NEWS Last year’s drought has become just a bad memory for some. PAGE 9
AGRIBUSINESS Dutch couple persevere with their horse ploughing dreams. PAGE 21
RURALNEWS
2014 OUTLOOK Ag leaders give positive forecasts for the year ahead.
PAGES 6-7
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS
JANUARY 21, 2014: ISSUE 553
www.ruralnews.co.nz
Meat on election agenda? P E TE R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
FORGET ALL the machinations around the political aspirations of Kim Dot Com, Colin Craig and John Banks; if the Meat Industry Excellence (MIE) group gets its way red meat sector reform will be the focus of this year’s general election. MIE chair John McCarthy says his
lobby group plans to make the red meat sector an election issue. “The industry is a key to the national interest and New Zealand is becoming too reliant on dairy,” he told Rural News. Time is running out for the red meat industry, he says. A 7% conversion rate to dairying in Southland and similar rates in Otago and Canterbury are being talked about. Dams in the Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay could see a 12%
conversion rate. “We are becoming a one horse town,” McCarthy says. “We will approach Government to help save the red meat industry because we can’t have all our eggs in one basket. There is real risk that we are rushing headlong into this trading relationship with China and we rushing into having our economy dominated by dairying. “It’s Economics 101, it’s not going
to work. As a nation we have got the issue of the environmental footprint associated with dairying which doesn’t happen with sheep and beef.” McCarthy says the state of the red meat industry is getting bleaker. Habitual losses are made by 24% of farmers in the sector, propped up equity increases. These increases in land value are driven by dairy sector profitability. “A further 27% of sheep and beef farmers are in a precarious position, commonly making small profits and losses but lacking the financial ability to maintain a level of inputs to maximise and grow their business,” he says. “Of the remainder, take 25% that TO PAGE 3
BACK UP THE DAIRY BUS MASSEY UNIVERSITY ecologist, Dr Mike Joy says the brakes should be put on dairy industry. He told Rural News the industry has to accept it can’t keep expanding and intensifying as New Zealand’s freshwater bodies have already exceeded their assimilation levels. Joy says the Clean Streams Accord and people doing great work on farms are negated if at the same time the industry is expanding. There has been no net gain and the situation has deteriorated– despite the efforts by individuals. See pages 10-11 to read more about the man that has almost single-handedly taken on those seeking to expand the dairy industry.
Reputation curdled SUD ESH K I SSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
FONTERRA’S HANDLING of the latest food safety scare will determine the impact on the co-op’s reputation. That’s the view of University of Auckland branding expert Dr Mike Lee. While a product recall is never a good look for any company, the cause of the contamination and how the recall is handled is important, he says. “Depending on the results of the inquiry and whether or not Fonterra was responsible directly for the E.coli and whether or not they are able to control/improve the problem will determine the impact on their reputation,” Lee told Rural News. The co-op’s brands business recalled 8,700 bottles of fresh cream last week after quality tests showed there may be the presence of E.coli in several batches. Lee says Fonterra did the right thing to “err on the side of caution” and recall four batches of Anchor and Pams cream. However, the recall will be another blot on Fonterra’s food safety credentials. “A company’s reputation is built up by a combination of everything they do, so this will certainly add to the palette,” he says. “I don’t think anyone involved in the industry has forgotten about the false botulism scare, and an
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
NEWS 3 ISSUE 553 MIE to push reforms to politicians
www.ruralnews.co.nz
FROM PAGE 1
NEWS ������������������������������ 1-15 MARKETS ��������������������� 16-17
represents corporate and Maori farming, and slightly under a quarter of participants are in a viable position. This section is represented by scale, and notably diverse income streams against which they can provision for their sheep and beef business.” McCarthy says the processors are in no better position. A lack of committed
supply does not give bankers comfort and inevitably is associated with short termism in marketing and procurement strategies. “The multiplicity of players at both the procurement end and also in the market leads to an inevitable ankle tapping, notably on price. “Such behaviours are especially disadvantageous to the larger indebted
cooperatives. Under the current model the efficiencies and lower debt structures of the commercially based players are conducive to predatory type activity to ensure supply at the procurement end, but equally this behaviour is common in market and such negotiation is inevitably on price.” MIE’s core philosophy is to drive supply back to the cooperatives, he
says. Keeping the current model will preserve those commercial structures at the expense of farmer interests. Meanwhile, MIE is putting a remit to the Beef and Lamb New Zealand annual general meeting in March in a bid to get funding and support for the organisation. An extension of time has been granted to get the wording of the remit right.
WORLD ������������������������������ 18 AGRIBUSINESS ������������19-21 HOUND, EDNA ������������������� 22 CONTACTS ������������������������� 22 OPINION ����������������������� 22-25 MANAGEMENT ����������� 26-29 ANIMAL HEALTH �������� 30-33 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS ������������������ 34-37 RURAL TRADER ���������� 38-39 HEAD OFFICE Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122
Another blot on Fonterra’s credentials FROM PAGE 1
incident like this would certainly aid recall of the last event.” Fonterra is investigating the cause of the contamination. Fonterra Brands NZ managing director Peter McClure the co-op is sorry for the inconvenience and concern this recall might cause but food safety and quality are top priorities. This recall does not affect any other Anchor or Pams products. • See Opinion, page 22
POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 3855, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140 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 30.06.2013
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
4 NEWS NZ lamb at the click of a mouse SILVER FERN Farms says its branded retail range of lamb will only be a click away from customers shopping online in Shanghai from March. The retail range will be sold on-line via distribution and marketing partner NZ Focus which sells other New Zealand made branded products in China. Silver Fern Farms’ Grant Howie says this is a significant move into the high-end retail category for the company, which has until now been a commodity product exporter into China. “Going into Shang-
hai with NZ Focus via the on-line channel, along with using a TV shopping channel, puts us in a position where we are close to
exports of low-mid range lamb and beef cuts. This is the first time a premium consumer branded range will be exported.”
“On-line shoppers in China are a small but developing segment of the market but as you can imagine with the size of China it’s got potential for considerable scale for us.” our consumers which is a real advantage. “China is Silver Fern Farms’ largest market by volume and value off the back of commodity
Howie says the online sales will be supported by promotions on a popular home direct TV shopping channel, online promotions and in-store cook-
ing demonstrations. He says the Shanghai market has consumers who look for quality products from New Zealand and they are taking up on-line home shopping in strong numbers. “On-line shoppers in China are a small but developing segment of the market but as you can imagine with the size of China it’s got potential for considerable scale for us.” The lamb retail packs will be sold in frozen form. Production for the range is underway and first sales are expected in March.
Environmental focus for BLNZ BEEF AND LAMB New Zealand (BLNZ) is seeking to appoint an ‘environmental extension manager’. The position is a new one and is designed to help farmers deal with the increasingly complex issue of environmental management.
BLNZ says the person will work closely with its existing policy team, which works with central and local government and other key stakeholder groups including iwi. The person appointed is also expected to work with those who
run various field days to ensure farmers are aware of environmental rules and the suite of practical solutions available to help them met these standards. BLNZ says the new person could be based at any one of their offices around the country.
Heads they win, tails we lose SUDESH K I SSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
FONTERRA HAS little to gain from a looming court battle over last year’s false botulism scare, says branding expert Dr Mike Lee, University of Auckland. He believes being in the spotlight as a defendant is potentially not ideal for Fonterra. An out of court settlement with French dairy giant Danone remains the co-op’s best bet, he adds. “It will be difficult for Fonterra to emerge out of such a battle looking good,” Lee told Rural News. “They either look like they tried to avoid taking action or they look like they over reacted on
bad info, so either outcome is not ideal.” Danone announced this month it begun a claim in the High Court at Auckland together with arbitration proceedings in Singapore. The company, which owns infant formula manufacturer Nutricia, says the court action is to “bring all facts to light and to obtain compensation for the harm it has suffered”. Nutricia recalled infant formula products in eight countries during last year’s botulism scare. Danone has put the cost of the recall at $570 million. On August 2, last year, Fonterra issued an alert after suspecting that 38 tonnes of whey protein
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had been contaminated with a botulism-causing bacterium. The issue was later found to be a false alarm but not before eight Fonterra customers, including Nutricia, had recalled baby formula and other products. Danone says the false botulism scare “illustrates serious failings on Fonterra’s part in applying the quality standards required in the food industry”. The company has terminated its existing supply contract with Fonterra and wants any further collaboration based on full transparency and compliance with the cutting-edge food safety procedures. “As a leading food company, Danone makes food safety an absolute priority and is committed to working only with suppliers that share and respect the same demanding professional standards,” it says. Fonterra says it had been in ongoing commercial discussions with Danone and is disappointed with the resulting legal action. Fonterra will now work through the detail of Danone’s claims, the co-op says. It continues to be confident in its position and will vigorously defend any proceedings, it says. “Fonterra stands by its track record of having world-class food safety and quality standards, quality systems, and robust testing regimes across all its manufacturing facilities.”
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
NEWS 5
Stag sales steady A N D REW SWA LLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz
TOP VELVET and trophy stags were the soughtafter sires at this season’s deer stud sales with several maximum prices in the $60,000 bracket, on par with the past few years. “If good animals were offered, and they were what the buyers were looking, for the price has been consistent with the quality of the animal; if not, then they’ve left them in the arena,” PGW’s deer stud coordinator Graham Kinsman told Rural News. As the annual round of sales came to a close last week he noted there’d been a greater consistency in price achieved across the country for comparable animals than in some seasons. “There’s definitely been a swing to velvet genetics and if there’s trophy potential too [buyers] have had a go if they could see a good profit margin. But animals with the combination of velvet and trophy are few and far between.” One such stag made the top price at Brock Deer’s sale at $60,000. With a sale average of $10,250 and clearance of 18 from 19 offered, it was one of a string of velvet focused
Southland sales which went well, says Kinsman. “There was virtually a total clearance across two days and four studs. The question I was asking myself was how long could it keep going but the interest was there right to the end.” South Canterbury studs Deer Genetics NZ and Peel Forest preceded the Southland sales. Kelly Bennett of Deer Genetics NZ described their sale as “very good”. “The top [price] was $24,000 and the average $7000 with all but four from 42 being sold.” The average was back on last year’s $8800 largely because the top two animals offered this year didn’t reach their reserve, reflecting a more cautious mood in the sector, he added. “Our top last year, and the year before was $50,000.” Peel Forest’s sale, in the afternoon after Deer Genetics’, came close to that with a top price of $47,000 and average of $12,300. “There were only 18 stags offered and they were all of extremely high quality,” Kinsman says about the Peel Forest sale. As Rural News went to press Brock Deer’s $60,000 was the high-
est South Island price but two pre-Christmas North Island sales pipped that with $63,000 and $64,000 maximums. For John Kempthorne of Windermere Red Deer, Hamilton, $63,000 for a 2-year-old son of Walton was a pleasing way to bow out of the industry. “We’ve been farming deer for 33 years: you can’t do it forever.” A 3-year-old son of Odysseus landed $64,000 for Canes Deer, Reporoa, contributing to a season topping sale average of nearly $17,000.
“Every stud has its moment and this may be mine,” says Malcolm Cane. It was only his 4th sale of stud stock, having previously focused purely on the trophy market. “For the last 15-20 years I’ve been breeding for the best trophy style antlers and I’ve tried to never breed from stags with any faults. Often I’ve bought the best stag in the country to breed from them.” For a full list of stag sales clearances, averages and top prices see www. deer.agonline.co.nz
Big heads: a prospective buyer assesses a few of Deer Genetics NZ’s offerings of two-year-old stags.
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Cricket and antlers clash of titans THIS YEAR’S national Rising Stars velvet competition, February 22, features a first for pre-awards night entertainment. “We’re having a North Island deer farmers versus South Island deer farmers cricket match,” says convenor Kelly Bennett. Exactly what format the fixture, to be played at Woodbury Domain, just outside Geraldine, South Canterbury, will take will be decided on the day but a 20/20 style match – “or possibly 10/10” – is most likely. Competition entries will be on display on the boundary, with the dinner in the hall neighbouring the pitch to follow. Seats are limited to 180 so Bennett urges those thinking of attending to get in contact soon, as should velvet competition entrants. More information tel 03 6922982.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
6 NEWS - 2014 OUTLOOK
Wool needs boost PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
THE GOVERNMENT should get more involved in the wool industry given the effort being put in by individual players, says Wools of New Zealand chairman, Mark Shadbolt. That’s irrespective of which party wins the election, he told Rural News. “Ultimately a serious PGP (Primary Growth Partnership) application would be useful and that’s Government involvement alongside private investment.” That will be one focus for Wools of NZ this year. “We need more investment in new innovation and new technology and that’s part of Wools of NZ strategy going forward.” But ultimately election year is not of great significance to Wools of NZ. Shadbolt says what happens in the international marketplace driven by Wools of NZ activities is the key and he thinks 2014 will be a good one. “Nothing outstanding in terms of price because the model in general terms hasn’t changed… but we are receiving a lot of demand for wool
particularly around our stable pricing mechanisms. “We are finding more and more customers around the world are looking for stability. “Because we have developed a new model for them we are getting great buy in.” Stable price mechanisms and contracts are keys, says Shadbolt. “We are putting contracts out in front of our guys as we speak and they a linked directly with manufacturers and customers in the market. So it gives the growers an understanding of what and where the wool is going.” Both customers and growers benefit from stable contracts. The challenge for Wools of NZ this year is to increase the volumes around those direct-to-market contracts. Chief executive Ross Townsh-
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end was, last week, in Domotex Hannover and the company will also be represented at key trade shows such as Surfaces in Nevada this month and Domotex Shanghai at the end of March. “Those trade shows are pretty important in connecting with our customers as we go directly to them where ever they are in the world,” Shadbolt says.
Sweet spot and spotlight for dairy sector “IT’S NOT often that a sweet spot is hit and farmers can make the most of it,” says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle, looking to what’s ahead in 2014. “It looks like a good year ahead for dairy farmers, with a record forecast payout coinciding with a top production season - boosting the economy nationally and regionally,” he says. “Milk production to the end of December 2013 was up around 5% on the previous season. Our data shows that all regions are ahead of last year and provided the summer and autumn are reasonably good – and that’s an unknown as we all know – production is likely to end up ahead of budget for the season.” Mackle says the dairy industry has to work through regional limit-setting processes around water policy decision-making this year. “Our reputation as dairy farmers – nationally and internationally – is in the spotlight and nutrient management is our big challenge. Securing people to support our industry will also likely get harder as the economy improves and competition for the best and the brightest staff heats
up,” he told Rural News. Given it’s an election year the industry could become a bit of a political footTim Mackle ball, says Mackle. He believes as parties jostle for the party vote the media election debate may centre on water, environment and the economy. “The strengthening New Zealand dollar could lessen returns to exporters. But it is a nice change to hear our Aussie cousins envy us for our forecast economic growth for a change and that could balance up that attraction scorecard for trans-Tasman talent.” Mackle says DairyNZ is also focused on ensuring farmers feel motivated to vote for the milksolids levy in May – making 2014 a big year for everyone.
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
NEWS - 2014 OUTLOOK 7
Petersen buoyant on meat’s prospects PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
MANY FARMERS around the world would swap places tomorrow with the opportunities we have in New Zealand, says Beef + Lamb NZ chairman, Mike Petersen. Recent offshore meetings have left him excited about the future of our quality food. But Petersen admits that many sheep and beef farmers lack confidence in their sector’s future. So far in 2014, the climate has mostly been kind and farm gate prices are higher than at same time last year. Prospects are bright, particularly when we look at the opportunities globally for food in a hungry world, he told Rural News. “Ironically, when other farmers globally are looking forward to the opportunities on offer, many of our farmers are still suffering from a lack of confidence that the future for the sheep and beef sector looks assured. “My recent meetings offshore leave
me full of excitement for those of us producing quality food for the world’s people. New Zealand has integrity that is second to none on the exporting stage, and this reputation is vital to maintain right across our primary product exporting sector. “Farmers globally would swap places tomorrow with farmers in this country with the opportunities we have in front of us materialising as we speak.” Petersen says he’s confident 2014 will be a big year for the sheep and beef sector. “We are already seeing the benefits of improved and more consistent pricing flowing through into reinvestment on farm after the crippling drought from last year. “The Governments trade agenda is packed full with exciting new market opportunities, and reduced barriers for exporters in our existing markets. And we are seeing renewed interest by farmers in the wider meat exporting sector, fighting for further improvements to benefit our future farmers.”
But Petersen says the coming year will be important to ensure farmers are meeting challenges in a number of key areas. “One of the biggest challenges for the coming year will be the need to demonstrate that farming can work in tandem with improved water and environmental outcomes. “Agriculture remains such an Mike Petersen reckons important part of the New Zeafarmers in other parts of land economy, and therefore we the world would kill for the must carefully balance the need opportunities we have in NZ. for farmers to run commercially sector remains a crucial source of viable businesses with better export earnings for New Zealand. environmental outcomes. “The Red Meat Sector Strategy out“This is an issue for all New Zealanders, and I am sure that the 2014 general lined the size of the prize for our sector election will see plenty of airtime on with improved performance in all aspects from farm gate through to the this issue.” Perhaps the biggest challenge of all market. The challenge is being met head for the sheep and beef sector in 2014 is on but more work is required, and conthe need to rebuild confidence in our fidence is a key part in addressing the challenge.” sector, says Petersen. He encourages sheep and beef sector “The headlines are certainly dominated by dairy, but the sheep and beef participants to look ahead with confi-
dence and plan accordingly. “Invest in your business and the people involved, and importantly measure how progress is being achieved. If as individuals we all commit to improving our piece, the sector will move accordingly. “Let us all make sure that 2014 is a big year for the sheep and beef sector by planning ahead with confidence, and following this with the action to make good things happen.”
26/11/13 3:53 PM
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
8 NEWS - 2014 OUTLOOK
Optimistic outlook for Kiwifruit PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
THE KIWIFRUIT industry has a sense of cautious optimism for 2014 – after three tough years of learning to grow profitably with the bacterial disease Psa, says Zespri general manager, grower and govern-
ment relations, Simon Limmer. Zespri plans a new investment to process and manage growing volumes of its new gold variety. A huge step in the Psa recovery pathway has been licensing another 1130ha of the new SunGold (Gold3) variety last year,
says Limmer. “This brings our total licenced hectares of SunGold to more than 4000ha, which shows the confidence the New Zealand kiwifruit industry has in this new cultivar and its performance to-date in the Psa environment,” he told Rural News.
“There are significant opportunities to grow the gold kiwifruit category around the world, particularly in developing markets. Zespri is looking to build on these opportunities while also maintaining sales in Japan and Europe. A relentless focus on quality and taste underpins our
premium brand in marketplaces around the world. “With volumes expected to reach 50 million by 2018, Zespri is looking to broaden the market mix for SunGold and investing in the infrastructure required to process and manage these increased volumes.”
Limmer says another key area of focus for us this year is more top returns for Green growers. Last season, Green growers had the highest returns in a decade – $4.62 a tray orchard gate return (OGR). “This year, Zes-
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WITH THE new school year looming, and a new batch of young people considering their future career options, Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) says the agricultural sector offers many exciting job opportunities. “Agriculture ranks as New Zealand’s most productive, innovative sector and offers a wide variety of exciting career opportunities for young people,” says RCNZ chief executive Roger Parton. “Yet, despite relatively high unemployment nationally, many rural contractors still find it difficult to recruit skilled and motivated staff, let alone attract young school leavers into the industry to start a career.” Parton’s comments follow a recent news item that suggests the industry is heading for a crisis if young New Zealanders continue to ignore careers in agriculture. He says it’s a problem that rural contractors – along with others in the industry – are working to solve, with new initiatives designed to help foster an interest in a career in the sector. “Rural contractors – like many in the agricultural sector – often have to bring in overseas workers to fill this gap,” he says. “But we are keen to employ local, young people to give them a chance and training and show them there is a viable and exciting career in our industry.” Parton believes it’s important that schools show the way. “One such school is Ashburton College where its new Primary Industries course teaches students about topics including soil, crops and animal growth. This demonstrates to students some of the opportunities that are available in agriculture and gets them thinking about potential careers in the sector.” Parton says there is an appetite from young people to work in the sector and that they are looking for career opportunities. “This was clearly demonstrated to us last year, when Southland RCNZ members held an induction, information and field day, near Invercargill. This attracted a huge amount of interest and we were blown away when instead of an expected 30 people turning up – more than 100 attended.” Parton says agriculture remains the backbone of New Zealand’s economy and an industry with massive growth potential. “We need our best and brightest to be working in the sector. Schools and educators – as well as all of us involved in the rural sector – have an important role in encouraging quality people into the industry.”
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
NEWS 9
Last year’s drought a bad memory P E TE R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
away,” he says. “There’s quite a lot of trading going on and schedule prices are high. “That combined with the amount of feed around means that store prices are quite high to buy lambs – although there are good
A YEAR AGO farmers in the Hawke’s Bay and in parts of the central North Island were staring down one of the worst droughts the country has seen. It’s amazing the difference that 12 months can make. Hawke’s Bay Federated Farmers president, Will Foley, says farmers are happy now compared to a year ago with tonnes of feed about. He told Rural News stock this time last year were being trucked off farms much lighter in weight than farmers Hawke’s Bay Fed Farmers would have liked. president Will Foley. “This year stock are being held on to margins to be made - it for longer and finished just means out laying a bit at higher weights and in more capital.” some cases they are getFoley is just starting to ting replaced straight
cut hay – about a month later than normal – due to the unsettled weather before and after Christmas. Only now can he get a forecast which shows about four or five good days in the row. But the quality of the hay is not that good. While there is plenty of seed head and rank grass available, much of the clover around before Christmas has dried out and some quality has gone. “Having said that, after last year anything in the barn is a good thing because last year everything would have been cleaned out.” Foley says farmers in the region are confident especially with the schedule price around $5.50/kg
and store lambs selling for up to $80. Further west around Taihape, the mood is also upbeat. That area was badly hit by the drought last year. But it’s bounced back, according to local vet and farm consultant, Anthony Oswald. It’s been an amazing winter and spring with a huge amount of grass grown, he says. Many properties in the region have been understocked and feed quality has become an issue on a lot of farms. “Most farmers are pretty comfortable with their moisture levels, but on some of the larger stations they are getting a bit desperate for decent rain. The biggest issue on most farms is just feed quality. “The condition of ewes is really good and the cows have bounced back amazingly over the last few months. Lambs are
Store lambs are fetching good prices at the Feilding sale.
variable with some guys having already sent theirs to the works, while others have really battled. A lot of that comes back to how they have managed their feed quality over the last few months.” Oswald says morale is
good, helped by the good schedule prices and the price for store lambs. “While we are not going to breaking any records, guys are selling lambs for about $100 a head. With store lambs fetching between $75 and
$85 – that’s a helluva lot better than last year.” While controlling the grass is an issue, every farmer would rather have this problem than not having enough feed. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
10 NEWS
Dr Joy or Mr Doom and Gloom Mention the name Mike Joy to many dairy farmers and others in the agriculture sector and the blood starts to boil. But who is the person many perceive as being hell-bent on destroying the dairy industry? Reporter Peter Burke spent time with Dr Joy to find out what his concerns are and why. MIKE JOY USED to manage a dairy farm near Palmerston North many years ago and loved the job. He only left because the owner’s son came back and wanted his job. He’s also worked on a large sheep and beef farm in the Australian outback and again loved the life. Yet he’s perceived as being ‘anti dairying’.
“I am definitely not ‘anti dairying’. I am anti any unsustainable form of farming. I am just a Kiwi who grew up believing we could swim in any river here. That’s all we did down south in the summer – swim in local rivers. But later when I started doing research work I realised we were going backwards fast on freshwater in New Zealand. That’s what got
me going.” The defining moment for Joy was when he and his partner took two of their young nieces to swim in the Oroua River in the Manawatu. “It was on the state highway with an obvious driveway down to it and anybody would think you could go for a swim there,” he says. “But when the children got home,
having swallowed some river water, they got diarrhoea and started vomiting. It took them days to recover.” Joy was told by the local garage owner the Feilding sewage treatment discharge point was just upstream. That got Joy fired up. He was studying at Massey where he gained a BSc, later masters and finally a
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Mike Joy believes we should stop dairy intensification now and look at alternative systems including once-a-day milking, cow houses and stand-off pads.
dards for freshwater. doctorate. He was ‘mature’ on the environment, but “The latest National is under pressure from his student, starting his studObjectives Framework own members. ies at 33 – he’s now in his basically means the limits The ‘system’ Joy refers mid-50s. on nitrogen exceed the to is the wider industry – Joy is perceived as Yangtze River in China ‘anti-farmer’, being totally which he sees as a powand the Mississippi River erful group that lobbies opposed to dairy farmin the USA. It’s blatantly ing and an alarmist. But he central and local governobvious everyclaims this is not thing they so and, in fact, he “The statement around are doing is has a great deal freshwater in New Zealand to allow the of sympathy for expansion of farmers who feel says that things are stable picked on. or improving. Yet when I take dairy. “The state“I’d feel their data and analyse it, I ment around picked on if I freshwater was one of them find that two-thirds of the in New Zeaas well. There is sites around the country land says no doubt they have ‘significant trends’ and that things are victims of a bigger system. of that group, two-thirds are are stable or improving. Yet They are caught getting worse.” when I take up in a system their data and which I don’t ment. He points to efforts analyse it, I find that twothink most of them are thirds of the sites around the sector put into fighthappy with, but that’s the reality they have got to live ing the Horizons Regional the country have ‘significant trends’ and of that Council One Plan. He is with,” group, two-thirds are getcritical of the Ministry for Joy says Feds national ting worse. the Environment for lowpresident Bruce Wills “How the hell you can ering the national stanshares many of his views
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
NEWS 11
of the NZ dairy sector? turn that into stable or improving is unbelievable – it’s denying the reality.” Joy denies he’s an alarmist saying it’s a fact that 68% of the native fish species in New Zealand are under threat – the highest in the world. He’s not being impatient calling for change, he says. “You could call me impatient if I was saying I want improvement to happen quicker, but we are getting worse. I don’t even see any sign of stopping the decline – let alone improving.” He focuses on dairy because it has the biggest impact. In the Manawatu River about 5% of the negative impacts come from things such as wastewater treatment plants, but 95% come from intensive dairying. He doesn’t blame individual farmers– local authorities are in his firing line. “I think they have failed completely because they knew a long time ago that intensification was going to lead to bigger impacts on the environment, but they spent all their time consenting dairy shed discharges and that’s the stuff that makes the news. Yet
it’s such a tiny proportion of the problem – the real problem is intensification.” Councils such as Horizons and Environment Waikato tried to do something but came under pressure from lobby groups such as Federated Farmers, he says. “DairyNZ to me is just an arm of Fonterra and I read the stuff they do and they are part of the problem for sure… businesses are about making profit and I accept that. “But they seem to be shooting themselves in the foot with this. KPMG, Rabobank and others are now pointing out how crucial the clean, green image is to marketing our products. Other countries are increasing their milk production. “We are at the bottom of the world – we are miles from anywhere. We have got everything going against us. The one thing in our favour is our clean, green image and if we lose that then we are just another producer of white powder.” The solution is to stop intensification now and to look at alternative systems including once a day milk-
The battle will go on... MIKE JOY is not about to give up his crusade any time soon. Numerous people in the farming sector have contacted Massey University vice-chancellor, Steve Maharey, to ‘shut him down’. But Maharey’s view is Joy is entitled to speak out on his specialist subject as part the rules of ‘academic freedom’. Interestingly Joy notes many people speak out against him for his views, but very few speak to him about their concerns. Back in his days on an Australian outback farm, Joy remembers shooting emus for dog tucker, while in New Zealand people were paying $60,000 for a pair of emus during that boom period. “It strikes me that the current dairy boom is just another emu craze to me. You’ve got this crazy clambering to buy up land and the whole thing could fold so easily and the impacts will be left behind.” Joy says he is offering independent advice some farmers don’t want to hear. “I don’t have any investment in the dairy industry. I could easily just be an ecologist and just write papers about the ecology and the decline of freshwater fish in places such as New Caledonia. “But I’m sorry I can’t do it, because it is my country and I am a Kiwi and I do feel aggrieved at seeing my country being destroyed. I don’t have anything to gain – in fact I have a lot to lose by doing what I am doing. “If just shut up and got on with it, I’d have a lot more peaceful life and I could probably get a lot more research funding and just do interesting sciencey things in freshwater, but I can’t do that.”
ing, cow houses, stand-off pads and reduced fertiliser use to reduce inputs. There are plenty of examples of farmers performing profitability without intensive systems, he says. Some science is being done by organisations and companies with a ‘vested interest’ in the outcomes.
“It’s a well-worn tactic to question the science when you don’t like what it is telling you. The science is a helluva lot better than what the industry tries to make out.” No surprises Joy is supportive of Fish and Game, which he says is the only group with the money and
the resources to fight the move to intensive dairying. “It’s so one sided – industry, government, local government all have a vested interest in intensifying because they are not thinking in the long term – they are just thinking short term.” See editorial page 22.
Mike Joy says he’s not anti-dairying or anti farmer.
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
12 NEWS
In case you missed Were your holidays dominated by eating, drinking and being merry? This means you would have had little time trawling the internet, hitting the airwaves or scanning the newspapers for news over the Christmas and New Year break. And, if you’re still getting back on the grid after the holidays, you may have missed these agriculture-related headlines... YES: These ARE a ‘pistol grip’
Kick-starting meat reforms
Honours for agri duo
IN A bid to kick-start red meat sector industry plenty of time to reform itself, reforms, Federated Farmers released its but with falling stock numbers and more discussion paper on major options for attractive land use options, we have to get reforming the $6 billion export industry. off the sidelines. “This is what our paper is The farmer lobby said it about It has generated discould no longer sit on the cussion internally among sidelines and watch the our members but now is the industry decline further. time to take that discussion The discussion paper wider into the media, acacalls for greater cooperademia as well as with the tion among stakeholders. analysts. While we fight each “Federated Farmers is other we’re missing the Jeanette Maxwell not yet plumping for a prepoint that global protein competition comes from white meat, says ferred option. We wish to be informed by Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chair- feedback that continues to come in from our members and from the wider indusperson Jeanette Maxwell. “Federated Farmers has given our try.”
TWO PROMINENT agriculture sector players featured on the 2014 New Year’s honours list. Former Federated Farmers president Tom Lambie was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) Lambie owns a 415ha dairy farm at Pleasant Point South Canterbury. He has been an Environment Canterbury Commissioner since 2010 and Chancellor of Lincoln University since 2005. He has also been chair of the Opuha Water Partnership since 2007, having been involved in the development of the Opuha water storage dam from 1996. In 1994, he was appointed provincial president of Federated Tom Lambie Farmers South Canterbury, and joined the Federated Farmers board in 1996 as national vice-president. He served as president between 2002 and 2005. Former chairman of Landcorp, Alison Paterson, was made Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. The first female director of a publicly listed company, Dame Alison also served 15 years on the Reserve Bank board. Agriculture is still a big part of Dame Alison’s working life. As well as her other directorships, she chairs Farm IQ Systems, which helps farmers analyse the quality of their livestock to make more informed decisions. A venture between Ministry for Primary Industries, Landcorp, Silver Fern Farms and Tru-Test Group, Farm IQ hopes to add $320 million annually to the red meat sector by 2017.
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO ARMS ACT Check your rifle/shotgun From 11 December 2013, the Arms (Military Style Semi-automatic Firearms and Import Controls) Amendment Act 2012 comes into effect. It means any semi-automatic rifle or shotgun that has a ‘pistol grip’ will become a Military Style Semi-automatic firearm (MSSA).
NO: These are NOT a ‘pistol grip’
If you have a MSSA under the new legislation, you must:
OR OR
• Apply to Police for an endorsement specific to that MSSA if you want to keep it • Dispose of the grip and replace it with an ‘A-Cat’ compliant stock • Dispose of the MSSA to an endorsed licence holder with a permit to procure.
For more information go to:
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Fonterra appointment FONTERRA CREATED a new management role of managing director of people, culture and strategy – appointing Maury Leyland. Previously the group director of strategy, Leyland will lead an integrated role comprising the co-op’s people and culture and group strategy functions. She started in the
new role on January 1. Leyland has been with Fonterra since 2005, working across the supply chain and playing an integral part in TAF and Fonterra’s value stream optimisation programme. She is also a director of Telecom New Zealand and a Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
it... Record entries again THE DAIRY industry awards continue to grow from strength to strength. And more young farmers are throwing their hats in the ring. Organisers announced another record number of entries; nearly 300 entries were received in the 2014 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competition, boosting overall entries in the awards to a record 572. Keeping says 292 entries were received in the trainee contest, up from 251 last year and just over 100 in 2008 when the contest began. “It is such a positive indicator for the dairy industry to have so many young people putting themselves forward to have their skills tested and to raise their profile and position in the industry.” There were 115 entries received in the 2014 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year contest and 165 entries received in the New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year.
NEWS 13 Hort NZ’s election year focus HORTICULTURE NZ will use election year to get its message across to current and future MPs. It will talk to them about the strength of NZ’s horticulture industry, its importance to regional and the national economies and to the nation’s food supply and overall health, says chairman Julian Raine. “We will be talking about
continuing to recognise the importance of biosecurity protection to New Zealand’s growers, also the strength of our recognised seasonal employer programme and the urgent need for New Zealand to bring in mandatory country of origin labelling for food.” Plans for 2014 also include “spending even more time and a significant amount of
Hort NZ president Julian Raine
our precious HortNZ funding making sure horticulture’s need for a secure, reliable and safe water supply is protected and enhanced. “And … we will keep steadily working towards achieving our industry goal of a value of $10 billion by 2020, which we believe we are well on track to reach with six years to go,” says Raine.
Early Christmas on the West Coast CHRISTMAS CAME early for Westland Milk Product shareholders. The Hokitika-based cooperative lifted its 2013-14 forecast payout to $7.90-$8.30/ kgMS before retentions. The record forecast payout is attributed to a strong outlook for milk prices and continuing high demand for the cooperative’s products, especially infant formula for China. Previously Westland’s highest payout of $8.29/kgMS was recorded in 2007-08. Westland chief executive Rod Quin says the payout announcement on December 19 was good news for its shareholders on the West Coast of the South Island and in Canterbury. “Coming on top of a previous season where we experienced both drought and floods, farmers will welcome this boost in their income,” he says.
Prices hold firm FINALLY, ANY talk of dairy prices softening in the New Year was put to rest by the first Global Dairy Trade auction of the year. The first GDT auction recorded a mere 0.8% drop in prices compared with the previous sale on December 17. Skim milk powder led the decliners, dropping 3.4%. Whole milk powder, the biggest category by volume, declined only 0.6%. Butter, lactose and milk protein concentrate each posted gains of more than 5%. The slight price drop followed two consecutive gains in the dairy commodity price index, and
prices were still about 50% higher than a year ago. American company Land O’Lakes will begin offering skim milk powder on the online auction from March 4, and says it also plans to offer butter via the platform later in 2014. United States, Australian, Indian, European and Scandinavian dairy companies also sell their products on the independent platform alongside Fonterra.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
14 NEWS
Murphy’s Law prevails P E TE R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
THE MURPHY, or the common, but quite complex, spud is now
New Zealand’s favourite vegetable having just tipped the tomato off the top spot. Scientifically tomatoes are considered to be a
New Zealanders bought $119 million worth of potatoes in the year to June 2013. Tomatoes, lettuce, mushrooms, kumara and
from
8 3 7 , 1 2 $ vi ki ng
Michael Moleta
IMPRESS THE GIRLS.
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fruit, but Horticulture New Zealand and most consumers consider them to be a vegetable. The latest survey from Statistics NZ shows that
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carrots are next most popular in that order. Bananas, apples and grapes are most popular fruit. Michael Moleta is a member Potatoes New Zealand’s board and a grower in the Opiki area in the Manawatu. He grows up 20ha of potatoes on his 140ha property – the farm has other crops including maize and wheat. His potatoes are grown specifically for a company which produces chips. Moleta says one of the reasons for the potato topping the list could be its versatility and its nutritious value. “It contains vitamin C and potassium and all sorts of bits and pieces. With the change in people’s eating habits over the last 20 years, potatoes are a product that has been more easily processed into more convenient forms; so there is not a requirement
to go home peel it and wash it anymore.” Moleta says for years the potato was part of the Sunday roast, but he doubts this is the case now with city folk. But there is still wide recognition about the value of the humble vegetable. But all spuds are not alike and Moleta says the variety he grows is bred specifically for the chip market. “If you were to cook it you wouldn’t think much of it because it doesn’t have the flavour,” he says. “In the fresh market the Agria seems to be a very popular variety these days. “There are a lot of specialist varieties – small ones and some with smooth skins which are easy to peel which are available throughout the year to give consumers a ‘consistent’ experience.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE POTATO: Indigenous to Peru and dates back to between 8000 and 5000 BC ❱❱ The International Potato Centre is based in Lima Peru ❱❱ There are 5000 varieties of potato ❱❱ The word potato is derived from the Spanish word patata (and that’s how the Irish pronounce it) ❱❱ Potatoes are the world’s fourth largest crop – in 2010 the FAO estimated production was 324 million tonnes ❱❱ China is the largest producer of potatoes – they produce a third of the world’s crop ❱❱
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
MARKET SNAPSHOT
BEEF MARKET TRENDS
BEEF PRICES NI
LAMB PRICES Change
c/kgCWT
-5
P2 Steer - 300kg
2 Wks Ago
Last Year
4.50
4.55
4.40
4.55
4.60
4.23
3.55
PX - 19.0kg
-5
5.60
5.65
4.75
3.40
PH - 22.0kg
-5
5.61
5.66
4.76
Local Trade - 230kg
n/c
4.50
4.50
4.20
Mutton
MX1 - 21kg
n/c
3.40
3.40
2.78
P2 Steer - 300kg
n/c
4.28
4.28
4.00
SI Lamb
YM - 13.5kg
-5
5.41
5.46
4.61
M2 Bull - 300kg
n/c
4.18
4.18
4.00
PM - 16.0kg
-5
5.41
5.46
4.63
P2 Cow - 230kg
n/c
3.05
3.05
3.20
PX - 19.0kg
-5
5.41
5.46
4.65
M Cow - 200kg
n/c
2.90
2.90
3.00
-5
5.41
5.46
4.66
Local Trade - 230kg
n/c
4.30
4.30
4.10
n/c
3.26
3.26
2.58
2.23
1.82
NZ$/kg
+5
5.50
5.45
5.82
5.37
Procurement Indicator
1.38
1.77
5.82
8.26
2Wks Ago
Last Year
5yr Ave
% Returned NI
-1%
82.7%
83.5%
75.60%
73.7%
% Returned SI
-0%
76.0%
76.1%
68.7%
67.6%
Change
Procurement Indicator Change
2Wks Ago
3 Wks Ago
Last Year 5yr Ave
% Returned NI
-1%
65.3%
66.5%
83.3%
67.3%
% Returned SI
+0%
62.2%
62.2%
81.6%
64.0%
3 Wks Ago
Last Year 5yr Ave
2.00
2 Wks Ago
Last Week
8.72
2.05
2.00
8.81
+9
5yr Ave
2.06
n/c
Last Year
+1
NZ$/kg 2 Wks Ago
95CL US$/lb
UK Leg £/lb
Last Week
Export Market Demand
Change
Change
MX1 - 21kg
Export Market Demand
PH - 22.0kg Mutton
Store Market NZ Slaughter
4.71
3.55
4.73
5.61
3.50
5.63
5.56
3.50
5.58
-5
PM - 16.0kg
3.45
Last Year
-5
-5
YM - 13.5kg
2 Wks Ago
-5
NI Lamb
Last Week
M Cow - 200kg
NZ Store Slaughter Market
Change
c/kgCWT
P2 Cow - 230kg
SI
Last Week
-5
M2 Bull - 300kg
LAMB MARKET TRENDS
Venison Prices
Change
Beef & venison prices are reported as gross (before normal levies & charges are deducted). Lamb & mutton prices are reported nett (after levies & charges are deducted).
Last Week
2 Wks Ago
Last Year 5yr Ave
NI Stag - 60kg
n/c
6.35
6.35
6.50
7.24
SI Stag - 60kg
n/c
6.40
6.40
6.78
7.51
Stock as security who would have thought
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
NEWS
PRICE WATCH
WOOL PRICE WATCH
BEEF
Change
09-Jan
19-Dec
Last Year
Coarse Xbred Indic.
+6
4.98
4.92
3.90
Fine Xbred Indicator
+2
5.17
5.15
4.80
Lamb Indicator
-
-
-
5.26
Mid Micron Indic.
-
-
7.27
8.80
Export cattle prices hold over Christmas
Indicators in NZ$
Export cattle prices maintained pre-Christmas highs in the first week of slaughter for 2014. While some processors are full, bookings are not as far in advance as previous years, and with the levels of feed throughout the country it won’t take much downwards pressure for farmers to keep stock on hand and put more weight on. Needless to say there will be some downwards movement as processors look to minimise any losses the higher prices are causing. In the North Island export steer and bull made $4.60/kg and $4.55/kg respectively last week and in the South Island export steer made $4.28/kg and export bull made $4.18/kg.
US beef market has a slow start to year Christmas holidays combined with a severe freezing storm resulted in a sluggish US beef market last week. Prices for both 90 CL and 95 CL did not improve from levels left off before Christmas. It is believed, however, that once the freeze has lifted and trade resumes unrestricted, that the market will start to slowly lift. Exporters are hoping the next few weeks of bull slaughter will provide a better indication of the numbers out there, allowing more certainty in selling forward. Once the cow kill comes on stream around April, the market is expected to have picked up significantly.
DAIRY PRICE WATCH
Dairy prices move upwards at latest GDT
Cheddar
5241
5302
3986
-67
5753
5820
4137
-72
6190
6261
4016
-68
5904
5972
4832
19-Dec
+7
4.11
4.05
+3
4.27
4.24
4.03
-
-
-
4.42
-
-
5.98
7.38
Mid Micron Indicator
3.27
Indicators in US$/T
Last 2 Wks
Prev. 2 Wks
Last Year
n/c
4775
4775
3425
n/c
5138
5138
3325
n/c
4900
4900
4000
Change
Butter
n/c
Skim Milk Powder Whole Milk Powder Cheddar
Overseas Price Indicators Last Year
09-Jan
Lamb Indicator
Change
Fine Xbred Indicator
4350
4350
3300
CURRENCY WATCH vs. NZ Dollar
Last Week 2 Wks Ago 4 Wks Ago Last Year 0.830
0.824
0.845
Euro
0.606
0.608
0.599
0.637
UK pound
0.501
0.506
0.504
0.523
Aus dollar
0.927
0.926
0.921
0.798
Japan yen
86.53
86.46
85.32
74.97
UK Pound
0.825
Euro
US Dollar
US dollar
Dairy product prices fell in the first GlobalDairyTrade auction for 2014, led by skim milk powder (SMP) while rennet casin made a new record high. SMP fell 3.4% and WMP was slightly back just under 1%. Global trade activity is light at present around holiday breaks, however production is still active with manufacturers continuing to channel more milk into WMP production. Supplies are tight with most stocks for the first quarter of 2014 committed. China continues to be the largest buyer and key factor in the Oceania WMP market.
Whole Milk Powder
DAIRY
-61
Coarse Xbred Indicator
Good demand for NZ sheepmeat is being reported from our trading partners, and market signals look positive for at least the first quarter of 2014. While the EU and UK are doing their best to talk prices down; so far it seems to be a lot of talk with no follow through as prices are steadily improving. Easter chilled trade negotiations begin next week, with early price indications looking buoyant. Chilled ABO prices are currently between $6.50-$6.80 $US/lb. The US market is at present being dampened by the severe cold weather, but is also displaying postive signs. Reports indicate that lamb slaughter for this season has been around similar levels to last year; as a result of more lambs reaching killable weights earlier. Some are predicting that because of this, there may be a hole in the kill later in Feburary.
Skim Milk Powder
Export lamb prices have continued their downwards fall over the holiday period. In the NI a 17kg cwt lamb was earning between 5.705.80/kg gross, with the SI ranging between $5.30-$5.60/kg gross. Kill numbers are down in the SI, and steady but not overflowing in the North. Feed levels are such that many are deciding to put an extra coupSe of kgs on their killable stock and this will underpin procurement pressure in the next few weeks at least.
Market signals looking positive for early 2014
Last Year
Indicators in US$/kg
Demand for store lambs is good in both islands, however prices have eased back from pre-Christmas levels. In the North Island $2.60$2.65/kg is where the market is at for 28-30kg types, and in the South $2.40-$2.50/kg for similar weights is the range. The run of ewe fairs has begun in the North Island with prices at the first fair of 2014 at Matawhero ranging between $140-$150/hd for 2ths and decent 5yr olds making around $110/hd. These prices are possibly not as strong as anticipated before Christmas, as buyers appear to be displaying a degree of cautiousness.
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Lamb prices on a steady decline
Store lamb prices ease back
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Butter
Overseas Price Indicators
LAMB
Indicators in NZ$/T
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
18 WORLD
Australia looks to milk Chinese demand ALAN HARMAN
THE DEMAND FOR dairy products in China is unprecedented and Australian milk producers have been told they should grab the opportunity with both hands. Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president Noel Campbell says recent indications are that New Zealand dairy exporter Fonterra can’t increase production fast enough to meet Chinese demand, highlights the scale of the potential opportunity. California’s Milk Producers Council says Chinese demand for dairy products is not likely to wane anytime soon. The middle class there continues to grow, as does their dairy product consumption. “Chinese imports are growing further due to a decline in domestic milk output,” the council says. “While data on the Chinese dairy industry is murky at best, there are widespread reports of
declining cow numbers and milk production deficits. “One Chinese official estimates that, due to high beef prices and poor farm-level economics, the Chinese dairy herd has lost two million cows in the past year. The same official estimates that milk production is 20% lower than a year ago. If China has indeed suffered such a decline in milk output, then the pent-up demand for milk powder could be astounding. Chinese milk powder buyers kept imports minimal this summer and fall in the wake of the New Zealand drought. Now that their preferred supplier is back in the game the Chinese are buying with abandon.” China bought a record-breaking 93,151 tonnes of whole milk powder in November, up 72% from already high import volumes in October and almost triple the year-earlier volumes. New Zealand accounted for more than 90% of the total, China also imported 23,158 tonnes of skim milk powder, up 152%
China is Australia’s largest international dairy market with 72,516 tonnes of produce exported in the 2012-13 financial year.
year-on-year. “The scale of China’s thirst for dairy, in particular milk powders, is absolutely unprecedented and the fact that a global dairy giant like Fonterra has said that it cannot currently meet that demand, tells us a great deal,” Campbell says.
“This presents a tremendous potential trade opportunity for Australia, on top of the nearly A$3 billion worth of products the dairy industry exports annually. Campbell says Australian farmerowned co-operative, Murray Goulburn has reported global demand for dairy,
whole milk powder in particular, has been at near record levels for an unprecedented period of time. “In meeting this demand, we need a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China that removes roadblocks to export growth and delivers meaningful commercial outcomes for the local industry, sooner rather than later,” Campbell says The ADF is promoting the need for Australian FTAs with China and Japan. “We understand an FTA with China will not be easy, however the potential benefits to Australian dairy and therefore the economy as a whole, are only too clear to see,” Campbell says. “Opportunity knocks, and we must be ready to embrace it.” China is the Australian dairy industry’s largest international market with 72,516 tonnes of produce exported in the 2012-13 financial year, while New Zealand, which has an FTA with China, supplied 716,400 tonnes.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
AGRIBUSINESS 19 Succession planning seminar AN OPPORTUNITY to address the major issue of intergenerational succession on family farms will be covered in a seminar in Auckland next month. The day-long Fields for Farmers workshop will be run by Joel Salatin, a family farmer from Virginia, USA. Along with his son and daughter, Salatin runs Polyface farms which processes, distributes and markets its produce
High-tech checks for UK food origins
direct to families, retail outlets and restaurants. He has been nominated by Time Magazine as “the world’s most innovative farmer”. Salatin’s says his focus is to offer new perspectives on succession on family farms as the average age of farmers in New Zealand is about 55 years old. He believes the future of the world’s food supply has a stronger future
being managed by family farming operations, which are becoming more complex and need to be sustainable in the long term. The seminar will cover topics to prompt the new generation to consider the positive and exciting possibilities that careers in agriculture offer including complementary marketing, farm enterprise planning and land access amongst others.
Hawke’s Bay family farming proponent Greg Hart is behind Salatin’s visit to New Zealand. Hart farms 610ha near Waipawa, in central Hawkes Bay, with his wife Rachel and their three children. The seminar will be held on Sunday, February 23 from 9am to 5pm at Auckland Grammar School. To register go to: www. thefamilyfarm.co.nz
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ALAN HARMAN
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT is using high-tech to confirm the geographic origin of foods claiming to be from the UK. Samples of food have been taken from retail, wholesale and food service outlets in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to be tested using a technique known as stable isotope ratio analysis. The Food Standards Agency is working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to check the accuracy of origin claims to ensure consumers can be confident food labelled as from the UK is what it claims to be. More than 100 samples are being tested, made up of beef, pork, lamb, tomatoes, apple juice and honey. Stable isotope ratio analysis can be used to give an indication as to whether a certain food has come from a certain geographic location by comparing isotopes. It is a screening method that acts as a useful indicator of potential fraudulent activity. An isotope is a variant of a chemical element – oxygen, hydrogen and carbon are all chemical elements and each has naturally occurring variants in slightly different forms. These isotopes can be distinguished by their mass, and used to compare a particular food of claimed provenance with authentic samples of the same food produced in different regions of the UK. If there is not a good match in results then that would strongly suggest the food was not produced in the UK and needs further investigation. The agency says any results that suggest a problem will be followed up with an audit of traceability. The proportion of an isotope or group of isotopes in a particular food might vary because of geological and climatic processes. Crops grown in the UK, for instance, have a higher proportion of heavy hydrogen and oxygen than the same crops grown in mainland Europe. This is because the proportion of heavy forms of hydrogen and oxygen diminishes with distance from the sea. Another example is the way in which plants metabolise carbon dioxide results in certain plants being richer in heavy isotopes of carbon. This means the isotopic composition of animals, and meat derived from these animals, reflects where they were reared and the plant material they eat. This project is expected to be completed by April this year and the full report will then be published.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
20 AGRIBUSINESS
End nigh in Aus dairy battle? SUD ES H K I SSU N sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
THE END game may be near in the protracted battle for Australia’s oldest dairy processor. Canadian processor Saputo is in the box seat to garner majority control of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB) with its A$9/share bid. Last week, Saputo secured 26.5% of WCB, making it the largest shareholder. Rival bidder, Murray Goulburn which owns 18% of WCB, is still
aging director Gary Helou Another Australian Helou says a comis urging WCB shareholddairy processor, Lion bined Murray Goulburn National Foods, owns 10% ers not to rush the sale of and WCB will significantly shares to Saputo. WCB of WCB. enhance its international Analysts believe Saputo shareholders should wait competitiveness. gaining “The enhanced “Murray Goulburn remains control of scale and effiWCB will committed to acquiring WCB ciency from the lie in cutacquisiand believes the combination proposed ting a deal tion will establish with either of WCB and Murray Goulburn Murray GoulBega or Lion. burn as a signifiwill deliver an Australian Saputo’s failcant Australian owned and operated globally export company, ure would leave Murray competitive dairy company,” enhancing its repGoulburn’s utation as a reliuntil the merger authorioffer of A$9.50 per share able exporter of Australian sation application process dairy products. Murray as the only remaining bid. Murray Goulburn man- has been determined so Goulburn will also have that Murray Goulburn’s greater ability to diveroffer can be considered on sify its production, which its merits, he says. will assist in optimising its “Murray Goulburn product mix and managbool produces a range of dairy prodremains committed ing dairy commodity price ucts for domestic and export markets. to acquiring WCB and volatility. This creates Its products include cheese, butter and believes the combinabenefits for Murray Goulbutter blends, milk, cream and dairy tion of WCB and Murray burn, which flow through ingredients. Goulburn will deliver an to the Australian dairy Warrnambool operates two manufacAustralian owned and industry.” turing sites and has over 420 employees. operated globally comMeanwhile Saputo is It is listed on the Australian Securities petitive dairy company,” urging WCB shareholders Exchange. he says. to accept its offer before the January 22, the final closing date of its bid. The company says it will pay an additional A20c/share if it gets more than 50% of WCB, A40c for 75% shares and A60c for 90% or more shares. Saputo also points out that all WCB board members have accepted its bid.
battling to get its A$9.50a-share cash bid through the Australian Competition Tribunal. The Victorian co-op’s tribunal hearing is due to begin on February 10. All eyes are on the third bidder Bega Cheese, which pulled out of the bidding war in December when the price got too hot. Saputo’s bid closes on January 22 and analysts predict Bega may sell its 19% stake in WCB to Saputo, bringing the Canadian giant very close to the 50.1% threshold.
Merger of giants SAPUTO IS one of the top 10 dairy processors in the world, the largest in Canada, the third largest in Argentina and among the top three cheese producers in the US. Its products are sold in more than 40 countries. Saputo shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol. Australian listed processor Warrnam-
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EIGHT New Zealand agribusiness companies will be on show at one of Russia’s largest agricultural exhibitions next month. They will be part of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s (NZTE) first delegation to the internationally renowned Agrofarm event from February 4-6. With 14700sq metres of exhibits, the Moscow-based Agrofarm Convention is Russia’s leading animal husbandry and animal breeding trade show with exhibitors from 28 countries. NZTE agribusiness programme leader Haylon Smith says the government body booked a site at this year’s convention because of an increasing interest from companies. NZTE has also recently engaged a Moscow-based business development manager who believes the show could be an excellent stepping stone for New Zealand agribusinesses to penetrate the lucrative Russian market. “Russia has 8% of the world’s arable land and there is enormous potential for expanding agricultural production. It’s also the first year we have a dedicated resource in Russia, and he identified it [Agrofarm] as a good opportunity.” Smith says companies working with NZTE who had Russia as a market focus, either with existing relationships in the market or new to the market, were offered a place in the delegation. Shoof International, ZeeTags and TruTest, AMG Pastoral, NZ Pump Company, Instrument Supplies, Aitchison, Gallagher and NZ National Fieldays representatives will be exhibiting in the New Zealand space. While it will be the first time the Aitchison brand name has been on show at Agrofarm, Reese director, Rob Baan, says it isn’t the brand’s first foray into Russia as the company started selling through a distributor in early 2013. A trip through Russia was the catalyst for investment. However, Baan says the company is in the market for the long haul.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
AGRIBUSINESS 21
No double-Dutch in couple’s horse ploughing dreams TON Y H O P K I N SO N
ALAN AND Margo Vliet Vlieland have regularly competed at New Zealand Ploughing Association championships, in the horse section, since emigrating from Holland in 1993. They qualified for the New Zealand championships at Lincoln last year. “We did not do so well, but we qualified,” Margo told Rural News. “We learnt a lot and had a lot of fun competing as a team with our Clydesdales Viking and Lucky.” With more competitions the Vliet Vlielands believe they are improving. The Vliet Vlielands first came to New Zealand in 1992 to have a look and settled a year later. He is a qualified aircraft mechanic, she an office manager. He was headhunted by Air New Zealand so they settled in Christchurch and one year after arriving bought 4.5ha at West Eyreton where they still live. “We came to New Zealand for an environment where we could have some space and be able to buy some land which was impossible back home,” Alan explains. Margo wanted a horse – something she could not have in Holland. There owning a horse was the preserve of the “rich and famous”. Alan had learnt to ride as a small boy, when his mother took him to lessons at a riding school. Margo’s first horse was a standard bred but after her first sight of a Clydesdale at the Canterbury A&P Show she said, “My next horse will be one of
those with fluffy feet.” When the standard bred died 18 months later, they bought their first Clydesdale colt. Eleven years later they now have 11 head and breed, train, sell and show the horses at Canterbury shows, and use them for ploughing. “Clydesdales are still classed as a rare breed,” Margo says, and she believes they are unrecognised for their part in New Zealand’s history before tractors. When one of their horses had teeth trouble they had to use the services of a local horse dentist. Horses’ teeth grow all the time – the expression “long in the tooth” originally referred to horses – so they have to be rasped down often. Seeing the dentist at work aroused Alan’s interest and in 2003 he went to Virginia in the US and did a four month training course. “When I returned I was doing both jobs (Air NZ engineer) for a while, but seven years ago I became a full-time horse dentist.” With the slogan ‘Great and small we do them all’, he has worked on every type of horse – including top pacer Monkey King, donkeys and miniature show ponies. “The horses I treat improve their eating and with some remedial work they can steer better.” His horse dentistry work is mainly in Canterbury, but he travels as far as Oamaru in the south and Blenheim in the north. “It is a nice job removing pain and discomfort. I get job satisfaction and I get paid; what else do you
need?”. Alan prides himself that 95% of his work is done without sedating the ‘patients’ and he has all the work he can cope with.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
22 OPINION EDITORIAL
EDNA
Storm in a cream cup THE LATEST media beat-up on Fonterra’s fresh cream recall cannot go unchallenged. Everyone, from opposition politicians to a handful of Fonterra’s 10,500 shareholders, has jumped on the bandwagon to bag the dairy co-op. One unsuccessful Fonterra board candidate went as far as calling for board chairman John Wilson to resign. And all because the co-op voluntarily recalled 8,700 bottles of fresh cream from North Island retail and foodservice outlets. The recall was triggered by quality tests showing there may be the presence of E.coli in some Anchor and Pam’s bottles of cream. To put this in context, Fonterra produces around 17 million bottles of fresh cream annually in New Zealand. It is recalling fewer than 9000 bottles or about 0.05% of its annual production. In New Zealand there are 100 voluntary food recalls and withdrawals every month. But no other food producer faces this scrutiny from the media and politicians. We don’t condone the presence of E.coli or any other bacteria in our food products. The bottom line is that all our food products must be safe and of top quality. But let’s give credit where its due - Fonterra has acted decisively in recalling the products. One would expect the co-op to have learned its lessons from the botulism fiasco. It should have processes in place to manage consumer fallout and should in time shake off any perception issues about its food safety record. The investigation into the alleged contamination is continuing and everyone will be eagerly waiting to see how this happened. For overseas consumers, still recovering from the false botulism scare and its impact on infant formula trade, publicity around the cream recall will cause some concern. However, the fresh cream recall is a domestic issue for Fonterra’s brands business. Food recalls come with being a major player in the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) sector. Using every minor food safety issue at Fonterra to humiliate the co-op is plain wrong. And using the minor food recall to push political agendas is worse. The cream recall is a minor issue, but as a global food exporter, Fonterra knows the stakes are high in the international market. The co-op is now operating under scrutiny both at home and abroad.
RURAL NEWS HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3855, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140 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
“Did your mother get over her constipation?”
THE HOUND All in the family THE HOUND reckons that meat industry politics must be a real family affair for the Morrison brothers of Southland. Don Morrison, a former executive member of meat industry lobby group MIE, was elected on to the board of the Alliance Group late last year – when MIE candidates picked up directorships on both Alliance and Silver Fern Farms. Meanwhile, Don’s younger sibling – Andrew – has recently been elected on to the board of Beef and Lamb NZ (BLNZ) – replacing outgoing southern director Leon Black.
Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz
Xmas fun FONTERRA AND dairying copped some lighthearted flak in a South Canterbury town’s Christmas parade, late last year. “Sheep shagging’s a thing of the past. Dirty dairying’s a thing of the future,” quipped one float in the decidedly non-pc Pleasant Point parade. “Even the pipes are dirty!” revealed the sign on the rear of the truck as it trundled past the packed pavements. Apparently the float was the result of a shearer’s and a dairy farmer’s dry wit and artistry. The town’s annual procession always features some politically poignant pisstakes.
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 SUB-EDITOR: Neil Keating ............................Ph 09 913 9628 WEBSITE PRODUCER: James Anderson .................... Ph 09 913 9621
Deluxe Burger Canny THE HOUND suggests the campaigner price of the following fancy burger would have struggling red meat producers and the MIE boys drooling with envy all around NZ. According to Meatingplace – the Los Angeles-based Umami Restaurant Group released its “Money’s No Object” burger (M.N.O. for short) at three of its locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. The limited-time burger, made with Wagyu Beef and topped with a port reduction and freshly shaved white truffles, sells for $65. In New York, the burger can be topped with foi gras for an extra $10.
YOUR CANINE crusader reckons Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) chairman Fenton Wilson has proven to be one of the country’s most canny local body leaders after it emerged he spent less than $400 to win a position that pays almost $110,000 a year. Wilson spent a total of just $353 on his campaign . He reckons his small advertising budget, which didn’t even stretch to putting up billboards, may have actually contributed to the success of his re-election campaign. “People don’t want to see my ugly mug on billboards, simple as that.”
Tough gig! THE HOUND notes that Transpower is currently advertising for a newly created position of ‘landowner relations programme advisor’. According to its advert the near $100k a year role sits in the SOE’s ‘Landowner Relations Programme Group’ which is: “dedicated to having trusting relationships with landowners particularly when we are doing work on their land”. Your old mate reckons this will be news to the hundreds of farmers around the country who have had to deal with Transpower trying to force what they can and can’t do on their own land around its pylons.
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ABC audited circulation 81,232 as at 30.06.2013
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 // JANUARY 21, 2014
OPINION 23
Adding vigour to deer industry’s growth potential IN 2005 Livestock Improvement Cooperative (LIC) became the first company in the world to offer a team of crossbred bulls. The launch of Kiwicross gave New Zealand farmers access to hybrid vigour ‘regularised’ as a breed. Considerable research in New Zealand has shown a 6% increase in milk production with Kiwicross bulls. There are also fertility benefits: 1.5% higher non-return rate and 3.7% better calving rate. The first Kiwicross bulls were named for the Forward Pack Premier Sires team in 2004. This was also the year when Deer Improvement,
which had been launched as a subsidiary of LIC in 2003, completed its first artificial breeding mating season. The work of Deer Improvement has continued. On-farm research for venison has just been completed on the North Island monitor farm. AI with Eastern European genetics from Deer Improvement achieved gains in red deer fawn growth rates of an approximate extra 17 kg. What hasn’t received coverage in the rural media is that in the same research the Wapiti cross red fawns achieved approximately 7kg more than the pure red deer
during the first year of life, finishing 5kg heavier. Hybrid vigour has been recognised in the dairy industry, but the deer industry is still focused on pure bred animals and what can be achieved by using high performing outliers. The model offered by Kiwicross suggests that crossbreed can achieve more. Bob Swann, deer farmer from Geraldine has been involved in the industry since 1972. He says “the most profitable way to get weight on to animals is through hybrid vigour”. This is certainly what the research shows. Dr Ian Scott, a veterinarian with deer and a
dairy farm in the Waikato, believes the deer industry is where the dairy industry was 25 years ago in
focus and economics. In 1988 the venison schedule price was $6.80. Using the Reserve Bank CPI inflation, the 1988 price of $6.80 is $12.39, but the venison schedule price for 2013 was only $7.57. In the UK, supermarkets are
paying their farmers £5.70 (NZ $11.16) – one and a half times what NZ farmers are receiving. Clearly there is value in venison that is not being accessed by the NZ farmer. The result is increased pressure from dairying and dairy grazers leading to the decrease in deer numbers and loss of critical mass. The MPI Farm Monitoring Reports suggest that farm profit before tax is four times as great on dairy compared with deer farms – with the top dairy farmers achieve eight times as much. The financial data indicates that even with the gains possible with accepting crossbreeds the deer
industry will be unable to stop the march of dairy unless significant increase in value is achieved for the product. Cervena captured the imagination and the German market last century. But now it is time for a revamping of the brand with consumer education on the benefits of freerange, pasture-fed, low waste, easy to prepare and cook meat. Velvet for the health market is increasing in value and deserves consolidated marketing to prevent internal competition driving the price down. The trophy market is worth over $20 million a year, and again deserves
support. The genetics are also valuable. The deer industry has everything going for it in terms of food (venison), health (velvet) and romance (trophy stags). LIC could make the first step with, for instance, Kiwivenison and Kiwitrophy – unique to New Zealand. This must be the goal for the future with consolidated marketing and education. A New Zealand front for the industry would allow the full value of the range of products to be achieved. The vision? Kiwisuccess. • Jacqueline Rowarth is professor of agribusiness, the University of Waikato
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
24 OPINION
A push to attract our best and brightest AS WE EMBARK on what is hopefully another busy and profitable year for the agriculture sector, it is vital new blood is attracted to the economic powerhouse of New Zealand’s economy. One of the key focuses in 2014 for Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) will be to continue to highlight the exciting job opportunities available for young people in the agricultural sector. And with the new school year looming, a new batch of school leavers will be considering their future options. So how do we ensure that agricultural careers are part of their considerations? While agriculture ranks as New Zealand’s most productive, innovative sector and offers a wide variety of exciting career opportunities for young people, many rural con-
tractors are still finding it difficult to recruit skilled and motivated staff – let alone attract young school leavers into the industry to start a career. We need to change this situation and that’s why rural contractors, with others in the industry, are continuing to work on new initiatives designed to help foster an interest in a career in the sector. RCNZ provides a career path for young people entering our industry with remuneration figures above the average in many cases and qualifications up
to diploma level. I saw a recent news item on television that suggested the agriculture industry is heading for a crisis if young New Zealanders continue to ignore careers in the industry. Like many in the agricultural sector, rural contractors often have to bring in overseas workers to fill the gap. While rural contractors are keen to employ local people to give them a chance and training, there will always be a need to bring experienced staff in from overseas. However it’s also really important schools and others in the education sector show the agriculture sector offers viable and exciting career opportunities. One example, shown on the TV news item I saw, was Ashburton College. Its new Primary Industries course teaches
students about topics including soil, crops and animal growth. This demonstrates to students some opportunities available in agriculture and hopefully gets them thinking about potential careers in the sector. Despite some negative stereotypes about young people and work, there is a demand from those looking for career opportunities in the sector. This was clearly demonstrated to us last year, when Southland RCNZ members held an induction, information and field day, near Invercargill. This attracted a huge amount of interest and organisers were blown away when instead of an expected 30 people turning up – more than 100 attended. Due to the success of this event, we are looking at the possibility of estab-
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lishing a three-day or fourday training course next winter to enable more local people to develop the necessary skills to work in the contracting industry and meet contractors’ staffing needs. Another positive from this was the opportunity to work alongside Work and Income NZ to help
them understand more how rural contractors work and what we expect from employees. We are also working with Work and Income to seek funding to develop off-season training for potential employees. We need our best and brightest to be working in New Zealand’s most
important sector. Rural contractors – along with everyone involved in the rural sector – have an important role in encouraging young people into our industry. • Wellsford-based agricultural contractor Steve Levet is the president of the Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ).
A year of change RURAL LOBBY organisation Federated while enhancing land and water quality.” Wills says this year is also critical Farmers will face change this year when the term of current national president to New Zealand’s six-billion dollar red meat industry and $700 million plus Bruce Wills ends in July. “While this year is my final one as wool industry. “Federated Farmers has invested national president, there remain some big farming issues on the boil,” Wills in extra red-meat policy resources and has developed our own options paper says. “In 2014, water will continue to be that members are mulling over right central but there is also reform of New now. Wool is definitely on the comeback trail.” Zealand’s $6 bilHe firmly believes lion red-meat indus- “Water storage is that continued reform try, RMA reform, the also vital to meet of the Resource ManTrans Pacific Partneragement Act is vital and ship and of course, the challenges progress must be made the 2014 general elec- posed by climate to bring this important tion.” change while legislation into the 21st Wills says the century. media has an impor- enhancing land “We need to stitch all tant role to play in the and water quality.” of the above together to national discussion around farming – which he says would take full advantage of the TPP. It speaks be enhanced if readers, viewers and lis- volumes that countries like South Korea teners better understood what farming want in but absolutely no country wants out.” is actually like in 2014. Wills also adds that the 2014 general “Water quality and quantity are absolutely vital to the two “E’s” – the econ- election will be a very close one. “I do not know who will form the next omy and the environment. These are not mutually exclusive things but are government, but if political parties treat agriculture as the global opportunity it flipsides of the same coin. “Water storage is also vital to meet is, then they will find a willing partner in the challenges posed by climate change Federated Farmers,” he says.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
OPINION 25 I’M NOT A XENOPHOBE – JUST A PATRIOT! YOUR EDITORIAL “Foreign ownership brings out the dog whistlers” (Dec 17, 2013) repeated the catch cry of the Right in name calling those who are concerned over foreign purchases of New Zealand land as ‘xenophobic’. I prefer the term ‘patriotic’. The prices overseas corporates can and will pay; tends to price the average Kiwi and young farmer from going onto the land. This year, 2014, has a theme of the Kiwi Family Farm. We should celebrate it and in an election year look closely at the foreign acquisition policies of political parties. Your editorial derided NZ First as composed of xenophobes. Again patriotic Kiwis would be better and more accurate. On the other hand, government’s “system” (Overseas Investment Office - OIO) for approving foreign buy-ups is just a rubber stamp for foreigners to purchase at will. Figures show conservatively it is estimated that 9% (including forestry) is foreign-owned. In recent
years, more freehold land of all types was sold to overseas interests in net terms than any other year since 2006. Foreign ownership impacts on all New Zealanders. Profits flow offshore. And the good old Kiwi tradition of egalitarian access to the outdoors is eroded. Outdoor recreational users from trampers to trout anglers, to hunters to 4WD enthusiasts access farm country – particularly high country – for their recreation. Foreign buyers usually come from a society of locked gates and private estates. The consequence is reduced public access. The Kiwi inter-generational family farm has almost always been willing to grant permission to bonafide outdoor recreationalists. On the other hand foreigners usually do not understand, appreciate or want to embrace the Kiwi egalitarian ethos. Andy Cockroft Co-chairman Council Outdoor Recreation Associations of NZ
TOO MUCH TB SPIN THE HOUND (November 5) pointed out that TBfree NZ/ OSPRI had made a blunder re the filling out of ASD forms. However, in a recent article in another rural newspaper TBfree NZ/OSPRI chief executive William McCook said that while he applauded “farmers’ efforts to get to grips with the new livestock ID system he remains frustrated at some serious holes left unfilled in the data trail”. The biggest hole was created by TBfree NZ/OSPRI itself, by not
supplying to the farmer proper communication in the use of proper ASD paperwork. They effectively legroped the whole NAIT scheme but, as usual, the farmer still carries the blame for TBfree NZ/OSPRI mistakes. In the same time period the number of TB-infected herds has rocketed, with herd movement being a major player and cattle movements have proved to be practically untraceable. McCook claimed there were 91 TB-infected herds in New Zealand
at June 30. At June 30 last year the Animal Health Board claimed there were only 60 TB-infected herds, while their website showed there were actually 66. But in ‘Ospri changes to clear C2 confusion’ (Rural News December 3), Ospri’s Stu Hutchings says: “The recent Taranaki, Waikato, Northland and Canterbury cases, plus a new infection at Waiuku, south of Auckland, have pushed the number of herds classified as infected up from a low in the
1970s to exactly 100 as of last week.” If the low point of TB-infected herds was in the 1970s, why were they claiming there were only 60 herds as of June last year? There is so much confusion in TBfree NZ/OSPRI, it’s no wonder they have lost control of NAIT and the subsequent new TB infections in cattle herds. Ron Eddy Wairau Saddle RD2 Nelson (abridged. Ed.)
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IN RECENT years we have seen young Kiwi farmers, even with significant capital, constantly outbid and outtendered by larger enterprises and even foreign investors in their efforts to buy their own land to work and to obtain some security for their families. Imagine the predicament of young families lacking the vast sums of money needed to even look at a farm that might be for sale. Farm prices in the last 10 years have skyrocketed to unobtainable levels, well beyond the reach of most young Kiwi farming families. This is not helped by offshore buyers who can borrow money from their governments at low interest rates, to the full knowledge of the Overseas Investment Office. This serves only to push land prices to the point where Kiwi farmers cannot afford to buy the land they work on in their own country. This situation shows little sign of improving. New Zealand has been led by a succession of governments, National and Labour, showing little, if any, interest in seeing young Kiwi families on their own land. Instead they seem content to see New Zealand farm land bought by large enterprises. Are we to see an eventual return to the large runholder days of few owners and many landless farmers? Back then the government of the day took steps to correct this. Maybe they had the ability to see what was going to be better for New Zealand further than five years down the track. I am calling for my generation to be allowed the same opportunities as the generations before us. Nothing more and nothing less: the opportunity to own the land we farm and to have secure work and a secure home for our children. Brad Woodford Hawkes Bay (Abridged)
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
26 MANAGEMENT
MicroFarm concept a ‘sandpit’ An innovative demonstration farm initiative in Hawkes Bay aims to facilitate farm uptake of cutting edge cropping technology and techniques. Vivienne Haldane reports. docks are headlands but between these we have paddocks just like a real farm,” he told an open day in December. The farm is in its first summer of production. Besides six paddocks, it has offices and a purpose built seminar room. The initiative is spearheaded by LandWise but encompasses a much wider community, with input from groups such
“WHAT WE have here is like a big sandpit – a place where people can get together to play to try and achieve great outcomes.” That’s how LandWise’s Dan Bloomer describes the MicroFarm, a 4ha property on the Heretaunga Plains, near Hastings. “We’ve got paddocks that are big enough to have real toys in so we are doing work on a farm-sized scale. A high percentage of pad-
MICROFARM AT A GLANCE ❱❱ 4ha in six irrigated paddocks ❱❱ Heretaunga Plains soil, near Hastings ❱❱ Lead by LandWise with industrywide input ❱❱ Field-scale showcasing/testing of latest technology
as Plant & Food Research, BASF Crop Protection, McCain Foods, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Hill Laboratories, Fruitfed Supplies and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, plus farmers and agricultural contractors. Those involved in the early stages put forward ideas about what they wanted from the MicroFarm. These included ‘production’, ‘management’, ‘environment’, ‘farmer-led science’, ‘shared learning’, ‘soil quality’, and ‘yield’. “The slogan we formulated from this was ‘maximum production with minimum footprint’,” explains Bloomer. “In other words, how much sustainable production can we get out of the
Vining peas in one of the farm’s six paddocks.
Heretaunga Plains soil, without big environmental impacts?” The area, known as the ‘food basket’ of Hawke’s Bay, has a history of intensive cropping. It has suffered from mounting pressures of climate change, encroaching
industry and a demand for higher food production. Part of the MicroFarm challenge is outlined in a mission statement: ‘Complex changes are needed to achieve short and longterm environmental and economic sustainability. New techniques and tech-
nologies must be proven and farmers supported to adopt them.’ Discussion groups, trials and demonstrations form the basis for broader activities such as education and training. One of the benefits for farmers of such a facility is
it removes the risk of failure for individuals, while at the same time providing an environment for them to observe and get involved at whatever level necessary. The MicroFarm is divided into six half hectare paddocks with an irri-
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MANAGEMENT 27
for cropping gation main and access down the middle. One paddock has buried drip irrigation installed; how the other five will be watered is flexible. The first planting at the MicroFarm was last autumn: broad beans were sown in April as a cover crop then workedin before spring planting. The first production crops were vining peas, planted in two installments with the early crop harvested just prior to the open day. “Some of the things we are investigating include whether nitrogen starter makes a difference to vine growth, whether plant growth regulators have an impact on flowering and does that help us with yield,” says Bloomer. “Another study is looking at the potential of rhizobium inoculators to increase yields. “Plant & Food is one of
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Organic farmer Scott Lawson and MicroFarm manager Dan Bloomer at December’s open day.
services, monitoring and resources for dissemination and training,” says Bloomer. “What is required is some significant cash support from somewhere like the Sustainable Farming Fund so we can really get all the potential benefits flowing.”
the partners in this project. If we see something that is really interesting it will go back to Plant & Food Research for some detailed testing to see what’s happened.” The intention is not to replicate what Plant & Food does, but rather, to “try to be different”, he adds. With a way to go on their five-year journey, the MicroFarm is seeking collaborative partners. “While it is a showcase for new technologies and best practice it needs operating capital, farm inputs,
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It was not hard to get farmers interested in the MicroFarm initiative, Bloomer told Rural News. “We have been keen to get this going for a while but it took a bit to get ‘the ducks in a row’. ThinkWater and Netafim wanted a drip irrigation demonstration and so we put that in. That was the catalyst and others quickly jumped on board: McCain Foods arranged the broad bean crop and have been fully involved throughout; Ballance jumped in at the start too, and helped create excitement, as did BASF and Agronica, all offering cash support and products we need.” Local agricultural contractors have done fieldwork at the MicroFarm for no charge. “Without them and their equipment we’d have had a lot of trouble. When we got stuck, a couple of farmers turned up with tractors and drivers to do jobs needed. The harvester took an extremely expensive machine off real work to harvest our paddocks. It really is a true community, grass roots initiative.” LandWise is a farmer-focussed organisation but has always involved the wider industry, adds Bloomer. “The board has farmers, a Plant & Food rep, a Processing company rep and a Regional Council rep.” Farmer Scott Lawson of True Earth Organics farm near Hastings says the MicroFarm is “a chance for farmers to network and see things trialed that they may not be in a position to do on their own property” – things like the inoculation and plant growth regulator trials, or GPS in action. “As an organic farmer, the underlying principles of soil management, sustainability and irrigation issues are the basics, so that’s the key for us. Organics and conventional growers can learn from each other in different ways. Good organic growers adopt the latest technology but they still have to farm within a system. “The MicroFarm is a site everyone can come to. This is not just about Hawkes Bay – it’s about wider industry groups working together.”
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
28 MANAGEMENT
Next year’s lamb crop starts now Flock management from weaning drives the success, or not, of next year’s lamb crop, writes Massey University’s Professor of Sheep Husbandry, Paul Kenyon. Draft off and preferentially graze light ewes to build body condition.
WEANING IS not simply a time to reflect on the flock’s performance for
the year: it is the time to start planning for next year.
separately until breeding. The body condition Identifying such ewes is of the ewe at breeding easier if they’re recently impacts on her reproducshorn. If you’re using a tive performance, influrotational policy to conences her ability to cope trol ewe intake and to with the stresses of pregmaintain herbage qualnancy and her lactational ity for other classes of performance. Combined, stock over summer, one these will not only affect approach would be to put the number of lambs the poorer condition ewes, at weaning but also the which might be 20% of the weight of those lambs. flock, in front of Studies funded the rotation to by Beef+Lamb NZ allow them to get and undertaken a pick and gain at Massey Univerliveweight and sity more than 10 condition while years ago showed the remainder that it is the ewes of the flock folwith body condi- Paul Kenyon lows, cleaning tion less than 2.5 up rougher herbage and at breeding which limit maintaining their body the flock’s performance condition/liveweight. for the year. Ewe perforIf all ewes are managed mance increases as body as one flock over summer, condition improves until regardless of body cona score of 3-3.5 is reached. It requires 6 to 8kg of live- dition, poorer animals will not have the opporweight to increase ewe tunity to gain body conbody condition score by dition/liveweight and one unit which means if their performance next a ewe is gaining 100g/day season will be disappointit will take 60 to 80 days ing. What’s more, if the to gain that unit. Therecondition of these ewes is fore ewes require time to not addressed, their body gain body condition and weaning is the time to take condition will likely be even poorer the followaction so poor condition ing weaning and their lonewes have sufficient time gevity in the flock will be to regain body condition negatively affected. A split before breeding. flock approach post weanAt weaning, poor coning, targeting these poorer dition ewes should be ewes is needed. identified and managed
Hogget lambers ONLY 30% of ewe hoggets are bred nationally each year. For many farmers it is the difficulty in getting ewe lambs up to an absolute minimum liveweight of 40 to 42kg by mating that limits this percentage. If one assumes a ewe lamb is weaned in late December at 28kg she needs to gain at least 100g/day to be 40-42kg for mating in May. For those considering breeding from ewe hoggets next year, weaning is the time to identify the heaviest ewe lambs and offer them a generous allowance of a high quality herbage through to breeding. A subsample of 50 ewe lambs should we weighed and a further sub set of 50 then weighed monthly through to May so progress can be monitored and changes made to management if it becomes apparent that they are below liveweight targets. The earlier a problem is identified the easier it will be to fix. Given that many hoggets fail to achieve 40kg by May it should not be underestimated how difficult it is to consistently get ewe lambs to grow at 100g/ day. Optimal management in a ewe hogget lambing system actually begins when they themselves were weaned.
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
MANAGEMENT 29
Beware high milk urea messages A N D REW SWA L LOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz
HIGH MILK urea? No problem, says Dairy NZ. “Urea is a non-toxic compound that animals produce to get rid of surplus ammonia and having urea in cow’s milk is perfectly natural,” says Dairy NZ senior scientist Jane Kay. The levy-body put out a media release prior to Christmas claiming “there is conflicting information flooding the industry” on what milk urea (MU) values mean. Kay’s colleague John Roche, Dairy NZ’s principal scientist, animal science, told Rural News it was prompted by some individuals saying high MU is associated with low milk protein and low milk fat, and referring to a New Zealand Society of Animal Production paper to support their argument. “Having reviewed this paper, it shows a poor standard of reviewing. The analysis and interpretation are of questionable scientific quality and there is no way you can draw that inference from the data.” He also rubbishes suggestions high MU is associated with poor reproduction. “Let me be very clear, there is no evidence that a high MU is in anyway detrimental to cow production, health or repro-
duction.” If milk urea readings are low, Roche says it may be worth having feeds analysed to determine if protein is limiting, but he warns against jumping to that conclusion without doing the analysis. And before doing the analysis, ask yourself what you’ll do with that information, he advises. “Will I put in more protein? If so, what? What is the cost-benefit of this?” Kay echoes Roche’s comments, stressing MU is only an indicator of dietary protein and not a sensitive measure. “This is particularly true when dietary protein exceeds 20%, as often occurs in pasture. “When cows are grazing spring pasture, MU levels can be greater than 50 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dl) and, contrary to advice being given to New Zealand farmers, high MU concentrations are not detrimental to milk production, cow health or fertility.” Environmental arguments that high MU is bad also need to be kept in perspective. Although MU values are associated with urinary N loading, lowering the MU value will not necessarily reduce environmental N loading. Other management factors, such as stocking rate, pasture utilisation, effluent management and
“Let me be very clear, there is no evidence that a high MU is in anyway detrimental to cow production...” nitrogen fertiliser have a much larger impact. “Our point is that to reduce MU and at least maintain profitability, stocking rate would have
to increase to ensure pasture utilisation is maintained,” explains Roche. “In this system more, not less, nitrogen is generally imported and is
John Roche
excreted in urine. The system implications of low N feeds are far more complex than reducing MU/ cow!” Any improvement in nitrogen use efficiency through feeding a low nitrogen feed like barley or maize is through removing N from the feed and not through greater cap-
ture of N as is often stated by ‘nutrition experts’, he adds. Nitrogen losses in growing the feed used to lower the dietary N loading, not to mention the greenhouse gases released by machinery used in the growing of it, should also be taken into account, he argues.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
30 ANIMAL HEALTH
Shedding light on lamb brownfat A N D REW SWA LLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz
A NOVEL technique to determine lambs’ brown fat reserves could help identify techniques to increase survival rates, particularly of multiples, says Agresearch. Research physiologist Dr Sue McCoard, from the CRI’s Grasslands campus, Palmerston North, has been investigating use of thermo-imaging to measure brown fat deposits and what could possibly increase deposits in multiple newborns.
“For the first few days of life newborn lambs are reliant on brown fat,” explains McCoard. “This is particularly important if they are born in challenging circumstances such as storms, where chill index is high, or if they don’t have much milk to drink.” The thermo-imaging technique, if it works, would be the first noninvasive way to assess brown fat quantity and availability. “Previous to this, the only way to measure brown fat in the body
It’s hoped thermal imaging will avoid the need for dissection.
required the slaughter of animals,” notes McCoard. Higher mortality of twins and triplets compared to singleton counterparts is a major issue, particularly where ewes haven’t been allocated enough feed, she adds. “Finding consistent ways to increasing brown fat in new-born lambs is key to improving core temperature, and therefore survivability in early life. “Increased lamb survival, and increasing the number of live lambs that can be sold or used as replacements, will make a major contribution to the welfare and economic outcomes of lamb production on New Zealand sheep farms.” In good conditions mortality of twins and triplets is typically below 10% and 20% respectively, but in poor weather
AgResearch’s Sue McCoard with a healthy lamb.
it can be much more, with many deaths in the first three days of life and often because the lamb is unable to generate enough body heat to keep warm
during periods of extreme weather. From birth until their first feed burning brown fat is a lamb’s main way of maintaining temperature.
McCoard applied for and received a $35,000 Curiosity Fund grant to finance her work. The fund is one of the ways AgResearch allocates core
funding from MBIE, as opposed to contestable funding. A maximum of 20 projects of up to $35,000 ex GST each are funded annually.
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ANIMAL HEALTH 31
High growth genetics’ downside RESEARCH AT Lincoln University suggests high growth stock have a downside: they’re not so efficient when things get tight. Using a ground-breaking technique to measure individual animal intake, it was shown sheep with the genetics to grow fast were more efficient when fed 170 % of their maintenance energy requirement. But when fed 110% of maintenance requirement, low genetic growth potential animals performed better, with a 49% higher daily liveweight gain and 71% better feed conversion efficiency. “This may be due to the higher maintenance requirement of high genetic growth potential sheep with larger organs, as previously found in high producing dairy cows,” says one of the research team, Dr Paul (Long) Cheng. The trial used two
groups of 14 Coopworth sheep selected using Sheep Improvement Limited (SIL) data. One group was a non-improved strain from the 1990s with low genetic growth potential – an average of 124 in the SIL Dual Purpose Overall Index for growth; the other group was from an improved strain with high genetic growth potential – an average of 1711 in the SIL Dual Purpose Overall Index for growth. Each group was split into two feed allowance groups, 170% and 110% of maintenance metabolisable energy, balanced for liveweight and age for the five-week trial. All groups were fed commercially purchased lucerne pellets. Cheng used the trial to validate his newly developed stable nitrogen isotope technique to assess feed conversion efficiency with weekly blood samples and an end of trial mid-side
wool sample taken from each sheep. Nitrogen isotope concentration in the bloods and wools gave a good indication of feed conversion efficiency of individual sheep. The technique
Rapidly growing stock aren’t so efficient when times are tight, Lincoln University work shows.
may be developed as a cost-effective way of assessing larger numbers of sheep, he suggests. He’s also using it in AGMARDT funded research into plantain and chicory as heifer feeds.
YOU CAN DO MORE WITH A COOPERS DRENCH
RAT POPULATIONS could reach “plague” proportions this summer, says the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright. Responding to the Environmental Protection Authority’s pre-Christmas release of a report on 1080, Wright welcomed its conclusion that existing controls on 1080 are safe and effective, and said it was timely given the North and South Islands face a potential “explosion” in pest numbers. “This summer beech trees are flowering prolifically, and are expected to produce vast amounts of seeds,” said Wright. “This abundance of food will lead to plagues of rats. These exploding populations of rats will, in turn, provide plentiful food for stoats to multiply. These ‘mast’ events happen periodically, and take a huge toll on our native birds, insects and lizards. 1080 is the only tool we have to control the plagues of rats and stoats that follow a mast.” Wright called on the agencies responsible for the management of pests to work together to coordinate a response to the pending beech mast threat. Wright also welcomed moves to cut unnecessary red tape associated with aerial 1080 drops, noting the Director General of the Department of Conservation had recently told Parliament that the cost of the consent process was a significant proportion of the total cost of a 1080 drop.
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
32 ANIMAL HEALTH
LIC finds fertility flaw A N D REW SWA LLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz
DNA SEQUENCING has allowed another recessive genetic flaw in dairy cattle to be identified and a programme to weed it out developed. The flaw, or “variation” as LIC is calling it, has
been dubbed Fertility1 and is carried by about 3% of Jerseys and about 1.5% of crossbreds. It’s extremely rare in Friesians, only occurring where there’s an element of Jersey in the ancestry. LIC general manager of research and development, Richard Spelman,
says the variation affects fertility and calf survival. Embryos carrying double copies of the recessive gene are thought to die in utero or are stillborn. “No live animals have been seen with the variation.” Analysis of stored genetics shows the trait’s been
in the New Zealand dairy herd for more than 40 years with carrier sires identified from the 1970s. The trait is recessive, so is only exhibited when both sire and dam are carriers and even then only by 25% of progeny. LIC says the variation will be managed out of
the national herd, but it may still use carrier bulls where their genetic merit warrants use. Its advice to farmers is to ensure accurate parentage recording so tools such as DataMate can be used to minimise the frequency of carrier to carrier matings. “DataMate, used by
LIC AB Technicians, will issue alerts to reduce the frequency of matings between two carriers of the variation, and a genotype test will be available to farmers, wanting to test their cows, through GeneMark,” says Spelman. LIC told Rural News it doesn’t know the gene’s frequency in overseas genetics, but about 300 New Zealand sires from the last 30 years have been identified as possible carriers. A list of 38 probable carrier bulls is on LIC’s website. The DNA sequencing technology allows mapping and comparison of DNA profiles of a large number of sires and in this case LIC’s identified a specific segment of DNA – one piece out of 3.2 billion – linked to the Fertility1 variation. It is the latest in a long line of recessive undesirable genes discovered in dairy animals around the world including CVM, BLAD, DUMPS,
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Brachyspina, Factor XI, Mulefoot and, last April, Small Calf Syndrome. LIC says the discovery of each genetic variation has led to a management programme, significantly reducing their occurrence in dairy populations internationally and in New Zealand. In a Jersey herd of 400 cows there would likely be 12 Fertility1 carrier animals but because a carrier cow has to mate with a carrier bull, and even then only one if four calves are affected, it’s likely only one animal per herd of 400 Jerseys will have been affected by the trait (ie missed a pregnancy or had a still born calf) in the past five years. LIC says the test will be made available to other genetics companies so they can screen their bulls. The work which led to the Fertility1 discovery is co-funded by Government through the Primary Growth Partnership.
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Following LIC’s Fertility1 announcement, DairyNZ and New Zealand Animal Evaluation Ltd (NZAEL) called for breeding companies to work together to minimise the impact of the variation. “Accurate animal recording of fertility events and correct parentage identification make it possible to identify these variants and minimise their impact of cow fertility and calf survival,” says NZAEL’s National Breeding Objective manager Dr Jeremy Bryant. “The use of the DNA screening test, matched with use of tools such as DataMate and SireMatch, is the right approach.” Continued improvement of genetic merit in the national dairy herd remains a critical element of the dairy industry, says Bryant. “Farmers should welcome the identification of these genetic variants by LIC, so that their impact on traits such as fertility and calf survival can be minimised in the future.” DairyNZ says the focus on farm to improve fertility should be sharp management in areas such as heat detection and achieving body condition score targets. NZAEL’s website provides carrier status for a range of genetic variants such as BLAD (bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency) and Small Calf Syndrome. Bull carrier status for Fertility1 will be added as it becomes available.
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
ANIMAL HEALTH 33
The Fertility1 variation’s most widespread in Jerseys, says LIC (see story opposite).
Genetic disorders found further afield Meanwhile a team of Finnish and high yielding herds than just negaLIC’S Fertility1 variation is just one of several to be uncovered internation- Danish researchers have uncovered a tive energy balance. “The fact the mutation is recessive genetic deletion that boosts milk yield ally recently. The Munich University of Tech- but causes embryonic death in Nordic means that both parents must carry it and pass the genes on to their calf nology has found an infertility issue red breed dairy cattle. for the calf to be affected,” says in Fleckvieh cattle, the secondGoutam Sahana, one of the largest breed in the world, to be The Munich University of authors of the research report caused by a single recessive gene, Technology has found an in online journal Plos One. TMEM95. The mutation is relatively The mutation makes bulls vir- infertility issue in Fleckvieh common in Nordic Red cattle, tually infertile, with a success rate cattle, the second-largest but absent in Nordic Holstein for insemination of less than 2%. breed in the world, to and Danish Jersey populations, “Otherwise, the animals are they found. It’s estimated perfectly healthy and normal,” be caused by a single 2.89%, 1.32% and 0.42% of researcher Hubert Pausch Pausch recessive gene, TMEM95. embryos are dying in Finnsays. ish Ayrshire, Swedish Red and “The characteristic only manThe presence and effects of the Danish Red cattle respectively due to ifests itself if bulls inherit the mutation from both the male and female mutation, discovered by scientists the mutation. The deleted gene sequence causside, i.e. they are homozygous for the from Aarhus University, University defective gene… . It is only in this case of Liège, MTT Agrifood Research Fin- ing the embryo mortality has become that the animals should be excluded land, the Danish Agricultural Advisory relatively widespread because selecService and Nordic Cattle Genetic tion for high milk yield has inadverfrom breeding.” The defect’s been traced to one Evaluation, suggest there’s more to tently selected for embryo mortality the problem of reduced fertility in too. – Alan Harman Fleckvieh animal born in 1966.
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Fly, Maggot and Lice Eliminator Spinosad is the same active ingredient found in Extinosad® Liquid. Cyromazine is the same active found in Vetrazin®. The 5L pack of Cyrex makes 2500 litres of dipwash; 10L makes 5000 litres and 250ml bottle makes 125 litres of dressing fluid. Extinosad and Cyrex are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company Ltd. Vetrazin is a registered trademark of Novartis. Cyrex is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. A09917.
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
34 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
All CLAAS in the Bay
Accolade for Case IH THE CASE IH Quadtrac 620 was awarded “Machine of the Year 2014” in the XXL tractor category at the recent Agritechnica exhibition in Hannover, Germany. The industry accolade was awarded because of the innovative concept of the new Case IH Quadtrac series. In his laudation agricultural editor Bernd Feuerborn not only acknowledged the nearly 700hp maximum and a torque of up to 3,000 Nm, but also highlighted the excellent driving comfort of the most powerful series tractor produced worldwide. The Quadtrac particularly impressed the jury with its peak performance in terms of traction and soil protection. All Quadtrac tractors are powered by the new FPT Industrial Cursor 13 engines. This 6-cylinder power source with a capacity of 12.9 litres and two
intercoolers. Case IH says the new Quadtrac series, presented at Agritechnica for the first time, is one of the first high performance tractor series to fulfil the tightened Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emission regulations with an SCR-only system. The patented technology not only provides outstanding cost-effectiveness, but also NOx transformation efficiency of 95%. Case IH says the engines are aligned to deliver maximum performance without increasing emissions or reducing effectiveness. The “Machine of the Year 2014” is awarded by technical editors of the Deutscher Landwirtschaftsverlag (German Agricultural Publishers) in cooperation with other European agricultural magazines.
Email: hecton@xtra.co.nz Visit our website www.hecton.co.nz for a full list of products or phone 03 215 8558
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THE NEW CLAAS Harvest in Centre Hawke’s Bay signals a new era of technology, service and support in farm technology for the region’s thriving horticultural and agricultural industries, says the dealership’s owner. Formerly trading as Deartech, the dealership will become the regional sales, service and support centre for the complete range of high performance CLAAS machinery and advanced technology tractors. Lance Dear says the new venture is an exciting milestone for the secondgeneration family-owned company. “Deartech has represented CLAAS and a number of other leading farm machinery brands in Hawkes Bay for more than 40 years,” he says.
vesting technology and as a result, it has a dominant market share in this region. “This is particularly satisfying as Dad sold and serviced some of the very first CLAAS combine harvesters in Hawkes Bay more than 40 years ago.” T.A.Dear was established by Tom and Karen Dear in 1971. Sons, Glenn and Lance, joined the business in in 2002 and 2004, respectively, after gaining experience in the engineering and technology sectors. Tom Dear officially retired in 2006 but remains a director of the company and can often be found in the workshop. Deartech also operates a specialised design and engineering division, which has developed a number of products for the horticultural industry
“We have a first-rate team with unparalleled experience and knowledge of the agricultural and horticultural industries and farm machinery.” “Our decision to become a dedicated CLAAS Harvest Centre is a reflection of our strong desire to provide our customers with the most technically advanced and complete product portfolio in the industry. “CLAAS is acknowledged as a world leader in grain and forage har-
in recent years. The new CLAAS Harvest Centre Hawke’s Bay was officially opened at a gala function held at Sileni Estate Winery and Restaurant in December. It will also distribute a select range of other farm machinery brands, including JCB telehandlers and loaders, AMAZONE spray-
Lance Dear
ers, spreaders, cultivators and drills, Gregoire-Besson cultivation equipment and GRIMME potato planting, harvesting and handling technology. Dear says the release of the new series of CLAAS AXION and ARION tractors means the focus will be on growing its share of the tractor market in the region. “Likewise, JCB, AMAZONE, Grimme and Grégoire-Besson are all recognised as leaders in their field, which means we can offer our customers a completely integrated product range.” These brands are complement by the range of Goldoni compact tractors and specialist mowing systems for the viticultural
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and horticultural markets. Operating from a purpose-built facility at Hastings, the business services an area roughly bound by Gisborne, Taupo and Norsewood and employs a staff of 18. “We have a first-rate team with unparalleled experience and knowledge of the agricultural and horticultural industries and farm machinery,” Dear adds. “A number of our employees have 20-plus years’ experience with the company, while several of our service technicians are specialists that have emigrated from the UK. As a dedicated CLAAS Harvest Centre, our customers can expect even more from us.”
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 35
Landcruiser gains big raps for a big vehicle MA RK M AC FA R LA N E
I MUST DECLARE, from the start, I am a fan of small cars. I understand the zipping about town in a car that can turn inside a phone booth, win the traffic light race and provide hours of fun with a fuel bill that fits a pensioner’s budget. I understand the idea of owning a top-of-the-line small car, rather than a base-model big car and the status it provides. I even own a small car and use it often. However, there are obvious limitations to small car ownership that just can’t be waved away. The world is turning to high riding “sport utility vehicles” or SUV’s and the practicality they offer the driver. The view from the elevated front perch is better and safer; there’s ease of access for the frail and infirm. But mostly, there’s the sheer
versatility offered by space. There’s space for dogs and cats, if you fit a roof rack, groceries, kids, kids’ toys and men’s toys for that matter. Follow that logic and feed it with steroids and you arrive at the Toyota’s revised Landcruiser Prado - space for Africa! Five, six or seven seats that fit adults, in my family anyway, and still space for a bag or two and enough power from the 127kW 3.0lit diesel to haul you all and whatever else you wish to tow. With a healthy 410 Nm of torque, you will hardly notice the hills. Farmers may recognise this engine from the Hilux in the shed and while not the smoothest operator in the bunch it offers solid and relatively frugal performance. This is a rugged off-road vehicle made to suit the road, not some tarted-up town car with bigger wheels fitted, and
it offers true off-road ability. Good ground clearance, sensible departure angles and a 700mm waterboard – before the missus’ new shoes get a wash – are all useful for the few buyers that aren’t buying one to take young Tarquin to his interpretative dance classes. There is Hill Start Assist and Downhill Assist Control on the auto models as well as a full hi/ low 4WD transmission and the brakes have ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist. Driving is assisted with Cruise Control, Stability Control and Active Traction Control; so once on the highway it’s just a case of pointing it in the right direction really. There is a good colour palette too. Some of the colours aren’t even grey which is good. Often when I drive a car there is a special something that takes my fancy and with
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this it was a simple standard three-pin plug, socket fitted discreetly on the wall of the boot space. The possibilities this offers, though it does have a 100w maximum, are endless really. Fridge, laptop charger, tyre pump or toothbrush? What’s your big idea?
The Landcruiser Prado range starts, yes starts, at just $84,195 and tops out at $109,780 – so I haven’t placed an order just yet. I’m just waiting for those Mighty River Power shares to come good. Contact 0800 TOYOTA or www.toyota.co.nz.
Good spread A NEW fertiliser spreader from Agriquip expands this manufacturer’s range of these machines. The Cub Tornado 6000 is a trailed tandem axle model said to be effective handling such bulky material as chicken manure. The key to this is its extra-wide 650mm chevron patterned belt, fitted as standard. The model pictured is fitted with an optional roll over cover and 400/60-15.5 14-ply tyres. Other options are a lighting kit, hydraulic jack, standard cover and brakes. A new modular-construction load cell enables scales to be added to this model. In standard form the Cub Tornado 6000 has 11.5/80 – 15.3 14-ply tyres, removable swivel hitch, hot dip galvanised frame and chassis, UV treated polyethylene hopper, zinc plated gears and sprockets, and stainless steel spinner discs and vanes. The maker’s new-design spinners with taper bearings have been fitted to all Cub spreaders since early 2012, proving reliable. Tel. 06 7598402 www.agriquip.co.nz
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
36 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS Serious about Fencing!
STEELPOST TREADIN ➥ 5 position angled insulator clips, now with tapered lead in ➥ New insulated handle prevents accidental shocks ➥ Galvanised spring steel shaft ➥ Hot dipped galvanised foot
How to fencing guides on you tube “strainrite fencing guides” www.strainrite.co.nz Contact your local rural supplies merchant or phone 0800 266 258
PRODUCTION ORIENTATED FARMERS... Are you suffering from:
• Surface ponding of pastures? • Hay & silage being tramped into pasture and wasted?
Pugged paddocks can reduce pasture growth up to 60% DON’T PUT GOOD FERTILISER ON COMPACTED SOIL WHICH CAN’T ABSORB IT If your soil can’t support 15cm root growth and good worm population check for compaction. You could need aeration. In dollar terms, what would 20% production increase mean to your yearly turnover?
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Lucerne the crop for all seasons GROWING LUCERNE as a forage feed dates back thousands of years and is practised on farms all around the world. More recently, newer varieties bringing greater yield and disease resistance have made it an integral part of many farm systems in New Zealand, as more farmers have realised its economic, environmental and nutritional benefits. A reliable perennial legume, lucerne can be grazed, used as silage, cut and fed or used to make hay. This versatility, coupled with multiple grazings, make lucerne a sure bet for farmers as a reliable summer feed. “Pioneer” brand products are constantly evaluating new lucerne genetics to ensure we introduce the best varieties for your farm,” claims the company’s business manager, Grant Matthews. “As the climate changes, supplementary feeds are becoming more important to New Zealand farmers, and lucerne has many benefits that can directly affect farm-
ers’ bottom line. That’s why we are continuing to focus on introducing new, higher performing varieties.” A reliable feed Lucerne grows well in a range of climates and can sustain winter cold as well as dry summer spells. It provides a reliable and consistent yield of green feed throughout the summer months when pasture production tends to drop. High in protein, lucerne can increase animal liveweight gains or milksolids output, and makes an excellent complimentary feed to other supplementary feeds. “In summer months, pasture yield and quality can be low. Feeding lucerne at this time can boost animal growth and performance creating higher returns,” Matthews says. Drought tolerant While most other crops and pastures grow roots less than one metre deep, lucerne roots grow considerably deeper, enabling it to source deep seated water and
Lucerne grows well in a range of climates and can sustain winter cold as well as dry summer spells.
giving it excellent drought resistance. The breakdown of roots contributes to soil fertility by adding nitrogen, which can help to increase the yield and quality of subsequent crops. More hardy varieties Traditionally insect damage (especially aphids) and disease have restricted the popularity of lucerne, but new varieties have been developed to address these issues and
even more breeding initiatives continue. “Pioneer brand 54V09 Lucerne, which was introduced in 2010, is our best variety yet, giving excellent yield, high disease resistance and good forage quality compared with our previous varieties,” Matthews says,. “All our lucerne is treated with Nitragin* Plus which means a number of benefits for every seed. These include high nitro-
gen fixation for better yields, better effectiveness against fungal diseases and localised pH correction around the seed,” he adds. “The benefits are also passed onto the farmer meaning easier, accurate and safer planting and more pure seed for every kilogram of coated seed purchased.” For more information on Pioneer brand 54V09 lucerne, speak to your local merchant or visit pioneer.co.nz
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 37
A Fergie man through and through BILL O’NEILL and Massey Fergusson go back a long way. About 55 years ago O’Neill bought his first Fergie. Since then, about 35 MFs have been part of his life. Red tractors have featured in his days spent dairy farming, hay and silage contracting and farming Te Wera Station. This 681ha sheep and beef operation at Matawai, between Opotiki and Gisborne, has been owned by the O’Neill family for 18 years, worked by Bill, his wife Carmel and their son Mark. Another son runs David O’Neill Contracting in Omarama, Central Otago and he has six Massey Fergusons. At Te Wera Station Bill is in charge of tractor work. He recently he regrassed 10ha – replacing green oats that was winter feed for cattle. “Often we break in a piece that’s never seen a tractor before. That land has just been grazed since the bush was cut in the 1930s and it’s full of stumps and logs,” he explains. “I’ve been breaking in land all my life. We’ve done the easy stuff. Now we’re getting into the steeper and rougher ground.”
Te Wera Station rises from 650m elevation to about 950m. It’s fairly steep, but has some easier country too. On this O’Neill’s latest MF 7614 “can out-climb anything he has had before. I don’t know if it’s because of the additional power, or better gearing – but it’s marvellous on hills, up or down.” The MF 7614 has a 140hp, 6L, 6-cylinder engine driving through a Dyna-4 transmission, which gives four ranges of gears and a total of 16 forward and 16 reverse. In the old days O’Neill had up to five tractors at a time. Now the 7614 is the only tractor he owns and it does everything. He uses it for contracting as well, mainly power harrowing and drilling. “I try not to but neighbours keep asking.” O’Neill notices the difference with the MF 7614 when he’s pulling the 2.4m power harrow. “It’s too small for this tractor, but it means it doesn’t get thrown around. With the old one on the side of a hill, the tractor rocked when you lifted the power harrows. This one sits there solid. It’s got a bit more length and weight.” He can also tell the difference with
the oil flow to the hydraulics. The tip trailer goes up far quicker than on the older tractor. The MF 7614 is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) machine, which means Ad-Blue urea is added to cut down the emissions of nitrogen oxides. “There’s nothing to it. It’s the same as filing the diesel tank and checking the oil.” He’s used about 30L of Ad-Blue over 250 hours of running. “It’s made a difference to fuel efficiency. It uses about four litres less diesel per hour than the older one, with the rotorspike harrow in hard going.” O’Neill got his new tractor in March from Mike Rogers at Piako Tractors, Rotorua, his supplier for five years. “If I ever have problems they send over parts and explain what I need to do, or for a bigger job they come over.” In the early days O’Neill bought a couple of second-hand tractors. Now he always buys new. “I take full advantage of the warranty and the interest doesn’t worry me, because if I can’t pay cash, then I don’t buy them.”
Bill O’Neill has been driving Massey Fergusons for 55 years and says his MF 7614 is better for hill work than any tractor he has ever driven.
Tel. 272 708 027 email peter.scott@agcocorp.com
Early weed control for better yield EFFECTIVE WEED control is an important step in growing a good forage brassica crop for true yield potential to be realised, points out chemical company Zelam. Crop plants do not compete well during the establishment phase and can suffer significantly from the weed competition. Therefore the sooner the odds are shifted in its favour the better. “Considerable input costs have already been committed up to sowing, and timely weed control will help safeguard that investment. Further benefits go beyond
the current crop, such as a reduced weed burden in the following crop or pasture,” the company says. Farmers looking to extract maximum feed value from their new season forage brassica crops can effectively do so by applying Pycus to kill tough weeds such as spurrey (yarr), willow weed, nightshade and fathen. Pycus also kills annual nettle, thistles, seedling docks, yarrow and amaranthus. The importance of a good weed kill early in the life of a forage brassica crop, and when the seedling weeds are actively growing will,
always give the best results. With adequate soil moisture these young weeds are actively growing, so they take up and circulate the herbicide quickly to deliver a lethal dose. Making this well-timed application when the crop is also small means the weeds are easier to hit, ensuring the competition is eliminated, and provides the longest possible time for the crop to grow unimpeded. Pycus can be safely applied over the top of swedes, kale, rape and turnips. www.zelam.co.nz
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RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
38 RURAL TRADER GET SOCIAL WITH RURALNEWS
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Happy Birthday To mark a birthday, retirement or any milestone, give that special someone, something special - a personal cartoon portrait by Edna cartoonist Malcolm Evans - $200 plus GST
Advantage Plastics Rangiora call: 0800 668 534 or (03) 313 5750
Send no money - just email a few up-to-date photos of subject, with a note of details you’d like included, to; malcolm@evanscartoons.com
Protect Your Pump From Costly Repairs Keep Your Water The Best It Can Be
Dam Weed Guard
Or post your inquiries to; M. Evans, 39J Cape Horn Road, Hillsborough, Auckland 1041 . and don’t forget to include your return address.
• Are you having trouble with rubbish getting into your farm pump? • Weeds building up on your water filter? • Algae blocking your water lines?
Dam Weed Guard
TUNNELHOUSES
Chlorine Tablet & Dispenser
• Prevents most algae build up & blockages
• Floats in your water supply (dam/creek) • Protects your filter from weeds & floating debris
Stainless Steel Screen
Screen Filter with Stainless Steel mesh fits inside Dam Weed Guard
• Filters your water supply
Contact: Peter and Sheryl Tonkin P: 09 4317276 • M: 027 353 7274 • www.damweedguard.co.nz
• Ideal addition to your lifestyle 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
BE SAFE... FIT A QUADBAR
The award winning Australian Quadbar is now on over 250 farms in NZ and is saving lives and preventing injury daily. It is now made here and is a well proven crush protection device for quad bikes.
595
$
+GST delivered
For a Quadbar, call me, Stuart Davidson, owner of Quadbar NZ, on 021-182 8115. Email sales@quadbar.co.nz or for more info go to
www.quadbar.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.
• 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
Phone
0800 625 826
for your nearest stockist
Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes
RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 21, 2014
RURAL TRADER 39 FLY OR LICE PROBLEM?
DOLOMITE
FLYSTRIKE AND LICE
NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call... 0800 436 566
❖
• Protect over a wide temperature range • Resist moisture • Protect against corrosion • Minimise lubrication frequency • Extend component life
❖
• Make a big job quick & easy • Total body coverage, 2.5 litres/sheep
www.powerupnz.co.nz
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
Phone 07 573 8512 • www.electrodip.com
NewSINGLE TOP DOG BOX
DOG BOX
Phone: 0800 80 8570 www.burgessmatting.co.nz
• Sheep & Beef Farms • Is drought a problem? • PPP have a cost effective solution for you • Storage silos from 6 tonnes upwards • Contact PPP • A trusted name in farming • Serving rural NZ for over 50 yrs
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
FREE DUMMY COLLAR
PPP Super Jetter
• 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
Ph 0800 33 66 66
If required, with all
Fantastic Penetration
NO ONE BEATS OUR PRICE
Free Range & Barn Eggs SUPPLIERS OF:
Phone 0800 625 826 www.mckeeplastics.co.nz
• Nest boxes - manual or automated • Feed & Drinking • Plastic egg trays
sportDOG orders
FOOTWEAR LTD
QUALITY PRODUCTS MADE IN EUROPE OR BY PPP
❖
A trusted name in Poultry Industry for over 50 years ❖
FARM BOOTS KIWI MADE FOR 3 GENERATIONS
Visit www.lastrite.co.nz for more quality products
YARDMATE SOFT TOE This is designed for
heavy duty uses and is perfect for fencers, high country farmers and hunters walking through tough, rugged country. With an upper constructed from thick full grain leather, a leather insole and mid-sole, which is stitched and screwed to a cleated rubber repairable sole. A tough heel counter for better ankle support, this boot will handle the tough environment. Yardmate also available in Steel toe. Sizes 4-15 including half sizes.
GREAT VALUE
SD-1825 with 1 collar ................$640.00 SD-800 with 1 collar .................. $470.00 Extra collars ............................... $295.00 PRICES INCLUDE GST
Be Safer With CLIC DUAL Wheels See us at Waimumu Site 89
GUSSET CASUAL BOOT For casual occasions in town and around home, the Gusset boot is a really comfortable and stylish option. A turned out, one piece full grain leather upper, with elastic side panels construction, ensures comfort and sleek appearance. Being fully leather lined with a leather in-sole adds to the comfort. The rough, flexible Navana fully repairable sole, ensures durability and the ability to handle the kids playing fields. Toe – Soft Toe Colour – Harley Tawny Sole – Navana Rubber/Replaceable sole
www.clicdualwheels.co.nz
Rainwalk Rainwear SALE! Waterproof, Lightweight, Highly Breathable!
$66
valued at $200
Sale Ends 24 January 2014 (while stocks last)
Please add $10 Freight per order
Clic Wheel Systems Ltd, Rotorua
Ph/Fax 07 347 2292
48 JOHN STREET, WHANGAREI Phone 09 438 8907
Buffalo Boot Sale $80!
on Duals for more traction, stability, flotation, towing power, versatility.
$48 valued at $140
$42
valued at $120
ELE-00939A-RN
THERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO SECURE YOUR RETURNS High demand for lambs is expected to continue – and when it comes to improving lamb numbers, one of the best ways is through vaccination. Diseases like Toxoplasma, Campylobacter and Salmonella can cause major losses.
Vaccination helps you protect your ewes and increase the number of lambs born, but you’ll need to plan ahead. With our range of sheep performance vaccines it’s easy to get the level of performance you want from your flock and secure your returns for next season.
Visit www.sheepvax.co.nz and talk to your vet about a vaccination plan today.
AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ®Registered trademark. MSD Animal Health. Phone 0800 800 543. SPV-343-2013