin are registered trademarks of Zoetis Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACVM No’s A7302, A9122 & A9659. *The DeWalt Handyman’s Pack prize draw competition runs from 1st May 2014 to 30th August 2014. For full terms and conditions visit www.winwithcydectin.co.nz. DeWalt is a registered trademark of Stanley Black and Decker Inc.
ZOE1155
...with Eweguard. The one shot vaccine and wormer.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
BEEF MARKET TRENDS
MARKET SNAPSHOT
BEEF PRICES
NI
Change
P2 Steer - 300kg
n/c
M2 Bull - 300kg
Last Week
2 Wks Ago
Last Year
4.60
4.60
4.30
4.70
n/c
4.70
4.35
+5
6.03
5.98
5.05
+5
YM - 13.5kg PM - 16.0kg
6.01
5.96
5.03
n/c
3.90
3.90
3.55
PX - 19.0kg
+5
6.05
6.00
5.07
3.75
3.75
3.45
PH - 22.0kg
+5
6.06
6.01
5.08
Local Trade - 230kg
+5
4.75
4.70
4.30
Mutton
MX1 - 21kg
n/c
3.65
3.65
2.90
P2 Steer - 300kg
+5
4.25
4.20
4.00
SI Lamb
YM - 13.5kg
n/c
5.88
5.88
4.86
M2 Bull - 300kg
n/c
4.10
4.10
3.90
PM - 16.0kg
n/c
5.88
5.88
4.88
P2 Cow - 230kg
n/c
3.02
3.02
3.10
PX - 19.0kg
n/c
5.88
5.88
4.90
M Cow - 200kg
n/c
2.97
2.97
2.80
PH - 22.0kg
n/c
5.88
5.88
4.91
Local Trade - 230kg
+5
4.40
4.35
4.05
n/c
3.18
3.18
2.80
Mutton
MX1 - 21kg
Slaughter
Last Year
n/c
2 Wks Ago
M Cow - 200kg
Slaughter
NI Lamb
Last Week
Change
c/kgCWT
P2 Cow - 230kg
SI
LAMB PRICES
c/kgCWT
LAMB MARKET TRENDS
2 Wks Ago
Last Year
5yr Ave
+5
2.27
2.22
1.90
1.76
NZ$/kg
+10
5.75
5.65
5.39
5.20
Change
Procurement Indicator
2 Wks Ago
Last Year 5yr Ave
n/c
2.18
2.18
1.82
1.84
NZ$/kg
n/c
9.40
9.40
8.02
8.55
Change
2Wks Ago
3 Wks Ago
% Returned NI
+1%
78.8%
77.9%
72.8%
73.0%
% Returned SI
+1%
76.2%
75.3%
69.3%
74.2%
Last Year 5yr Ave
2Wks Ago
3 Wks Ago
Last Year
5yr Ave
% Returned NI
+0%
80.0%
79.6%
79.76%
78.6%
% Returned SI
-0%
71.3%
71.7%
71.8%
71.6%
UK Leg £/lb
Last Week
Procurement Indicator
Last Week
95CL US$/lb
Export Market Demand Change
Change
Export Market Demand
Venison Prices
Change
Beef & venison prices are reported as gross (before normal levies & charges are deducted). Lamb & mutton prices are reported nett (after levies & charges are deducted).
Last Week
2 Wks Ago
Last Year 5yr Ave
NI Stag - 60kg
n/c
6.15
6.15
6.30
7.29
SI Stag - 60kg
n/c
6.20
6.20
6.52
7.57
Play your part Record all your stock movements in the NAIT system
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
NEWS
PRICE WATCH
WOOL PRICE WATCH
BEEF
Change
12-Jun
05-Jun
Last Year
Coarse Xbred Indic.
-2
5.30
5.32
4.46
Fine Xbred Indicator
n/c
5.63
5.63
5.10
Lamb Indicator
-8
5.33
5.41
5.07
Mid Micron Indic.
-
-
-
8.56
Cattle prices lift against a stronger NZD
Indicators in NZ$
With cattle slaughter numbers sharply down in recent weeks, reduced shifts haven’t been enough to hold back procurement competition and the subsequent climb of kill prices. In the NI export bull prices were $4.60/kg last week, and export steer $4.70/kg. Cow prices are around $3.80/kg for bits and pieces and $4.00/kg plus for big lines. While prices in the SI remain considerably below the NI, recent weeks have seen lifts and procurement pressure building. Export bull was earning $4.10/kg last week and steer $4.25/kg. Processors in both islands are active in the saleyards hunting down anything killable. Local trade operators are also scrambling to keep their plants fill and are expected to increase prices going into next week. Even given the drop off in slaughter numbers, the continued climb of kill prices is surprising in light of the strength of the NZD, and with the NZD expected to remain strong and cattle availability expected to remain limited for the remainder of the season it will be interesting to watch how processors to choose to play out the final months.
US market rises – but limited NZ product to sell With little product coming out of NZ, almost ironically the US market has jumped significantly in recent weeks. With an 8c/lb lift in 90CL and a 5c/lb lift in 95CL, prices are well above historical levels, especially considering prices seasonally trend downwards at this time of year. The firm prices were driven by a lifting domestic 90CL prices and significantly lower offerings from Australia as they wait for NZ product to seasonally decline before they re-enter the market. There is a degree of wariness around the sharp rise, but with inventories low, not much meat available on the spot market, and continuing low domestic slaughter, imported prices could find support at this level.
-21
4540
4561
5277
-34
4483
4517
5631
-51
4569
4620
6113
-128
5345
5473
5663
Whole Milk Powder Cheddar
Overseas Price Indicators Indicators in US$/kg
12-Jun
05-Jun
Fine Xbred Indicator Lamb Indicator
Export prices for lamb are working their way up unobtrusively as processors seek to keep plants full. In the NI $6.10-$6.15/kg gross is the range with a few achieving above this depending on contracts and numbers supplied etc. The gap is slowly closing between NI and SI schedules as $5.90/kg gross in the SI was the average last week, but $6.00/kg achievable. The promise of firmer pricing towards the end of the season may see tighter supplies in the short term, as those that are in position to do so, hang on to lambs until then.
Last Year
+8
4.56
4.48
+11
4.85
4.74
4.03
+3
4.59
4.56
4.00
-
-
-
6.76
3.52
Butter Skim Milk Powder Whole Milk Powder Cheddar
Last 2 Wks
Prev. 2 Wks
Last Year
+63
3900
3838
4375
+50
3975
3925
4750
n/c
4650
4650
4400
Change +75
3950
3875
4100
vs. NZ Dollar
Last Week 2 Wks Ago 4 Wks Ago Last Year
0.870
0.866
0.857
0.777
Euro
0.640
0.639
0.628
0.587
UK pound
0.511
0.511
0.508
0.501
Aus dollar
0.926
0.920
0.927
0.844
Japan yen
88.79
88.20
87.24
75.42
Euro
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
US Dollar
US dollar
CURRENCY WATCH
Widespread rain across the NI and mild temps have seen store lamb prices continue to firm in the NI last week, and strong sales at auction have helped fuel the strengthening. Paddock prices were largely between $2.75-$2.85/kg for 30-32kg lines, with some variation between whether ewe lines are discounted or not. Lines under 30kg were more likely to make around $2.90/kg last week, although buyers still prefer the shorter term lamb. Prices in the yards have been around 15-25cpk above those in the paddocks, with many easily breaking the $3.00/kg mark. Supply and demand appears well balanced at present.In the SI the wet conditions underfoot have kept the store lamb quiet in both the saleyards and in paddock. 30kg lines are around the $2.75/kg mark, irrespective of sex.
Indicators in US$/T
Demand for store lambs heating up in NI
Overseas Price Indicators
Change
Coarse Xbred Indicator
Fonterra reported that its milk collection for the 2013/14 season NZ wide was 8.3% above last year; 8.9% up in the NI and 7.3% up in the SI. Whole milk powder prices increased 2.4% at the most recent GlobalDairyTrade event, however overall trading volumes remain light. Third quarter supplies are being negotiated and are promising firmer pricing going forward. Many in the whole milk powder market are awaiting renewed buying interest from China, however supplies in China appear adequate at present. Demand for butter in the third quarter is firm from Russia and the Middle East as there are concerns around availability from the EU and US. It is believed butter prices will only move upwards from this point.
Last Year
Skim Milk Powder
Dairy prices look more promising for Q3
Prev. 2 Wks
Butter
Last 2 Wks
Change
Lamb schedules edge higher
DAIRY
Indicators in NZ$/T
Mid Micron Indicator
LAMB
DAIRY PRICE WATCH
UK
Pound
A&P SHOW
Farm to farm
Mating
Events
Grazing
Gypsy Day
From a sale yard
To find out more go to www.nait.co.nz | info@nait.co.nz | 0800 624 843
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
22 AGRIBUSINESS
Wool harvesters earn while they learn trainees a good spread of expertise, Mullins says. “They loved it and learnt heaps. They managed to cover all the basics in one day, without everyone leaving with that ‘information overload’ feeling you can sometimes get after a course.” Primary ITO is now training people who work in wool harvesting, bringing learning to the woolshed with this new on-the-job training model. On-the-job training – practical, hands-on and done in the workplace – fits around the work day and the work, Mullins says. Workers earn while they ❱❱ Primary ITO provides NZQA-endorsed learn rather than taking time off to training and qualifications for people attend classes. working in agriculture, horticulture, Existing off-the-job training equine, water, sports turf and food will remain or the two models processing. can be combined for flexibility. So ❱❱ The ITO provides leadership in educashearers, wool handlers and presstion and training, develops national qualiers can learn on-the-job, off-the-job fications, maintains national standards or a blend of the two. and supports industry trainees and Management training is also employers. offered to help shearing contractors ❱❱ Primary ITO training is subsidised by develop their business expertise. industry and government.
PRIMARY ITO has run its first shearing workshop, at Brownrigg Agriculture Farm, Hawke’s Bay, following its return to wool industry training. “It was a full-on day of training [including] gear set-up, a grinding session and shearing lambs,” says wool training adviser Aria Mullins. The 17 trainees hailed from Hawke’s Bay region. Three instructors gave the
ABOUT PRIMARY ITO
www.primaryito.ac.nz .
Trainees were given a good spread of expertise by instructors.
Avoid paying the taxman’s interest DAIRY FARMERS need to act now to avoid having Inland Revenue charge high interest on tax owed for the season, says Justin Geddes, agribusiness principal at Crowe Horwath’s Dunedin office. “With the dairy payout high and stock prices better than last year, there is a good chance farmers will owe tax this season,” says Geddes. Use-of-money interest is charged at 8.4% from the first provisional tax date until the time the year-end tax is paid, meaning that even though the due date for final payment of the tax will be April next year, IRD will be charging interest on the amount owed in the meantime. Use-of-money interest is like an overdraft interest rate, which the IRD applies where the year-end tax is higher than the provisional tax that has been paid. That means dairy farmers with a May end of year could be charged interest for 17 months from October 28, 2013 until April 7, 2015, and sheep/beef farmers, who usually have a June end of year, interest for 16 months. To minimise interest payments to the IRD, says Geddes, farmers need to keep a good track of how they are performing. If in June or July it looks like the profit will be up on last year, he recommends farmers get their accountant or agribusiness advisor to estimate tax. “If you’ve got cash in the bank earning about 3% in interest, it makes far more sense to pay your tax early to save yourself being charged 8.4% by the IRD.
Buy selected Zoetis pre-lamb products and...
BE IN TO WIN A...
HANDY-
MAN’S
PACK
*
see www.winwithcydectin.co.nz for terms and conditions and to enter.
CTIN LONG “the reason I USE CYRDE P? ACTING INJECTION FO SHEE
It’s bloody
SIMmPatLe!E” tion for Sheep controls Cydectin Long Acting Injec hassle free injection worms for longer, and is a s time in the yards. which means you spend les
IGINAL, long-acting r the country trust in the OR It’s no wonder farmers all ove easy to administer worms for longer. One simple, CYDECTIN formulation to kill the hassles worm protection, but without injection provides long-acting of capsules. ® If it doesn’t have CYDECTIN not on the box, it’s pretty much n CYDECTIN Long Acting Injectio for sheep.
RIGINAY LFOR: THE OTEN T ACTIVIT WITH PERSIS
umcincta
112 days control of Ostertagia circ
91 days control of Barber’s Pole 42 days control of Trichostrongylus colubriformis
ZOE1150_R
www.cydectin.co.nz
ZOE 1150 CYDECTIN LA Press Ad 265x200_ƒ.indd 1
Zealand. Tel: 0800 963 847, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024, New A09926. d. Level 3, 14 Normanby Road, or its subsidiaries. ACVM No Inc. Zoetis New Zealand Limite Zoetis of ark tradem terms CTIN is a registered 30th August 2014. For full Fax: 0800 628 629. CYDE runs from 1st May 2014 to etition comp Decker Inc. and draw prize Black y Pack trademark of Stanle ered *The DeWalt Handyman’s regist a is lt DeWa . thcydectin.co.nz and conditions visit www.winwi
5/14/14 1:47 PM
Do you have a passion for horses...
…and want to work in the racing, sport horse or breeding industry? At Telford – a Division of Lincoln University we are committed to train and equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to gain employment in the equine industry. Theory-based lecturers complement practical lessons with classes focused on all aspects of equine in Telford’s Certificate in Equine, Level 3 and Level 4. Based 6km from Balclutha in South Otago on a 921ha working farm, Telford offers hands-on training for students with on-campus supervised accommodation available. Telford also offers a wide range of excellent correspondence programmes.
Learn more
www.telford.ac.nz 0800 835 367
A Division of
Lincoln University New Zealand’s specialist land-based university
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
24 AGRIBUSINESS
Rural services co
Carr Group family and directors (from left), Stacey McKerchar (nee Carr), Craig Carr, Ryan Carr, Paul Tocker, James Carr, Glenys Carr, Ant Grayson, Emmet Hobbs and Greg Carr.
ELDERS RURAL Services NZ is now 100% NZ-owned following its purchase by the Ashburton family-owned agribusiness company Carr Group, effective August 1. Carr Group bought a 50% holding from Elders Australia Ltd and 50% owned by Sredle Rural Services. The prices were
not disclosed. Elders Australia had been pressured by its Australian banking syndicate to quit its non-core assets in New Zealand. It signalled its sell intention in its half-year result released in May. Sredle Rural Services, of which Elders NZ managing director Stu Chap-
man is a shareholder, has Auckland businessman Eric Spencer as its biggest investor. Chapman told Rural News he was sorry Sredle was selling its stake, but the Carr Group’s full ownership would be good for the business long-term. “It means certainty and continuity for the business
as there would likely have been a sale of our stake at some stage down the track.” Carr Group managing director Craig Carr says Chapman will continue to lead Elders NZ; there are no immediate plans to change either business operation. “It will be business as
Stu Chapman
“It was s the hec so man ELDERS NZ, primarily a livestock and wool business, has 12 branches nationwide. In recent times the company has trimmed its farm store retail business and expanded its online platform www.e-farmsupply.co.nz It owns 50% of Elders Primary Wool (EPW), a joint venture with Primary Wool Co-operative. EPW’s flagship activity is the Just Shorn wool carpet promotion. This is mainly US-based and does not have a high profile in New Zealand despite all the wool being produced and processed in this country. Chapman is confident this will change: the brand is now launching in Australia in 46 retail stores and plans are afoot to launch it in New Zealand. He says carpet sales in the US, aimed at affluent consumers through about 500 stores nationwide, had improved off a low base, with 10-15% monthly growth each month recently. “May was our best month ever and all our hard work is starting to pay off.” Chapman says the ‘New Zealand story’ combined with wool’s natural attributes are making an impact in the US market. And EPW is steadily picking up market share in New Zealand. Meanwhile, Elders recently launched an advisory division – Elders Advisory Services. “We have been speaking to farmers about their concerns, needs and how an advisory service could work with them,” Chapman explains. The advisory service is underway in Waikato and Taranaki. Chapman believes the new ownership will help Elders to expand this part of the business. Elders also has a farm and rural business insurance division.
ELE-01401-RN
Wool business prospects good
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
AGRIBUSINESS 25
now 100% NZ-owned usual. As we settle in, we’ll look for synergies between both businesses to ensure we achieve efficiencies and grow the business.” Carr says the opportunity to return Elders to Kiwi ownership was exciting for both companies. “Bringing together two strong agribusinesses under one New Zealand
entity will not only expand our footprint within New Zealand, but also across the global marketplace where we currently operate and export to more than 40 countries.” Carr says it is a “good day” for New Zealand agriculture: the two companies share similar ethics and a desire to improve
farmer profitability. Retaining Chapman as managing director was critical, he says. Carr says the Elders NZ acquisition will take the group’s annual revenues to NZ$300 million. “The investment by the Carr Group is a strong endorsement of the Elders business in New Zealand,”
says Chapman. “Clients… will continue to receive a high level of service, as we focus on supporting their day-to-day needs.” Chapman agrees the Carr Group purchase and its strong South Island presence is likely to be good for the expansion of Elders’ business in the
region, especially livestock. “The 100% New Zealand-owned story is also likely go down well with farmers because there is concern in the rural sector about foreign ownership of land and businesses.” No change is planned to the Elders name in the short term.
Manage BVD. Vaccinate with Bovilis®
o frustrating. We didn’t know what k was going on − why did we have y empties?” David Williams
It was 2010, we’d had a high number of empty cows
big a hurdle, so in the first year I just vaccinated half
for several years, and we couldn’t understand
the herd, and from then on I’ve vaccinated all the
what the problem was. We just couldn’t make
heifers going in.
headway. It was pretty distressing. So we looked
We used the Bovilis vaccination, and it’s made a
at our production, we looked at the fertility of the cows, and we came to the conclusion that we should do blood “It was my vet who put me on to it and did the testing. We tested 10 or 15 empty cows and… the results came back positive with BVD.”
tests and see what the problem was. BVD was one of the
things in a mix of things it could’ve been. I didn’t know a great deal about it at that time, or how prevalent it was in the area. It was actually my vet who put me on to it and did the testing. We tested 10 or 15 empty cows and… the results came back positive with BVD.
real difference. Because we vaccinated at a time when we had the cattle in the yards, we just fitted it in with our normal programme. I’ve recently had more tests done and the prevalence of BVD in the herd is a lot lower, and we came up with a fresh set of recommendations − to blood test and vaccinate all the heifers going in to make sure no PIs (persistently infected animals) get into the herd. Now that we know what the problem is and we’re dealing with it, things are looking up. With better feeding levels
“I was just relieved to know what the problem was.”
and better management with the Bovilis vaccine, I reckon we’ll get on top of the BVD problem.
I took it all in my stride; I was just relieved to know what the problem was. The vet recommended that we vaccinate all the cows, but I considered that too
AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION ®Registered trademark. MSD Animal Health. msd-animal-health.co.nz Phone: 0800 800 543 NZ/BOV/0514/0001
David Williams Beef Farmer, Aorangi
Who is Carr Group? Carr Group, Ashburton runs various New Zealand agribusiness and subsidiary companies. The family owned firm began 40 years ago in Ashburton Founders Greg and Glenys Carr are still active in the business with their three sons Craig Carr and daughter. Craig Carr is managing director Carr Group businesses include Claas Harvest Centre Canterbury, Winslow Contracting Ltd, Smallbone Holden Ashburton and Lely Centre Ashburton Canterbury Seed Company is owned by Winslow Ltd Carr Group employs 400 people in New Zealand, Australia, India, Africa and the Middle East Elders NZ acquisition will take the combined group’s annual revenues to NZ$300 million.
Container collection hits 30,000kg AGRECOVERY RURAL recycling container collections hit 30,000kg during May, the largest monthly volume since the scheme began in 2007. Marketing manager Duncan Scotland attributes the rise to a big lift in new members, collection volumes and website interest during its annual promotion, a $5000 prize draw. “The 30,000kg equates to a 20ft shipping container filled with recycled plastic every day of the month, so it was a lot of containers diverted from burning or dumping.” Scotland says farmers and growers are responding to the changing farming environment, and to such regulatory changes as the ban on burning of farm plastics introduced by Environment Canterbury in January. “In the first four months after the ban came into force, we saw recycled container collections in the Canterbury region increase by 70%, on the same period last year. “It’s not all consumer pressure and burning bans though. Farmers and growers, like anyone, find it hard to resist a prize draw. So, over the last couple of years we’ve held a recycling promotion each February and March which rewards ten recyclers for their green efforts.” During the two reward months, recycling volumes increased 12% on the same promotional period in 2013, while the joining rate for new members doubled. “We also saw a huge lift in visitors to the Agrecovery website; this… usually translates into actually recycling activity.” Agrecovery Foundation chair Graeme Peters says the scheme is chiefly interested in increasing the amount of plastic removed from rural areas. Sixty companies support Agrecovery through paying a levy on plastic containers. The empty triple-rinsed containers are recycled at plants in Auckland and Christchurch, most of the plastic being used to make underground cable covers. Agrecovery says the 190 tonnes of containers collected so far this financial year equates to a 15cm wide cable cover reaching from Auckland to Invercargill and back. The amount of energy saved using this volume of recycled plastic versus new plastic equates to 323,000L of petrol.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
26 OPINION EDITORIAL
EDNA
Wills’ work ranks with the best BRUCE WILLS will shortly step down as Federated Farmers president after the normal three years in the job. Let’s be frank, he’s achieved a helluvva lot. He was elected, with his board, to change the image of the federation. Many members had grown weary of the ‘out there’, somewhat confrontational style of his two predecessors. They wanted change and quite deliberately at Rotorua three years ago a group of them engineered this: Bruce Wills, William Rolleston and Anders Crofoot in particular were central to that movement for change. Wills, the banker turned farmer and now farmer politician, was given a mandate to make Feds mainstream and win back credibility lost with the public, politicians and others in agribusiness. This was no easy task: Wills and his team had to walk a tightrope – being seen to advocate strongly on key issues for members, but not to get into unseemly public debates in the media with groups that didn’t share farmers vision for the future. Wills came across as a person of reason and willingness to listen and get sensible outcomes. Wills has done all that was asked of him and more. In three years, Federated Farmers has again become recognised as a well led, credible lobby group capable of significant gains by reasoned argument. The task is far from complete: only in the last few weeks has the impact of the urban-rural gap been highlighted, and without Wills’ efforts it would have been much worse. There is a lot of ground to regain, but the effort is rightly directed and will likely carry on this way under Rolleston’s stewardship. In 40 years Federated Farmers has not had a president better than Bruce Wills: he ranks with Sir Peter Elworthy, Brian Chamberlain and the late Alistair Polson. The Federation and New Zealand owe a lot to Wills, a leader worthy of significant recognition.
SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND? GOT SOMETHING on your mind about the latest issues affecting our farming industry? Put your pen to paper or your fingers to your keyboard, and let our readers know what you think. Contact us by either post or email. Don’t forget to put your name and address. Note: Letters may be edited.
“No – we’re Presbyterian!”
THE HOUND
Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz
Dead duck
Really?
Careful
Top apple
YOUR OLD mate understands the meat sector ginger group’s plans for an industry summit to discuss reform have come to a dead end. MIE in March called for an urgent summit. But – surprise, surprise – the group’s chair, John McCarthy, says it soon became apparent it was ‘’going nowhere’’. McCarthy and his MIE mates would probably have more success achieving peace in the Middle East than getting agreement from the meat sector on reforms. But good luck to them anyway.
SPEAKING OF useless ideas, the Hound notes that the Labour Party’s big idea for the primary sector, should it win the Treasury benches after the general election, will be to form an advisory board. Labour’s primary industries spokesman Damien O’Connor says his party would set up an advisory group to make recommendations directly to ministers, as it seeks to take a greater leadership role in the primary sector. Sorry Damien, but the last thing the farming sector needs is another layer of bureaucracy.
ACCORDING TO Ministry of Health figures, details on 200,000 hospital discharges nationwide from July 2011 to June 2012 show people suffering all sorts of misfortune. In one year six people were hospitalised after choking or suffocating in their beds, and 200 had nasty run-ins with their lawnmowers. The Hound recommends readers take care out there to avoid being mowed down by an out-of-control lawnmower.
THEY SAY an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so the Hound reckons plenty of medical professionals will be crying into their lattes at the news that New Zealanders have voted the apple as their favourite winter fruit. According to a recent ‘5+ A Day’ survey, about 25% of Kiwis picked apples, followed by avocado (15%) then mandarins (14 %). The charitable trust set up to promote fruit and vegetable consumption also cites oranges, kiwifruit, Nashi and other pears, mandarins, persimmon, parsnips, leeks, broccoli, kumara and cauliflower as good winter fare.
post to: Letter to the Editor, PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 or Email: editor@ruralnews.co.nz
RURAL NEWS HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 PUBLISHER: Brian Hight .............................................. Ph 09 307 0399 GENERAL MANAGER: Adam Fricker ........................................... Ph 09 913 9632 CONSULTING EDITOR: David Anderson .......................................Ph 09 307 0399 davida@ruralnews.co.nz
TECHNICAL EDITOR: Andrew Swallow ................... Ph 03 688 2080 PRODUCTION: Dave Ferguson ........................Ph 09 913 9633 Becky Williams ........................Ph 09 913 9634 REPORTERS: Sudesh Kissun ....................... Ph 09 913 9627 Pamela Tipa ............................ Ph 09 913 9630 Peter Burke .............................Ph 06 362 6319 Tony Hopkinson ......................Ph 07 579 1010 SUB-EDITOR: Neil Keating ............................Ph 09 913 9628 WEBSITE PRODUCER: James Anderson .................... Ph 09 913 9621
Sensitive souls YOUR CANINE crusader, who’s been around the traps a wee while, has over the years got used to seeing ruffled feathers at various organisations. But he reckons the sensitivity stakes at OSPRI NZ must right now be at record highs. Some of these supposed guardians against TB are unhappy this fine publication dares to run letters from people criticising OSPRI NZ – more often than not vehement anti-1080 crusaders questioning the ‘guardian’s’ methods and use of the poison.
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER: Ted Darley .......... Ph 07 854 6292/021 832 505 ted@ruralnews.co.nz
WELLINGTON SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Mark Macfarlane .Ph 04 234 6239/021 453 914 markm@ruralnews.co.nz
AUCKLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Stephen Pollard ....Ph 09 913 9637/021 963 166 stephenp@ruralnews.co.nz
SOUTH ISLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Kaye Sutherland Ph 03 337 3828/021 221 1994 kayes@ruralnews.co.nz
ABC audited circulation 81,232 as at 31.12.2013 Rural News is published by Rural News Group Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of staff, management or directors of Rural News Group Ltd.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
OPINION 27
Farmers ‘heavy lifting’ for all in Hockey budget IF YOU could invest $1 for an $11 return, would you do so, or would you save the $1? What if you could spend $1 and receive $12 worth of work free of charge? Would you stump up the cash or keep it in your pocket? These two questions may seem silly but unfortunately they have been posed by our Federal Government. Even more unfortunate for the farming sector has been the answer. The cuts proposed in May’s Federal Government’s budget make little sense and will harm Australian agriculture and regional communities. They include at least $100 million in R&D and $483 million slashed from the Landcare budget. These decisions defy logic. The Government
wheeled out clichés and platitudes (“we’re all carrying the load”, “age of entitlement is over”) but cutting funding to programmes that repay the spending many times over is nonsensical. Agriculture was named one of the pillars in this Government’s five-pillar economy, yet cuts to R&D will clearly affect its competitiveness. Agriculture needs R&D, which has been reinforced by government reports such as the Productivity Commission, the Asian Century report and the National Food Plan. Despite allocation of $100m to agriculture-specific R&D over the next four years (designed to get a positive headline), it has cut $146.8m from the CSIRO, which will result in 500 job losses. Funding for the co-
operative research centres programme will be cut by $80 million (20% of the overall programme budget) and $11.5 million of funding was slashed from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. The Government in February promised $100m more over four years for agricultural R&D. It didn’t say it would slash other research bodies to fund it. In February, Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the $100m was “very impor-
RAINER IRRIGATION where the grass is always greener Centre pivots and laterals
tant, b ecause research and development goes to the crux of how we expand our industry”. He said $11 was returned for every $1 spent in R&D. He clearly understands the value, which is why Treasurer Joe Hockey’s decision to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs is so confounding. One of the most disappointing decisions for many farmers is $483 million cuts in funding to Landcare nationally over the next five years. In return, the Government is spending $525 million on the Green Army, its new model for work for unemployed youth aged 17-24, at below the minimum wage. The Govern-
ment claims the Green Army will be “Australia’s largest ever environmental workforce, building to 15,000 participants by 2018-19”.
untary labour and materials. Landcare was essentially a means of support for committed volunteers through
The cuts proposed last month in the Federal Government’s budget make little sense.
Landcare members now number at least 500,000, half of them farmers. For every dollar the government spends on Landcare, the community provides at least $2.60 in cash and up to $12 for vol-
providing seed grants and funding co-ordinators. Now that financial support has been slashed, instead used on a work-forbenefits scheme that will prop up unemployment figures.
Minimum-wage workers work their hours and head home. Volunteers will continue to give their time and energy for years – if they are supported and encouraged. We’ll leave the last word to the president of the Victorian Landcare Council, Terry Hubbard: “The expectation is that the farming community should do all the heavy lifting for the benefit of the community. “There is always a desire to increase and improve food production, there is always a desire to improve the natural environment; those things are enjoyed by all people yet the farming community’s expected to carry it.”
Buy a pallet of* NRM calf feed.
Receive a FREE 50g sachet of Virkon S Broad Spectrum Disinfectant. ®
Installation and repairs of Centre Pivots, RotoRainers, Electrical, Pumps, Effluent, Mainline, and more Electrical systems
Virkon®S. A convenient, fast-acting, one-stop disinfectant to help protect calves against disease. Effective protection in one single pack. Suitable for surfaces, equipment, vehicles, spray ® and water delivery systems. Virkon S is proven to kill disease agents on-farm, even hardy pathogens such as rotavirus and salmonella in calf shed environments; and is fully effective against all 18 families of viruses known to man – in addition to ® bacteria and fungi. Virkon S is formulated to degrade naturally within the environment. Each 50g sachet makes 5 litres.
Available in 50g sachets, 1kg, 2.5kg and 5kg packs
VIRKON S IS AVAILABLE THROUGH ALL LEADING RURAL RETAILERS ®
* This offer is valid for full pallet (one tonne) purchases of NRM calf feeds (excluding NRM Assist and Sweet 16). Available for on-farm deliveries between 1 June - 31 August 2014, or while stocks last.
10 Robinson Street, Ashburton. P: 03 307 9049 | E: rainer@ashburton.co.nz
visit our website www.rainer.co.nz
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
28 OPINION RAPS NEED PROTECTING THE ARTICLE ‘It’s a RAP- or is it?’ (Rural News, June 27) needs clarification. RAPS are recommended areas for protection and until DOC sits down and negotiates with the landowners, these areas have no legal status. Following negotiations three options emerge: • The area is registered as PNA (protected natural area) and effectively a reserve
• The landowner can choose to register the site with the QEII Trust • Both parties walk away and the RAP languishes. The process was promoted in the 1980s as a voluntary mechanism between landowners and DOC to protect significant vegetation within the newly established ecological districts of which there are 17 across New Zealand.
The emphasis at the time was on voluntary access, voluntary discussions and voluntary outcomes. Unfortunately for pastoral leases they had no rights as the landowner was the Crown, administered by Lands and Survey Department. I recall at the time we in Federated Farmers advised farmers to use the QEII Trust rather than DOC. At the time (1980s) the process seemed straightfor-
ward, as RAP has no legal protection and cannot be registered in a district plan unless the council has a signed agreement with the landowner. This process has broken down, not because of farmers striving to increase production but because of the poor attitude of DOC and NGOs such as Forest & Bird towards farmers over the past 40 years. John Rowley
Willy Leferink
Turning poo into pasture: never say never W I L LY L EF ER I N K
WITH REGIONAL plans set to place more limits on nutrients like nitrogen, an innovation on its way to being commercialised shows how science can vastly improve agriculture’s environmental footprint. We seem to be locked into a high/low debate over farming and the environment. To Federated Farmers that seems a linear way of looking at things because it denies the remarkable influence technology can and will play. At the recent field days, at which I was a judge, one technology that took my eye was the PUER system, in development at The University of Waikato. This can loosely be described as an effluent treatment plant for dairy farm washdown. When you’ve got the herd awaiting milking you collect a heap of poo and urine. That’s currently washed into storage ponds and later recycled back to pasture as liquid fertiliser. Though this may be done well, in many circumstances there’s no margin for error. Unlike councils, farmers cannot blame bad outcomes on a mechanical breakdown, weather or even carelessness. Get it wrong and you’re talking Campbell Live, fines and possibly a criminal conviction. What if, instead, you could treat that waste to a level where the liquids could be used again for stock water or for dairy washdown? The leftover solids could then be used to fertilise pasture. The system I saw may not be the only one in development, though it is one of the first to break cover. But we are seriously risking the development of these technologies if we race headlong into unrealistically hard nutrient limits. Do that and it means farmers won’t have the means or motivation to invest. The lack of investment means innovators won’t put the legwork in so we enter a vicious cycle. We also run the risk of strangling hundreds of little communities that rely on the dairy dollar. If instead you’ve got nutrient indicators married to a realistic time horizon then you’re talking about a virtuous cycle. Every kilogram of nitrogen leaching to groundwater is not only just bad for the environment, it’s like farmers chucking $2 coins into a rubbish bin. Any innovation like this must be farm proven – this one is at an advanced pilot stage – and it will demand significant investment from us to implement. That the company behind PUER has been swamped since the field days shows how prepared farmers are to invest in things that will lower their farm environmental footprint While this technology relates to just one aspect of our environmental footprint, it illustrates how others will eventually spread out from the milking platform and onto pasture. By working with science we will get there so this system is merely the entrée. Yet it is one that could build on the great work farmers are doing in catchments like Rotorua. It is also a solid reason why you should never say never. • Willy Leferink is the outgoing chairman of Federated Farmers Dairy section.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
OPINION 29
Sidelining ‘big brother’ gives scope for mediation CHRIS L EWI S
WHETHER YOU’RE communist, socialist, democrat or anarchist, you’re going to have a strong opinion on what level of monitoring and access your government has on your home and business. I am not one to tolerate a police state, so I commend the Waikato Regional Council’s decision to cease helicopter surveillance of farms for monitoring and enforcement purposes, pending a review. Orson Wells, in the film 1984, cleverly encapsulates the feelings Waikato farmers endure in being constantly monitored by helicopter: ‘Big brother is watching you’. Whilst the intention of helicopter surveillance is understandable the method leaves much to be desired. Farmers have a great working rela-
tionship with the council and there is already a great deal of collaborative and independent work going on, both sides of the fence. So whilst the helicopter monitoring may be more effective, it is detrimental to the positive and voluntary work already being done. Chris Lewis No one likes to work with someone breathing over their shoulder and this is no different. Farmers are already working hard and under an enormous pressure in meeting the new requirements, so I’m thankful the council has taken off this added pressure, a testament to the council’s constructive approach in working with the community to
improve the environment. Whilst monitoring and compliance checks are a part of this, the eye in the sky does little for the bank of goodwill and readiness to work together. Why not instead use satellite imaging technology? On-farm visits and check-ups are important in making sure farmers are complying, but the big-brother approach fails in respect of the ‘big picture’. The council is also reviewing the way it enforces effluent compliance. I would like to see an accredited system so it’s not ad hoc – a system that has clear timeframes, guidelines and rules to follow. There is no room for grey for farmers spending money on upgrades. We need assurance that the system and standards to be followed will be the same system and standards to be used down the line. We don’t want to shirk
Helicopter flights over dairy farms by Waikato Regional Council staff are irking farmers.
our responsibilities, we just want clear rules with no room for interpretation. We need a Waikato strategy inclusive of all stakeholders so we can address these issues. We are all in this together, no one or their needs is more important than the other, and we all need to
be present and heard. Federated Farmers Waikato suggests forming a working party with the council to update the current rules so there is better clarity and definitions. • Chris Lewis is Federated Farmers Waikato provincial president.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
30 MANAGEMENT
Fast, slow beef finishing assessed Between 200 and 300 people turned out for the final seminar in Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Finished by 20 Months Northland beef programme last month. Gareth Gillatt reports HAVING ALL animals on a farm growing at the same pace could result in big risks for drystock farmers, delegates at the final Finished in 20 Months beef seminar in Northland
heard last month. The three-year Beef + Lamb New Zealand project ran multiple studies to find techniques which would let farmers get beef cattle to finishing weights
before their second winter, a key aim being to avoid having heavy animals on pugging prone clay soils when it gets wet. But some in the trial have argued even 20
months is too long and target kill weights need to be hit at 15-16 months so they can be sold before Christmas and the subsequent slides in schedule prices. Laurie Copland and consultant Gareth Baynham at the Finished by 20 Months seminar.
Most of the on-farm work in the project looked at crops and prioritising use of them by feed quality and stock class. Farmers using these ‘fast track’ systems have generally carried fewer animals/ hectare to achieve faster liveweight gain with animals putting on 1kg/day or more. Besides the concerns about not achieving kill weights before autumn’s lower schedules, researchers also acknowledged the need to control pasture quality in spring and autumn, particularly with kikuyu which can quickly become unpalatable if it gets away. AgFirst consultant Gareth Baynham analysed the impact using Farmax
modelling. In one scenario, 63 bulls bought at 250kg and run on 30ha (ie 2.1 bulls/ha) were finished at an average of 313kg carcass weight between January and March. That compares with a slow track system with 100 bulls bought at the same 250kg weight and run at 3.3 bulls/ha to be sold from November through to April after their second winter. Baynham says that in a year with average weather there is almost no difference in returns: $929/ ha from the 63 bulls and $905/ha from the 100 bulls. In years where the farm had a cold wet winter the fast-tracked system did slightly better, making $725/ha versus $605/ha
in the slow track system, but in a good year the fasttrack system made $834/ ha compared to $1354/ha from the slow-track. The reason was the stocking rate in the fast track system meant only 61% of pasture grown was used to produce 381kg cwt/ ha while animals at the heavier stocking rate used 78% of the pasture, producing 533kg cwt/ha. The take home message is that tools are needed to manage feed quantity and quality regardless of whether more or fewer animals are carried, says Baynham. Higher stocking rates carried longer can mean better use of flushes in growth but equally stock can go backwards faster during feed pinches
Are you a student or teacher at a rural primary school? Enter HP’s Rural Schools Competition and we could make your IT dreams come true! Just nd an interesting way to tell us why your school needs a technology top up. There are ve chances to win a share of HP technology valued at $20,000.
Find out more at: hp.co.nz/ruralcompetition Terms and conditions apply. Closing date for entries is 25 July 2014. Hewlett-Packard reserves the right to extend, modify or cancel the promotion at their discretion. They are not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition. Any changes to the competition will be notied to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter. This competition is open to New Zealand rural primary schools no larger than 300 pupils outside urban (city and town) areas. ‘HP technology’ includes HP desktops, notebooks, tablets and printers and support assistance. Prize value to consist of total recommended retail price (RRP) of HP products and any technical assistance to set-up technology or training teachers. A cash alternative will not be provided. The prize is not transferable. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be nal and no correspondence will be entered into. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. © 2014 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
MANAGEMENT 31
in Far North if not managed. Using nitrogen, slower grazing rotations and subdivision can help increase pasture availability, and broadcasting annual ryegrass is an option to improve pasture quality. When running fewer animals other classes of stock might be needed to manage pastures or speed up the round if grass is get-
ting overly long. If there’s a deficit, PKE or nitrogen might still be needed. Baynham warned there was no one solution. Finding a mix of tools to suit the farm and system is the key. “Don’t rely on recipes: think about what would work on your own farm.” For example, Hokianga drystock farmer Laurie
Leader-follower system
Copland, one of the participants in the trial, runs breeding cows and bulls on his 450ha farm at Broadwood, 65km northwest of Kaikohe. The farm has flats at the front and broken hills to the rear. Copland runs the bulls on the productive flats and moderate hills, using breeding cows to control the steeper country and
Effect of feed quality on liveweight gain in 300kg steer
deal with any surplus left by the bulls in times of peak pasture growth. He also maintains an extensive regrassing programme on the flats which helps keep pasture ME at 9.5MJ/ kgDM or above throughout year, even though elsewhere summer kikuyu pastures can drop below 7MJME/kgDM. The result is summer liveweight gains of 0.9kg/day without use of supplements, rising to 1.38kg/day in spring. Reseearch data on growth rates off ryegrass was also presented at the seminar, showing that finishing cattle on 10-11MJME pasture will gain 1.25kg/day2kg/day, given enough of it, but if quality is allowed to slip to 8MJME they’ll actually lose weight given the same amount of feed. @rural_news
A LEADER-follower grazing system could keep kikuyu-based pasture under control and accelerate beef growth rates, judging by a 12ha trial on Geoff and Dinah Cookson’s farm at Kawaka. Last month’s ‘Finished by 20 Months’ seminar in Whangarei (see main story) heard how cattle maintained liveweight gain at more than 0.6kg/day and kept pasture metabolisable energy level (ME) at 8.9MJ/kgDM even at the height of summer when quality often crashes. A high priority group got first pick of pasture while another mob went in immediately after to tidy up and hit the target residual pasture cover of 1500kgMD/ha. Liveweight gains were maintained on the priority group while the lower priority mob did the job of maintaining pasture quality. The trial area was divided into a 0.6ha cells and used for two trial periods: September 2012 to May 2013, and December 2013 to May 2014. In September 2012, Cookson stocked the unit with two mobs of 13-month-old Friesian bulls: a priority mob of 34 bulls to be processed before June and a light mob of 18 bulls to do the cleanup duties and stay on the property until spring. The priority mob averaged 0.75kg/day gain, going from 290kg to 490kg by May
Geoff Cookson
2013 thanks to stock going onto pasture covers of 2100kgDM/ha to 2600kgDM/ ha with 10.3MJME/kg DM, made up of 86% green leaf and 13% legume. For the second trial period Cookson tried different ages of stock, leading with 35 R1 bulls and following with 30 older bulls. The R1 bulls gained 0.68kg/day and the R2 mob did 0.46kg/day. The R1s were going onto 2600-3600kgDM/ha covers of 82% green leaf, 18% legume with an ME of 9.7MJ/kgDM. Mobs were only separated by a single wire but Cookson says they never had a problem with breakouts. He plans to run further trials to see if giving pasture a short break between the leader and follower mob might improve liveweight gain in the follower mob.
facebook.com/ruralnews
NEED IT
CLICK IT
GET IT
MILK LINERS
With 14,000 users and counting, the new RD1.com is the perfect way to shop, when and where it suits you. Browse more than 7,000 products, easily find product information and check availability. Choose to collect your items in-store or have them delivered. RD1.DIGITAL.CUPS.RN.HP.001
REGISTER NOW TO SHOP ONLINE AT RD1.COM
WHAT YOU NEED WHEREVER YOU ARE
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
32 MANAGEMENT
Many markets for miscanthus A N D REW SWA LLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz
FUEL, BEDDING, shelter, forage: super-tall peren-
nial grass miscanthus could have markets as all of them, says Miscanthus New Zealand, a Te Awamutu-based company pro-
moting the crop. The grass is already fairly widely used in Europe and the United States as a bioenergy crop
but was only introduced to New Zealand in 2010 with about 40ha now established in various crops and trials nationwide.
Shelter trials
Lincoln University researcher Christopher Littlejohn with a second-year stand of miscanthus at Aylesbury.
“To get that distance effect you want 50-60% permeability. If you’ve got that you should get shelter for 15-20 times the height of the shelter belt.” The miscanthus strips have been planted in 7m-wide strips on the Aylesbury farm to allow for harvesting while still leaving a width for shelter but if shelter was the only aim a 3m or 4m strip would suffice, Littlejohn suggested. Harvested green the miscanthus has made a low quality baleage, tests
on November-made bales coming out at 9.1MJ of metaboliseable energy (ME) per kg drymatter, with a 17% drymatter content. Cut and baled in winter, drymatter was 58% but ME tumbled to 4.6MJ/kgDM. Project supervisor Professor Steve Wratten is looking into other benefits with the crop, such as habitat provision boosting biodiversity and improved farm aesthetics. “We counted up to 13 benefits of this on the dairy farm. That’s quite a good marketing story,” he says.
Miscanthus New Zealand managing director Peter Brown shows some pelleted and chopped products.
At 20% drymatter the harvested miscanthus, which is usually cut and baled in large squares, releases about 15gigajoules/t of energy.
“It’s on a par with low quality coal.” With every gigajoule worth $5 to $10 depending on market, that’s a gross TO PAGE 33
MOH0966/RN/D
STRIPS OF miscanthus have been planted to shelter six paddocks on a dairy farm near Aylesbury, Central Canterbury. “The reason it appeals is because you can let it grow to its maximum height and the centre pivot just passes straight through it,” Lincoln University researcher Christopher Littlejohn explains. Shelter for livestock is only part of the equation: increased pasture growth and reduced evapotranspiration are other known benefits of shelter so the trial is mapping pasture growth to see if there’s a benefit in the lee of the miscanthus. Permeability is also being measured at various points of the season, as it influences the widthe of shelter a windbreak provides.
“It’s a triploid hybrid so it’s completely infertile,” says Miscanthus NZ managing director Peter Brown. Vegetative propagation is by splitting plantlets, or cutting out rhizomes from the considerable rootmass the plants develop after a couple of years. It’s that root mass which gives the C4 grass its ability to regrow to 3-4m every summer. Being a C4 plant, the foliage isn’t frost hardy so when winter comes it dies off leaving dry stems which can be harvested for fuel, or, as Rural News’ sister paper Dairy News reported last week, left as shelter for stock. Brown says cuts close to 40tDM/ha have been recorded but he works on 20tDM/ha/year as a conservative yield for his costings.
Feeling down in response to difficult situations is pretty normal. But when life has no joy or pleasure for more than two weeks, this could be a sign of depression. You’re not alone. One in six New Zealanders will experience depression at some time in their life. Understanding more about depression can help you find a way through. Join JK at depression.org.nz, or call the Depression Helpline 0800 111 757.
DEPRESSION There is a way through it depression.org.nz/rural
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
MANAGEMENT 33
$500-$600/ha left in paddock
Many markets for miscanthus FROM PAGE 32
A N D REW SWA L LOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz
HOW GOOD is your pasture management? Delegates at last week’s South Island Dairy Event were told “it’s not hard to find $500-600/ha left in the paddock” over a season’s production. And while the message was pitched at dairy farmers, presenter David Chapman, Dairy NZ, told Rural News the fine-tuning required to recover that lost production is the same for sheep and beef as it is for dairy. “The best pasture for milk production will be the best pasture for producing beef. For sheep the heights would be a bit different but the principles are the same.” Chapman stressed the two key performance indicators to optimise production off pasture management: pre-grazing mass, and post grazing residual. Hundreds of research projects have shown that for ryegrass a post grazing residual of about 1500kgDM/ha is the optimum balance between achieving rapid regrowth and avoiding loss of quality next time the pasture is grazed. Take pasture much below that, and regrowth
SIDE speakers Sean McCarthy (left) and David Chapman, DairyNZ.
will be excessively delayed; leave much more, and quality will turn to custard before the cows get back with consequent production loss and, if pasture is then grazed hard to get back on track, a regrowth delay because the base of the sward has been excessively shaded. With consistent grazing to 1500kgDM/ha – seven to eight clicks on a platemeter – there will always be a little leaf left on tillers which is “critical because that’s where our regrowth comes from,” explained Chapman. Without that, the first new leaf to emerge is much smaller, and even the second is still somewhat stunted. Maxi-
mum average growth rate, regardless of grazing residual, is achieved when the third new leaf is fully emerged, which is when regrazing should occur, if it hasn’t already happened. Chapman’s Dairy NZ colleague Sean McCarthy relayed a study of seven dairy farms in the lower North Island which found two farms regularly under-grazing, two regularly over-grazing, and while the other three had a better balance, they still had 30-40% of paddocks which were over or under grazed. “The four that were regularly under or over grazing were convinced they were doing a better job than that,” McCarthy
Tunnelhouses
commented to Rural News. Chapman noted one potential benefit of an over-grazing event was a rebound in clover content of the pasture.
return of $1500 to $3000/ ha. The higher value would require pelleting, Brown says, but enquiries to Carter Holt Harvey and Genesis Energy show bulk sales of bales at the lower value are possible. “Carter Holt Harvey are serious enough about it they’ve planted 9ha of their own,” Brown told a meeting in Ashburton last month. Cutting and baling in July-August would be at a time when such machines are normally idle so getting contractors shouldn’t be a problem and other than harvesting there are few, if any, annual growing costs as the grass out competes weeds and to date, hasn’t suffered serious pest or disease attack anywhere in New Zealand or further afield. Establishment costs
depend on method, but Miscanthus New Zealand recommends cultivating and applying a layer of residual herbicide similar to the mixes used for maize before planting in a 1m grid. Plantlets come in at 58c each with a minimum order of 1000. “We’ve found people tend not to look after smaller areas,” Brown told Rural News. Rabbits have also been found to attack small areas of recently planted miscanthus, but largerscale plantings, or established plants, haven’t had a problem. Rhizomes are a cheaper option, at 20-25c each, but are only available for plantings of several hectares and are a less reliable establishment method. To date hand planting has proved best but mechanisation with potato or vari-
ous other vegetable type planters is being investigated. Planted once risk of frost is past, a 1-1.5m tall stand can be expected in the first season, followed by 2-2.5m in the second year, and the forests of 3-4m shoots thereafter. Stands elsewhere in the world have lasted decades. Besides fuel use – there’s the potential for extraction of biofuel as well as simply burning the stuff – harvested green the crop has an ME of about 9MJ/kgDM so there’s potential as a low quality forage. Harvested dry with a forage harvester, or perhaps baled and put through a chopper at a later date, it can be used as a bedding. “It’s much more absorbent than sawdust or straw,” says Brown.
Smart Fuel Storage Available in 1300, 2300, 4800 and 9500 litre diesel stations Fully Compliant Bunded
Optimum clean fuel Minimise fuel theft
Easy and safe to fill and dispense Also manufacturers of Waste Oil Tanks, Tanks for Adblue and Transportable Tanks
Visit our website for a full list of products and features
0800 473 226 | www.sebco.co.nz Proudly made in New Zealand
Visit Us: www.milkbar.co.nz Call Us: 0800 104 119
New R esearc h!
Milk Bar Teats - the simple solution to major problems!
• Ideal addition to your block • Grow vegetables all year round and reduce your grocery bill • Very affordable and easy to install • Totally NZ made by family business making tunnelhouses for 30 years • Range of models from 2m to 8m long
T/F 03 214 4262 E morrifield@clear.net.nz
www.morrifield.com
• Calves fed on Milk Bar Teats gained 17.5% more weight in the first week than calves fed on a faster teat with an internal valve • Calves fed on Milk Bar Teats rarely cross suckled and the keratin plug that seals the teat canal, stayed intact protecting the calf from infection
Did yo you know?
We com commissioned an independent research trial on the effects that flow ra rates have on calves. For more information, give us a ring on 0800 104 119 © All information from the Milk Bar Research Trial 2014 is owned by McInnes Manufacturing Ltd. No reproduction is permitted unless a written request has been authorised by McInnes Manufacturing Ltd.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
34 MANAGEMENT
Horsetail tipped to be as bad as Cali’s ANDREW SWALLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz
A PROLIFIC perennial weed invading paddocks, laneways and tracks across the country “is going to be like Californian thistles,” says Horizons Regional Council environmental coordinator Craig Davey. Davey is talking about field horsetail, an invasive species in New Zealand since the early 1900s but only recently becoming a
serious agricultural issue. He says it was probably brought here by gold diggers, which points to the source of most problems today: river gravels and silts. With horsetail rampant in some riverbeds, extraction of gravels and silts for roading and laneways has seen it spread to roadsides and farms. “You’re importing the weed right into the middle of the place it’s going to cause a problem with
gravel for tracks for irrigators or races.” Contractors have been told of the problem and encouraged to ensure extractions from infested riverbeds are used only on land already known to be infested with horsetail. The weed is poisonous to ruminants and horses, though a Horizons booklet on the weed notes no cases of poisoning in New Zealand. Horizons now has a website page dedicated to
FIELD HORSETAIL
• Spreads from rivers in sands and gravels • Poisonous and unpalatable to stock • Invasive and persistent • Chemical controls limited • Competitive pasture cover helps slow ingress See www.horizons.govt.nz – Hover over ‘Pest plant and animal’ on left of home page, and click on ‘plants’ to pull up tab for dedicated horsetail pages.
the weed and its control. However, it’s not just a Horizons issue: a Landcare Research newsletter last year noted infestations in Kawhia (Waikato), Havelock North, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Lower Rangitikei, Marlborough, Nelson, the West Coast, Christchurch and Dunedin. The Landcare newsletter notes the total amount of infested land nationwide is unknown. Davey echoes that, but says it is clearly a serious problem for some farmers in Horizons’ region. When the council began to publicise the issue it was inundated with information requests and cries for help. A working group was formed, and now the web pages explaining how to kill it.
Craig Davey explaining field horsetail control options. Horsetail seedling.
A combination of chemical, pathway and biological interventions is the best approach, says Davey. “Landowners need to be determined and persistent, spraying the weed three-four times/year if sites are small and the root system isn’t too deep.” Tackling really bad patches “isn’t viable chemically” unless the pasture is taken out too, cultivated, and then the regenerating horsetail is tackled during a fallow phase. In pasture, MCPA or preferably trichlopyr offers some control, but
clover will be sacrificed. During a fallow phase amitrole, glyphosate, or a combination product such as TAG (terbuthylazine, amitrole, oxyfluorfen and glyphosate), can be used. Healthy, competitive pasture helps keep the weed at bay and nitrogen fertiliser can give grass an edge over the weed as it is unresponsive to nitrogen. Mowing, or hard grazing, particularly in spring, doesn’t help as it opens the pasture and lets the weed get away. Horsetail is also known to spoil baleage and hay, points out Davey. Roadside to paddock
spread is common and Davey urges landowners to check road frontages. A Horizons, Rangitikei Field Horsetail Group and Landcare Trust Sustainable Farming Fund project is looking at possible insect or disease biocontrols for which some possible species are now in quarantine. It would likely take five years for populations of an approved biocontrol agent to build to a level where impact could be assessed. Nonetheless, long term biological control is likely to be the only cost effective and sustainable option, says Davey.
Check out our websites BREAKING NEWS MANAGEMENT STORIES MARKETS & TRENDS MACHINERY REVIEWS COMPETITIONS AND MUCH MORE...
www.ruralnews.co.nz
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
MANAGEMENT 35
New opportunities with woodlots G RA HA M W EST
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES and emerging markets mean farm woodlot timber is increasingly being used for more than just sawn timber. On average New Zealanders use about two cubic metres of wood/ person/year – that’s about two tonnes of green wood/ year. This may not seem credible but add up the wide variety of wood based products and it clearly is. There are products formed from reorganising individual wood fibres: things like tissues, paper towels, printing paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard packaging, and all manner of wood plastic composites. Wood’s also made into large sheets such as hardboard, Medium Density Fibre (MDF) board, chipboard, plywood. Engineering projects use wood in laminated beams, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and cross laminated timber (CLT) while traditional sawn timber gets used in everything from framing and furniture to fence posts and sheds. Such a huge variety of
products means all parts of the log are used, creating stable demand for wood of all kinds, including bark and sawdust. This demand is symptomatic of a wealthy society that consumes a lot of resources as it pursues a high impact lifestyle. Fortunately, most wood is produced sustainably from purpose planted forests harvesting sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. Generally, wood products need to comply with green certification schemes before they can be traded and increasingly consumers seek such assurances of sustainability. About 45% of plantation forest in New Zealand is certified within the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) scheme. As a tree grows it stores carbon dioxide and energy from the sun. If not burnt or allowed to rot, each cubic metre of wood holds about 650kg of carbon dioxide. If burnt it releases 6.9 Gigajoules of heat energy to heat homes and industrial processes. To achieve the same heat from electricity costs about $300. Wood provides about 8% of New Zealand’s consumer energy, including heat for
Graham West
homes, swimming pools, glasshouses, and the wood processing industry itself. Liquid transport fuels from wood are a new and exciting possibility. A cubic metre of wood can be converted to about 95 litres of biodiesel or 140 litres of ethanol. While these processes are still experimental and too expensive to compete with oil, in the not too distant future this may change. Chemical extraction may allow wood-derived materials to replace oilsourced substances such as glues and plastics. Already by-products from pulping wood provide tall oil, cleaning products, disinfectants, inks, fragrances, and soaps. Radiata pine bark’s being used as a source of natural antioxidant and antiinflammatory bioflavonoid compounds for the
MPI Forestry Projection, Scenario 2, 2010
health market. New Zealand is one of few countries with a large increase in mature plantation forest looming. We should soon enjoy the benefits of a planting boom from investors in the early 1990s. Annual wood harvest is currently at 30m cu m. That’s expected to increase by 10m in 8-10 years. As the Ministry for Primary Industries 2010, Scenario 2, projection indicates (see graph) the peak harvest could be much greater but it will probably be constrained by infrastructure, availability of logging and log transport contractors, and markets. A significant proportion of this peak wood is in small to medium forests scattered across farms in all regions of New Zealand. Used wisely, it’s an opportunity to improve the wealth of New Zealanders.
Farm forestry plantings now could meet a future market shortage, suggests Scion’s Graham West.
Currently more than double the amount of wood consumed domestically is exported. Most goes as logs to China but about 2m cu m of sawn timber and a similar volume of pulp and paper are also shipped. To maximise the benefit to New Zealand from the approaching “wave of wood” a significant investment in processing is needed, integrated with markets for by-products
Tough troughs for tough conditions
Forestry’s benefits focus of FAO report access to resources, markets and financing; equitable benefit sharing; and valuation of forest products and services. Prince Laurent of Belgium was appointed Special Ambassador for Forests and the Environment in recognition of his longstanding efforts to promote global development and sustainable technologies. Two publications dedicated to family forestry, “A Roadmap on the Way Forward for Forest Producer Organizations” and “Making change happen: what can governments do to strengthen forest producer organizations” were also released. See www.fao.org/forestry
dition. When mature, they may well be used for fibre, chemical extraction and energy generation. • Graham West is a Principal Technologist at Scion, a Crown Research Institute dedicated to forestry, wood product, biomaterial and bioenergy development. Formerly the NZ Forest Research Institute, Scion employs approximately 300 people. Its head office is in Rotorua. See www.scionresearch.com for more
Troughs
super sized ribs in walls for maximum stren gth
THE UNITED Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) last week released is biannual flagship publication State of the World’s Forests (SOFO) which this year focuses on socioeconomic benefits, including income and employment, wood energy, forest products in housing, and the need to shift attention from trees to people, both for data collection and policy making. The release coincided with FAO’s Committee on Forestry (COFO) reviewing forest policy measures that promote sustainable production and consumption; ownership and management rights;
such as saw dust, bark and chips. Behind the peak of the wave is a likely opportunity, a shortage of wood, which planting now could target. Such investment may also be rewarded in the meantime for environmental benefits accrued: carbon dioxide absorbed, oxygen released, water filtered. Trees planted now are unlikely to end up as sawn timber or log exports, so it is important not to be blinkered by tra-
a range of sizes to suit all situations
corrugations in floor for strength standards, Manufactured to the highest robust our ns, ditio con st she har for the and ing stor for troughs are perfect supplying stock water. 558 Find out more: call 0800 288 or visit rxplastics.co.nz
availableide nationw
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
36 ANIMAL HEALTH
Cow comfort key to standoff pads COW COMFORT should be a farmer’s top priority in any decision to install stand-off pads. So says DairyNZ, which did a three-year study of stand-off pads that help prevent pasture damage in wet weather. The work is reviewed in Stand-off pads – your essential guide to planning, design and management. The research looked at eight North Island farms with stand-off pads during May-August. The Northland and Waikato farms were monitored for hours of pad use, pad stocking density, surface material deterioration and cow comfort. DairyNZ farm systems specialist Chris Glassey says it used activity meters on cows on a stand-off pad in Northland and found that the cows’ comfort levels were well-maintained over the winter period. “That’s the encouraging bit, the cows
liked it,” says Glassey. “Their comfort was measured in time spent lying down. Cows need to lie down for at least eight hours a day and will spend time lying in the paddock, instead of grazing, if the stand-off pad isn’t comfortable and spacious enough. “The key to the Northland pad’s success was designing it correctly with appropriate drainage, then regularly topping up and replacing the surface material (woodchips) to create a surface the cows wanted to lie on.” The new guidelines are to help farmers establish and run stand-off pads that keep cows comfortable, fit with the farm system and prevent pasture damage. “Most farmers are looking for the simplest, most established methods of minimising winter and summer pasture damage,” says Glassey. “New practices and knowledge gained by farmers over the years… are
Cow comfort should be paramount in any stand-off pads.
“Cows need to lie down for at least eight hours a day and will spend their time lying in the paddock if the feed-pad isn’t comfortable.” included in the new guide.” Glassey says the research showed that one pugging event during winter can halve pasture production for as much as seven weeks. “About 40% of the ground was bare after moderate treading in winter and
pasture took two months to recover, during which time pasture growth fell by 600kgDM/ha. “Through pasture reduction pugging can have an impact on milk production.” North Island farmers wintering
herds on wetter soil types and upper North Island farmers using on-off grazing to protect summer pasture are likely users of stand-off pads and will find the guide useful, Glassey says. “Despite standing-off being around for some time, larger herds now make it more complex, bringing increased costs. Containment of effluent and greater requirements to meet cow comfort levels are also more important.” For more details see: www.dairynz.co.nz/stand-off-pads
Fiber in the calf shed For maximum stomach development and rumen growth, feed FiberStart® and prepare your herd for life.
Prepare your herd for life with FiberStart® 3 Maximum gut health and papillae growth 3 Superior rumen efficiency and nutrient absorption 3 Grass ready in 7 weeks 3 Greater breeding potential 3 Improved long term milk production
FiberStart® – preparing your herd for life
www.fiber-fresh.com
© ICON 1027-2406 FIB
3 FiberStart® is compatible with any meal
, ve got you We overed c
N E W Z E A L A N D FA R M E R S T R U S T B I O N I C S H E E P C A P S U L E S T O D E L I V E R B E T T E R R E S U LT S A N D 1 0 0 D AY P R O T E C T I O N A G A I N S T A L L M A J O R PA R A S I T E S .
PROUDLY AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL VETERINARY CLINIC. Merial is a Sanofi company. MERIAL NZ LTD. LEVEL 3, MERIAL BUILDING, OSTERLEY WAY, MANUKAU, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND | WWW.MERIAL.CO.NZ | BIONIC® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF MERIAL. REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE ACVM ACT 1997 | NO. A9646 | ©COPYRIGHT 2014 MERIAL NZ LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NZ-14-BIO-104.
MAL_BIonic_Brand Advert_2014_390x265mm.indd 1
24/06/14 2:22 PM
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
38 ANIMAL HEALTH
Aerial TB control operations touted TBFREE NEW Zealand says farmers and environmentalists alike are touting the benefits of an aerial bovine tuberculosis (TB) control operation getting underway in the Rangitoto Range west of Mangakino, Waikato. The popular hunting area is part of 10 million ha of TB risk area in New Zea-
land where TB-infected wild animals have been found. In such areas, says TBFree, possums cause most of the new herd infections in farmed cattle and deer. The national pest management plan is to eradicate TB from at least one quarter of the risk area by 2026. Waikato TBfree
committee chairman John Bubb says eradicating the disease from the Rangitoto Range would prove TB can be eliminated in extensive forest areas. “However, the risk remains that illegally introducing wild animals, such as pigs and deer, into the Rangitoto area could cause TB to return after
it has been proven to be eradicated,” warns Bubb. Such wildlife movements are an offence under the Wild Animal Control Act, he points out. “It would be a shame to jeopardise this work through such reckless behaviour.” Wild animal surveys will be undertaken after
the control operation to check whether disease remains. As letters to this newspaper in recent issues have shown, the use of 1080 to kill TB vectors remains a controversial issue opposed by some readers. TBFree’s media release last week on the operation did not mention
Most infections in TB risk areas are from wildlife, says TBFree New Zealand.
THE ONLY THING
that goes better with lamb is
SMARTShot
The SMARTShot® family of long-acting B12 and Selenium products have been developed and trialled by AgResearch and are made in New Zealand. One simple and convenient 0.5mL injection in lambs from 3 weeks of age can ensure that vitamin B12 and selenium levels remain sufficient for up to 4 months, delivering greater liveweight gains across the board. With fewer injections there’s less stress on your lambs and less labour for you to worry about. Why choose a short acting B12 injection when for as little as 1 cent a day, a long acting SMARTShot® B12 Prime Lamb or SMARTShot® B12 can help your lambs grow to their full potential?
VIR-0349_RN_28x5
Your vet knows the science and benefits behind SMARTShot® and how it can add value to your farming operation. We entrust SMARTShot® to your veterinarian - your animal health expert.
Restricted Veterinary Medicine. Available only under Veterinary Authorisation.
®
GET A FREE
JAR OF Min t & Apple Jelly * with every purchase of 2 x 500mL SMARTShot®# from your vet, to go with your perfect lamb.
*While stocks last. #Minimum purchase of 1 x 500mL SMARTShot® B12 Prime Lamb and 1 x 500mL SMARTShot® B12 plus Se or 2 x 500mL SMARTShot® B12 Prime Lamb or 2 x 500mL SMARTShot® B12 plus Se to qualify.
the means of killing, but a similar release earlier last month quoted Native Forest Restoration Trust reserves manager Sharen Graham saying the trust “actively supports the upcoming aerial 1080 operation” as the Rangitoto area is home to giant totara, rimu and kahikatea as well as native birds including tui, falcon, robins and kaka, all in danger of pest browsing and predation. “The method has previously proven to leave the ecosystem in a much richer state than when possums, rats and stoats are devouring native wildlife.” Last week’s media release also highlighted ecosystem benefits, quoting Department of Conservation senior ranger for biodiversity Tertia Thurley saying some of New Zealand’s rarest bird and plant species will benefit from the pest kill operation. “A wide range of native
forest birds, trees and wildlife also stand to benefit from the knock back of predators like possums, rats and stoats… DOC is working closely with TBfree New Zealand to ensure the best results possible for native wildlife.” TBFree says strict regulations must be followed during pest kill operations, including gaining consent from organisations such as Waikato Regional Council, consulting affected land occupiers and posting warning signs at main access points to the operational area. Bubb says dog owners must be extra vigilant, keeping their animals well away from areas where warning signs are present. “It will not be safe for your dog to re-enter the area until all signs have been officially removed.” Dog owners are responsible for keeping their animals under control at all times, particularly near operational areas, he adds.
Agchem safety campaign coming A CAMPAIGN highlighting why you should wear the right safety gear when using farm chemicals will be launched this month. “This campaign gets to the heart of the farm – the family – and why it’s so important to look after your health,” says Rob Forlong, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). About 600-900 New Zealanders die every year from exposure to hazardous substances and the EPA says correct safety measures could prevent many of these deaths. The campaign directly addresses the ‘she’ll be right’ attitude to safety gear with a compelling message about what can happen if you’re wrong. At least 260 rural supply stores will display posters and distribute flyers as will HortNZ, Federated Farmers, Rural Contractors and WorkSafe NZ through their Safer Farms scheme; 150,000 flyers will be distributed.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
ANIMAL HEALTH 39
Wormwise revamp relayed to NZVA A N D REW SWA LLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz
THE NATIONAL strategy for tackling internal parasites in livestock, Wormwise, is getting a refresh. Workshops, a new website and new structure are on their way and principles to ensure a consistent approach to parasite management have been updated (see panel). Simon Marshall, from Vet Services Dannevirke, relayed the changes at last week’s New Zealand Veterinary Association conference in Hamilton. “Wormwise strategy is to encourage vets in particular to take ownership of the key Wormwise principles,” he said. “The result of [this] will be clear consistent messages being disseminated to farmers.” The plan is to run a series of ‘train the trainer’ workshops for vets then work with Beef + Lamb New Zealand to organise farmer extension events within its regional workshops.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITES
BREAKING NEWS MANAGEMENT STORIES MARKETS & TRENDS MACHINERY REVIEWS COMPETITIONS AND MUCH MORE...
www.ruralnews.co.nz
“There have been some in the last couple of years but nothing like the rollout of events there was in 2007-08 when Wormwise was launched,” Marshall told Rural News prior to the NZVA conference. The structure of
Wormwise has been changed to a charitable trust, so that it is now a contractor to B+LNZ, a move which will make it more autonomous and accountable for its actions, says Marshall. Funding to date has
What’s the parasite plan? The NZVA vet conference heard few farms have one.
mainly been by B+LNZ with in-kind contributions from NZVA, Agcarm and MPI but it is hoped financial contributions from DairyNZ and DINZ can be secured. “This will have a twoTO PAGE 40
Email: hecton@xtra.co.nz Visit our website www.hecton.co.nz for a full list of products or phone 03 215 8558
Updated principles • Healthy animals harbour worms and always will – eradication is neither an appropriate goal nor achievable • Well fed animals are less affected by worms than those under nutritional stress • Older animals are generally less susceptible to worms than younger ones, and, at times, can be used to reduce the number of infective larvae on pastures • Animals vary in their susceptibility to parasites (genetic variability) • Animals can be selectively bred for resistance or resilience to roundworms • Each farm is unique and effective worm management may be different from farm to farm • When breeding for a characteristic, increased selection pressure will result in more rapid change being made
(applies both to livestock and parasites) • Breeding for a single trait leads to more rapid change than breeding for a combination of traits • Most of the year there are more worms, in the various life stages, on pasture than inside the animals • Anthelmintics are a finite resource. The way in which you use drenches and manage parasites can change the rate at which you select for resistant worms • Long-acting drench formulations may hasten development of drench resistance. Once present on a farm, resistance to anthelmintics can be considered permanent • Anthelmintics used in combination can delay the onset of resistance • A population of undrenched worms should be maintained on farm
Meal feed Systems Roller Mill System
Herringbone meal feed system
ATV Trailers 7x4 ATV Trailer
5x4 ATV Trailer
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
40 ANIMAL HEALTH
Obama orders action for bees
The US is funding conservation reserves to support bees. PHOTO: CLAY SMITH, IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.
AL AN H ARMAN
US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has ordered the US Environmental Protection Agency to assess pesticide impact on bee and other pollinator health and to
THE LONG:
take action, as appropriate, within 180 days. “The continued loss of commercial honey bee colonies poses a threat to the economic stability of commercial beekeeping and pollination operations in
Long-acting clostridial protection – so you can vaccinate earlier and protect lambs for longer. If you’ve ever had lambs drop dead from diseases like Pulpy Kidney, you’ll know why clostridial protection is so important. 5-in-1 vaccination at pre-lamb dramatically increases lamb survival through to weaning. And the more antibodies they receive, the more protected they’ll be. NILVAX is a 5-in-1 that contains levamisole, which boosts the immune response in ewes, increasing the number of antibodies available to lambs through colostrum. This boosted protection results in longer-lasting protection for lambs and better protection for multiples that share colostrum from one ewe. Clostridial protection is one of the best things you can do right now to ensure more lambs survive through to weaning. Pick up NILVAX today from your local animal health retailer.
THE SHORT: A short-acting drench.
the US, which could have profound implications for agriculture and food,” says the President. “Severe yearly declines create concern that bee colony losses could reach a point from which the commercial pollination industry would not be able to adequately recover.” Other pollinator populations, including native bees, birds, bats and butterflies, are also dwindling. “The problem is serious and requires immediate attention.” Managed honey bee colonies in the US have fallen from six million in 1947 to 2.5 million. Obama has created a pollinator health task force headed by the Secretary of Agriculture and the administrator of the EPA made up of representatives of 14 government agencies. Obama wants a strategy from the agencies in the next six months that will protect pollinators by improving their habitat. He wants explicit goals, milestones and a system to measure progress; a pollinator research action plan; a public education plan and proposals for developing public-private partnerships to encourage the protection of pollinators and increase the quality
and amount of habitat and forage for pollinators. He’s given the Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and the Interior 90 days to develop best management practices to enhance pollinator habitat on federal lands and has ordered reserves of native seed mixes, including pollinator-friendly plants, to be established for use on post-fire rehabilitation projects and other restoration activities. The Council on Environmental Quality and the General Services Administration has the same deadline to revise guidelines for designed landscapes and public buildings to incorporate pollinator-friendly practices and high quality pollinator habitats. The USDA is also to spend US$8m helping farmers establish new honey bee habitats in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. It comes on top of the US$3m the USDA gave Midwest states earlier this year to support bee populations. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says US$15 billion of agricultural production, including some 130 fruits and vegetables, depend on the health and well-being of honey bees.
Wormwise revamp
ELE-01378-RN
FROM PAGE 39
®
Registered trademark. COOPERS Phone: 0800 800 543. www.coopersonline.co.nz NZ/NLX/0514/0002
fold benefit, one being further resources to carry out WW activities plus involvement from other agricultural sectors needing support for the control of internal parasitism,” Marshall told the conference. Wormwise’s website, www.wormwise.co.nz has been reviewed by the organisation’s technical advisory group and a new version was due online last week, though as of Wednesday it did not appear to have been updated. “The Wormwise booklet is also being reviewed and re-written by the technical advisory group during this year and should be ready later this year,” added Marshall. Vets were also encouraged to work with their clients to produce farm specific parasite management plans, “an essential part of any farming system, but there are few farms that will have one in place…. Once a faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) has been completed it becomes a great stepping stone to get one done.” Fellow conference speaker, Richard Hilson from Vet Services’ Waipukurau clinic, who also has a 220ha mixed farm, said it is relatively simple to incorporate Wormwise into the overall management systems.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 41
Greenwashing slashes in-shed water use GA RE T H G I LLAT T
WASHING STAND-OFF pads and dairy shed yards with recycled water could cut fresh water usage by thousands of litres every milking, says Houle solutions and field services technician Murray McEwan. Even mid-sized yards demand surprising quantities of water for each clean, perhaps not a huge concern now but likely to be soon. Hence the appeal
of a yard flushing system which re-uses water from effluent ponds and sumps. After flushing, the water from the yard is screened for effluent then put into a sump or pond. Come the next wash, the system pumps liquid from the pond, mixes it with fresh water and pumps it back out to the yard via chambers cut into the concrete surface and covered by metal plates. Relatively common overseas, this practice
has only recently been considered by farmers in New Zealand, pressured to cut fresh water consumption. McEwan says he knows of a 1100-cow farm that cut washdown freshwater use (yard and feedpad) to 15,000L/day by using a ‘greenwash’ system pumping 120,000L of recyled water for flushing concrete. Strict rules govern the use of greenwater on dairy yards. Fonterra for-
bids farmers to use handheld hoses to green wash yards; its use is restricted to pumping it from an outlet no more than 300mm above ground, with no detectable mist or ‘aerosol’. The holding area for greenwater must be at least 10m from milking plant if it holds up to 22,500L, or 20m if it holds more. Green water may not come closer than 5m from cups. The yard must be
Murray McEwan with a screen filter at the Waikato field days.
washed after every milking and must be free of residual sediment; the water recovery system must have consistent delivery of water free from excessive sediment or offensive odours. No milk produced in a shed with a greenwash system attached may be
used to make unpasteurised dairy products. McEwan says setting up systems right is essential and will make sure washdown runs smoothly. Product from greenwash systems tends to be more valuable when spread back on a paddock
because it contains more nutrients from multiple washes. McEwan says Environment Waikato requires farmers to limit water use to 70L/cow/day under resource consents. Tel. 0800 432 3276 www.gea-farmtechnologies.com
Drill suits planting high-energy crop TONY H O P K I NSO N
WITH THREE machines already operating here, John Chapman, cultivation and seeding product specialist, Power Farming, sees a growing market for drills able to sow fodder beet. Chapman, from the UK, saw the potential for fodder beet in New Zealand as farmers wanted to increase production by feeding their cows this high-energy ration. He cites a 12-row Kverneland Monopill SE drill owned by Paul and Tracey O’Rourke, Hataikahawai Land Holdings Ltd, Taranaki.
“The most important attribute of this machine is that the maximum seed drop height is 3cm and this guarantees precise seed placement without bounce or roll.” Chapman says fodder beet can yield on average 18,000-22,000kgDM/ha – and as much as 30,000kgDM – whereas average yield figure for swedes and kale are only 10,000-12,000kgDM/ha and with potential for 18,000kgDM/ha. The crop can be grazed in situ or lifted and stored and is highly palatable. The drill can be wheel driven or electrically powered, working with geo
control allied with GPS: these prevent double coverage, and seeds in alternate rows are spaced to give optimum growing space for each plant. It can also be used to plant rape, canola and chicory. Crops can be planted into prepared seed beds or direct drilled into mulch when the front Farmflex wheel is replaced with a double cutting disc equipped with side zero pressure tyres. The trailing coulter draws a clean seed furrow for precise seed placement. Tel. 07 902 2200 www.powerfarming.co.nz
POW0372A
Contact your local Power Farming and Deutz-Fahr dealer today for unbeatable finance deals across the entire range of award winning Deutz-Fahr tractors.
*Normal lending criteria applies. 40% deposit required plus all the GST. Offer available for a limited time only.
0800 801 888 | powerfarming.co.nz
John Chapman, cultivation and seeding specialist for Power Farming, Morrinsville.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
42 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Low pass means success on Kiwi turf TO N Y H O P K I NSO N
ON DISPLAY at the recent field days in Waikato was the Croplands 2000 kiwi self-propelled orchard sprayer, the latest in machines especially for kiwifruit, and for other low hanging crops. “This Croplands machine is a new design with many new features,” said upper North Island territory manager Greg Small. The 4WD machine is 1390mm high when empty and has ground clearance of 220mm. It is powered by a 85hp turbo-charged diesel engine. It has 2- or 4-wheel steering changeable at the flick of a switch. The cab is constantly pressurised with a 100% fresh, conditioned air. It is fully specced for travelling on the road and has safety cameras for reversing. The chassis is galvanised and the fuel tank holds 65L. The spraying pump is a Crop-
One finger starts
lands AR 170 brass which can deliver 167L/min at 2000rpm. It is belt driven from the motor. The fiberglass spray tank holds 2000L and there is a 70L flush tank. The tank has a electronic tank level indicator with cab readout and a plastic tube indicator for external use. Spray solutions are agitated
MACHINERY MAKER Husqvarna turns 325 this year and the company says it is not slowing down on the innovation front. The Block NZ 2012 winner Ben Crawford, a Southlander just back from a visit to the company’s Swedish headquarters, is said to be lauding its new 400 series chainsaws as “the most effortless chainsaws I’ve ever used”. Features include the maker’s Smart Start technology which demands minimal starting effort. A single finger is all it takes, Crawford says. The new machines also have a tool-less chain tensioner, 75% lower emissions, increased fuel efficiency that doesn’t compromise power and highly effective anti-vibration dampers.
Self-propelled orchard sprayer (above). Right: Greg Small.
through a bypass with twin venturis. At the rear is a 820 FE Croplands Kiwi air control fan with a Croplands soft-start and run-down clutch. Tel. 0800 106 898 www.croplands.co.nz
LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE FIELDAY SPECIALS!
www.husqvarna.com/nz
PHONE 0800 625 826 For your nearest stockists
FENCE MOUNT GRAVITY CALF FEEDERS
OPEN YET CLOSED FEEDER
5 Teat
12 Teat
Range: 40 Teat x 550 Litre ....................$3400.00 50 Teat x 550 Litre .....................$ 3700.00 60 Teat x 750 Litre Tandem .....$5050.00
COLOSTRUM 16 Teat
2200 Litre ........ $ 835.00 1400 Litre......... $ 630.00 1000 Litre ........ $ 485.00
20L Meal Trough
2200L Colostrum
TRANSPORT
MEAL FEEDERS
1500 Litre .......... $ 810.00 1000 Litre ......... $ 650.00 550 Litre ............ $ 485.00
20 Litre Meal ........ $ 64.00 16 Litre Meal ......... $ 64.00 12 Litre Meal ......... $ 50.00
550L Colostrum
WATER TROUGHS 20 Litre Water ... $ 89.00 16 Litre Water .... $ 89.00 12 Litre Water .... $ 77.00
12L Water Trough
Other Options Available Open 1 Teat ...........$ 35.00 3 Teat ..........$ 50.00 5 Teat ..........$ 76.00 7 Teat ..........$ 110.00 8 Teat..........$ 140.00 11 Teat .........$ 159.00 16 Teat .......$ 240.00
McKee Plastics, Mahinui Street, Feilding | Phone 06 323 4181 | Fax 06 323 4183 McKee Plastics, 231 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton | Phone 07 847 7788 sales@mckeeplastics.co.nz | www.mckeeplastics.co.nz
Compartment 3 Teat .........$ 85.00 6 Teat .........$ 130.00 12 Teat.........$ 245.00 16 Teat ........$ 275.00
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 43
Kiwi mower scores hit on birdstrike GA RE T H G I LLAT T
TOPPING mower specialist Fieldmaster at the Waikato field days launched a mower developed for one of the world’s busiest and most challenging mowing environments – international airports. The Auckland mower and farm implement manufacturer worked with Auckland International Airport to develop the Airport Express, capable of mowing large areas quickly without damaging pasture or leaving much litter. Fieldmaster managing director Myles Cooper says birdstrike is a major problem for airports: 1000 incidents in New Zealand each year, 90% near airports as planes take off and land. Auckland airport has 200ha to mow in only 2.5 hours, and it remains
unmown for most of the year due to poor drainage and flat terrain, Cooper says. Preferred airport grass length is 150mm, in which birds would find food but nowhere to nest. The company first looked for a vehicle capable of cutting quickly while moving ‘lightly’ over the ground, finally settling on a 70hp Reform Metrac H7X slope tractor. This weighs 2.3 tonnes, has ground loading of 7psi and can cut at about 20km/h. The new mower has multiple carbon fibre decks with double chains at front and rear that prevent debris flying onto runways; the blades are specially angled to lift grass for a better, more consistent cut. Deck suspension systems had to be such as to prevent scalping (soil
being exposed) during mowing “because any ground exposed would [yield] worms and attract birds”. The mower, which allows Auckland Airport to keep grass trimmed for 12
months of the year instead of four, has been in operation for at least a month. Other airports and municipal bodies are showing interest. Tel. 09 237 1500 www.fieldmaster.co.nz
Fieldmaster managing director Myles Cooper at the field days.
WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ
Mower maker shifts to Euro driveline
$
NEW model Fieldmaster mulchers and mowers will come with European drive gear and will carry longer warranties, says deputy general manager Rachel Stock. New mowers will have Italian gearboxes, couplings and extensions, and Spanish mechanical clutches and PTOs, all warranted for two years. The clutches prevent the gearboxes from damage that can be sustained when they disengage then re-engage at excessive torque levels; the clutches ensure re-engagement only at manageable torque levels. Stock says the new equipment will make the implements more reliable and perform to already proven specifications.
9,999 LT-F400F/LT-A400F
SAVE
EXCLUDES GST
$1,195
$
KingQuad 400 4X4 MANUAL OR AUTO
11,299 LT-A500X
SAVE
EXCLUDES GST
• Electronic Fuel-injection • 4 stroke, 4 valve engine • Hi-Lo ratio, selectable 2WD/4WD or CVT transmission with Hi/Lo and reverse • Torque-sensing limited slip front differential • Sealed rear brakes • Twin shock rigid rear axle • Comfortable T-shaped seat • 24 Month/15,000km warranty
$1,000
KingQuad 500 4X4 AUTO
• Liquid cooled fuel injected 4-stroke • CVT transmission with Hi/Lo Ratio and reverse • Push button 2WD/4WD select with diff-lock option • Independent front and rear suspension • Fully sealed oil-bathed multi-plate disc rear brake • 24 Month/15,000km warranty
WHATEVER’S HAPPENING ON THE FARM, YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON SUZUKI TO BE RIGHT BEHIND YOU. AND THIS FIELDAYS WE’RE IN THERE BOOTS ’N ALL, WITH EVEN MORE VALUE ON NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE RANGE OF ESSENTIAL FARM VEHICLES.
Tel. 09 237 71500 www.fieldmaster.co.nz
12,999
$
CAMBRIDGE FARM ROLLERS
LT-A500XP
SAVE
NEW 10ft Roller with Extension Drawbar & Screw Jack $6900 Vee Ring Roller Seeder Drill with Vee bottom seed box, hydraulic clutch, ext. drawbar, ...................... $18,800 Special rollers made to order, • All prices ex-Factory, Excl GST • Spare parts, Rings and Bearings. Competitive freight rates to the North Island 26"dia rings ................... $90.00 24"dia rings ................... $85.00 Ph: 0800-838 963
EXCLUDES GST
$1,050
AUSTINS FOUNDRY LTD 131 King Street, Timaru www.austinsfoundry.co.nz
Check out our websites www.ruralnews.co.nz www.dairynews.co.nz
KingQuad 500
4X4 AUTO POWERSTEER • Liquid cooled fuel injected 4-stroke • CVT transmission with Hi/Lo Ratio and reverse • Push button 2WD/4WD select with diff-lock option • Independent front and rear suspension • Fully sealed oil-bathed multi-plate disc rear brake • 24 Month/15,000km warranty
SZM0079
THESE GREAT BOOTS ’N ALL SUZUKI FIELDAYS DEALS MUST END 31 JULY! Offers available until 31 July 2014 or while stocks last. Only available at Fieldays or participating Suzuki dealers. Prices are recommended retail excluding GST, savings shown include GST. Offer not available in conjunction with any other promotions.
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
44 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
A little luxury is nice now and then MA RK M AC FA R LA N E markm@ruralnews.co.nz
AN OCCASIONAL dark chocolate is OK isn’t it? And my cardiologist actually recommends the odd whisky. For those who like a little luxury, the new Lexus CT200h may fit the bill. Discretion is the key, as the brand is enjoyed by those not happy to be seen with a German badge on the bonnet. This is the baby of the range, priced from $49,995. Larger top-of-the-line Lexus are so eye-watering expensive that even the distributor lists them as
The new Lexus CT200h.
‘price on application”. If you have to ask, a tachometer and both the throttle and perhaps you can’t afford one. steering are made more responsive. For this model, a small premium It made a bigger difference than I had on mainline brands buys you some fairly smart kit. For those who like a little Power comes from a hybrid 1.8L petrol engine offering frugal luxury, the new Lexus 4.1L/100km and emitting only 94g/ CT200h may fit the bill. km of CO2 emissions. After a long drive I had a good feel expected to the drive. This is a great feafor the car and thought it a bit lacking in ture that can be used as the road, or your performance but hadn’t been using the intentions on it, change. Not a large car, but wonderfully power setting on the transmission. This neat dial changes the interior lighting to crafted. An uninformed critic – I’ve had red, the eco-gauge changes instantly to to put up with a few with this car – will
say, “Oh it’s just a flash Corolla”. But I spent a week in a Corolla recently and I can assure you that you wouldn’t recognise many features from Lexus’ parent company Toyota’s similar-sized cousin. The interior has some daring design touches and is beautifully crafted and easy to feel your way around. The large info and entertainment screen is operated by a nice mouse type control and will provide as much information as you will ever need on your trip. I would like the screen to fold away when not wanted, but unfor-
tunately it is a permanent structure. Seating is snug, very comfortable and adjustable in many ways. Leather is standard in the two top models and an option in the base model and, thankfully, for long distance drivers there is welcome under-thigh support. The luggage space is a bit small – 375L. The driving position is excellent and all-round visibility is adequate despite the high rear quarters. The CT200h line provides a wellappointed, well-priced entry to a brand recognised as technically advanced and adding prestige to the owner’s garage.
ACCELERATE GROWTH
in
e weed
Th
er -
s ce
198
7 Call 0800 804 458 to find your local dealer. Or visit our website, www.giltrapag.co.nz
in
Everything starts with a healthy diet. Our mixer wagon will keep you in control of your herd’s weight and health. As they grow, so will you. Make every minute count.
JFM
ip
e ge n
w
u
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 45
New Jaguar strong, fast and nimble JAGUAR HAS unveiled its F-type Coupé, saying it is the best-performing sports car it has ever produced. The car will sell here in three versions: F-type R, F-type S and the F-type. The F-type Coupé is on sale here now from $125,000, the F-type S will cost $140,000 and the F-type R $185,000. Jaguar New Zealand sales manager Paul Ricketts says after the launch of the F-type convertible last year it knew interest in the coupé would be strong. “Deposits have surpassed our expectations and we believe this interest will grow as more people experience the F-type Coupé.” The F-type R Coupé is powered by Jaguar’s 5.0L supercharged V8 engine delivers 404kW/680Nm, accelerates to 100km/h in 4.2-seconds and has a top speed of 300km/h (electronically limited). The F-type S Coupé and F-type Coupé are powered by Jaguar’s 3.0L V6 supercharged petrol engines in 280kW/460Nm and 250kW/450Nm forms respectively, giving 0-100km/h in 4.9/5.3-seconds and top speeds of 275/260km/h.
The F-type Coupé has a “dramatic cabin-rearward stance defined by three heartlines”. “The first two heartlines – shared with F-type Convertible – form the muscular front and rear wings, the third heartline is the sweeping coupé roof profile which provides an unbroken silhouette while emphasising the… tapered cabin sitting between powerful rear haunches.” The F-type Coupé has a lightweight, extremely strong aluminium bodyshell. Torsional rigidity for all F-type Coupé variants is 33,000 Nm/ degree – greater than in any previous production Jaguar, this rigidity underpinning excellent dynamic attributes. The F-type Coupé’s body side is made from a single piece aluminium pressing, probably the most extreme cold-formed aluminium body side in the automotive industry – no multiple panels or cosmetic joints. The roof panel itself is available in either aluminium or panoramic glass form. The F-type R Coupé has a bespoke suspension set-up and new dynamic technologies. These include an electronic active differential (EAD)
and, for the first time on a Jaguar, torque vectoring by braking, these systems working in parallel to provide immediacy of response and exploitable handling. The EAD system auto-
Jaguar claims the F-type Coupe is the best-performing sports car from the company.
matically redistributes engine torque between the rear wheels; and torque vectoring, by braking intelligently, applies precisely metered braking force to the inner wheels as necessary during cornering.
Y SE AS M H IT W E OR M GET MATES RNSATES MEA
GET MORE
E! U L A V HUGE
MF400 SERIES – FRONT END LOADER AVAILABLE 80 or 100 hp Simple and dependable Perkins 1104 engine 12F X 4R transmission with side shift ROPS (Roll Over Protection Structure) or fully enclosed cabin Proven and trusted design bred from unmatched Massey Ferguson heritage 3200 kg three-point linkage lift capacity 540/1000 PTO independent forward speed
MF4600 SERIES 3 models ranging from 80 – 100 hp Take on every task around the farm with the manoeuvrable MF4600 Series Tier 4 emission compliant engines 2-speed rear PTO 12F/12R power shuttle transmission Large lift capacity of 2500 kg
GET MORE TODAY! SEE YOUR NEAREST MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER.
At a glance • The new F-type Coupé is the best-performing production Jaguar ever made • Top model is the F-type R Coupé, its 404kW/680Nm 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine enabling acceleration from 0-100km/h in 4.2-seconds, and a top speed of 300km/h (limited) • The F-type R Coupé features Jaguar’s second-generation electronic active differential which works in parallel with a new torque vectoring braking system to enhance agility and exploitable handling • F-type Coupé is the company’s most torsionally rigid production Jaguar ever made.
North Island Kaikohe Whangarei Morrinsville Hamilton Matamata Rotorua Taupo Gisborne Stratford Hastings Feilding Masterton
South Island Renton Motors (1976) Limited Bryant Tractors (1983) Ltd Piako Tractors Waikato Tractors Limited Matamata Tractors & Machinery Piako Tractors Limited Taupo Tractor & Machinery Ltd AP Hydraulics FieldTorque Taranaki Limited TFM Tractors TRC Tractors Tulloch Farm Machines
09 401 0313 09 438 1319 07 889 7055 07 843 7237 07 888 6292 07 345 8560 07 378 4533 06 868 7701 06 765 8643 0800 885 5624 06 323 4117 06 370 0390
Nelson Blenheim Ross Christchurch Ashburton Timaru Oamaru Mosgiel Gore Invercargill
Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd Ross Motors (2004) Ltd JJ Limited JJ Limited JJ Limited Stills Farm Machinery Ltd JJ Limited JJ Limited JJ Limited
www.masseymatesrates.co.nz
03 544 5936 03 572 5173 03 755 4188 03 344 5645 03 307 6031 03 688 7401 03 431 3760 03 489 8199 03 208 9370 03 211 0013
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
46 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER
Feed mixing brings better performance GA RE TH G I L LAT T
AN NDE feed mixer is said to be helping a Waikato dairy farmer raise productivity. Ben Cameron milks 360 cows on a 110ha near Morrinsville. In two recently built Herdhomes he feeds his cows supplements through winter. Feeds like PKE and other supplements are new to Cameron: he began only a few years ago feeding supplements other than maize silage, which was fed onto the paddock. Further supplementation started when he built the cow housing. The structures helped cut feed waste but he soon noticed the animals took longer than he preferred to eat the supplements.
Cameron feeds a mixture of maize silage, palm kernel with hay or straw being added to the mix when conditions are overly wet. Feed was initially put on the pad in layers using a silage wagon. Laying down the different layers took three to six loads but this paled in comparison to the time it took for stock to eat the supplement. As stock were able to eat through the different layers, picking out the parts of the mix they wanted, Cameron says it took all day for them to eat through the feed available with bits left over. This became especially noticeable during the drought of 2012-13 when there was no pasture to feed stock and they needed
YOUR ADVERT HERE
to rely completely on supplement. Last year at the Waikato field days Cameron bought an 18m3 NDE mixer from Giltrap and was impressed with the results saying it not only made distributing feed faster, it also improved the consumption and palatability of the feed without any other form of additive. Production on the farm went from 335kgMS per cow to 400-500kgMS per cow with the only major change being the addition of the mixer wagon. Instead of being able to choose what they wanted, cows had to eat all the supplements which had been chopped and mixed with water to be made more palatable. After the feed was
Ben Cameron
and more milk in the vat, Cameron says feeding out almost year-round wasn’t part of his normal strategy, instead being a tool to get through the summer. To keep stock out of the heat Cameron left cows in the Herdhomes during the day, putting them out into paddock only during the night. Grass growth shot away after the early autumn with the farm recovering
CRAIGCO SENSOR JET
on the benefits of mixing feed together Cameron is now convinced it helps stock’s digestibility. “If you mix it together they just eat more.” “I could have left 20kg/ head/day of feed on the yards with the silage wagon and they wouldn’t be able to eat it all; with the mixer wagon they hoover it up in six hours.” Tel. 0800 804 458 www.giltrapeng.co.nz
• Cost Effective • Complete Package • Unbeatable pricing • Performance Guaranteed
P 06 835 6863 - www.craigcojetters.com
GRAZING
Rubber Safety Matting • ATV Carrier Mats • Exit/Entry Areas • Calf Trailers • Horse Floats & Trucks • Weigh Platforms • Bale Mats • Comfort Mats for Wet & Dry Areas • Utility Deck Matting
Long Term Lease
~~ Specialists in ATV Trailers ~~ working with farmers for 40 years see your local CRT Farmlands Store or ph 0508 805 801 for your nearest supplier
44 Hectares available from 1 June Tokoroa South Waikato
Phone: 0800 80 8570
Email: lucyann45@yahoo.com.au
www.burgessmatting.co.nz
Culvert Pipes New Zealand’s CHEAPEST Culvert Pipes! FREE joiners supplied on request.
ONE STOP WATER SHOP 300mm x 6 metre ................................ $410 400mm x 6 metre ................................ $515 500mm x 6 metre ................................ $690 600mm x 6 metre ................................ $925 800mm x 6 metre .............................. $1399 1000mm x 6 metre ............................ $2175 1200mm x 6 metre ............................ $3475 ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.
well. While Cameron uses a 140hp tractor to pull his NDE mixer wagon, he says it is only to guarantee he can keep a handle on it when taking it from where feed was kept down to the cow shelters. “I needed the extra weight to keep from being pushed downhill. The tractor doesn’t get out of idle when I’m mixing the supplement.” While initially a skeptic
Order your Dual Axle or Tandem Trailer NOW for July / August Delivery
DEAL TO FLY AND LICE
For details contact: JULIE BEECH Ph 09-307 0399
julieb@ruralnews.co.nz
mixed cows didn’t only eat faster, they ate more, Cameron says. This was especially noticeable over the last two summers when the area suffered its second drought in a row - no noticeable rain from October the previous year till almost the end of autumn. This followed a deep nationwide drought in the 2012-13 season when the entire country missed out on rain for much of the summer. In the summer of 2013 cows were eating 12kg/ head/day of supplement as there was no pasture. However, 12 months later cows were eating closer to 20kg/head/day which all went either onto cow’s backs or into the vat. While feeding out paid off in better condition
• Lightweight, easy to install • Made from polyethylene
McKee Plastics, Mahinui Street, Feilding Phone 06 323 4181 Fax 06 323 4183 McKee Plastics, 231 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton. Ph 07 847 7788 sales@mckeeplastics.co.nz www.mckeeplastics.co.nz
www.smithattachments.co.nz
Phone
0800 625 826
for your nearest stockist
Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes
RURAL NEWS // JULY 1, 2014
RURAL TRADER 47 DOLOMITE
FLY OR LICE PROBLEM?
NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call... 0800 436 566
Weatherstations, unusual gifts and science support for over 40 years...
WE’RE ONLINE! • The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 Unique • Quality construction and options self adjusting • Get the contractors choice sides • Direct from the manufacturer • Efficient application and unequalled cost savings
Phone 07 573 8512 • www.electrodip.com
NewSINGLE TOP DOG BOX
DOG BOX
Accommodates up to 4 dogs 6 individual air vents Removable centre board 2 lockable galvanised gates In-house drainage Tie down lugs on each side Fits all wellside & flatdeck utes (2 models) ❱❱ Raised floor for insulation ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱
GST $699 incl
GST $495 incl
The Met Shop Phone: 04 384 7683 • Fax: 04 384 7689 Email: info@metshop.co.nz 66 Dixon St, Te Aro Wellington PO Box 9254, Wellington 6141 www.metshop.co.nz
POLY SILOS
DAIRY FLOOR REPAIRS ™
Cretex TR
Epotread SL250
Incredible adhesion Rapid cure Chemical resistant Extremely hard in 6 hours
Non Toxic, Solvent Free Chemical Resistant Self smoothing, easy to spread Covers eroded & pitted floors
™
TROWEL GRADE EPOXY FILLER
Fast Easy Assembly No Blockages
Minimal Sweating Longer Lasting No Rust
Polyethylene
EPOXY SCREED FOR ERODED FLOORS
Full Range of Sizes Available
Phone 0800 625 826 www.mckeeplastics.co.nz
FOOTWEAR LTD
NZ MADE BOOTS
Visit www.lastrite.co.nz for more quality products
HUNTER BOOTS Comfortable, durable and stylish.
The heavy duty sole construction makes this a robust boot designed for climbing over rugged ground. This boot has a soft toe and is made from a thick Mad Dog Nubuck Leather, stitched and screwed construction with a rubber, replaceable sole, that is glued and screwed. Soft padding for ankle support and D-Rings for your laces are an added advantage. Great fitting boots full of comfort, ideal for those long hunting and tramping trips.
ORDERS AND ENQUIRIES
0800 542 542
Call: 0800 668 534
www.regiscoatings.co.nz
Drive Rats Out!
Electromagnetic Plug-In Pest Free Expellers Drive Out Rats and Mice. They Won’t Return. • Pest Free puts 50Hz pulse along power cables 100% 60-DAY • Rats and mice stress, dehydrate, exit MONEY-BACK • No harm to humans, pets, computers, etc. GUARANTEE • Models to suit buildings/plant 200sq.m to 1000sq.m • NSW-made, patented, science proven • Used in ten countries • 2-year warranty BUY WITH confidence from authorised rural sales agent N + J Keating, 70 Rimu Street, New Lynn,
Auckland 0600. Tel. 09 833 1931 (cell 021 230 1863); email keating@orcon.net.nz
FARMER BOOTS Lastrite’s Farmer boots are made
for comfort. Constructed from Mad Dog leather they are an ideal farmers, fencers and builders boot. Very sturdy and made to last this boot is robust with a heavy duty construction. It has a leather insole and midsole that is stitched and screwed construction with a rubber, replaceable sole, that is glued and screwed. Update your old boots now and you will never look back.
48 JOHN STREET, WHANGAREI 0800 4 BOOTS (26687) or 09 438 8907
Rangiora
www.advantageplastics.co.nz
TWO WAYS TO ORDER/PAY: 1) POST: cheque to N. Keating telling us the product(s) you want, plus your name, address and telephone number. 2) INTERNET: direct credit ASB 12 3039 0893559 00 (your surname as reference) PLUS telephone or email us, saying which product(s) you want.
NEW OFFER
Buy One Pest Free PRO
For your large home, office or factory (400m2) $399.90 incl. GST and post And get a domestic model FREE The original Pest Free domestic has thousands of satisfied owners throughout New Zealand.
Or Just Buy Pest Free domestic at 159 $
.90
(RRP)
including GST and post
FLEXISKIN RAINWEAR & RAINWALK SALE! OFFER AVAILABLE 2 WEEKS ONLY! COMFORTABLE, HIGHLY BREATHABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT! $66 valued at $180
$66 valued at $140
$48 valued at
$120
$42 valued at
$140
Please add $10 Freight per order
$48 valued at
$110
$42 valued at $120
Rainwalk is ultra light nylon. More breathable, but less waterproof than Flexiskin.
THIS FIELDAYS, WE’RE MOVING STOCK. NAVARA ST 2WD FROM
$
31,990
1
+GST +ORC
% FINANCE ACROSS THE ENTIRE NAVARA RANGE.
Offer available to approved applicants of Nissan Financial Services only and excludes all lease and some fleet purchasers. Units must be registered in July to qualify for the special finance offer. The 1% Finance offer applies to Navara (D40) and Navara DX (D22) variants. The 1% p.a.interest rate is available with zero deposit and 36 months term. Navara Sports bar shown as an optional accessory. Additional finance related fees, charges, and terms and conditions apply. Additional fees and on-road charges apply. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and is only available while stocks last. Offer must end Jul.31st 2014.
NIS4245/RN1
nissan.co.nz