Rural News 07 March 2017 by Rural News Group

MANAGEMENT

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

NEWS

Tall grass proves its versatility.

Little to dislike from the latest Land Cruiser 70 series. PAGE 31

The value of the dairy industry to New Zealand’s economy. PAGE 7

PAGE 25

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS MARCH 7, 2017: ISSUE 625

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Brexit focus for Beef + Lamb NZ PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

“THERE IS absolutely no question that Brexit is something we are focused on,” says Beef + Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons. “There are a lot of factors in how this thing can play out,” he told the recent Agcarm conference in Auckland. “We are watching this closely. We have staff based in Brussels and we are looking at having more of a footprint

up there. While there is risk, there is also opportunity. We are [intent on] preserving our current interests.” Parsons also chairs the NZ Meat Board, a slimmed down version of the old Meat Board. It looks administration of our sheepmeat quota into the EU, our beef quota into the US and a very small, high-quality beef quota into

the EU – about 1300 tonnes. The sheepmeat quota is 228,000 tonnes, so the EU takes 50% of NZ’s sheepmeat exports, a significant portion of which the UK takes about half. He says there is a bunch of scenarios as to how this could play out. The European Union and UK – in its own right – are members of the

FEDS IN THE RED? PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

World Trade Organisation (WTO). The sheepmeat deal done years ago was compensation for UK entering the European Community. “Under the WTO, they have an obligation to honour that agreement. So it is not just a case of the EU or the UK saying ‘you can’t have it anymore’. It is TO PAGE 3

Roasted piggery A FORMER pig farm in Horowhenua once covertly investigated by animal rights activists is gone. The farm, beside SH1 at Kuku, south of Levin, was once filmed by comedian Mike King to show the plight of sows in crates. In late February, the new owner of the property, commercial grower John Clark, unexpectedly put a match to the buildings and burned the complex to the ground. This surprised the locals, who had no warning. The blaze attracted lots of onlookers, especially those heading to the RNZAF air show at Ohakea, near Bulls. Clark is understood to be planning to dispose of the steel remains then convert the 70ha site to growing brassica crops. – Peter Burke

SPECULATION ABOUT the state of Federated Farmers’ financial position has some sources claiming it is facing a deficit of up to $700,000 this year. However, Feds president William Rolleston has told Rural News the organisation is “close to budget”. Contributing to the predicted deficit are a fall in subscriptions, a drop in the sale of contracts and the purchase of a new computer system. Asked what the budgeted deficit was, Rolleston says this would not be revealed until the audited accounts are presented at the organisation’s annual meeting in June. Rural News has sought detailed information from Feds about its finances since a significant change of personnel in 2015-16. Of the four people appointed at the time, four have left. At least one person was also made redundant. Rolleston denies there has been a ‘restructuring’. However, a human resource expert spoken to by Rural News about the situation at Feds says what occurred was a restructuring, though it might have been a ‘soft restructuring’. This is where people leave soon after a new chief executive or board takeover. Rolleston won’t say what the costs of these changes have been to the organisation, insisting there never was a ‘restructuring’. TO PAGE 3

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

NEWS 3 ISSUE 625

www.ruralnews.co.nz

No GE – dumb! PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

NEWS �� 1-17 AGRIBUSINESS ��18-19 MARKETS �� 20-21 HOUND, EDNA �� 22 CONTACTS �� 22 OPINION ��22-24 MANAGEMENT �� 25-28 ANIMAL HEALTH �� 29-30 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS �� 31-34 RURAL TRADER �� 35

HEAD OFFICE Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122 POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: PMP Print CONTACTS Editorial: editor@ruralnews.co.nz Advertising material: davef@ruralnews.co.nz Rural News online: www.ruralnews.co.nz Subscriptions: subsrndn@ruralnews.co.nz ABC audited circulation 80,580 as at 31.09.2016

LOCKING OURSELVES out of the world by being GE-free is “just dumb”, Potatoes New Zealand chief executive Chris Claridge says. “We have to understand as an agricultural nation that we must apply all knowledge and skills available to us worldwide in order to solve our own problems,” he told the recent Agcarm conference. Claridge put forward a line of thinking to the conference that NZ agriculture is entering a ‘third wave’ in technological development. “The third wave [in agriculture] is more about looking at things from a systems approach – an ecological perspective, trying to understand the unintended consequences of what happened so when you do intervene, you intervene carefully knowing or trying to understand absolutely what might happen,” Claridge says .” Also there are very complex interrelationships that might occur. “Putting nitrogen on a paddock, for instance, has these downstream con-

detecting the presence in plants. sequences we all have to be aware of. “We are starting to use DNA test“We are starting to see the need to understand the epidemiology of dis- ing methodology which is why our abileases. We are getting into precision ity to understand genetic engineering diagnostics, and we are seeing data is so important because it leads us down to ‘how do we intermapping and changes in vene in the system – how to technology and delivery. we diagnose it, how do we “We are trying to manage treat it, how do we reduce this complex technological the sprays, how to we moniworld and give information tor and control it with more to the farmers and growers, efficacy?’ which enable them to make “Locking ourselves out more money.” Chris Claridge of that technology means He says around the tomato-potato pest insect psyllid – the industry goes backwards.” It has the unintended consequences they saw an unusual set of circumstances which caused a lot of problems of switching off the researchers and downstream through the industry. But students from staying in NZ and workthey are starting to see technologies ing in the industry, Claridge says. The next question is about sprays applied to this which are unique in the and spray registration, he says. It is a way they are deployed. The insect injects a bacterium into long and costly process. “The Environmental Protection the plant, but you can’t cultivate it outside of a living plant, making it difficult Agency is not particularly quick or to study. The bacterium, Liberibacter, efficient in registering new sprays. The causes spoiling of potato products EPA will say they must make sure new sprays are environmentally friendly; downstream for processors. Plant and Food, with others, has but there has to be a balance.” mapped the genetics of the Liberi@rural_news bacter, which has led to field tests facebook.com/ruralnews

Fed’s finances under scrutiny FROM PAGE 1

But given the cost of a consultant, staff time and other expenses, the likely cost would be $50,000 plus the cost of the four staff salaries during the time they were employed at Feds. It’s not known if any personal grievances were taken out against the federation as a result of these changes. Rolleston also refused to provide an ‘indirect costs’ of the changes, although he does concedes it “takes time for people to get up to speed”. “The quality of staff we are getting

now is outstanding. We are attracting high quality staff to the organisation because of the positive culture,” he says. “We are also seeing staff who were employed under previous regimes coming back to work here and this is very encouraging.” On the issue of membership, Rural News asked Rolleston what the current membership was and how this compares with other years. The answer: “…membership numbers include multiple levels and subscriptions”.

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However, it is hard to understand what this exactly means. Rolleston admits membership has been “tight” because of the downturn in the dairy industry and the amalgamation of farms. He says the organisation is “looking at its subscription structure to make it better reflect the scalable nature of the benefits Federated Farmers provides to farmers”. He also claims that membership in areas where Feds has taken a stance on genetic modification, Hawkes Bay and Northland has garnered some of their best membership increases.

Brexit focus FROM PAGE 1

ours by right,” Parson says. “If the UK leaves the EU and isn’t part of their customs union, there needs to be compensation to NZ. Between the EU and the UK they need to work out some arrangement. And if they don’t come up with something satisfactory to NZ’s interests we will take them James Parsons to the WTO to look for compensation.” He says this quota is worth over $1 billion to the NZ economy which is “massive” in terms of our economy. “That would be a lot less money floating around rural communities. It makes it challenging for a lot of hill country to make it viable. We would have to find alternative markets, etc. “It is not going to come to that, but how this plays out will be quite interesting,” Parson adds. “If you look at Ireland, for example, it is feeling threatened by this because the inter-EU trade in sheepmeat is significant, so Ireland actually sells about 50% of its lamb to the UK and also beef. “Ireland is a big player in beef: it produces a similar amount to NZ. The UK exports about 30% of its sheepmeat to the EU. NZ supplies lamb in the off season; they would struggle to keep lamb on the shelves 12 months of the year.”

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

4 NEWS KIWIFRUIT LEVY VOTE PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

NZ KIWIFRUIT Growers Inc wants at least a 50% turnout for its levy vote to show the Government the support enjoyed by the grower advocacy organisation, says chief executive Nikki Johnson. “This is growers’ opportunity to have their say in the future of NZKGI and its their

deal with. “That levy is our sole source of funding.” She says a grower turnout exceeding 50% would be great. Primary organisations often have poor turnouts for this type of vote. “We would like to demonstrate to the minister that kiwifruit is different and growers do support their grower organisation.”

opportunity to support us by voting for the levy,” she told Rural News. “We really encourage them to get out and vote and have their say. “We have to demonstrate to the minister that our growers support us and they are comfortable and want to pay us the levy so we can continue to support their interest in the wide and varied range of issues we

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Johnson is confident because the kiwifruit industry traditionally has a high voter turnout. She says the strategic plan is a rollover of what they currently have, but they are strengthening communications and monitoring of industry performance. Voting opened on February 24 and runs until March 17. The postal and online referendum is for a compulsory levy on kiwifruit exports except to Australia. The proposed starting levy rate is 1c/tray (up from 0.9c), with provision to increase to 1.5c/tray under special circumstances. Psa would be such an instance, a spokesman says. The last referendum took place in 2011. Since that time, NZKGI has used the levy to produce good outcomes for kiwifruit growers, it says. This has included the fight against Psa, advocating for the single point of entry marketing structure and as a central stakeholder in the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project. NZKGI chairperson Doug Brown encourages growers to vote. “It is in each individual grower’s interest to be engaged in this process. The success of their business often comes down to the advocacy NZKGI provides them.”

Nathan Guy

Deal paves way for resuming Iranian meat trade NEW ZEALAND has signed an agreement with Iran paving the way for meat exports to resume to the second-largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa region. The Iranian Veterinary Organisation and NZ’s Ministry for Primary Industries agreed on conditions for resuming chilled and frozen sheep and beef exports to Iran, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. Guy witnessed the agreement in Tehran with Iranian Agriculture Minister Mahmoud Hojjati, during a trade delegation there last week. Despite the lifting of sanctions on Iran in February 2012, NZ meat exports there did not pick up because Iran stipulated that one of its vets and a mullah had to be present at the time of slaughter and processing. NZ meat exporters rely on halal standards overseen by the Ministry for Primary Industries. Compliance with Iran’s requirement was difficult for NZ processors because they divide animals into various cuts for

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distribution to specific global markets. “[The new deal] is a crucial step for NZ meat companies as they look to reenter the Iranian market,” Guy says. Meat is NZ’s second-largest commodity export after dairy -- worth $5.92 billion in 2016. Guy says he also discussed with his Iranian counterpart a plan for agricultural cooperation in the year ahead. The two countries are also working on kiwifruit opportunities in Iran, where import restrictions prevent NZ from selling its most valuable fresh fruit export. Kiwifruit marketer Zespri International and Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture signed a statement of intent to further explore commercial opportunities in Iran. Guy says Iran has well-established kiwifruit orchards and supply chains and produces the fruit in NZ’s off-season. NZ and other western countries lifted sanctions against Iran in February 2016 after that country agreed to roll back its nuclear ambitions.

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

NEWS 5

Working on the formula for China sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

CHINESE REGULATORS are cracking down on infant formula brands, saying too many brands are confusing consumers. The director general of China’s Department of Food Safety Supervision (CFDA), Zhang Jing, says it is also looking into infant formula labeling and marketing tactics used by manufacturers. Jing made the comments at the China and New Zealand International Food Safety Forum in Auckland recently. He told 500 conference attendees that China has too many brands and formulas: 108 manufacturing plants churn out 2000 formulas. Jing says too many formulas add to the confusion caused by “exaggerated” labeling and advertising. Manufacturers expand one formula into a range of formulas, with little change to the ingredient mix, done simply to mislead consumers. “Some labeling and advertising falsely claim to use imported raw materials; other formulas have ingredients that should not be there,” he says.

“This presents a lot of hidden dangers to consumers; it’s hard for common people and consumers to make the right choice. They are asking us ‘what brand of infant formula should we be buying?’ “ A new 2015 China Food Safety Law requires registration of product formula; it became effective on October 1 last year. Jing says this shows determination by Chinese authorities to improve the safety of infant formula. He urged manufacturers in China to pay more attention to regulations. “Manufacturers need to do more; too many formulas lack scientific support; consumers are struggling to make the right choice.” Jing says the Government plans to limit formulas per manufacturer. China produced 800,000 tonnes of infant formula last year; it exported another 200,000 tonnes. Jing says China’s domestic output isn’t enough to meet demand. He says overseas manufacturers find the Chinese market lucrative, but he urged them to

also fully comply with regulations. “We regulate to limit the abuse of infant formula during promotion and marketing; it’s all ensuring and guaranteeing consumer safety for food. It’s a huge responsibility for us.” Speaking at the conference, National

MP and former Fonterra executive Todd Muller says consumers’ trust must be earned. Consumers want to know more about their food; where it comes from and how it is produced. He urged NZ and Chinese companies to work together on food safety.

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

6 NEWS

New water standards will cost farmers SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FARMERS ARE doing their bit to help the Government get 90% of lakes and rivers swimmable by 2040. Over 97% of dairy farmers have already fenced their waterways; hill and high country cattle farmers have been given more time to fence. Environment Minister Nick Smith says the ambitious plan, unveiled last month, recognises that New Zealanders expect to be able to take a dip in their local river or lake without getting a nasty bug; the new regulations on excluding stock from waterways are

an important part of the plan. DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says the new rules to keep dairy cattle out of water endorse the hard work dairy farmers have done to protect waterways. The farm fencing requirements have already been met by 97.1% of dairy farmers. “And the target by May -- a month ahead of the new requirements -- is to be 100%, with all waterways running through dairy farms fenced off and all stock crossings bridged. “This means right now very few dairy cattle have any access to waterways,

and in just two months no dairy cattle – that’s zero dairy cattle – should have access to waterways on our farms.” Federated Farmers water spokesman Chris Allen says stock exclusion regulation is a key area for hill and high country farmers. “The solutions proposed need to be practical: Federated Farmers will make this a focus of the submissions we will be making on this policy. This is a critical area for us to get right.” A new $100m Freshwater Improvement Fund announced by the Government will help farmers, Allen says. Beef + Lamb NZ

chief executive Sam McIvor notes that the Government expects the total cost of stock exclusion (including water reticulation) to be $367 million across the beef, dairy, deer and pork industries over the next 13 years. “This is a significant cost and so we will be advocating that options for stock exclusion need to be flexible enough to allow the outcome of exclusion to be met in the most cost-efficient way for our farmers. “From this perspective, it is good that the proposals would allow a farmer unable to meet exclusion requirements for practical

reasons to apply to the relevant regional council for permission to develop a ‘stock exclusion plan’ as an alternative. “These plans would set out how environmental impacts associated with stock access to waterways would be managed, and could even form part of a farm environment plan.” BLNZ will analyse the proposal in more depth over the coming weeks and prepare a submission. “We will be looking to engage with farmers as we do this to help ensure the outcome of improved water quality is achieved in a way that recognises the important

BLNZ’s Sam McIvor syas changes to water standards will be a significant cost to farmers.

contribution farmers can make and minimises the compliance burden,” says McIvor. Mackle says fencing – currently 27,109 km – is always set back a healthy distance from waterways, varying from farm to farm depending on the soil type and contour of the land. “This ensures the optimum levels of bacteria, nutrients and sediment are filtered. Farmers also keep cows

off sensitive areas in the vicinity of the fenced waterways, for example, in wet weather. “There’s still a way to go in some areas, and dairy farmers are well aware of that. We acknowledge that improving NZ waterways is a long journey. The good news is dairy farmers around the country are leading the way in protecting freshwater on their farms.” – More page 10

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

NEWS 7

Dairy has good story to tell PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

FEDERATED FARMERS dairy chair Andrew Hoggard says a report showing the value of the dairy industry to the New Zealand economy is timely given that its election year. Commissioned by the Dairy Companies Association of NZ and prepared by the NZ Institute of Economic Research, the report sets out the massive contribution the dairy industry makes to the national and regional economies. It says the industry contributes $7.8 billion or 3.5% of NZ’s GDP, and employs 40,000 people on farms and processing facilities. The industry contributes much to the economies

of the regions: 14.8% of Southland’s economy, 11.5% of the West Coast, 10.9% of Waikato, 8% of Taranaki and 6% of Northland. In Southland, Waimate and Otorohanga the dairy industry provides 1 in 5 jobs. Dairy farmers are spending $12.2 billion on goods and services within their communities to support their operations. The report says NZ could be $1.3b better off if all tariffs on our dairy exports were lifted Hoggard says during the last election people told stories about the dairy industry that were simply wrong, so he is pleased to have a substantive, factual document useful for countering such stories. “One thing that

DCANZ chair, Malcolm Bailey.

annoyed me last election was all this talk about dairy just being cheap milkpowder bags and ‘we are not adding value’,” he told Rural News. “But this report shows what value has been added. I don’t think enough people realise this. “What I think is good is the growth in value-

add that’s been achieved over that timeframe, because you can’t just turn that on overnight and make that happen – it takes a long time to build up those markets.” Hoggard says it’s important that the factual information in the report is put out to the public.

“Because, as you know, various ecologists like to do their own economic reports and come up with some strange numbers, so it’s good to have actual economists doing an economic report,” he adds. DCANZ chairman Malcolm Bailey says the report is aimed at informing the people of NZ about the dairy sector and fostering support for greater trade liberalisation. If we can get trade barriers removed, there is a big prize awaiting NZ. “Trade barriers are supressing the value of our dairy exports. Removing trade barriers will allow NZ’s dairy sector, ultimately, to maintain and build sustainability and valueadding momentum,” says

Bailey. He admits one of the challenges is getting a message to the wider public about the positive things the dairy industry is doing, e.g. the huge investment farmers have made in sustainability on their farms. John Ballingall, who co-authored the report, says in the five years since they did the last report there’s been a

positive trend towards greater diversification and value-add products. “Things such as ice cream and infant formula and a diversification from basic commodities is very encouraging,” he told Rural News. “And there are now 1800 jobs in the dairy processing industry in Auckland; I’m not sure many Aucklanders would know that.”

Stop press! WESTLAND MILK Products has announced its new chair and deputy. Peter Morrison has taken over as the West Coast-based dairy co-op’s new chairman, with current Federated Farmers’ national board member Katie Milne as his deputy. Morrison replaces former chair Matt O’Regan, who signalled his intention to stand down late last year.

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

NEWS 9

River plan hits rough waters PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

HORTICULTURE NZ was reluctantly preparing for an injunction on the Waikato Healthy Rivers Plan Change submissions last week, after attempts to reach agreement with the council failed. Final submission dates for part of the Waikato Healthy River Plan Change loom on March 8. Horticulture NZ chief executive Mike Chapman told Rural News, last week, that with no agreement with the council, the grower lobby now had to consider an injunction because they were “backed into a corner”. Six primary industry organisations sought a judicial review late last year in the hope of getting an agreement, but Chapman says they now needed to up the ante to an injunction. The organisations are Horticulture NZ, Federated Farmers, Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association, Waikato and Waipa branches of the NZ Deer Farmers’ Association, Primary Land Users Group and Beef + Lamb NZ. The Waikato Regional Council

withdrew 120,000ha from the plan last November to enable consultation with Hauraki iwi. HortNZ and the other primary industries groups want all submissions put on hold so they can be considered together. Chapman says the area removed is an iwi boundary that is across catchments, essentially splitting these and making it difficult for stakeholders to put together submissions. He also claims it unnecessarily complicates the process and causes confusion. “We do not want to have to work through two separate submission processes, and spend a lot of time and money on lawyers and court processes,” Chapman told Rural News. “We have variously written, emailed, tried to talk to council and councillors, and appeared before council meetings.” A recent council meeting on delaying the submission was delegated from council to a Healthy Rivers subcommittee due to meet at the time of going to press. Chapman says they had no guarantees that meeting would even be held, but hoped it did “the right thing” and

they haven’t moved the extend time for submisdate and put the two things sions so they were contogether. They didn’t talk current with the others. to us, we just learned about However, WRC staff it.” recommend no extension Chapman says because of time. of the submissions on the “It is all pretty simple first lot, due on March 8, from our side,” says they had to expedite court Chapman. “You’ve got action and are doing that one catchment, therefore now because “we have run you should have one set Mike Chapman out of time”. “I made perof submissions, one set of hearings, one set of rules for each sonal approaches to both the chair and the chief executive to try and get catchment. “That is what the RMA says: that things moving.” He says an injunction will cost each catchment must be dealt with as more than a judicial review, as will integrated body of water. “What we are saying is ‘hey you are doing two sets of submissions. “It is a bugger’s muddle really. The putting us through two sets of submissions, we’ve got no guarantee that the council should just clear it all up and two processes will ever come together turn it into one catchment, one set of and we might end up with a ridiculous submissions.” Waikato Regional Council chief thing where for the one catchment you executive Vaughan Payne says extendhave different sets of rules’. “Some of our growers have opera- ing the period for submissions on the tions in both bits of the catchment, dif- Healthy Rivers Wai Ora Plan Change 1 ferent standards to meet, so what we could be “against the interest of rural are suggesting to the council is sensi- sector groups”. ble and practical,” Chapman explains. “A decision on the plan change “I honestly cannot understand why needs to be made within two years of

it having been publicly notified last October,” he claims. “We indicated to Horticulture NZ, before they filed their court application, that we would rather spend our energies working with them to resolve issues than getting tied up in legal battles. But they and the others went ahead anyway.” Payne stresses that it has been known since September last year that there was a March 8, 2017 deadline for submissions – four times the usual period required under the Resource Management Act. “The council and river iwi partners have been more than generous on this front. Another extension to the submissions deadline simply leaves us less time to work with submitters to get alignment on common issues and present a united position to the hearings commissioners.” Meanwhile, it is expected that Hauraki iwi views on the withdrawn north Waikato area will be able to be incorporated into the plan change process by June. The area was withdrawn after Hauraki raised concerns that it hadn’t been consulted properly.

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

10 NEWS

Money man goes global

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FONTERRA’S CHIEF financial officer Lukas Paravacini will switch to a new role on June 1 – head of the co-op’s global consumer and foodservice business. He replaces Jacqueline Chow who took up the role last June.

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Fonterra said then that Chow would lead its global consumer and foodservice business unit until the first half of 2017 and then return to Australia to pursue a board career. Fonterra is working to appoint a new chief financial officer.

Chief executive Theo Spierings says Paravicini has the calibre to lead the co-op’s consumer and foodservice business. “Lukas has been with Fonterra for over three years and is well known to us as a worldclass finance executive.

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FRESH FRUIT and vegetable trader T&G Global Ltd has lifted its 2016 net profit by 67% to $32.4 million. Overall revenue rose from $813m in 2015 to $872m for 2016, up 7%. T&G Global was previously known as Turners and Growers. T&G Global chief executive Alastair Hulbert says the results were achieved through a combination of solid performance from most of the company’s business segments and the sale of its crate business, the Fruit Case Company, in June 2016. The sale resulted in a one-off gain of $11.9m. “In 2015 we went through a period of acquisitions and integration. The past year saw consolidation and building on our foundation with the support of our shareholders, growers, customers and people. “Our business celebrates 120 years in 2017 and we are stable with a clearly charted course. We are on track to achieve our Strategy 2022 target of $2 billion in sales revenue and are well positioned for continued growth in New Zealand and in our international markets.” In 2016 T&G Global ranked 47 on Deloitte’s NZ top 200 companies list, up from 55 in the previous year. T&G Global will pay a fully imputed final dividend for the 2016 financial year of six cents per share on April 7. The dividend reinvestment plan has been suspended and will not apply to this dividend.

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KEY DATES proposed for livestock exclusion are: ■■ Dairy cattle to be excluded from water bodies greater than 1m wide on flat land (all slopes) by 2017 ■■ Cattle, deer, and pigs to be excluded from all permanently flowing water bodies on the plains (0 – 3 degrees slope) -Dairy by 2020 -Dairy and pigs including dairy support by 2022 -Beef cattle and deer by 2025 -Break feeding by 2022 ■■ Cattle and deer to be excluded from water bodies greater than 1m wide on rolling and hill country (3 – 15 degrees slope) -Dairy support by 2022 -Break feeding by 2022-2030 ■■ Dairy support on land greater than 15 degrees exclusion only applies when break feeding by 2022.

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

12 NEWS

Red tape stifling innovation PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

THE PENDULUM may be swinging too far on regulation, so stifling innovation, Beef + Lamb NZ chairman James Parson suggests. The way NZ deregulated in the 1980s held

some real lessons, he told the recent Agcarm conference in Auckland. “The success of NZ particularly in the primary sector has been where we’ve had a lighthanded regulatory approach, a clear framework – outcomes focused but letting industry get

on and work out how they move on that.” The pendulum may perhaps be swinging too far the other way, Parsons suggests. “We are starting to get quite prescriptive regulation to solve complex issues.” He says regulations coming out on water

quality, health and safety – and “the list goes on” – stem from greater demands by the public about complex issues. “So naturally government and local government are reaching more to the regulatory toolbox. [But] when they come out with proscriptive reg-

ulation it stifles innovation,” Parson says. The way of progress is by outcomes rather than input measures. “In the case of water quality… in the Waikato right now quite stringent rules under Plan Change One are saying farmers need to fence off

James Parsons

their waterways up to 15 degrees of slope which is getting quite steep. “They are saying there’s an input and we can measure how many fences are fenced off – therefore, line of sight, that will improve water quality. “But that is an input measure; [whereas] the outcome we are after is improved water quality. If you put in prescriptive rules and say farmers need to fence off all these waterways – job done, it may not actually deliver.

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“This about how we position our products from a marketing perspective; [artificial meat] is never going to have a story.” With real meat you can talk about farmers’ values – they produce products with care. “That is our opportunity. How do we position ourselves against some of these things? …. They will come in, but in what sort of volume and at what end of the market will they try for substitution?” Historically, he says,

The way of progress is by outcomes rather than input measures. “If farmers have these targets but have the ability to be creative and innovative about the way they do it, you get a whole lot of innovations happening.” Deregulation drove a lot of innovation in the mid-1980s because it had to be done, Parsons says. Sheep and beef farmers are independent, quite individualistic and their values are “fantastic,” he says. These include hard work, innovation, family, community and they are hospitable. A product such as artificial meat might challenge the lower cuts of meat, but will never have a story behind it.

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we have not used our grass fed system in marketing as much as we could. “We take a lot for granted in the way we produce our product here. “We have a completely new market development strategy within BLNZ and across the sector. We are building that now… pushing the grass fed story. I think the time is right for grass fed. When you think of grass fed in the US, there is some real interest in that. There is a great story behind it.” The US is already using grass fed in their marketing, Parsons says. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

14 NEWS

Meat plant adds to local economy Waitaki MP Jaqui Dean and SFF chair Rob Hewett at the opening on the Pareora Venison facility.

SILVER FERN Farms’ Pareora plant just south of Timaru can now offer its staff full-time work for 52 weeks, rather than the seasonal work of the past. SFF staff, shareholders

and executives gathered at Pareora last week for the official opening of the refurbished $7 million venison processing plant, which began processing in November last year.

It was built to replace the SFF’s Islington plant on leased land in a business park at Belfast, Christchurch. SFF chief executive Dean Hamilton says the company decided last May to close the Islington operation and focus on the new venison plant at Pareora. “Seven million was spent on the plant and upgrading the chillers so they could handle more animals,” he said. Hamilton stressed the relevance of the Pareora plant to the local Timaru community, and said despite the building dating back to 1903, inside was a modern processing business of the highest standards. “At the peak of the season the plant employs 800 people. $40m are spent on wages and $27m on local goods and services. “Livestock is sourced from 2000 farms and $100m a year is spent on animals to support the plant. $200m in product goes out of this plant alone, every year.” Hamilton emphasised the meat co-op’s purpose -- to “sustainably and profitably add value to

New Zealand’s grass fed red meat”. “When we go into markets like the United States and Germany we are selling grass fed natural red meat. That is our point of difference and our clear purpose. “We are competing with all other types of protein, so we need to think of ourselves as a food company,” he said. Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean and Silver Fern Farms co-chairman Rob Hewitt officially opened the new Pareora venison plant. Hewitt said the Pareora plant contributed at least $200m to the South Canterbury economy each year. “The efficiencies and benefits from the new venison plant are going to go a lot wider that just SFF. They will spread out into the community and NZ as well,” he said. “Now that Pareora is multi-species (venison, beef and lamb) we can leverage the opportunities for our communities and the people here and for our shareholders and suppliers.”

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THERE HAVE been negativities around farmers saying the sheep sector is declining – with the sheep flock down to 28 million and returns aren’t good enough, says BLNZ chair James Parsons. “However, right now we are running at our five year average for lamb per kilo of carcase weight,” he says. “It is not stellar, but in terms of averages we are ticking along okay.” Meanwhile, Parsons says he has a “shed full” of wool on his farm that he hasn’t yet sold, but wool is always up and down. “It is a commodity: China suddenly decides to stop buying and the price falls [but] in 12 months they will be back into it and the price will be up.” Beef has been an interesting one: the schedule for bull was about $3.30/kg five years ago and is now sitting at $5.20/kg. “The beef prices have really come up so we are seeing a lot more interest and probably have a bit more beef production and are decreasing sheep flocks,” he adds. “We haven’t seen a big shift to dairy in the last couple of years understandably…. Some of the environmental regulations coming in are putting a dampener on those dairy conversions.”

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

16 NEWS

MPI kicks up a stink over bug PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

MPI IS running a special public information campaign to alert people, especially around ports, to watch for the brown marmorated stink bug.

Spokesman Roger Smith says the stink bug is an agricultural pest which could seriously threaten New Zealand’s horticultural sector including citrus, pipfruit, stonefruit, berries and grapes, asparagus,

soybeans, maize and roses. February-March is when NZ is at risk of the bug arriving, and MPI staff are on high alert, Smith says. Warning signs are posted at petrol stations around Tauranga and

other ports where the bug could enter. “The biggest threat is that the bug could come out of the northern hemisphere in commercial cargo so we monitor and check cargo from countries where the bug

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is living, such as Bulgaria and Italy,” Smith told Rural News. “The chances are that the bug could crawl into a container and hibernate and eventually make its way to our shores. We provide extra examination and research and more people to examine those containers because we don’t want the marmorated stink bug here.” MPI pays close attention to the seasons

and when biosecurity risk insects or diseases may be ready to hitch a ride to NZ. “The biosecurity system we run at the front line is that we look at the threats from each country around the world by seasons. Asian gypsy moth is a prime example. They only fly at a certain time of the year in Japan and Russia, so we monitor them during their winter season when those moths are flying,” Smith explains.

“Part of our ongoing research is to identify the cycles of these pests and threats, where they are geographically and time wise, so then we can get our staff to keep an eye on them.” Smith likes to think NZers understand the importance of the country’s biosecurity laws, but with more urbanisation of the population he’s not sure this is happening to the extent he’d like.

PUBLIC NUISANCE ADULT BUGS are about 1.7cm long, with a distinctive brown shield shape and a white band around edges of the abdomen. Underside is white/tan; legs and antennae are brown with white banding. Eggs are light green, barrel shaped and found in clusters of 20–30. These eggs are laid on the underside of leaves. Young nymph stages are yellowish brown, mottled with black and red. Older nymph stages are darker, with the banding pattern on the legs and antennae beginning to appear. The adults naturally tend towards cracks/crevices to shelter in the winter months and may find their way into loaded containers for export. The insect has also spread through the transport of personal effects and house-

wares. It may also find its way into luggage and mail. Eggs, nymphs and adults can turn up in a wide range of plant material. Adults generally feed on mature and immature fruit, while nymphs feed on leaves and stems and fruit. It severely disfigures fruit and renders it unsaleable, which results in control costs and production losses. Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) damage to woody ornamentals and forest trees has been reported as cosmetic only. BMSB is not a risk to human health but is a public nuisance. When disturbed or crushed it emits a characteristic, unpleasant and long-lasting odour. Found in Asia, notably China, Japan, and Korea, it has aggressively invaded the US and could take hold in NZ.

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

NEWS 17

House stays put as earth keeps moving NIGEL MALTHUS

THREE MONTHS on from the huge November 2016 earthquake the badly damaged land on one farm near Waiau is still settling and moving – but the house isn’t. Kara Lynn and Steve Palmer are so pleased with the performance of their three-year-old “quake-proof” house they recently held an open day to show visitors around. Their steep hill country farm, about 15km north of Waiau, provided some of the most iconic published images of the November quake. A huge chasm, hundreds of metres long, about 30m wide and at least 50m deep, opened on one boundary, and a smaller horseshoe shaped one on the edge of the river terrace, swallowed some old cars Palmer was keeping for restoration. The cars are still there, lying at crazy angles amid the jumbled earth, while other quake repair priorities take precedence. Lynn says the land is still moving in many places and she expects it to shift even more with winter rains. A vehicle track, which the couple need to get to a large paddock at the back of the farm, is right on the edge of the large canyon and is progressively falling in. Lynn says the only way to replace the track may be to cut a new one through a conservation reserve. Another smaller chasm, only about 100m from their house, has cut away a stock track and the only way to repair that one will be to cut a corner off a section of native bush preserved under a QEII covenant. She says the best thing they did when they built the house was to choose one designed to survive a 9.6-magnitude earthquake. That decision came from their experience of the 2010-2011 Christchurch quakes, which broke the back of their then concreteslab foundation house at Amberley. The farmhouse, a Fraemohs built of solid inter-

locking timber walls on deep timber piles, performed superbly in the November quake. While cupboards and shelves emptied across the floor, the structure itself was essentially undamaged, without even cracking to the floor tiles. “We built this place for our kids because we knew there was going to be another quake at some point,” Lynn told Rural News. “But nobody predicted that, did they?” The family has had the farm, in a bend of the Lottery River, since 2001. Initially commuting from their property at Amberley, they moved into a cottage on the farm about five years ago, then moved into their new house three years ago. Lynn is active in TimeBank Hurunui, a scheme which allows people to share their skills with each other, trading in time credits rather than money. The recent open day was organised through the time bank and attracted about two dozen people in a 4WD convoy to see the worst of the land damage and marvel at the intact house. Lynn, who has fine arts and accountancy degrees, also does home tutoring through the time bank. She also helped local children deal with their quake trauma with two “art therapy” days, one at Culverden in December and one at Rotheram in January. A grant of $200 from the Rural Support Trust provided art materials for those events. She says the time bank helped bring the community together. Their property is offgrid, with 240V power supplied by photoelectric solar cells, a battery bank and inverters. Hot water is also solar, augmented by a woodstove with a wetback. They cook on the woodstove in winter and a gas hob in summer. The only access is by a ford in the river, which means they can be cut off by poor weather for days at a time. Their 1000ha carries about 1800 Peren-

dale sheep and 150 Hereford-Angus cattle. Much of the damage to the farm has yet to be repaired. Lynn says none of the fences are yet properly stockproof. They do not have access

Kara Lynn at one of the smaller of the chasms which opened up on the property she farms with husband Steve Palmer, near the epicentre of the November 14 earthquake.

to a large leasehold block where they usually winter their cattle. Sheep now on that block will need to be brought in by the end of March. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

18 AGRIBUSINESS

Quake shakes wine industry TESSA NICHOLSON

UNLESS YOU were in an area where you felt the full force of the November 14 Kaikoura earthquake, it is hard to comprehend the intensity of it. No surprise that Marlborough’s wine industry was affected. Even though the quake was centred towards the southern end of the region, the impact of that energy force exploding was serious, although it could have been a lot worse.

A survey by NZWinegrowers, shortly after, showed that just over five million litres of wine was lost. While that sounds like an awful lot, it is really just 2% of Marlborough’s total production. More concerning is the damage to tanks in the region: the survey estimated 60 million litres of tank capacity was damaged – 20% of the region’s total capacity. “Estimates (December 2016) are that just on 1000 tanks were damaged to some extent, while

another 150 tanks were damaged irreparably,” the survey report says. That is a lot of repairs and/or replacement required for the upcoming 2017 vintage. Stainless steel manufacturers, while their books were already quite full, have been working overtime in an effort to help fill that gap in time for the fruit to start coming in. If there is one saving grace coming into vintage 2017, it is that yields look to be lower than initially predicted.

Inflorescence figures prior to December showed another large crop was on the cards this year. However, variable weather conditions during flowering have meant yield predictions have dropped. Now growers and wineries alike are expecting a yield that will be slightly below average, to average and nothing like the near recordbreaking yield of 2016. • Tessa Nicholson is editor of NZ WineGrower Magazine @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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KIWIFRUIT INVESTORS ON THE PROWL INVESTORS are hungry for access to the booming kiwifruit sector, according to rural investment specialist MyFarm. Chief executive Andrew Watters says Zespri’s careful management of export supply and kiwifruit variety licences makes it attractive. “The accelerating export demand for kiwifruit, with the Gold variety leading the charge, is testament to the investment the industry has made in R&D,” he says. To tap into the growing demand for kiwifruit investment, MyFarm is raising capital to buy a Gold kiwifruit orchard. The company is seeking $6.3 million from investors to buy a 16ha property at Paengaroa, the eastern end of the Tauranga Eastern Link. Expressway Orchard Ltd partnership is the third kiwifruit orchard syndicate to be established by MyFarm in the past two years. However, Watters says it has taken two years to secure a quality Gold kiwifruit orchard with the key attributes investors are looking for. “It is a very competitive market for quality orchards with established gold vines. We’re thrilled to find a property

that is established but also has a development component that will add value for investors.” The orchard which is adjacent to the Te Puke golf course comprises 9.83ha of canopy already planted in Gold, 2.9ha of Hayward (green) and 3.3ha of G14 (green) which will be replanted in Gold over the next five years. Paeangarora is a prime kiwifruit growing area, favoured for its climate, low altitude, flat contour and free draining soils. And Andrew Watters says the conversion to Gold kiwifruit will add a nice ‘twist’ for investors in the form of a forecast 11.3% development margin. He says MyFarm has had strong interest in the Expressway Orchard scheme since launching it recently. “Investors want access to the growth of the kiwifruit sector and to the Bay of Plenty region.” Expressway Orchard will be leased and managed by current owner DMS under a 10 year contract. DMS is a large kiwifruit and avocado management company managing 100 orchards in the region.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

AGRIBUSINESS 19

From $12k to $100m in 10 years

Argenta’s Doug Cleverly.

expanded our horizons to the US and now to Europe,” Cleverly says. “But our ability to develop new product is our strongest point of different. There are a lot of companies which manufacture products but not too many companies specialise in inventing them and developing them and actually manufacturing them. “NZers have a very keen ability to think laterally and problem solve.” That ability to problem solve has led to some great companies in animal health, he says. Argenta will employ about 401 people globally as from April 1 when they acquire a company in Scot-

S the C ee us at e ntra Field Days l Distric t • Sit e S53 s -54

land which comes with 116 people. In January 2016, the company opened a new, 13,470m2 manufacturing plant in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to complement its NZ operations and support continued growth in the US. The acquisition followed the company’s opening of a drug product research laboratory in the world-renowned science precinct of Kansas University, Lawrence in 2012, and the purchase of a New Jersey clinical contract research subsidiary, AlcheraBio, in 2008. The company has about 100 employees in the US. Argenta has now bought the plant and manufacturing operations of Elanco Animal Health in Dundee, Scotland. The world has three main areas of geographical importance; Argenta is already operating in Asia and Oceania and North America. But having a footprint in Europe is a key. “We acquired the facility in Scotland to give us manufacturing capacity in the market in Europe,” Cleverly says. “About 30-40% of the global market is Europe. It is quite significant. The US is the biggest by far and Europe is not far behind. If you look at the globe,

we are on the opposite side of it and it doesn’t make a lot of sense shipping everything down here to make something and shipping it back again.” The key thing that interests him, as a NZer, is our ability to research products and bring them to market. “This third site for manufacturing… needs products to make. The way we get products to make is to invent them,” he says. “So it means the NZ research effort has to come up with new ideas, new products and new technologies to satisfy the European and all the other markets. “It has a spinoff benefit for NZ in that it compels us to grow our R&D capability here so we can feed these three factories that we now operate around the world.” Argenta doesn’t have a problem getting graduates in the fields they need. “We have hired fresh graduates, we’ve hired people with experience; we have also hired some people from overseas to bring expertise in to seed the knowledge. “We have a R&D group of about 70-80 people and that’s adequate to support the NZ manufacturing operation,” he says.

FARM MACHINERY STRENGTH / QUALITY / PERFORMANCE CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS SEE US AT SITE

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AUCKLAND ANIMAL health company Argenta started a decade ago as a two-man operation with annual revenue of $12,000; now that’s grown to $100 million. The company has three operations in the US and has just bought a Scottish manufacturing plant, but it’s all driven by New Zealand innovation, with a local R&D team of 70-80. Managing director and co-founder Dr Doug Cleverly says NZ doesn’t do enough, nor does it sufficiently value our talent for innovation. He jokes that Argenta started on the back of unemployment -- when he returned from the US and couldn’t find a job that suited him. “We are a researcher, developer and manufacturer of animal health products. So we do R&D for all the companies selling products to farmers in NZ,” he told Rural News. “We assist these companies by collaborating; they do the marketing, we do much of the R&D. There probably isn’t a company you could name in the animal health field that we haven’t

pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

done R&D or manufacturing for. “We don’t market the products that we invent for these companies; we let these companies do the marketing. We are a specialist manufacturer and specialist researcher and developer. “We are quite a major hirer of university graduates in chemistry, engineering, health sciences, veterinarians and suchlike.” By far the greater proportion of their work is for cattle and sheep, and about 25% for pets. “Almost every farm in NZ would have products that we have invented on it,” he says. “If it’s a pour-on or a sheep drench, we’ve probably had a hand in developing it and/or making it. “About 60-70% of [drenches] used on a farm would be made by us. About half the pour-ons are made by us. We make all the big brands.” He says NZ has unique ability to conceptualise and develop products to meet the needs of farm owners, he says. For them these needs are interpreted by their clients who are the big multi-national companies. “We started supplying NZ and Australia, but as we have developed our ability to invent new things we have

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

20 MARKETS & TRENDS L amb - PM 16.0kg

BEEF PRICES

LAMB PRICES -10

Last Week 5.25

M 2 B ull - 300kg

-10

5.20

5.30

5.35

Change

c/kgCWT NI

P 2 Steer - 300kg

2 Wks A go 5.35

Last Year 5.35

S te e r - P2 300kg

-10

5.25

-5

5.25

P 2 Co w - 230kg

-15

4.05

4.20

4.30

B u ll - M2 300kg

-10

5.20

n/c

4.90

M Co w - 200kg

-15

4.05

4.20

4.30

8.10

Lo cal Trade - 230kg

-10

5.20

5.30

-5

5.25

5.30

5.20

M 2 B ull - 300kg

n/c

4.90

4.70

P 2 Co w - 230kg

-5

3.95

4.00

3.90

M Co w - 200kg

-5

3.95

4.00

3.80

Lo cal Trade - 230kg

n/c

5.25

5.40

Ve n is o n - AP 60kg

8.00

-5

North Island 16kg M lamb price

7.0

P 2 Steer - 300kg

6.0

Slaughter 40k60

25-Jan

25-Mar

25-May

6.0 $/kg

25-Jan 5yr Ave

25-Mar

25-May

Last Ye ar

This Ye ar

North Island 300kg bull price

6.5

50k

5yr Ave

10-Sep 10-Oct 24-Dec

This Year

10-Nov 24-Feb

10-Dec 24-Apr

South Island Weekly Cattle Kill

25-Mar

25-May

South Island 300kg steer price

6.5

5yr Ave

Last Year

25-Mar Last Ye ar

25-May This Ye ar

-5 -15

2 Wks A go 223 679

3 Wks A go 228 694

Last Year 222 737

5yr A ve 203 625

$/kg

150 $1.50 28-Nov 28-Jan 28-Mar 28-May 5-Jun 12-Jun 19-Jun 26-Jun 3-Jul 10-Jul 17-Jul 24-Jul 31-Jul 7-Aug 14-Aug 21-Aug 28-Aug 4-Sep 11-Sep 18-Sep 25-Sep 9-Oct 16-Oct 23-Oct 30-Oct 6-Nov 13-Nov 20-Nov 5yr ave Last Ye ar This Ye ar

Procurement Indicator +2 -1

2Wks A go 75.5 69.8

3 Wks A go 73.9 70.3

Last Year 73.9 65.0

5yr A ve 73.7 69.2

25-Mar

25-May

South Island 60kg stag price

9.5

95 90% 85% 80% 75 75% Last Year 70% This Year 65% 60% 55 0… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 25-Nov 25-Jan 25-Mar 25-May

% of export returns

25-Jan

7.5 6.5 25-Nov

25-Jan 5yr Ave

25-Mar Last Ye ar

This Ye ar

25-May

90 P rocu rement Indicator - South I. 85% 80% 75% 70 70% 65% Last Year 60% This Year 50 25-Nov 25-Jan 25-Mar 25-May 55% 19-Jun 26-Jun 3-Jul 10-Jul 17-Jul 24-Jul 31-Jul 7-Aug 14-Aug 21-Aug 28-Aug 4-Sep 11-Sep 18-Sep 25-Sep 16-Oct 23-Oct 30-Oct 6-Nov 13-Nov 20-Nov 0-Jan 5yr ave Last Ye ar 9-Oct This Ye ar

% of export returns

$/kg

Procurement Indicator - South Island

8.5

24 Apr This Ye ar

n/c

2 Wks A go 6

Last Year 5

-0

500

5yr A ve 6 9

Export demand indicator - UK CKT leg

400

28 Jan

28 Mar

% Returned NI

1.2

2Wks A go 65.6

% Returned SI

-0.6

63.8

Change

This Year

P rocu rement Indicator Procurement Indicator -- North North I.Island

6.5 25-Nov

10 Nov

28 May

Procurement Indicator

% Returned NI % Returned SI

7.5

10 Oct

24 Feb Last Ye ar

Last Week 6

300 28 Nov

Change

8.5

24 Dec

Change NZc/kg

Export indicator - US 95CL D edemand mand Indicator - US 95CL Beefbeef

North Island 60kg stag price

9.5

10 Sep

5yr Ave

Export Market Demand

This Year

USc/lb 25-Jan 5yr Ave

k 10 0Aug

UK Leg p/kg

Last Year

3.5 25-Nov

S outh Island Weekly Lamb Kill

400 200k

24-Dec 10-Oct 24-Feb10-Nov 24-Apr 10-Sep 5yr Ave Last Ye ar This Ye ar

$2.00

4.5

South Island w eekly lamb kill

500 250k

24 Oct

$2.50 200

5.5

10 Nov24 Apr

50k 100

95CL USc/lb NZc/kg 250 $3.00

This Year

10 Oct 24 Feb

100k 200

10k 20

Change

25-Jan

Last Year

10 Sep 24 Dec

300 150k

Export Market Demand

4.5

5yr Ave

k 0 10 24 Aug Oct

5.5

$/kg

Last Year

S outh Island Weekly Cattle Kill

0 k 24-Oct 10-Aug

3.5 25-Nov

200

100k

15k40

4.0 25-Nov

Last Year 4.76 4.78 4.80 4.81 2.50 4.78 4.78 4.78 4.78 2.20

150k

k 0 10-Aug 24-Oct

5.0

2 Wks A go 5.21 5.23 5.25 5.26 3.20 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 3.20

200k

40 20k

South Island 16kg M lamb price

7.0

Thousand head

4.0 25-Nov

-10 -10 -10 n/c n/c -5 -5 -5 -5 n/c

Last Week 5.11 5.13 5.15 5.16 3.20 5.13 5.13 5.13 5.13 3.20

North eekly lamb N ort hIsland Islandw Weekly Lambkill Kill

250k 400

North N ort hIsland IslandWeekly Weekly Cattle Cattle Kill Kill

Change

Slaughter Thousand head

5.0

$/kg

Thousand head

$/kg

n/c

c/kgCWT NI Lamb YM - 13.5kg P M - 16.0kg P X - 19.0kg P H - 22.0kg M utto n M X1 - 21kg SI Lamb YM - 13.5kg P M - 16.0kg P X - 19.0kg P H - 22.0kg M utto n M X1- 21kg

UKp/kg

c /kgCWT

S o u th Is lan d C h an g e L as t c /kg We e k -5 5.13

85 80%

3 Wks A go 64.4

Last Year 61.3

64.4

60.0

5yr A ve 63.5 61.3

Procurement P rocu rementindicator Indicator-- North North Island I.

% of export return

No rth Is lan d C h an g e L as t c /kg We e k -10 5.13

LAMB MARKET TRENDS

75 70% 65 60%

Last Year

This Year

50% 55 11-Aug 25-Nov 11-Sep 11-Oct 25-Jan11-Nov 11-Dec 25-Mar 11-Jan 11-Feb 25-May 75 80%

% of export returns

Me at

BEEF MARKET TRENDS

Thousand head

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Procurement indicator - South Island P rocu rement Indicator - South I.

70% 65 60% Last Y ear

This Year

50% 55 11-Aug 25-Nov 11-Sep 11-Oct 25-Jan 11-Nov 11-Dec 25-Mar 11-Jan 11-Feb 25-May 5yr ave Last Ye ar This Ye ar

Venison Prices NI Stag - 60kg

n/c

Last Week 8.00

SI Stag - 60kg

-5

8.10

Change

2 Wks A go 8.00

Last Year 7.30

8.15

7.30

5yr A ve 6.66 6.68

Beef & venison prices are reported as gross (before normal levies & charges are deducted). Lamb & mutton prices are reported nett (after levies & charges are deducted).

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12/01/17 11:01 AM

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

MARKETS & TRENDS 21 PRICE WATCH

INTERNATIONAL BEEF: There has

been very little activity out of the US beef market lately. Imported beef prices are currently at a premium to domestic, and that is seeing an increase in domestic beef going into the grinder. Prices have eased slightly for 95CL, however are expected to settle at this level in the short term. The short term fundamentals

SHEEP: Lamb kill rates have declined

in the North Island. Processors on the East Coast, in particular, have felt the squeeze. Reports suggest slaughter rates are at record lows for the time of year. Processors have had to lift premiums this week in order to fill space. Schedules typically drop after the Easter chilled trade finishes. This season will be different, as lamb supply continues to challenge processors, and the recent rain exacerbating the pressure. Numbers haven’t undergone the same tightening in the South Island and the situation there should be nearer to normal as a result. The North Island store lamb market has strengthened considerably following significant rainfall these past weeks. Prices in the saleyards lifted $15$20/hd in just two weeks. Store lambs in the South Island have been more stable, although numbers traded are low beyond the saleyards and annual on-farm sales .

WOOL PRICE WATCH

Overseas Wool Price Indicators

Change

23-Feb

09-Feb

Last Year

Coarse Xbred

+25

362

337

564

Coarse Xbred

Fine Xbred

+36

380

344

589

Fine Xbred

Lamb

+38

385

347

686

Mid Micron

n/c

727

952

Indicators in NZc/kg

23-Feb

09-Feb

Last Year

+23

265

243

373

+31

278

248

390

Lamb

+32

282

250

454

Mid Micron

533

523

630

Indicators in USc/kg

Wool indicator trends Wool Indicator Trends

850 700

500 FXI

650 500 550

450 300 19-Feb 19-May 19-Aug 19-Nov 19-Feb WeekNo 42110 42124 42138 42152 42166 42180 42194 42208 42222 42236 42250 42264 42278 42292 42306 42320 42334 42348 42376 42390 42404 42418 42432 42446 42459

CXI

650700

Change

39 micron wool (US$)

CXI

750

c/kg

in this market look positive, driven by good demand from US end-users and low imported supply. Domestic supply is also expected to be tight through to April.

FXI

400

300 200 24-Nov 24-Jan 24-Mar 5yr ave Last Year

Coarse Xbred indicator Coarse Xbred Indicator Last Year

600600

24-May This Year

35 micron wool (US$)

500 This Year

400

550500

c/kg

halt to cattle slaughter rates in the North Island. Large numbers of bookings have been cancelled, leaving processors looking for cattle to fill gaps. Slaughter prices have subsequently lifted as processors need to offer enough incentive for farmers to part with the cattle. South Island processors are also battling to find enough cattle. Some processors have even cut operations at plants down to just a few days a week in response to the current situation. Store cattle demand has experienced a notable lift as many farmers jump back into the market quickly, pre-empting pasture growth. Others are not in the position to enter the store market until feed levels improve. Finding cattle is a difficult task for anyone through the South Island, especially if they are not keen to travel to the saleyards.

c/kg

BEEF: The rain has brought an abrupt

c/kg

NEWS

500400 450300 24-Nov Dec Oct

5yr ave

24-Jan Feb

24-Mar Jun Last Year Apr

Aug24-May

This Year

300 200 24-Nov 24-Jan 24-Mar 5yr ave Last Year

24-May This Year

OUR INSIGHT. YOUR EDGE.

AgriHQ is the leading source of independent agri market analysis that farmes can bank on. For the latest market reports visit agrihq.co.nz/farmer or call 0800 85 25 80.

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

22 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

Action needed THE DEBATE about New Zealand’s water quality has become too simplistic, with far too much finger pointing and blame in mostly farming’s direction. It is clear that our water quality is bad enough to require action and, in some instances, it is getting worse. Action is needed. Too often critics claim nothing is happening, everything is getting worse, no-one cares and the regulators are all in the pockets of profiteers. That’s untrue. The hard part of improving water quality relates to ‘diffuse’ pollution. This is the rural run-off and leaching below the land from farming and stormwater run-off in our towns and cities. Both are big issues and require big changes to the way we live and the way we use our land. Change has already begun. For instance, rules have been in place in Canterbury since 2012 setting limits on the amount of nitrate that farmland is allowed to lose below the roots of plants. While nitrate isn’t the only problem for most of Canterbury, there are now limits that address this. However, for some people this progress is too slow. But the radical alternatives sometimes advocated, i.e. prohibiting any further intensification of land use, are not actually practical options. Regional councils would need to be able to demonstrate that such a step was both reasonable and necessary. They would struggle to show that a complete ban on further dairy farms, for example, was reasonable and necessary, because of the limits they already have in place. Right now across all the ‘red’ zone of Canterbury – areas where independent hearings have agreed that water quality is unacceptable because of its nutrient content – landowners are not allowed to increase their nutrient losses. To convert from pastoral agriculture to intensive dairying isn’t prohibited. However, farms would struggle to convert from, say, sheep or arable farming to dairy cattle without increasing their nutrient losses. Many farmers are already reducing their nutrient losses. Some are reducing their stock numbers, without necessarily seeing a reduction in their overall farm surplus. Some are changing what they feed their stock. Many have changed their irrigation practices, reducing the amount of water they apply. For example, there is now much less border dyke irrigation in Canterbury than even a decade ago. Many farmers are planting their stream banks, beyond the requirements of stock exclusion rules. A few have built enclosures for their animals, capturing all the effluent. And a great deal of research into effective means of improving water quality is going on in a variety of organisations. These changes will take time to make a difference. Our water quality will improve over decades, just as it did in getting to its current state. We need to move beyond the notion that we must choose between the needs of the environment and our economy. We won’t have an economy if we destroy the environment. But improving the environment requires considerable resource, i.e. an economy. It is time we moved beyond the righteous wrath of those who imply that nothing is happening to improve our water quality. A great deal is already underway. • (This is an edited version of an opinion article by David Caygill, Environment Canterbury councillor, February 2017)

RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 PUBLISHER: Brian Hight ......................................... Ph 09 307 0399 GENERAL MANAGER: Adam Fricker ....................................... Ph 09 913 9632 CONSULTING EDITOR: David Anderson .................................. Ph 09 307 0399 davida@ruralnews.co.nz

“When are you due for your next mammogram?”

Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz

THE HOUND No surprises A REPORT by German magazine Bild says 92% of left-wing activists in Berlin, Germany, live with their parents, while one in three are unemployed. The magazine’s data was based on 873 political activists, investigated by authorities between 2003 and 2013. Some 84% of those investigated were men, and 73% were aged 18-29. “A third of them were unemployed, and 92% still live with their parents,” reported the Daily Mail. Your old mate reckons we need to dig out the data on these sort of bludgers in New Zealand; he suggests it would very similar.

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THE HOUND hears that the recent Beef + Lamb NZ environmental workshop in Wellington provided a platform for a couple of antifarming activists to polish their rants. According to your old mate’s sources, both Massey University ecologist and long-time dairy critic Mike ‘sad face’ Joy and Greenpeace’s ‘sustainable farming spokesperson’ Genevieve Toop were asked to present their views on the world to the assembled company of beef and sheep farmers. Apparently Joy at least provided some data with his presentation and tailored it for a sheep and beef audience. However, Toop just wailed on for most of her presentation about the evils of dairying. She then attacked irrigation as being inextricably linked to more dairying. In the end, it took a polite farmer to remind Toop she was talking to sheep and beef people.

YOUR CANINE crusader notes that MPI biosecurity staff have been busy intercepting risky goods ranging from the bizarre to the potentially devastating for New Zealand’s economy and environment over the summer. Some of the unusual airport interceptions include a chilly bin of live spanner crabs from Thailand, fruit fly larvae in mangos found at Auckland Airport inside a suitcase from Malaysia jammed full of plant produce and other food, freshwater fish from Thailand found crawling with maggots at Auckland Airport, two brown marmorated stink bugs found during a search of a tent used by a traveller arriving from the United States. MPI screened 684,407 air passengers for biosecurity risk in January and ntercepted some 12,600 biosecurity risk items.

THE HOUND had a good giggle at the direct approach taken by a South Canterbury farmer in an advert for his next hire. His ad at first appeared straightforward: he wanted a stockman and a labourer. However, contractor and farmer Geoff Wallace made it very clear what sort of people he wanted – and did not want. The stockman ad read: “Must be a nonsmoker, wear his hat with the peak to the front and be capable of wearing his pants around his arse, not knees,” the advertisement says. “Someone who can divorce himself from his phone for more than two hours at a time”. Meanwhile, his ad looking for a labourer was also matter-offact: “Labourer required to help pour 800 cubic metres of concrete. Can be a smoker, but will not have time.” Already Wallace has had a couple of local people and two school leavers apply for the positions.

PRODUCTION: Dave Ferguson ........................Ph 09 913 9633 davef@ruralnews.co.nz Becky Williams ........................Ph 09 913 9634 beckyw@ruralnews.co.nz REPORTERS: Sudesh Kissun ....................... Ph 09 913 9627 Pamela Tipa ............................. Ph 09 620 7811 Peter Burke .............................Ph 06 362 6319 Nigel Malthus ...................... Ph 021 164 4258 MACHINERY EDITOR: Mark Daniel ............................. Ph 021 906 723 or 07 824 1190 SUB-EDITOR: Neil Keating ............................Ph 09 913 9628

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ABC audited circulation 80,580 as at 30/09/2016

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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 // MARCH 7, 2017

OPINION 23

Look side ways at food scare stories FOOD SAFETY is in the news again in Europe after a media release from the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) in the EU in February. The release suggested that food safety authorities are under the influence of the food industry and are ignoring the potential for cumulative effects of “multiple chemicals in food”. The implication is that food can exist without chemicals; but, of course, all matter is made of chemicals. But it is the implication that food safety is being compromised that is raising alerts. That is what PAN wants. The PAN release stated that 28% of fruit and vegetables contain more than one pesticide.

SCIENTIFICALLY SPEAKING JACQUELINE ROWARTH

for dietary risk; MPI concluded there was negligible risk to children or adults. Food safety reflects good production and processing; it is not a feature of any one production system. In ‘Organic and Natural 2016’, the Hartman Group reports that the primary meaning of organic to consumers is “grown naturally, with farm level purity”. This in turn means “no pesticides, hormones or antibiotics”.

approved and used in NZ are generally more specific and less potentially hazardous than those used in the past. Their introduction and use is regulated by the Environmental Protection Authority, working in partnership with MPI. Chemical

residues in food, and potential for toxicity through dietary intake, are monitored and regulated through the MPI food safety system. This means all food is safe to eat (as long as the pesticides used to protect the crop have been used according to approved

and cooked chicken or unpasteurised milk. Statements made about different food production systems, industry influence and food safety should always be investigated for accuracy, whether in Europe or NZ. Regulations have been

instructions) at point of purchase. Food safety does, however, also require good storage and handling of food at home. MPI reports that NZ’s most common food-borne problem is campylobacter associated with poorly stored

developed for protection of consumers and misleading statements and claims are rife. • Jacqueline Rowarth is chief scientist at the Environmental Protection Authority which regulates the introduction and management of chemicals in NZ.

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New chemicals being approved and used in NZ are generally more specific and less potentially hazardous than those used in the past. In the associated coverage, a project co-ordinator is reported to have accused the authorities of “sticking to 50-year-old ways of risk assessment to make sure unsafe standards remain in place”. This was vigorously denied by the Crop Protection Association and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), both saying the reports were inaccurate, unsubstantiated and misleading. This didn’t prevent the coverage including the information that EFSA had reported in 2014, that “98.8% of organic products contained no traces of pesticides, or levels only up to the legal limit”. The comparable figure for conventionally produced food was not given. In New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) May 2016 report on pesticide residues in plant products 2013-2014, indicated that 99.98% of foods tested were compliant. The 0.02% of samples not meeting these standards were then assessed

Organic production systems do not allow administered growth hormones or prophylactic use of antibiotics; but natural, approved pesticides are used. Derris dust contains rotenone, which comes from the roots of various members of the bean family. Historically it was in used in some cultures to make fish easier to catch: apply rotenone, wait for the fish to run out of oxygen, catch them as they come up to the surface. Pyrethrin occurs in members of the chrysanthemum family. It works through the nervous system and has been used for thousands of years to deter insects. Copper sulphate is used in organic orchards in an attempt to control micro-organisms. Copper is an important trace element in humans, but if consumed in excess it causes vomiting, diarrohea and, in extreme cases, death. These chemicals are ‘natural’, but when used inappropriately can cause human health problems, as can pesticides in general. New chemicals being

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

24 OPINION

Don’t be the meat in the tax sandwich CHRIS CUNNIFFE

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too little provisional tax nate late payment penbut even more so for and adjust your payment alties) if you choose those who operate in accordingly. to settle what you owe rural climes. There’s You should consider through an IRD-approved volatility in commodity using tax pooling to defer tax pooling intermediary. prices, the exchange rate An intermediary can apply the May 7 provisional tax and unexpected weather payment to a date in the surplus tax paid to IRD events that can impact on the original date it was future that better suits earnings. you if cashflow is After the impact In regards to the tight or you have a of paying termibetter use for the nal tax, many busiprovisional tax due money. nesses will pay The upfront their third and final on May 7, there are a instalment of procouple of things you can finance fee to enter such an visional tax for the do to ease the burden arrangement is 2017 tax year on on your cashflow. much lower than May 7. most other tradiWhile tax should due against your liabilalways be budgeted for, tional forms of finance. we do not live in a perfect ity. IRD will treat this as Approval is guaranteed world and these payments though you paid your pro- and the fee tax deductvisional tax on time and can be akin to taking a ible. will cancel interest and one-two punch to the You can also choose late payment penalties. ribs in the way they can how long you would like Settling your terminal impact cashflow. to defer the payment of tax through a tax pooling The knockout blow, tax (up to 12 months). intermediary gives you an however, comes if you Be sure to seek the extra 75 days past your do not pay on time: IRD advice of your accountant terminal tax date to pay. charges interest and late if you have any questions In regards to the propayment penalties. Both about these looming visional tax due on May add up very quickly. income tax payments. 7, there are a couple of So, with that in With a bit of planning things you can do to ease mind, what is my advice now, you can be the burden on your cashfor those who find empowered to do tax on flow. themselves with tax due your terms as opposed to Start by reviewing on April 7 and May 7? Pay feeling like the meat in your financial year. Given the terminal tax first. It the tax sandwich. this instalment is due has the greatest exposure • Chris Cunniffe is the chief after the 2017 tax year has executive of Tax Manageto IRD interest so should ended, you should have a be cleared immediately. ment NZ and former head rough idea whether you You can reduce any of the BNZ and Air New have paid too much or interest cost (and elimiZealand tax teams.

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

MANAGEMENT 25

Tall grass proves its versatility NIGEL MALTHUS

A TALL grass touted as a multi-purpose wonder plant has proved its worth as a shelterbelt replacement for Canterbury dairy farms, says Lincoln University ecology professor Steve Wratten. A North Asian grass closely related to sugarcane, Miscanthus x Giganteus grows to 2-4m high and is used overseas for feedstock for biofuels, stock feed, stock bedding and mulches. Research by Lincoln University PhD student Chris Littlejohn, supervised by Wratten and originally funded by Westland Milk Products, looked into the performance of six L-shaped trial plots of miscanthus grown on a dairy farm at Aylesbury, about 30km west of Christchurch. On dairy farms where

traditional shelter belts have been removed to make way for pivot irrigation, Wratten says miscanthus can act as windbreaks and be harvested for supplementary income. Wratten said they identified 15 specific benefits such as shelter for animals and increasing biodiversity as habitat for the likes of skinks and bumblebees. Not only do cows appreciate the shelter, the research confirmed that pasture itself does better in the lee of the miscanthus. In windy conditions the stomata of green plants – the tiny ventilation holes in the outer skin – close up and throttle the plant’s metabolism, but the shelter provided by miscanthus mitigates that effect. Separate plantings of miscanthus along about a kilometre of the farm’s

road boundary are now testing the ability of a soil fungus known as trichoderma to help plant growth. In a randomised trial in which different sections of the plot got different blends of the fungus, or none at all, some sections are already showing good results in what Wratten says was poor stony soil previously full of broom and eucalypts. With miscanthus capable of yields of up to 40t DM/ha, Wratten is now seeking funding for trials on converting the harvested grass into biodiesel. While the diversion of productive land for biofuels production could be controversial, Wratten emphasised that as a by-product of its other uses, miscanthus biodiesel would be a truly renewable resource that need not compete with

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food production. The only New Zealand supplier of the plant is Miscanthus NZ, whose managing director Peter Brown said it had been “a long slow process” getting miscanthus accepted since he began propagating it from plants imported in 2010. “But people are starting to get serious about it.” Miscanthus is a longlasting perennial, the tops browning off in autumn and the grass renewing itself in spring from underground rhizomes. As a sterile hybrid, it can only be propagated vegetatively so seed-borne spread is impossible and it is

Miscanthus New Zealand managing director Peter Brown with a three-metre ruler in a stand of giant miscanthus grass.

considered unlikely ever to become a pest. Because it is palatable to stock, grazing would take care of any rhizome spread beyond the fenced plantings on dairy farms. Brown says there has never been a recorded spread beyond planted areas. Fonterra has a 2ha trial plot of miscanthus at its Darfield plant, where it has had a dramatic effect on reducing nitrogen leaching from the factory effluent sprayed onto the pasture.

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had samples of cubed miscanthus, machinepressed into lumps of about the same density and size as coal. The machinery to produce significant quantities of the cubed material was not yet available, but Brown hoped that Fonterra would eventually conduct a full trial. Although that’s not likely to be this year, Brown believed it would be successful and could lead to Fonterra planting miscanthus on TO PAGE 26

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Lysimeters below the miscanthus recorded nitrogen levels dropping away as soon as the grass was properly established, Brown said. “It is less than 0.1kg/ha. It’s a dramatic change.” Brown said Fonterra had previously investigated dried miscanthus as a fuel for its milk drying plants but it proved too light and fluffy for compatibility with its coal-fired furnaces. However, Brown said his company now

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26 MANAGEMENT

Fencing marginal land pays off THE MERITS and costs of farming marginal land or fencing it for reversion or forestry was the topic at a recent field day in Taranaki. The event was held by the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) and hosted by the Hansen family at their hill country farm in Matau. Niels and Peter Hansen, who run two

farms in partnership with their wives Grethe and Fiona, have planted poles and fenced marginal land for forestry and reversion with funding from the council’s voluntary South Taranaki and Regional Erosion Support Scheme (STRESS). The 20 people at the February 16 field day viewed that work firsthand and heard the Han-

Farmers attending the field day at Niels Hansen’s farm in Taranaki last month.

sens discuss their land use experiences and choices. Agricultural consultant John Stantiall prepared a

cost-benefit analysis for those attending and concluded, as had Hansen, that the cost of farm-

ing the most marginal hill country land is greater than the returns. The subject resonated with Kupe farmer Murray Jackson, who’s seen excellent gains from land he’s retired for forestry. In one area alone, he’d lost five cattle over three years before fencing it and planting pines. “The regional council contributed towards the

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funding, and the income from the trees – I think it just makes so much sense. I’ve made more money on my waste areas than the good areas I fenced off. The compensation for waiting for the trees to reach maturity is that you can sell carbon credits.” Hansen, too, has lost animals on steep land and used council funding to fence marginal areas. “If you lose 10 cattle a year, that’s $12,000 before you’ve even started to make a profit,” he said. “We think it’s a good risk to have a block of pine trees, and there might be a really good windfall out of it. It’s still potentially more profitable than dagging sheep for 25 years.” Having fenced off their least productive land, the Hansens also found it was a shorter run to subdivide more paddocks, keeping out goats and providing a powerful tool for stock rotation. Then there’s the environmental value of conserving erosion-prone hills that can’t cope with high numbers of heavy stock. Hansen thinks there will be increased government regulation, especially with the public expecta-

tion for clean waterways. TRC land services manager Don Shearman says with the recent national conversation about intensive farming and water quality, the question has also been asked about what’s being done about hill country sediment. “The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management… sets the bottom line for water quality, and sediment levels are likely to be addressed (by the government) in the next couple of years.” He said money from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Hill Country Erosion Fund is delivered through STRESS, which contributes to fencing, poplar and willow poles, forestry, and land retirement or reversion. These measures help with sediment reduction into waterways and often enable a farm to be managed more effectively. “The Hansen’s operation shows what can be achieved through our programme. It also highlights what’s best for the land and that it makes economic sense from a farm management point of view.”

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a commercial scale at its Darfield and Clandeboye sites. The country’s total planted area of miscanthus might then at least double from its current estimated 45ha, Brown said. Tony Oosten, programme manager, energy and utilities group at Fonterra, confirmed that Fonterra was looking into miscanthus as a fuel but large-scale plantings were only a possibility at this stage. He said that a trial of the cubed miscanthus material would have to consider not just how well it was handled by the feed systems but also its burning characteristics,

including whether it produced corrosive ash or undue amounts of hard deposits known as clinker, in the furnaces. Meanwhile, Brown said another use for miscanthus well-suited to the current quantities planted in NZ was as bedding for livestock including horses and goats. A poultry farmer was currently keen on a trial. “I know that’s going to go well because that’s what a lot of our colleagues overseas are using it for.” Brown says miscanthus was also useful as mulch, and a trial on a Kerikeri feijoa orchard was showing promise in combating the guava moth pest.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

28 MANAGEMENT

Reducing chemical inputs with robots PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

USING ROBOTS to apply herbicides to kill weeds in vegetable crops would hugely reduce the quantities of chemicals being

applied, says a visiting British expert. Associate professor Alistair Murdoch, of Reading University, UK, says trial work there shows robotic weeding can reduce the amount of

chemicals applied by at least 90%. Murdoch, a specialist in precision agriculture, told a conference at Massey University that the precision of robots allows tasks to be done

very accurately. Robotic weeding uses a small robotic vehicle with a chemical tank and a sprayer that applies droplets of chemical to weeds in a crop. Murdoch says the

Alistair Murdoch

normal way of controlling crop weeds is by spraying chemicals on an entire field, but with a robot that isn’t necessary. “To meet new environmental standards, a robot can do a much better job. It can be programmed to, say, get rid of all the weeds – except perhaps one that is of biodiversity value,” he explains. “We may decide to leave some [weeds] because they may be useful for birds to feed on during the winter. So robotics… may also have environmental applications.” Robotic weeding confers greater ability to protect from spray drift in non-target areas such as waterways and neighbouring properties, Murdoch says. The robot reduces the danger to humans of

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applying chemicals and cuts some of the backbreaking work of physically weeding crops. Traditionally hand weeding was the way of clearing weeds; then came the chemical sprays which are now widely used; this was part of the agrarian revolution. “I work with developing countries, and see that the most precise farmers are those in the developing countries. They do precision agriculture at a level we are not capable of. “For example, in Kenya dairy farmers sow densely planted maize. They look at the individual plants and the one that is not going to produce a good cob they pull out and feed it to their animals. That is plantspecific agriculture.”

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ANOTHER ADVANTAGE of robotic weeding is that because the robots are light and carry less chemicals they are kinder to the soil and don’t cause the compaction of large tractors carrying lots of chemicals, Murdoch says. The concept of robotic weeding is catching on as environmental issues grow for farmers and consumers. “In the UK the farmers are desperate for an alternative to controlling weeds by spraying lots of chemicals in vegetables crops,” Murdoch told Rural News. “This is partly because of the legislative environment we have, and the number of available chemicals that is declining all the time. “Farmers are being driven to something else and are looking for a new approach. On the one hand, consumers want less chemical applied to crops and farmers also want to reduce input costs of which chemicals are a significant component.” Murdoch says the other issue robotic weeding tackles effectively is the use of genetically modified (GE) crops, which are resistant to chemicals. There is an “engineering alternative to GE,” Murdoch says. The precise nature of applying small droplets of chemical on chosen weeds, and thus reducing chemical usage by up to 90%, opens up new opportunities. Murdoch explains that glyphosate is commonly used because it is a translocated chemical – it goes through the plant. “But we are not committed to glyphosate. The agrichem companies have huge banks of chemicals never used because they are probably too expensive to produce. But if we reduce the application rate by 90%, then on a per hectare basis these now-expensive chemicals could be cost-effective to farmers.”

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

ANIMAL HEALTH 29 GET SOCIAL WITH RURALNEWS

Keep up with the latest stories from by following us at facebook.com/ruralnews BREAKING NEWS

NZ needs to ‘ramp up’ smarts – animal health entrepreneur PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND has “good smarts” in primary industry innovation, but needs to ramp it up, says Argenta managing director and co-founder Dr Doug Cleverly. Cleverly should know. His animal health company started from scratch 10 years ago and has grown to an annual revenue today of more than $100m and global reach based on Kiwi innovation. He told Rural News there are some things NZers don’t do well – like cricket – but there are things we do very well. “The ability to innovate and think laterally comes as a result of our not being over-endowed with resources. “We have to think laterally and think outside the square in order to survive and that expertise puts us in a unique and strong position as it relates to R&D.” For instance, Argenta’s R&D is a key point of difference from its com-

petitors and a key area of growth. And despite expansion into the US and now Scotland, that R&D is based in NZ. “There is no limit to what can be done,” Cleverly says. “The most difficult thing is linking the needs of the farmer to the capabilities of the lab. The company most able to bridge that gap is the most likely to be successful -- understanding what the farmers’ needs are and translating that into something that can be done and manufactured. NZ primary industry has got to ‘ramp it up’, he says. “In the old days we were the golden boys in agricultural-based research; we need to work very hard to maintain that position. “We think we are doing our bit, but there’s a lot more to be done.” Cleverly says Argenta started when he came home from America and couldn’t find a job. “So it sort-of made sense to do what I had been doing in America – which was working for a very big

animal health company. I learnt a lot so a friend (Gordon Vincent) and I set up a company based on what we knew and what we thought we could do,” he explains. “It was the inability to secure employment that lead to starting a company. The sort of jobs that were out there were pretty depressing compared with what I wanted to be doing. “The jobs were fine, but they weren’t my cup of tea…. The way to get the cup of tea was to do it yourself.” Vincent was his mentor at a previous company. Cleverly “dragged” him out of retirement and they “started a small company and went from there”. He says it started from the perspective of if you can’t find a job there isn’t much money involved in setting up – so just try it out. “If it didn’t work out it would be a cheap MBA; you’d learn a lot.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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30 ANIMAL HEALTH

Bobby calf welfare on the rise – report PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

A COMBINATION of industry and Government initiatives have helped make a big cut in the mortality rate of young calves prior to slaughter, a new MPI report claims. For eight years the whole industry has worked together to improve the welfare standards of young calves, the report says. The Farm to Processors Animal

Welfare Forum safeguarding programme and more recently the Bobby Calf Action Group helped make the improvement. “Regulations built on this work, providing MPI with the tools to take direct action without having to rely solely on education or a prosecution under the act,” the report says. “While this must be taken in the context of the other conditions of the season, including mild

weather, the regulations have contributed to improvements in calf welfare.” Subject to weather conditions in 2017, it is expected that young calf mortality rates will keep falling in the 2017 season following the implementation of the complete set of calf regulations. The remaining three regulations will take effect in 2017. Regulation 10, on the maximum time between

final calf feeding and slaughter, took effect on February 1, 2017; the remaining two regulations on shelter and loading facilities will take effect on August 1, 2017. MPI will continue to coordinate the research project on calf mortality reasons and welfare indicators. Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says MPI has vets at nearly every processing facility and in the 2016 season the mortality rate for

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bobby calves between farm and processing has more than halved, from 0.25% to 0.12%, “a major drop of just over 50% showing that new regulations and education campaigns have made a difference,” Guy says. “As well as the big drop in mortality, calves are also arriving in much better health and condition. This is also a significant drop from 2008 when the mortality rate was 0.68%. “The wider industry and MPI have put a lot of work into improving practices over recent years and they deserve

recognition for this. A few in the industry need to improve their behaviour, but this provides strong evidence things are improving. “This is the first season with tighter new rules and regulations for handling bobby calves. From August 1 this year it will also be a requirement to have loading and unloading facilities when young calves are transported for sale and slaughter and appropriate shelter. “I want to acknowledge the industry groups who formed a Bobby Calf Action

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 31

A ute this ain’t! MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

THE LATEST Land Cruiser 70 series from Toyota is a truck, so it won’t be the choice of Remuera Roamers, Mission Bay Mums or anyone looking for wheels to do the supermarket or daily school run. What you get is a truck with a 60-year history, one of the longest-lived models from Toyota, and a production count of about eight million and climbing. Having lived with the 2017 model for a week, and having got used to the ‘look’, this writer finds little to dislike about this venerable old girl.

Yes, it’s a big climb up into the cab, but that’s because there’s lots of ground clearance. The seats can be adjusted fore and aft and the backrest can be raked. But no problem, because once you’re seated these are supportive and surprisingly comfortable. Yes, the controls are basic, but you could accuse other makers of making life a little too complicated. As for the engineering, the LC70 gives a big nod to the adage ‘if it isn’t broke don’t fix it’. Much improved in the 2017 model is a raft of safety features – vehicle stability control, active traction control and hill start assist. The first reduces

engine power and adjust the brakes in the event of a sudden steering movement or slide; the second re-distributes power to wheels with the most grip; and the latter holds the vehicle momentarily on slopes while the foot is taken off the brake and applied to the throttle. Looking at the engineering in more detail, chassis rails are 21% deeper and 65% wider. A seventh cross member has been added, shocks and springs have been retuned to improve ride quality, and Teflon inserts, between the rear leaf springs, are said to reduce noise and improve ride. Up front, the engine is a 4.5L V8 turbo diesel,

Big Julia means business MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

FEW PRECISION drill makers offer a broader range than the Italian company Maschio Gaspardo. Its latest offering, which took centre stage at the SIMA exhibition in Paris, is the 24-row Julia drill. Designed for use in a 75cm row configuration, the 18m wide machine has a hopper that carries 7500L of fertiliser and 2000L of seed. The unit weighs just

over 13 tonnes. Minimum power requirement is 350hp and, despite the machine’s impressive working width it folds down to just 3m for road transport. The Julia drill uses ISOBUScontrolled electrical drives for the seeding units, which the company claims improves accuracy and eliminates the need for mechanical gears, shafts or chains, thereby simplifying routine maintenance. www.powerfarming.co.nz

pushing out 151kW and 430Nm torque, and meeting Euro 5 emission regulations, with the addition of a diesel particulate filter. Transmission is limited to a 5-speed manual box mated to a three-range transfer box. Slightly ‘taller’ gearing in second and fifth speeds is said to give a more relaxed feel at maximum speeds and helps to reduce fuel consumption by about 10%; that comes in at about 10.6L/100km. The vehicle’s range is improved by a larger (130L) fuel tank. A big change is the introduction of automatic locking hubs, which combine with front and rear diff locks to tackle the

The latest Land Cruiser 70 series is a serious truck.

toughest terrains; wheels are one-piece steel or alloy. A rear-view camera makes hook-up to trailers easier, and electric windows and cruise control take the LC 70 to a new level of sophistication. Does that matter? Not really, because out on the road it drives like a truck, the engine burbles away

www.toyota.co.nz

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and pulls like a 15-yearold schoolboy. The transmission pulls in any gear, so you can drive it like an auto if you wish. The turning circle resembles that of Queen Mary – the ship, not the woman – and its presence commands respect from other road users who keep out of your space. On the rough stuff,

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

32 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Sprayer the first of its kind markd@ruralnews.co.nz

A FIRST for the Power Farming Group sees the delivery of the new Kverneland iXdrive 4180 self-propelled sprayer to John and Kai Evans farm at Dorie, mid Canterbury. The 4180 offers a 4000L spray tank capacity, 520L of clean water and 27m wide aluminium booms using a unique ‘glued up’ manufacture said to be 40% lighter than conventional construction methods. Power comes from a 165hp, 4-cylinder JCB Dieselmax engine which drives twin Sauer hydraulic pumps, to power the four Poclain wheel motors and then a dedicated traction/drive pump, which negates the need for mechanical differentials. Offering 50:50 weight distribution in all conditions, irrespective of tank levels or boom position, a hydropneumatic suspension system on both axles gives operator ride comfort and boom stability. A separate 3-D rear axle layout allows movement, but limits track influence on the sprayer boom. The 2-wheel, 4-wheel and

crab steering options take care of manoeuvrability, and track width can be hydraulically adjusted on the move between 1800 and 2250mm. Ground clearance of 1300mm is provided by the operator-specified 12.4 x 52 inch tyres. The operator cab, supplied by harvester manufacturer Claas, has an air-suspended operator’s seat, air conditioning and filtration system control via a Kverneland Iso-Match Tellus control system. Automated steering is provided by the customer-specified Trimble RTK system which will integrate with other vehicles in the operation. On the nearside of the machine, the EasySet control panel, located between the front and rear wheels, is a onespot location for control of all valve assemblies, pumps, filters and the 42L chemical induction system. The machine also has the iXclean, automated self-cleaning function which uses 300L of clean water over three rinse and wash cycles to ensure thorough cleaning after use or chemical changes. www.powerfarming.co.nz

Dorie farmer John Evans takes possession of his new iXdrive, 4180 self-propelled sprayer from Erik Hogervorst of Kverneland.

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See your local Kubota dealer for full terms and conditions or visit www.kubota.co.nz

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MARK DANIEL

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 33

Three-point linkage goes high-tech MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

MASSEY FERGUSON won itself a citation in the Innovation Awards at the biennial SIMA exhibition in Paris, for its Dynamic Top Link Control. This is particularly fitting given that founder Harry Ferguson developed the industryadopted top link system and the company pioneered electronic linkage control. The latest innovation – developed by the MF Advanced Research Lab in Beauvais, France, and currently at the prototype stage – is designed to deliver dynamic, on-themove top link adjustment to improve tractor and implement performance. Sensors on the tractor continually monitor working angle and front axle height, while GPS measures any inclines

within the paddock. Measurements are sent to a central processor in the tractor control terminal, which in due course adjusts the top link length, according to parameters set by the operator. As many experienced ploughmen will confirm, top link length is critical in both draft and above ground operations. In the case of the former, the correct setting will help maintain a consistent working depth from front to rear of the implement, help reduce wheel slip and tine wear, and help reduce fuel consumption. Implements at fixed working heights above the ground – such as fertiliser spreaders – also need to maintain critical working angles because minor maladjustment can result in poor distribution patterns or uneven application rates.

“A difference of just two degrees can, for example, result in a four metre reduction in spreading width,” explains product manager for MF Guillaune Dutarte. The new system

compensates for working on slopes, and considers the effect of the loaded spreader on the tractor’s linkage and front axle, adjusting as the load is discharged. www.masseyferguson.com

Massey Ferguson’s Dynamic Top Link Control picked up a citation at the Innovation Awards at the recent SIMA Exhibition in Paris.

Lely forage machinery. It’s my choice. Is it yours?

DRILL FOR ALL CONDITIONS DIRECT DRILLING is favoured by farmers and contractors looking to reduce establishment costs, so the new Avatar SD from Horsch should attract their attention during the upcoming regional field days. Suitable for establishing crops in the toughest conditions, the Avatar 6.16SD has a working width of 6m, drills 36 rows at a 16.7cm spacing and weighs about 9300kg. The high tare weight allows the machine to deliver up to 250kg of coulter pressure, to ensure penetration in all conditions. Meanwhile, its simple design sees a 480mm diameter single disc opener, followed by a press and gauge wheel set-up. This design helps reduce the number of moving and wearing parts, compared to similar machines. It also has a heavy-duty, rubber suspension system. This basic concept has been well-proven in the company’s Pronto drill range and should result in excellent performance with minimal repair and maintenance costs. “The significance of fewer moving and wearing parts shouldn’t be underestimated,” says Jamie Hanna, CB Norwood Distributors’ Groundforce division. Standard equipment sees the machine set up for seed, fertiliser and small seeds/insecticides, with a 5000L hopper split 60:40. There is also a separate small seeds/ insecticide hopper with a 200L capacity. The main hopper can be easily configured for single or dual product operation. The manufacturer suggests power requirements are reduced by the combination of the SingleDisc openers, carried in two banks on the coulter frames. These have been strengthened to ensure there is no sideways movement and ultimately results in an accurate sowing depth irrespective of the ground conditions or terrain.

The time to make a decision is now. Think ahead and get your new Lely hay, silage & cropping equipment at the best price you'll see this year. Place your indent order today for the spec's you want and the machine delivered when you need it.

Visit your local Lely dealer today. Call: 0800 LELY NZ (535 969)

www.lely.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

34 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER

Machinery insurance problems hotting up in Australia

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Reports from Australia claim that Lloyds of London wants to pull out of insuring headers and harvesters in that country.

record highs and daily reports of bushfires, it also appears that counQUALITY PRODUCTS MADE try’s 73 grainTuakau and cotton1892 IN EUROPE OR BY PPPPO Box harvesters are hitting hot A trusted name in Poultry Industry Tel: (09) 236 8414 spots. for over 50 years PO Box 73 Tuakau PO Box 1892 73 Tuakau 1892 The insurer Lloyds9321 Fax: (09) 236 Tel: (09) 236 8414 Tel: (09) 236 8414 of London, which Email: PPP.LTD@xtra.co.nz provides and Fax: (09) 236 Fax: 9321 (09) insurance 236 9321 re-insurance for most

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Australian insurance companies and brokers, has decided to pull away from covering headers and cotton harvesters from as early as April this year – a big problem come the 2018 harvest. Sixteen big harvester fires in northern NSW, and many smaller fires, have the insurer hitting a loss ratio of 100%, i.e. for every $100 collected in premiums it pays a whopping $1000 in claims – clearly unsustainable. Local Australian insurers say many of the write-offs have occurred while harvesting bumper crops of chickpeas. Operators say hourly ‘blow downs’ of their machines are needed to

prevent trash build up, so removing the risk of fire. And in some areas harvesting is ceasing between the hours of 11 am and 7pm, because the midday heat makes the fire risk too great. Although cropping farmers – who run their own harvesters – look likely to be able to get cover under wholefarm policies, harvesting contractors could be in a quandary. Typical premiums are $6000 to cover a $300,000 harvester, but some insurers are insisting on an excess of about 10% of a machine’s value, meaning the operator is up for $30,000 in the event of a write-off.

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For a flagship harvester purchase for the 2018 season -- typical price tag $750,000 -- the insurance excess rises exponentially. With predictions that the 2018 Australian harvest will be another whopper, given similar growing conditions the need for contract harvesters using high output machines is critical. Forecasts are for 22.5 million ha of crops. The contractors’ problems will be further compounded by financiers likely declining to release funds for purchases of such machines without sighting current insurance certificates. An answer could

be that operators and their grain and cotton harvesting associations insist that manufacturers fit fire-suppression systems, or that they at least fit after-market kits when machines enter the country. Possibly the government might make that mandatory. Meanwhile New Zealand croppers, not suffering the extremes of Australia, don’t appear similarly threatened. “FMG has had no changes to its reinsurance arrangements with regards to header cover, so for us it’s business as usual,” Nathan Barrett, general manager underwriting and risk quality, told Rural News.

Phone

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

RURAL TRADER 35 DOLOMITE

LATEST STORIES EVERY DAY Get up-to-date news at www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz

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RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

MARCH 7, 2017: ISSUE 625

Central Districts Field Days

www.ruralnews.co.nz

FEILDING MARCH 16-18

Biggest regional field days promises more this year CENTRAL DISTRICTS Field Days, the country’s largest regional agriculture field day, takes place on March 16-18, aimed at showing the latest and greatest in agriculture. The event has grown for 23 years from a small collection of marquees in a field to a national showcase of the latest trends and developments in rural innovation, agribusiness and agritech. This year’s event will be the largest ever, with organisers expecting some 600 displays and attracting at least 30,000 visitors from around New Zealand. The organisers know many farmers attend to keep abreast of the industry, so this year they will launch the ASB

This year’s event will be the largest ever, with organisers expecting some 600 displays and attracting at least 30,000 visitors from around New Zealand.

Innovation Zone, to show the latest in rural innovation and development concepts. “The ASB Innovation Zone grew out of our desire to inspire visitors with all the new products, technologies, and methods we know are a large part of

the NZ agri-industry,” says events manager Brett McMeekin. Meanwhile, the food and refreshments area has been revamped, and is now called ‘Cuisine of Central Districts’. It will have several classy food vendors and a new seating area. And

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two new bar areas will open until 6pm each night of the event. The crowd-pleasing Claas Tractor Pull, the National Excavator Championships and the Central Districts fencing competition will return, as well as the Nutro Ultimate Canines dog show and more. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s visiting and yarning to exhibitors, checking out the latest in agri-tech or sitting back with a drink and watching the impressive National Excavator Champs,” says McMeekin. Visitors will also have a chance to win a Suzuki Rural Prize pack, which includes a new Suzuki quad coupled with a Brent Smith trailer filled with

farm-related prizes, valued at $20,000. Heavy rain that fell last year alongside Manfeild Park has prompted the laying of weather-proof lime roads. Central Districts Field Days now also coincides with Feilding’s AgriFood Investment Week – activities and events designed to connect, challenge and grow the agri-food industry. AgriFood Investment Week, now in its second year, ties together innovation in farming, food production, marketing, investment, research and technology. The field days venue is Manfeild Park, Feilding. Buy tickets online for $13 at cdfielddays.co.nz or at the gate on the day. www.cdfielddays.co.nz

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

2 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Innovation zone a feature at CD this year CENTRAL DISTRICTS Field Days will this

month open a new site showing the latest farm-

Stop wastage – reduce pasture damage SateeSituse Standard Feeder

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Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy will open the Zone on the first morning – Thursday March 16. The field days will be held on March 16-18, at Manfeild, Feilding. The event follows the New Zealand AgriFood Investment Week. The ASB Innovation Zone will show the latest in rural innovation and development concepts; seminars are intended to inspire event-goers with new ways of thinking about farming. The Zone is a joint effort by ASB, Central Districts Field Days and New Zealand AgriFood Investment Week. “Many people visit

Central Districts Field Days to keep abreast of industry developments to help grow their businesses,” says national events manager Brett McMeekin. “The ASB Innovation Zone was created to inspire visitors with all the new products, technologies and methods we know are a large part of the NZ agri-industry. Fortunately for us, ASB also wants to foster innovation in the industry. “Visitors to the ASB Innovation Zone will be offered a unique window on the future of NZ’s agriindustry, showing them emerging technology and developments now beginning to transform farming

~ See us at CDFD – Site 075 & 076 ~

CEDA chairman Malcolm Bailey says innovation is all about creating value.

functions in ways once inconceivable.” ASB head of rural business management Jane Brice says the bank is proud to support the new Zone, offering inspiration to help young and emerging rural companies. “ASB has a strong history of innovation and the Zone is a natural fit with our commitment to the agribusiness sector, alongside the AgriFood Investment Week,” she explains. Now in its 23rd year, the CD Field Days is a key event in the region, rounding out the programme of the New Zealand AgriFood Investment Week, on for the second time this year. AgriFood Investment Week (March 13-18) is designed to help NZ agri-

food businesses develop innovation, investment and people; it is led and managed by Central Economic Development Agency. Its chairman, Malcolm Bailey, says innovation is to create value. “Innovation and the value it adds come in many different forms, enabling efficiency and product growth. “Those of us in the business of food can never feel like we are in our comfort zones: the way things have been is not the way things will always be. Instead we need farmers and everyone along the value chain to deliver what the consumer wants.” For more information visit www.cdfielddays.co.nz or www.NZAgInvest.co.nz .

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

STOCK FEEDERS USE KISS SYSTEM THE BALE feeder that cleverly unrolls a bale in a paddock nevertheless leaves a large percentage of waste as stock trample the feed on the ground. So there’s still a place for simple, low-tech stock feeders, like those made by Napier manufacturer QC Engineering and sold under the AgBrands and Red Barns brands. The company offers a broad range of styles from basic 1.6m diameter units with 12 positions, capable of feeding 30 animals, to larger units of heavier construction and with wider access points, that can accommodate bull beef animals over 24 months of age. A range of rectangular and oval feeders are ideal for larger mobs; they can take up to three large round bales of hay or silage offered as supplementary feed to animals feeding on break crops such as fodder beet or kale. The company also makes modular feed fences that can be used to construct feed pads, and a range of accessories such as liners for round units that allow meal, pellets or nuts to be fed efficiently. And it makes covers for feeders for use in wet weather. “These inexpensive feeders have major benefits for farmers feeding stock, not least a reduction in wastage by up to 40%,” says AgBrands managing director Henry Melville. “They allow users to save time by requiring less labour and little or no capital cost for specialised machinery.” – Mark Daniel

FIELD DAYS SALE! PIGTAIL STANDARD

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 3 Effluent monster tackles the biggest problems DAIRY EFFLUENT problems and needs require big solutions and they don’t come much bigger than the Giltrap Engineering vacuum tanker to be shown at the Central Districts Field Days. With a capacity of 20,000L, 8.5m length, 3.2m height and a tare weight of 7.7 tonnes, this behemoth will make a large hole

2.30

European design and quality - Over 50 years experience in developing milk cooling tanks and one of Europe’s leading Dairy Cooling Systems producers for the needs of farmers around the world – from Mexico to Japan, from Russia to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Horizontal Milk Cooling Tanks with Iced Water Cooling – 50% more effective in cooling the milk compared to standard direct expansion systems without any risk of freezing the milk due to the water temperature of +0.5 > 1.0degC.

❱ Contain your trickiest animals! SUPER SALE!

Highly suitable for AMS (Robotic Farming Systems) with low milk flows – no risk of freezing the milk.

EACH

Packo Milk Tanks

EACH

www.giltrapeng.co.nz

WHY A DCS MILK COOLING SYSTEM IS THE BEST INVESTMENT IN YOUR FARM

5.00

protection and an extended operating life. The units at Central Districts Field Days will have optional sprung axles and the operatorfriendly Autofill system. – Mark Daniel

A Division of Eurotec Limited

SUPER SALE

six wheels. High-spec European componentry includes a Battioni Pagani rotary vane vacuum pump with auto lubrication to move 12,000L/ min to fill the beast in two minutes. Pump protection is by a double moisture trap layout, and all fittings are either brass or heavily galvanised steel for corrosion

Dairy Cooling Solutions

LIVE POST

❱ Strongest foot in NZ! ❱ Spring steel shaft

in the effluent pond during the working day. Manufactured from 6mm plate steel, the tank is supported along its full length by a heavy duty integrated chassis. The superstructure is carried on a HD tri-axle bogie system, with steered front and rear axles, fitted with oversized tyres and hydraulic braking on all

Energy Saving with Packo Ice Builders (PIB’s) – thanks to the ice energy store build-up during night time hours, a smaller refrigeration unit can be installed plus the potential savings of off-peak power rates.

Water Saving with PIB’s – bore water pre-cooling is not necessary with the

SOLAR FENCE UNIT

correctly sized PIB. This is ideal for drought prone regions or where water supplies are restricted.

New product at a great price!

Improved Milk quality through Snap Chilling = potentially a higher return adding PROFITS to the farm.

PIB 25-160

For 30yrs Eurotec has been supplying the NZ Refrigeration Industry with leading Global Brands. The only NZ supplier of this technology providing nationwide coverage and After Sales Support with branches in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch with over 30 Approved Refrigeration Installers throughout the country from Invercargill to Whangarei.

These products and more!

Check out the DCS website www.dairycoolingsolutions.nz, talk to your refrigeration contractor, and come and see DCS/Packo milk cooling technologies operating at the Central Districts Field Days in Fielding.

PIB 230 - 370

CD Field Days Site: H18

Taragate Ltd

RD2 Hamilton • Phone 07 843 3859 • Fax 07 843 3952 info@taragate.co.nz • www.taragate.co.nz

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS • SITE I23 •

Find us on Facebook too, www.facebook.com/DairyCoolingSolutions

Dairy Cooling Solutions Tradition meets Technology

www.dairycoolingsolutions.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

4 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS CLEVER NEW VALVE KEEPS WATER IN THE RIGHT PLACE HANSEN SUPERFLO trough valves are designed to automatically fill and maintain water levels in animal troughs. A key design feature is the Slipper Fit piston (patent pending), which prevents the valve sticking open or closed and, in doing so, avoids flooding or lack of water supply to animals. This is achieved without the need to grease ‘o’ rings and it copes with dirty water. Offered in a choice of top or side entry instal-

the outlet, so extending the delivery range to, say, portable troughs if required. The valve is made from non-corrosive, long life UV stable materials. It can tolerate low or high pressure feeds, from 0.2 to 12 bar (2.9 to 174 psi) pressure and deliver high volumes of water with its unobstructed design. A delivery pressure of 29 psi will typically deliver water at a rate of 188L/min.

Superflo trough valves are designed to automatically fill and maintain water levels in animal troughs.

lation, made easy with a range of inlet adapters,

the Superflo valve has a 25mm female thread on

www.hansenproducts. co.nz

Worl d’s m o spee st powe r d cli pper ful varia ble is he re!

handypiece

First 5 customers each day will receive a bonus 6 Ah Lithium battery twin pack

■ Ideal for shearing sheep, alpacas, goats and cow tails. ■ Variable speed from 2400-3500 rpm. ■ Latest brushless motor technology means minimal heat build up ■ 1400gms means 100-200gms lighter than standard handpiece. ■ At 2700 rpm the 12-volt lithium battery will catch up to 300-400 sheep, 400-500 cow tails.

See us at CD Field Days Agbits Site G14A

■ Tough alloy switch box with auto rest fuse for overload or lockup – clips to belt.

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE NEW SEASON View in action go to www.handypiece.co.nz

Freephone 0800 474 327

email: dave@handypiece.co.nz

All new Pioneer on show MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

HONDA WILL will use the 2017 field days circuit to exhibit the 2017 version of its class leading, compact side by side Pioneer 500. It’s known for being nimble, with a 127cm overall width and the ability to carry two people and load with ease. Several enhancements of transmission, suspension and rider safety should make the package even more attractive. Drivers can now choose manual gearshift or fully automated mode via a dashboard mounted toggle switch. When the latter is chosen, the Pioneer behaves like a modern automobile and shifts each of the five forward speeds without driver intervention. But the driver can, at any time, use the steering columnmounted paddle shifters to change speeds manually, particularly useful in changing

MAKE EVERY MINUTE COUNT

or difficult terrain. For 2017, the machines will also have dual-rate suspension springs said to give a more comfortable ride, and offer greater resistance to bottoming out in difficult terrain. Safety improvements include a new interlock system which limits maximum speed to 24km/h if the seatbelt is not engaged by the driver. Driver and passenger torso bars help protect both in the event of a side crash. Like its predecessor, the 2017 Pioneer is 260cm long and has a 185cm wheelbase, uses the same single-function door system which opens the door and the safety nets in one movement, and can tow 453kg. The fuel injected 475cc fuel-injected engine achieves an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy. An extensive two-year warranty applies. www.honda.co.nz

“It’s all about reliability and time for me... I need to know that the gear I use is going to work each and every time and get the job done and on time of course.”

TRACTA58467-CD

A FEW MINUTES WITH US AT FIELD DAYS CAN SAVE YOU A LOT OF TIME IN THE FUTURE

Come and check out our range of innovative performance machinery, engineered to be durable, reliable and to save you time.

Central Districts Field Days Sites C35 & C36 www.giltrapag.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 5

Indian motoring powerhouse gaining traction MARK DANIEL

In the mid-size SUV market the XUV 500 will have a very attractive price.

markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WHICHEVER WAY you look at the numbers for Mahindra, the Indian powerhouse, they’re impressive. About 500,000 vehicles produced in a year, 200,000 employees, $US17 billion turnover and $US1b cash in the bank. With 40% home market share in automobiles and slightly more in tractors, it’s no surprise the company exports to 20 countries and plans are afoot to lift the brand’s profile in Australasia. Mahindra New Zealand falls under the wing of Nichibo, Japan, best known for used car imports. Marketing manager Steve Vermeulen says until recently the focus had been on commercial and agriculture, with farmers accounting for 80% of Mahindra’s core business – tractors, utes like the Genio, Pik Up and Thar and lately a range of UTVs called M-pact

The XUV 500 Automatic (called fivedouble-0) follows manual transmission versions and should interest a wider audience. Once you get over misconceptions about ‘Indian-built’, this car is rather good and you won’t be paying German autobahn-blaster prices. Power is provided by a 4-cylinder,

2.2L turbo diesel supplied by AVL of Austria. This pumps out 103kW and 330Nm torque and does what it says on the label without any fuss, except for a bit of induction noise. The new transmission, supplied by Aisin, has six speeds and a thumb-operated tiptronic function which is smooth

See u Site s at 020

TRAILERS • Built strong • Quality running gear • Over rated suspension

BALE FEEDERS • Feeds any size bale • Self loading • Feeds bailage, haw, straw

SHEEP CONVEYORS

• Low power draw • Variable speed • Ask about different trailer options

WOOD SPLITTERS • Built strong with double skinned main beam • 50mm back plate and dished wedge • 2-stage hydraulic pump coupled to a 9.5hp Kola motor

Ph 06-370 1329 • Stuart 0274-387 528 124 Lincoln Road, Masterton E: daytech@wise.net.nz W: www.daytech.co.nz LEADERS ON FARM MACHINERY DESIGN

and pleasant to use. Approaching the vehicle it’s a case of love or hate the look, with the vertical ‘door handles’ making it look a little different. But once inside you have to admit it’s rather good. The maker’s cramming seven seats into an area probably best suited to five is balanced by the fact that in the XUV 500 the third row is more comfortable than most. With all three rows upholstered in good-quality leather, first impressions are on a par with midpriced European mounts. The 60:40 split for row two and 50:50 split for row three make the space very useable. In the centre console there’s a 7-inch touch screen Satnav system with a few neat features to make other manufacturers sit up. A drop map pin and ‘pinch to zoom’ function combines with a reverse camera for hooking up or parking which also includes a digital readout of distance to objects. Comms are via Bluetooth connectiv-

ity and a neat touch is video tutorials for the vehicle functions, even including wireless monitoring of tyre pressures, including the spare wheel. Fit and finish is very good, but some of the plastic materials are a little hard to the touch. On rural byways, then a blast back up the motorway to Auckland, the vehicle was quiet and made good progress. However the gearbox needed to be made more responsive by using the tiptronic system in the bendy sections. Safety is ANCAP 4-star rating, with six airbags, side impact beams, the rear view camera and stability control with roll mitigation, ABS with EBD, hill hold and descent, and disc brakes all-round. In the mid-size SUV market the XUV 500 might not have the kudos of betterknown brands, but it will have a very attractive price. Who knows, if the march of the Indian automotive industry maintains its current pace we might be seeing a new ‘Japan’. www.mahindra.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

6 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

$ 13,750+GST

RRP $15,325 +GST

EXHIBITOR ENTRANCE & EXIT "B" (FROM RATA STREET)

ENT8

FC - 1, 2 & 3

14 MP

ETP

17 MP

O91

19 MP

CO 3

O96

O98

R Maedbac chin k ery AgriMech cult ure

Orig in A gro up

EXH (TO IBITOR KAW EX AKAW IT "A AR " D)

ING

RO AD

NO A21 RW OO D

Those allocated to carpark A must use the Kawakawa Road Exhibitor Entrance

A27

A25

A2 4

A2 3

A22

A20

Ree s Agri e

EXHIBITOR ENTRANCE "A" (FROM KAWAKAWA ROAD)

A30

A29

A28

Claas Harvest Centre Tractor Pull Competition

A31 A33 NOR A32 WOO D RO AD

Ci Contravil ctors

PLAN DATE: 14/02/2017 ST

RU SS EL L ST

ST GLA DST ON E

RE ST

AO RA NG I ST

ST SOUTH

TUMERS RD

PUBLIC CARPARK 2

KAWAKAWA RD

W AR W IC K

PUBLIC & DISABLED ENTRY (GATE 1)

AWAHURI RD

Field O109 mas ter

MA NC HES TE R

FEILDING

FERNDALE PL

PUBLIC ENTRY (GATE 2) DARRAGH RD

ST RATA

EXHIBITOR ENTRANCE & EXIT "B"

Wilco (2003)

Slo peMowing .c o m

PUBLIC ENTRANCE 3 FROM PUBLIC CARPARK 3 (KAWAKAWA ROAD)

FE RG US SO N

KIM BO LT ON

M Sawahoe mills

O111

K -a

DISABLED PARKING V74

PUBLIC & DISABLED CARPARK 1

EXHIBITOR CARPARK "B"

PUBLIC ENTRY (FROM CARPARK 1 & 2)

EXHIBITOR CARPARK "A" & DISABLED CARPARK

EXHIBITOR EXIT "A" (GATE 2 - KAWAKAWA ROAD)

EXHIBITOR ENTRANCE "A" & DISABLED ENTRY (GATE 1 - KAWAKAWA ROAD)

PUBLIC ENTRY (GATE 3)

16-18th March 2017

CUTTING EDGE CULTIVATION

SPECIAL PRICE

SATURDAY MARCH 18 10:30am, 12:30 & 2:30pm: Ultimate Canines Dog Show, Foodcourt 1. 11:30am, 2:00pm: Interior Motifs Demonstration, Bayleys RL Pavilion. 12:00pm: Black Falcons Display NZ Air Force. 2:30pm: Cuisine of Central Districts prize draw, Cuisine of CD. 3:30pm: Suzuki Rural prize draw, Suzuki site J10. All Day: National Excavator Champs (6.5 & 12 tonne), A41. All Day: CLASS Harvest Centre Tractor Pull: Finals, Tractor Pull Area.

RRP $36,640 +GST

2500 $ 32,900+GST Offset Disc harrow

KA WAK AW A RD

PUBLIC ENTRY (FROM CARPARK 3)

PUBLIC CARPARK 3

HOOPER

FRIDAY MARCH 17 10:00am: Central Districts Double Power Fencing Competition, Behind site S70. 10:30am & 2:30pm: Ultimate Canines Dog Show, Foodcourt 1. 10:30am, 12:30 & 3:30pm: CLAAS Harvest Centre Tractor Pull: Practise for standard, modified & pre-85 class, Tractor Pull Area. 3:30pm: Interior Motifs Demonstration, Bayleys RL Pavilion. All Day: Central Districts Double Power Fencing Prizegiving, Tractor Pull Area. All Day: CLAAS Harvest Centre Tractor Pull: Battle of the Brands National Excavator Champs (6.5 and 12 tonne), A41.

A34 A35

O110

an en Ke

EXHI BITO LOUN RS GE

ol ut io H el iS

ltiva er tion

S72

V73

O1 08 3 O10

ens Larscrete & Conrainage D

nce ava A d Q u ip

EXHIBITOR'S CARPARK "A"

V72

G M a le n b ro c h in o k e ry

10 7

O100

S71

A39

B3 9

6 10 OS T

4 O10

O99

F en P os tdce -P ro ri ve rs B20

B2 1

B22

B23 B26

Turt o Sup n Farm plies

B25

T Engokoroa inee 20 ring Milk 14 / Bar

B24

O97

Mimco

Vred Agric estein ul Tyre tural s Fa Indirbroth Ind HW us er ustr ies C& Hootries u p

C1 6

C25 7

C28 C29

B29

B30

C30

C3 8

B3 8

O95

a rm

V71

SOUTH

05 O1

ROAD OOD O102 NORW 01

O94

Tan

NZF S70

FOOD COURT 3 5

C43

Digga

V68

T ra nsN Z A ge po rt (N Z Tnc y W67 A) W6 CD FI 8 W 69 DAYS ELD LINK A1

T Eng aege inee ring

C31

B31 C32

B32

gard

Rav ens dow n

C33

B33

C34

B34

C35

B3 5 B3 6

C36

C3 7

B3 7

2 3

National Excavator Operator Competition Area

C44

Boat City

O92

D av O93 W ey Pr odat er uc ts A qua

Farm Mach chief inery

CIVIL CONT RACT ORS RO AD

C42

Hum Pipel es Syste ine ms

D43

D44

ANZ Bank

LAC

O90

Alp Build ine ings

Civil Co ntractor s

D42

9 RA NSA GR OA V69 D

V67

AWAHURI RD

V66

Fore s M a r kO w n e r t S e r ve t i n g ices

Ma Spechinery cialis ts

Gou g Cat hs

New Zealand Fencing Competitions

Man aw R e W a n g a tu F ir e g io n a l a n u i S67 C o m R u ra l S68 m it te e S6 T

V65

W66

C 39

kton Buc

C50

MA O89

flow

C27 McIN C26 TOS H RO B28 AD B2

tec

p. Lim ous in

D33 D32 The Better Pow er Back Co.

D34 D35

Alpa ca Ass oc.

Gille tts

Farmg ates

Nga hiwi Farm

Giltrap Engine ering

C48

12 MP

Water

C22

D26

E27

D28 Milk ing Sho rtho rn Pla sma Bio

TRC TO E29 D31 YOTA WA D30 Y D29 Equi

Power Fa Whole rming sale

11 MP

V64

S S to ckw a p fo o d

W65

C23

D25

E25 E26

C-DAX

Agco Austra lia

E30

E31

E32

FMG DR

Cervu s Equipm ent

D48

Le / W aiaf Sc re en ra ra pa

S66

N Macorwood hine Farm ry C entr A26 e

E15 E16

D16

E17

D17

D18 D19

E20

D20

E22

D22

AgTorq ue Manaw & Mah atu indra

ES W 5 AY

V63

B19

Central Regions Deer Farmers

Natio nal Excav Ope ator Comperator C47 tit C4 HUM 6 C4 ion

EN SO O85 LW O85A AY O86 O87 Ta yl M ad or O88 G at ese B t h eo rn in USA

S65

FERGUSSON ST

Rur Bayle ys al PavLifesty ilion le

4u L51

Wa Mo lkers wers

Duncan Ag

D27

G25

E25

G26

E26

G27

E27

G28

E28 E29

E30

G31 G32

Horizons Regional Council

G30 G29 RABOBANK STRE E32 ET

E31

E33

Fonte rra

E ss N ut en ti al ri ti B la on D uc ck k

Fo Co-opnterra er Groupative

UF Co ok O er L5 s

O84

D49

L49

D50

Ju ey B HA

S64

V62

Transag Centre

D15

TRC TOYOTA WAY

D14

E14

V61

Cou Mac ntry Lely Ne hinery

rm So FONT urce E4 ER D47 RA W 5 E44 D46 HEY E43 D4

C1 3

w Zeala nd

THURSDAY MARCH 16 9:00am: Official opening of Field Days and the ASB Innovation Zone by Hon. Nathan Guy, ASB Innovation Zone. 10:30am & 2:30pm: Ultimate Canines Dog Show, Foodcourt 1. All Day: National Excavator Champs, A41. All Day: CLAAS Harvest Centre Tractor Pull: Practise for standard, modified & pre-85 class, Tractor Pull Area. All Day: CLAAS Harvest Centre Tractor Pull: Business House, Midfield.

4 CO

E12

D12

E13

D13

U s4 re Ty

E34

Focus Genetics

E34

G35

E35 E36

G36

E35 E37

G37

E36

.com.au

Seed solarwater Force pumps

E37 E38

E40

G39

E39

Stihl Shop

Numat

G38

Betacra ft

E39

Boonies Footwea r

D36

G34

E33

G33

Triton Hearing

E38

Farman Turkingto n Forestry

D40

I32

H32

I33

H33

I34

Just Horse N Around

Cooper Tires

Agrecove ry Rural Recyclin g

Platinu m Homes

InnoASB v Zoneation

Plant Detec tio Syste Dairy Flo msn Milkin S57 Linersg S58

C1 2

E19

E18

R ot ow ip er S53 P ac S54 e P ow TRA S55 & A ir er NSA S56 GR OA D

D23

E23

Model Barn

CenCtr uisine al Dis of tricts

C40

O83

IVE

McINT OSH RO AD

L48

D21

E21

RX Plastics

D11

E11

F11

G11 G12

F12 F19

G20

F20

G21

F21

G22

F22

G23

F23

Waikato Milking Systems

MacDougalls

Agri Optics Modcom North BakerAg Portable Buildings Plasback

Rabobank

G13

F13

G14

F14

F16

G17

Hansen Products

G16

F15

G15

Agbits

Handypiece

RABOBANK STREET F17

G18

F18

Longveld

D37

Landquip Minda Hills

D41

Lely New Zealand

Po rte Eq ui pm r en t

L44 L45

L47

Farm

I9 H10

I10 I11

H11

I12

H12

Can-Am

I13

H13 H14

I14 I17

I16

I15

H15

RURAL FUEL WAY H17 H16 H18

Swazi Apparell

I18 I19 I21

H20 H21

I22 I23

I25

H25

I26

H26

I27

H27

I28

H28

I30

I31

Kiwi Ferlise r Fencequip

Kiwi Cattle Yards

H34 H35

I35

FMG

Craigs Investment Partners

Rainer Irrigao n

H36 H37 H38

Iplex Pipe lines

Manawatu Toyota

Bromley Dairy & Pumps

D39 Sou the Spi rits rn Gra in

McVerry Crawford Motors

Westpac

CARR Y -MAT E

Farm land s Co-o pera tive

L36 L37 L38 L38A

L41 L40 Me and Dad Kids Books

BARON & BUXTON ROAD

L43 B A L42 A

M43 M44 M45

Salvation Army

M36 M37

M42

M41

M40

M38

N36

N37 N38

DeLaval

FOOD COURT 1

O81A

Powertool Centre

Opus

H29

I29 RURAL FUEL WAY H31 H30

eers

James Engine ering Morrifie ld Develo pment

McInto sh Bros Engin

N30 N31

N32

N33 N34

Agriculture Pavilion

K22 K23 K24

N25 N26 N27 N28

N29

NORTHFUELS TRACK

K25

N24

O54 O55

O56 O57 O58 O59

O60 O61 O62 O63 O64 O65

O66 O67

O68 N40

O82 In fr as on m en tr uc tu ta l A dv an re F ee ta ge de

l rw el

ba r

Sh ea

K21

N21 N22 N23

O53 O71

O70

O69 LEV NO LA NE N41

O72

N42

O73

B Ir ri g a y a ti o

O79

0 D is trH in o ib u to E P re sc O81 o rs nv ir

TRC Toyota Feilding

Blairs Supertyre Distributors

AW Holder & Sons

Fasteners

ar t Li ttl ’

T IS G N A R O A

L46

W72

PAUA Early Childhood

Fl ar Fi re se Bl ok

O78

Dairy Cooling Solutions

Genie in a Jar CamKiwi Trading

Kruizey Kidz

S52

BioAg

GEA PGG Wrightson Water

Ki Ca ttlng e

S51

Norsewear

8 K3

Liquorice and More

Wallace Corporation

K40D K40C K40B K40A B&T K40 Davis Family Netspeed Data BioSt art Stronghold Trust

Pr odKS N uc ts

The Feeder Leader / Pearson

Kliptank

K37

Ombro Leather Goods

O77

6 K3

N45

Dea Nominees

Kiwi Wool

E AG ST

N44

O7 6

South Pacific Rose Nurseries

EXHIBITO R (TO KAWAKAEXIT "A" WA RD)

APL S50

IPLEX LAN E K40E

Red Rock Hats

K34

Ssangyong

K38C K38B K38A L40A

Kiwi Metal Art

Anne's Knitwear

K33

Baron & Buxton Bernie's Barrow / Metal Tech. Woodpecker Signs

C21

K32

Maungahina Stud / Premier Stud-Speckle Park

C20

K30

Corkill System s Coolsense TASKPOWE R

K36A

Kauri Park Nurseries

Veronicas Delights Electric Vehicles & Mobility

C19

J30

Macracarpa Styles

SHUTTLE

W64

Fenemor Innovations

FARMLANDS DRIVE

Smoke & Spice Coastguard Central Region

RIDE TO CARPARK

C18

Prattley Industries

AFFCO Tru-Test

J29

M34A M34

5 O7

N F ib o r m a reg nb la s y s

Hyundai Motors

Irrigation Services

3 N4

O74

t Ag riF er

K29

Cartown Foton and Great Wall

H ROAD McINTOS K31

Ballance Agri Nutrients

Op Counen Dairytry MBurges att S48 Surfaing &s cin S49 g

Waratah Fencing

J28

Heatrite Northfuels

Ensol

COFFEE

HEADQUARTERS

W63

Honda Motorcycles

BALLANCE ROAD

Youngman Richardson & Co

BAR

BABY CHANGE

AS CLA est Harvntre Ce

Yamaha

S47

FMG DRI

Devan Plastics

K28

Stock Rock Ha rris ons Co Ga rde nunt ry Wo rld

• Terminator Base 900mm Side Shift • 4.25m (150UC) Beam • 270kg Hammer • 6 Bank Valve • Hydraulic Hinge • 250mm Mast Shift

Carrfield Machinery

J27

INCLUDES

Li ne 7

CRV Ambreed

K27

Fu el St ora

Silvan Diesel Performance Solutions

J26

art

Agrisea

K26

Ca lf Sm

Safe H2O

Taragate

J25

Kiwisp annz Manawa tu

DISABLED TOILET

ENTERTAINMENT

OAD HR TOS McIN C17

O52

Terminator Beam Terminator Base

Ag-Brand Products

Levno

AMBULANCE

W62

K19

O51

Citi-Box Containers Landmark Homes

Farmquip / Woolaway Swap Construct ion Stockfoods

K18

O50

EIDNZ

Te Pari Products

Brent Boddy Prestige

FOOD

C15

K17

Ubco 2x2 Electric Motorbikes

Strainrite Fencing Systems HYNDS PIPE AVENUE

N19

$ 23,850+GST

Outback Helicopters

Gallagher

J16

Grasshopper ZTR Mowers

Goldpine

TOILETS

4 C1

K16

Buil dlink Group

Hynds Pipe Systems

Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate

Suzuki

J15

N18

O49

Wright Tanks

Rural Fuel

J14

K15

N17

Prescott Trailers 2004

K14

Ste elfo rt g Eng ine erin Company

N16

O47

For Farms

Cu stUt es

Pro pe rty Br ok ers Manuka Farming

i Rh in o- Ra S46

H23

ta Ba pa ny C om

N15

LS TRACK NORTHFUE O48

Husqvar

Tumu ITM

SNAPCHILL

S45

Soar horse

Cor est eel Bui ldin gs

N14

Chillerman

S43

The Tank Guy

H22

Elec tro -Tek . Eng

Te Fe rtirra Ca re S44 lis er s O ri ng

Farm Suppli es (Centr al)

N10

O NT cI M12 M

N12

ris AD la ROM13 n Po SH A Evolutioom

N11

Vegepod

Pr ol an

V42

J13

O41

M10 M10 Kiw Cat tle-i Fe de A stop s of Nerat ed M11 w Ze Fa rm ala nders M11 A G ra fe ed nd pa er s 's

Qu ad

Interfarm Imports

Rugged Valley

o ld

Repco Auto Parts

O40

ngh

S tr o

K10

O39

Strautma nn Hopkins Ha ns

Ch ipp a er s

P rim IT Oar y K aw as S39 M ot ak S4 D is tr or cy cl ei TRA 0 S4 ib ut or 1 NSA s S42 GR OA D

Fivestar Kennels & Runs

Load y ers

S38

V39 s u r r d Oro e l Bo ua bb

J10

Emmetts Civil Construction N5

K11

S a L e v V37 w m in ak e rs S V38 ega

SUZUKI LANE

S3 7

V36

J11

O35

McNae

So lo

S36

V3 5

J12

O34

S TRACK O38 NORTHFUEL O37 O36

Whitla nd Electric al Eng. Solutio ns

Simple Shelter

RRP $27,540 +GST

ENT7

3 S3

O33

Outback Trading

INFORMATION

ROW COLOURS

ENT6

2 S3

O32

Tra deS afet y

Pac ific Hel me ts

ENT5

1 S3

O31 1

Trueform Spa Pools

Totalspan

SPECIAL PRICE

• 4 bank valve hydraulic top link & angle adjustment • Rock Spike kitset incudes 90mm Spike and Rock Spike cap • 4.25m 150uc beam • 270 kg hammer • Adjustable legs

V3 4

FOOD COURT 2

EA SIE Liv ing Ce ntr e

S3 5

E28

S30

O30

INCLUDES

Ga Ca terla ers

RIDE TO CARPARK AREA

Rural Contractors Drilling & Cultivation

Go Karts Direct

Ru ral &le Life sty

S3 4

Auto kraft

C49

O2 2 S22

S2 1

Manawatu Vintage Machinery

t en Br mith rs S aile Tr

The Wran gler

ROAD

LEGEND

ENT4

9 S2

O29

Mainl ine Sheet metal s Chain saw & Outdo or Powe r

Silo Systems

TICKETS

ENT3

O28

S28

ROAD

on Holden

O27

ACR Agri

PUBLIC ENTRANCE

Farm a n d rm ) T o w M et al fo (b y

Homeo pathic Farm Suppo rt

SERIES 2 ROCK SPIKE SPECIAL

F & DL ds e e c Se cien S

Courtesy Ford

Robertson Prestige

S27

Pencarr ow Cabins

$ 14,800+GST

y ra ff G W Je BM INI M &

ENT2

O26

RRP $17,340 +GS

Isuzu Utes

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0 S2

S23

O23

O25

O24

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Robertswatu Nissan u Mana s Mazda & Subar Trucks Palmfeild Motor Robertson Isuzu

SPECIAL PRICE

Tulloch Farm s Machine

S15 S16

S17

S18

S19

Sparex

Croplands Central Water Force

harm Equipment TechniP

ENT1

• Terminator Base 900mm Side Shift • Top Link Ram & Angle Adjustment • 4m 180UB Mast • 4 Bank Valve • 227kg Hammer • Adjustable Legs

S13

S10

S11

S12

S14

O18

INCLUDES

T SMITH BREN

BRENT SMI TH

O10

ROAD

O14

O15

O16

O19

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Irri-Ma x Ltd

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RANCHER DELUXE ON TERMINATOR BASE

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WHAT’S ON AT FIELD DAYS?

PUBLIC ENTRANCE

Those allocated to carpark B must use the Rata Street Exhibitor Entrance

T K n ivit a n es

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Se e SIT us EV 66

Ki Adve tchen nture s

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• 660mm Blades • 3.1m Width • 2950kg Total Weight • 114kg Per Blade

FEED SYSTEMS SINCE 1962

See CD us at • SI Field D TE 1 a 0A • ys

the

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 7

These Mules are no donkeys MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

UTVS HAVE become the Swiss Army knife to farmers for lots of tasks. While there are many brands on the market, the name ‘mule’ -- coined by Kawasaki for its machine -- has become the generic term for this type of vehicle. First launched in 1988, the Mule 1000 had a 454cc petrol engine and 2WD, rapidly establishing itself as a must-have. It has evolved over the years with bigger engines, 4WD, hi-low transmissions and CVT technology. The Mule of today features similar layout to the first examples, but that is where the similarities end. Ideally suited to agriculture and industrial use, the Pro series machines of today are available in DX or FX variants – signifying diesel or petrol engines – with the former suited to work applications where a hightorque engine delivers performance and the convenience of on-site fuel compatibility, particularly on farms. A ladder construction, wide body chassis combines with a

2345mm wheelbase to offer stability and operator comfort, as well as manoeuvrability with a tight 4.8m turning radius. Ground clearance at 265mm, combined with 26-inch diameter wheels and fully-independent suspension with double wishbones front and rear soak up imperfections and allow steady progress. When the going gets seriously

tough 2 or 4WD can be engaged ‘on the fly’ and combines with a fully-locking rear differential to maximise traction. For sensitive areas, the diff can be unlocked to minimise ground damage, such as in parks and gardens, while the front runs a limited slip set-up. The Pro-DX has an all-new 3-cylinder, in-line Yanmar engine with liquid cooling, just shy of 1L capacity. It has a power output of 18kW and

52Nm torque and meets current Tier 4 emission regulations. With high torque at low rpm, the engine responds quickly to changing loads and combines well with the CVT to get up and go and quickly achieve the top speed of 55km/h, compared to the 40km/h of the old model. A choice of high or low ratio is selected by the dash mounted shift lever, and the transmission has an engine braking system for control on downhill sections. Braking is by hydraulic discs on each corner. Given that the key role of any UTV is the ability to carry and tow, operators will not find the Mule Pro lacking. Offering the largest cargo bed in its class at 1375 x 1355 mm, carrying capacity is rated at 453kg. Practicalities are taken care of with a full-sized, chequer plate floor, gas strut-assisted, tipping provision for cargo dividers and a useful one inch square tie-down rail around the upper edge to allow bungees or tie-down strops to be used to keep the load in place. Down below, a 50mm ball receiver hitch is rated at 907kg. Operator comfort is provided by a

full-width, bench-style seat for three adults. Each has a seatbelt and hand grips on the ROPS protective frame. Standard specification sees half doors offering mud protection, easy mount and dismount, while bull bars protect bodywork from rough and tumble. Controls are laid out logically, with drive functions, hi/lo/reverse selection and digital readouts to the right of the steering wheel, while the park brake with audible warning is situated to the left. Direction is controlled by a speedsensitive, power steering system that offers more assistance at slow speeds or while stationary and less as speeds increase. There’s lots of storage – three recesses forward, a glovebox to the right, two drinks holders and room for a large bin under the bench seat. For those looking for a more spirited ride, the Pro-FX variant has a 812cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine with four valves per cylinder and figures of 35kW and 65Nm torque. This fuelinjected unit is highly responsive and quickly takes the machine to a maximum speed of 75km/h while still offering comfort and control.

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

tunnel houses

SEE US THE CD FIELD DAYS – SITE 134

8 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

Simply hard to ‘beet’ MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

• Ideal addition to your block • Grow vegetables all year round and reduce your grocery bill • Very affordable and easy to install • Totally NZ made by family business making tunnelhouses for 30 years • Range of models from 2m to 8m long T/F 03 214 4262 E morrifield@clear.net.nz

www.morrifield.com

SERIOUS ABOUT FENCING!

WITH FODDER beet having found a place as a useful livestock feed, particularly in the South Island, it follows the machinery importers will be looking at gear from Europe to make farmers’ lives easier. While the mammoth self-propelled rigs will clear areas quickly, many fodder beet users are not set up to deal with their output. So, the Italian Stamac

See us at Site K19

✔ QUALITY ✔ TESTED ✔ PROVEN Setting the standards in quality

Ph 0800 266 258 www.strainrite.co.nz

BIG Performance The 5075E Utility Tractor

This cost effective machine will show you its true worth with its hard work in the field or yard. The 5075E will define new standards of performance and economy - at an affordable price. OWN A 5075E WITH 75Hp AND AN H240 LOADER FROM +GST

49,900

The Stamac System fodder beet digger in action.

System, imported by Masterton based Tulloch Farm Machines, Masterton, should create a lot of interest. Two machines have been imported for the 2016 lifting season, one destined for display at the South Island Field Days at Kirwee. The system comprises a trio of machines – defoliator, digger and loader – requiring a tractor of about 150hp with front linkage and PTO – to power the defoliator. The two-pass system allows greater flexibility at harvest time by allowing lifting and loading to take place at separate times. In operation, the defoliator’s cutting rotor removes the leaves of the beet and drops them into

a row at the side of the machine. Optional attachments allow ‘toppings’ to be spread after removal. At the rear of the unit, scalpers remove the crowns of the plant, with overall cutting height being controlled by a combination of tractor hydraulics and external support wheels. The digger unit covers six rows, at 6-10km/h, removing beet from the ground using a vibrating ploughshare. This then takes the crop through two conveyor turbines which remove excess soil and deposit the beet in a windrow. Both the lifting share and the conveyor turbines are hydraulically controlled and steplessly adjustable to achieve

optimum performance. Articulated layout allows the machine to maintain accurate working depth irrespective of ground contours or undulations. The third element comprises a loading wagon, which operates at up to 10km/h and takes the beet from the previously presented windrow. Here a secondary cleaning function is carried out and then the crop goes to a 13-tonne capacity holding hopper. Once fully loaded the beet can be transferred via the lateral conveyor to trucks or trailers for haulage, or can be unloaded directly to field or clamp. www.tulloch.co.nz

CD Field Days Sites C31-C34 Contact your local CERVUS EQUIPMENT branch today and be prepared to be impressed.

The D110 is easy to own, easy to operate and easy to maintain. This ride-on mower combines dependability, durability and power in every aspect of its construction, including a fully welded steel frame and a cast-iron front axle. OWN A D110 TODAY FROM

4,150

incl

0800 333 734 cervusequipment.co.nz

*CONDITIONS: Price listed for the 5075E tractor and loader is exclusive of GST. Price listed for the D110 mower is inclusive of GST. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only and some features may not be available on NZ models.

C RAIGCO

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 9

QUICK TO SETUP EASY TO USE | JOB DONE

Solar-powered fences don’t mind the dark

The fully-charged S100 can operate off its rechargeable battery for 21 days without sunlight.

has mains recharge capability to ensure it can be up and running

straight out of the box. Once fully charged the S100 can operate off its

rechargeable battery for 21 days without sunlight. Meanwhile, Gallagher’s new insulated line posts and insulated end strainer ensure power is delivered seamlessly. The permanent insulated line posts offer an easily installed no-fuss fence set-up without the need for posthole borers. The posts come in four heights with multiple wire configurations so there is a product to suit sheep, cattle, equine and deer fencing. Alongside the insulated posts, the new insulated end strainer has a fully insulated body encasing a noncorrosive aluminium cog. The simple design is said to suit corrosive coastal fence locations

SHEEP JETTER SHEDS WEIGHT, BUT KEEPS POWER MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

PPP INDUSTRIES will use the Central Districts Field Days to show its new Super Sensor Jetter. The jetter is made largely from stainless steel, which has reduced the unit’s weight by nearly half to 56kg. The company says extensive testing has ensured the unit is suitable for both crossbreds and finer-wool halfbreds. Aimed at giving effective control of fly-strike or lice, the unit is designed to get the active liquid treatment to skin level – from the poll, over the shoulders, along the back line, over the rump, and down around the crutch and the pizzle area.

It is light yet strong and is easily moved. Its jetting system is triggered as animals move down the race and are detected by an electronic sensor. Two upper spray lines – mounted in the same direction as the animal’s movement – carry 10 spray nozzles, while a lower unit mounted across

cing

Unbeatable Pri

that don’t require an insulated strainer but need something robust to withstand the harsh environment.

CD Field Days Only Deals On

INNOVATIVE AND well-designed fencing solutions will grace the Gallagher site at Central Districts Field Days. The company’s recent focus on ‘problem solving’ has included high levels of farmer input into product design and development. The 2017 regional field days will show the next generation of Gallagher’s robust portable solar Energisers, notably the new S100 and S40 portable units. Available from April, the S100 marks a higher powered, practical step up in energiser capacity and design specs found in the recently released S40. With 1.0 stored joules of energy and capable of powering up to 10km of fencing, the S100

See us at Site 021

Protect your valuable stock | Casualties are a cost. Make dipping for fly and lice less demanding Call us now 06 835 6863 or 021 0611800 www.craigcojetters.com

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the direction of travel carries a further three nozzles and is angled 30 degrees forward for maximum underbody penetration. The spray valve is activated after the animal detection, offering instant jetting and a continuous stream through the nozzles ensuring maximum wetting. It is recommended that animals move through the race at less than one per second for the best results. The race-based jetting units are supplied with all the necessary pipework with camlock fittings, intake filter and a Honda 5.5hp petrol engine and a Davey Fighter pump. www.pppindustries.co.nz

Limit lameness Help prevent hoof rot Protect against heel erosion Promote resistance to bacterial infection Strong Tough Reliable 2200 x 900 x 58mm

CD Field Days Site S49

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@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

See us at Central Districts Field Days Site 074 AgriFert’s easy to use fully galvanised trailer, complete with oscillating axles and floatation tyres for smooth travel has a low centre of gravity making it safe to operate. The continuous agitation and no-fuss 9 -10m spray pattern is ideal for mixing and keeping products in suspension and spraying at low application rates. Quality Assurance

5139

3 models to choose from: Single Axle ST650L or Tandem Axle ST1150L and ST1600L

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

10 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS Thousands of Farmers Can’t Be Wrong! Get your genuine troughMOBILE today

Tractor qualities more than skin deep MARK DANIEL

New Models Available

markd@ruralnews.co.nz

See us at CDFD – Site 075 & 076

Ph 06-272 8162 or

ITALIAN DESIGN firm Giugiaro, whose stunning creations include Ferrari, Bugatti and BMW, is credited with the headturning 6 Series from Deutz Fahr. And beneath the classy exterior lies engineering excellence that will help achieve efficiencies and positive numbers on the operational bottom line. The latest 6 Series tractors offer Tier 4 (final) engine technology in a 6-cylinder, 6.1L format, utilising SCR and passive DPF systems to meet emission regulations. The fuel consumption figures are industry leading, the maker says.

Deutz Fahr’s new 6 series comes in three models.

746 Ketemarae Rd, Normanby

IT’S THE DIRTIEST JOB ON THE FARM! LET US TAKE CARE OF YOUR WOOLSHED! Clean Sweep Woolsheds can quickly and efficiently remove all the manure from under your woolshed and in your count out pens giving you a cleaner and healthier shed. • Fast • Cost effective • Operated from outside • Can reach the furthermost point Ph Mark Turton for a no obligation free quote

The three models – the 6165, 6185 and 6215 – offer 165, 185 and 215hp, respectively, driving through a choice of two transmissions. The new RC shift transmission offers five main speeds and six powershift steps (30F+15R), or a creep option that offers 54 forward and 27 reverse speeds. The standard layout offers a remarkable 17 choices in the main working range to allow fine tuning of

speed to the work in hand. This combines with a 50kph ECO gearbox that allows leisurely road travel at only 1447 rpm, to save even more fuel. In operation, the RC shift system also offers three modes: manual; semi-auto (the operator sets the range and the system does the power shifts automatically depending on load, called Field Use); and fully-auto, where both ranges and powershifts are changed automatically (Road Use). The alter-

native is the TTV transmission, which offers stepless speed choices between 0.2 and 50km/h, a choice of manual, automatic or PTO driving strategies and the ability to set speed and load parameters to achieve outstanding in-field and on-road running economies.

Completing the package is a new electronically controlled front suspension system, centred on double-acting hydraulic cylinders. In use, this delivers superior traction, unrivalled comfort and additional features such as Anti-Dive, Anti-Rise and system Lock-Out. www.powerfarming.co.nz

GETTING SMART ABOUT WATER HEATING ENERGY USAGE may be one of the few costs dairy farmers can control, Dairy NZ and EECA suggest. With water heating consuming about 25% of onfarm energy, here’s a place to make big savings. Longveld makes water heating systems powered by gas instead of electricity, which it claims can save up to 50% of typical costs. Its latest innovation, the Longveld Stack, combines the hot water cylinder and dump tank in one circular unit. It has a compact footprint of just over 1 sq m and uses Bosch water heating for tanks of 400, 600 or 1000L. The company says pipework is minimal because the components nest together and the cylinder and dump tank sections rotate independently, so the inlets and outlets will fit any existing shed layout. The system is relocatable and can be easily moved between different properties. Because it heats water quickly, dairy farmers will not need multiple water cylinders. Longveld Stack is child- and tamper-resistant with lockable entry ports. The all-in-one enclosed design also prevents the entry of insects, rodents and birds into the dump tank, providing greater food security. The system is designed to earthquake requirements and can easily be connected to a heat recovery system for additional energy savings. www.longveld.com

027 682 1186

UEEN MARGARET HOUSE Queen Margaret House: Opening 2018 Queen Margaret College is Wellington’s leading independent school for girls offering a dual qualification pathway of either the IB Diploma or NCEA. From 2018, Queen Margaret College will provide onsite student accommodation for girls Year 9 to 13 in the purpose built hostel, Queen Margaret House.

To enrol, visit qmc.school.nz

RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS 11 GET SOCIAL WITH RURALNEWS

WINTER IS COMING! WITH SUMMER fading, thoughts are turning to replenishing the woodshed for winter. Depending on the machinery used, this annual task can be a back breaker or a breeze. For the latter, heavy-duty splitters from Daytech Engineering, Masterton, merit a closer look -- vertical or horizontally mounted machines. At the heart of the machines is a double-skin main beam for strength and durability. The ‘business end’ takes the form of a fabri-

cated, dish-shaped splitting wedge with a sharpened BIS alloy leading edge. The wedge also uses extra thick wear strips and bears down onto a 50mm thick anvil for fast, jam-free splitting Mounted on an integral chassis and running 12-inch wheel equipment (1500kg rated hubs), the units are easy to tow and position in the splitting area. They also come equipped with a heavy duty tow coupling and jockey wheel set-up

The standard hydraulic power pack is powered by a 9hp 4-stroke engine driving a two stage Barnes hydraulic pump for fast cycling. The pump acts on a 4 x 24 inch hydraulic cylinder to drive the wedge. An oversize hydraulic reservoir and large bore hydraulic pipework combine to keep temperatures under control, while an integral filtration system protects all the hydraulic components.

Keep up with the latest stories from by following us at facebook.com/ruralnews

twitter.com/Rural_News

www.daytech.co.nz

Four bale multifeeder impresses

W66

MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

THE MCINTOSH Four-Bale MultiFeeder has made a name for itself in Australia, winning innovation awards at the FarmWorld and Elmore Field Days in 2016. It has the potential to make a serious dent in feedout times on larger farms. Built around two large-scale box section profiles that run through the bale cradle, the design is said to keep the centre of gravity low, offering good stability. It also allows the tyres to be placed closer to the centreline of the machine, ensuring they don’t run over the delivered feed. A walking beam axle fitted with 11.5/80 x15.3 tyre equipment ensures the machine travels well without the need for a large tractor. Operation is carried out with only two double-acting spool valves. Many of the design details should also ensure the machine can deal with a variety of bale formats and shapes, but also lengthen working

life. The feeder section comprises a heavy duty motor drive with a 30mm drive shaft. This works with 12,000lb zincplated feeder chains that carry bolt-on angle iron slats fitted with specially-profiled teeth to ‘tease out’ the bale. The floor area is also made from fully galvanised steel plate and is enclosed to minimise any wastage. In operation, bales are lifted by the rear-mounted spears that use twin-lift rams to lower the bale completely into the cradle. From here, the back-stop pushes the bale for-

wards, before retracting for the next bale. Three bales can be prepared for feeding, while a fourth bale can be carried to the feeding area on the bale forks, so feeding a large mob should be easy. Attention to detail is seen in the fully enclosed driveshaft, which eliminates any wrapping of the crop, easy access greasing points, a standing area to allow effortless removal of the film and net wrap and, importantly, a bin to store the removed debris. www.mcintoshfarmmachinery.co.nz

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On Farm Consultation

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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 7, 2017

12 CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS

FIEldays

We’re cominG VISIT US AT SITE K8 FOR 10% OFF TAILOR-MADE SEAT COVERS

Keeping compaction on track

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TRACK SYSTEMS have many advantages over conventional wheel and

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See us at Site 10A

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tyre systems, not least more grip and ground compaction. While normally the domain of high power prime movers, Soucy Track systems, distributed by the Cervus Group, brings the technology to a wider audience, with kits available for all major brands. Soucy Tracks are said to typically offer three times more surface contact than a typical tyre set-up, by way of a much larger footprint, while causing only half the compaction of a dual wheel arrangement and resulting in greater yield potential. It is claimed that track systems allow users to travel over paddocks in less-than-ideal conditions with a ‘softer’ footprint. However, it’s probably better to look at the benefits from a different perspective. Wheeled tractors normally operate at 12-15% wheel slip in optimum conditions, but can

exceed 30% in difficult going, the higher values causing major damage to soil structure. Track systems have typical slip values of 3-5%, which over a given area and operating at the same power will reduce operating hours by about 10%. This fact alone will result in big savings in fuel and preserve soil structure. At the Central Districts Field Days Cervus Equipment will show a 4-track system fitted to a JD 6125R tractor, said to offer key benefits over a two-track system. These include a smoother ride quality and full power turns, while preserving the original transmission ratios of the tractor and thereby eliminating any additional loads on the driveline. It comes as a complete kit that can be removed from a tractor at the time of changeover -- returning that machine back to its standard layout -- and then be re-installed on a new unit.

Hard working engineering We engineer equipment for grassroots farming. It’s solid machinery, to help convert your blood, sweat and tears into a thriving business.

www.bucktonag.co.nz

See us at Central Districts Field Days Sites C39-C40

P 07 533 1259 E sales@bucktonag.co.nz