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New crops offer opportunities. PAGE 22

The importance of iodine and copper in sheep. PAGE 25

NEWS Anzco turns the ship around in 2019 PAGE 14

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS JUNE 16, 2020: ISSUE 703

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Hogan’s Zeroes! of-quota tariff makes it difficult, if not impossible, for NZ meat companies to form commercially meaningful relationships and build a stable trade in beef to the EU. She says it’s not credible for a trading part-

PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

A PATHETIC trade offer by the European Union has raised the ire of New Zealand politicians and farmer groups, which have strongly condemned the EU’s actions. Early last week, Trade Minister David Parker revealed that the EU had leaked details of the offer to other parties before passing the information to NZ negotiators. He described both the leak and the quality of the offer as “unacceptable” and that it reflected agricultural protectionism in the EU. Parker noted that presently the EU exports to NZ the equivalent of one kilogram of cheese for every New Zealander, but in return the EU is offering to take a mere three grams of NZ cheese per EU citizen. Phil Hogan is the EU Trade Commissioner and is ultimately responsible for putting together the deal with NZ. When he was in NZ nearly 18 months ago he told Rural News that he was optimistic that a “quality” free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and NZ could be negotiated before the end of 2019. Federated Farmers president Katie Milne described the offer as “so insulting low” that she thought they had made a mistake.

ner like the EU, which purports to be a champion of free trade, to maintain small quotas and high tariffs. Chairman of the Dairy Companies Association Malcolm Bailey launched a withering

attack on the EU Commission for the ‘offer’ saying NZ has actually got better access now so why would it want an FTA that makes us worse off. “What they are offering is taking us backwards,” he says.

Bailey says the EU was all talk about an ambitious, high quality FTA, but says the offer is anything but, calling it a slap in the face. “It’s very hard not to see it that way,” he says.

Back in action EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan.

“Thanks to this ‘leak’, we are now aware the EU intends to continue to prevent Kiwi farmers from fairly competing in the EU market, while at the same time seeking to impose absurd obligations, such as not allowing NZ farmers to call feta cheese by its generic name ‘feta’,” she says. Milne says it’s disappointing to see the EU’s trade negotiators ignore the long-shared relationship between the EU and NZ. Beef+LambNZ (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association have also hit out the offer and the poor diplomacy of leaking the offer. B+LNZ’s Sam McIvor says the leaked details suggests that the EU intends to continue to promote agricultural protectionism. MIA’s Sirma Karapeeva says the small quota and high out-

The small farming settlement of Rongotea in the Manawatu was the scene, last week, for one of the first cattle sales under Level 1. Auctioneer Richard Trembath was in full flight in front of a crowd of about 50 people at NZ Farmers Livestock’s yards in the town. Gone was social distancing as people wandered around the yards before the auction eyeing up the offering of mainly dairy beef animals. Trembath says the quality of stock on sale last week was good considering the drought. Saleyards manager Malcolm Coombe says the yards were closed during level 4 but were able to open during level 3, 2. The sale yards at Rongotea, which are over 100 years old, cater mainly for dairy beef and just a few pens of sheep. The yards receive animals from the lower North Island including Whanganui, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Horowhenua and Wellington, but the majority of stock that go through the yards are from the immediate district.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

NEWS 3 ISSUE 703

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Wool’s dire situation PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

NEWS ��1-15 MARKETS �� 16-17 HOUND, EDNA �� 18 CONTACTS �� 18 OPINION �� 18-20 AGRIBUSINESS �� 21 MANAGEMENT ��22-23 ANIMAL HEALTH �� 24-25 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS �� 26-29 RURAL TRADER �� 30-31

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

THE SITUATION for wool may be dire, but Waipukurau woolbroker Philippa Wright is not walking away from it. Wright hopes the situation will improve and says she’s not going to leave the industry just because of its present state. She says her staff are young, positive and enthusiastic and she owes it to them to stay and see it through. Wright says one of the worst things she’s had to do over recent months is to ring up farmers and tell them what their wool is selling for. “In some cases, greasy wool has been selling for a dollar a kilogram. Neither myself nor my father can remember wool fetching such a low price,” she told Rural News. Wright says the central Hawkes Bay, where her business is based, has been hit by the double whammy of Covid-19 and the drought. She says a lot of capital stock have been killed as a result of the drought – so the number of sheep

Waipukurau woolbroker Philippa Wright can’t remember wool fetching such a low price as it is now.

to be shorn will be lower than normal. “The other thing in Hawkes Bay is that it is a big second shear area through May, June and July and is

Farm accommodation stand-off SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: Ovato 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 79,553 as at 31.03.2019

one of the busiest times of the year,” Wright adds. “But a lot of people simply aren’t going to be able to second shear because of the lack of

feed for their stock so we are going to miss out on that.” Wright says Covid meant that during lockdown it was not possible to sell wool, but during that time the industry – including shearers, classers, scourers and exporters – spent time communicating with each other and finding out what all the different groups were doing and how they could best work together. She says while sales were restricted during lockdown, so too was processing wool and it’s taken time for the product to move. “India has only just opened up, Europe is still closed and while China is open it’s taking 90% of the wool from Australia and a large amount from South Africa and the UK,” Wright explains. “China is also taking some of our wool, but when they have finished producing the yarn, carpet, jerseys or coats it begs the question where do these products go,” she adds. “Sixty percent of the products that China produces from our wool goes to the USA and at the moment, that market is closed.”

DAIRY FARMERS and the Government remain at loggerheads over Covid-19 tenancy restrictions for onfarm accommodation. While the Government maintains that the problem is “reasonably limited”, Federated Farmers warn that serious issues are developing on some farms. Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Lewis says it is still fielding calls from some farmers who report former farm staff refusing to vacate accommodation, one week after Moving Day on June 1. Lewis says there is a “hardcore”

group of farm workers refusing to move out of accommodation despite being no longer employed on the farm. Many workers have a house included as part of their contract. At the end of each dairy season, farm owners, sharemilkers, managers, employees and their families often shift properties for new jobs, traditionally on Moving Day. In March the Government announced an extension of no-cause terminations, meaning tenants could not be evicted, to support New Zealanders to stay in their rental properties during the Covid-19 lockdown. The emergency legislation comes up for review on June 25. Lewis says farmers expect the situ-

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ation to worsen if the Government’s emergency measures to protect tenants are extended beyond June. “This hasn’t been an ordinary year and some jobs are still being advertised and potential employees are still being interviewed,” Lewis told Rural News. Associate Housing Minister Kris Faafoi recently spoke to Federated Farmers “to understand the nature and extent of the issue”, a spokesman told Rural News. “Those discussions were helpful and indicated the issue seemed reasonably limited,” he says. Faafoi’s office says details will be worked through in conjunction with Federated Farmers and depending on

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individual situations. Federated Farmers floated two potential solutions: either an immediate amendment to the emergency regulations or the Government provides accommodation assistance payments to enable existing tenants on farm to find alternative temporary accommodation while they seek more permanent accommodation. Lewis says farmers don’t accept that the Government cannot change the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), noting that the emergency measures were introduced and passed in Parliament in just one day. The Government has ruled out making further immediate legislative changes to the RTA.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

4 NEWS

Hard times coming for the Bay PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE RECENT rain in Hawkes Bay has provided some breathing space for those dealing with the drought, but the real test has still to come during the winter and early spring. Lochie MacGillivray, the co-chair of the region’s rural advisory group, told Rural News that despite the rain, feed covers there are a long way lower than they normally would be at this time of the year. He says the region is now into the phase of working through the hard yards of the winter. “After the rain there was a bit of a sense of euphoria and everyone got a good dollop of rain, and because it is relatively mild and warm and the soil temperatures are still high, the response has been really good,” he told Rural News. “But I think that in week or two the reality will sink

TRANSPORT SUBSIDY NOW AVAILABLE FARMERS IN Hawkes Bay can now apply to the local drought relief fund to pay for the cost of transporting feed to their farms. But Lochie MacGillivray says the grants will not pay for the feed itself and that this cost will need to be covered by farmers. The fund is open to farmers with at least 20-hectare properties who are in a position of need, and everyone who applies must have a feed plan that confirms this need. Farmers are eligible for a maximum grant of $400 for properties between 20 and 150 hectares, and $1,350 for properties greater than 150 hectares. MacGillivray says the fund is designed to support as many people as possible through the winter by contributing to the cost of transport.

in that, even though that rain was wonderful, we are still a long way from where we want to be.” MacGillivray says stock units are down by an estimated 50% and the feed covers are a long way lower than they would normally be for this time of the year – somewhere between 200 and 500kg lower than normal. He says poten-

tially many farmers in the region will hit the wall in July and August with the expected cold snap. MacGillivray says if stock numbers were at normal levels, 700,000 bales of baleage would be required right now to feed stock. But even with the drop of stock units, Hawkes Bay still needs at least 350,000 bales to feed stock.

Co-chair of the Hawkes Bay rural advisory group Lochie MacGillivray (centre) says the region is now into the phase of working through the hard yards of the winter. PHOTO: MICHAEL SCHULTZ PHOTOGRAPHY.

He believes that farmers will be applying nitrogen earlier than normal to try and get more grass to grow. Others will continue to destock and he thinks that, with other areas hit by the drought recovering, there may be a market for these. “Unfortunately for some, they will be taking it off the backs of the stock – in other words the live weight of animals will decrease and the consequences of that will play out in the future,” McGillivray says. “For those farmers it will mean a significant loss of animal per-

formance and we could see ewes lambing on sub optimal covers, low birthweight lambs, poor survivability, poor milk production, low weaning weights and low percentages of weaned lambs.” Early scanning results in the region are coming through and these are down by between 20% to 30% from normal. “But in a bizarre way, this kind of helps the situation because if you had a high lambing percentage with low covers you could have two frail skinny lambs rather than one lamb that’s okay,” he says.

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Volunteers taking a well-earned break from distributing 1300 bales of hay to hundreds of small block owners in the Hawkes Bay during Queen’s Birthday weekend PHOTO: MICHAEL SCHULTZ PHOTOGRAPHY.

THE SMALL FARM ISSUE

ONE OF the challenges for the Rural Advisory Group has been trying to help the hundreds of small block owners in the region. During Queens birthday weekend 1,300 bales of hay were distributed to this group of farmers. Rural Advisory Group chair Lochie MacGillivray says small block owners have also been affected by the drought and they don’t have the ability to source and buy large units of supplementary feed. The Rural Support Trust has deemed that the needs of small block owners are also critical, so special efforts have been made to see that they get a share of the donated feed. The Hawkes Bay Regional Council has set up a special section of their drought crisis website to help small block owners source feed. MacGillivray says he’s getting a bit of flak from both commercial and small block farmers about the system, which he says probably means he’s got it about right. “Some of the lifestylers are asking, ‘where do we get this donated feed’, and are wanting help, while some of the larger farmers are questioning why we are helping the small block owners,” he told Rural News. “The reality is that small block owners have animals too and they need to be fed. Small block owners make up about 50% of the rural community, but only own about 5% of the land,” MacGillivray adds. “But they are an integral part of the community and their presence ensures that local schools remain open and also local businesses.” MacGillivray says it’s important that small block owners are supported and notes that it’s in this area that the greatest animal welfare issues could arise if these people are not looked after. – Peter Burke

RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

NEWS 5

Nitrogen caps bound to fail DAVID ANDERSON

THE GOVERNMENT’S decision to cap nitrogen fertiliser inputs at 190 kg N/ha per year is doomed to fail because it ignores basic science, claims soil scientist Doug Edmeades. These limitations were announced as part of the new freshwater regulations unveiled by Environment Minister David Parker last month. Edmeades claims if nitrogen fertiliser is capped there are two likely outcomes. “Farmers will simply import more supplementary feed to maintain production, and/or the clover component in the pasture, and the amount of fixed nitrogen, will increase, compensating for any decline in nitrogen fertiliser use.”

He says that when an animal urinates, it applies nitrogen at the rate of about 500 to 1000 kg N/ ha. “This is too much for the pasture and soil to accommodate and hence results in a huge excess of soluble nitrogen in a localised spot of soil, which is then subject to leaching into waterways,” Edmeades explains. “It is for these reasons that animal urine patches are the source of most (about 95%) of the nitrogen getting into waterways.” He adds that the key to controlling the amount of nitrogen leached is to control the number and frequency of urine patches, especially in the autumn/early winter period. Edmeades says there are three sources of

Soil scientist Doug Edmeades says the European approach of implementing environmental policy based on controlling inputs will not work in NZ.

nitrogen in the animals’ diet and in their urine.

“The largest is the clover nitrogen. Clover

is a legume and it converts atmospheric nitrogen into plant protein,” he says. “This ‘fixed N’ feeds the soil with nitrogen, which is taken up by companion grasses.” Edmeades says the other two sources of nitrogen come onto the farm either as nitrogen fertiliser or the nitrogen in supplementary feeds. “Either way the total amount of nitrogen in the soil/plant/animal system will remain unchanged. Therefore, the amount of urine N – and hence nitrogen leaching – will remain the same,” he claims. “Water quality will not be improved. The proposed nitrogen fertiliser cap is technically flawed.” Edmeades says he thought New Zealand had rejected the Euro-

pean approach of implementing environmental policy based on controlling inputs. “Our approach was, I thought, to be focused on managing outputs.” Edmeades says the difference between the two concepts is important because the goal is to change on-farm behaviour to improve water quality. “The input controllers say cap fertiliser nitrogen. If that does not work then we have to control something else – like capping stock numbers, getting rid of all fertilisers, or reducing farming activity,” he explains. “The output control approach sets limits on the concentration of nitrogen in waterways. With the limit set, the farmer can do whatever

he likes on the farm providing the freshwater N goal is achieved.” Edmeades believes this approach encourages inventiveness and entrepreneurship and allows the farmer to think of other options. “Like putting the animals in a herd home, especially during the rainy season, so that the urine can be collected and returned to the soil at an appropriate agronomic rate,” he says. “Or, tile drain the flats so that the nitrogen moving down through the soil is intercepted, captured and returned to the soil.” Edmeades claims the difference between the input and output method is between progress or extreme environmentalism.

GOVT URGED TO ACT facing visa expiries across New Zealand’s primary industries,” Bennett says these migrant workers are invaluable and farmers need continuity of employment as they head into calving season. He says dairy farmers need assurance from the Government that they won’t be left in the lurch. “Many of these visas expire from the 9th of July so the Government needs to move quickly to provide dairy farmers assurance that they will not be facing a labour shortage during an already difficult season.”

WITH THOUSANDS of migrant visas set to expire, National’s ag spokesperson David Bennett is urging the Government to act quickly to avoid a potential labour shortage for the calving season. “There are currently 588 migrants on level 1 essential skills visas and a further 2566 on level 5 essential skills visas that are set to expire between the beginning of July and the end of September,” says Bennett. “This is only counting those currently employed on dairy farms. There are thousands more migrant workers

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

6 NEWS

The challenge of meeting Complying with new and stricter environmental requirements is for farmers a major challenge worldwide. When Rural News reporter Peter Burke was in Ireland last year, he met up with Professor Tommy Boland of University College Dublin (UCD) who, like colleagues in NZ, is looking to find practical solutions that farmers can use to reduce their environmental footprint and somehow meet the new standards of policy makers and politicians. TOMMY BOLAND has been to New Zealand several times and understands the situation in this country. He says both countries are recognised for their efforts and achievements in environmental pasture-based meat, milk and fibre production, while leading the way in developing new approaches to ensuring future sustainability. Boland believes farmers are very much engaged with the environment because they are

dealing with it every day. However, he concedes that farmers in Ireland are frustrated by the targets that are being set for them – especially as the exact scale of emissions from agriculture is often over reported. Sound familiar? Recent research in both New Zealand and Ireland has shown that the emissions factors for calculating nitrous oxide emissions from pasture was over-estimating the actual production of nitrous oxide from dung

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Professor Tommy Boland of the University College Dublin, like colleagues in NZ, is looking to find practical solutions that farmers can use to reduce their environmental footprint.

and urine. “Farmers have a pretty good track record of adopting new technologies,” Boland told Rural News. “They are very dynamic, for the most part, when presented with an opportunity to improve their lot

and that of the industry, quite often they will take it. But at the moment, researchers and rural professionals need to come up with more solutions and practical ones.” He says there has been a lot of research carried

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the atmosphere. Boland says new fertiliser products will also help farmers, but adds that when it comes to the ruminant side there are fewer technology choices available. One of the field trials he is working on

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NEWS 7

environmental rules these paddocks. The long term aims of this project include determining the impact of sward type on carbon sequestration. This research comes under a research project called ‘SMARTSWARD’, which aims to not only improve the quality of the pasture, but also to make

production systems more sustainable from both an economic and environmental perspective. Boland is one of a multi-disciplinary team working on this project, which includes Massey University on the UCD Long-term Grazing Platform. This will investigate

Massey University’s Professor Paul Kenyon, along with Paul Kemp, are in regular contact with Irish counterpart Professor Tommy Boland.

NZ/IRISH COLLABORATION TOMMY BOLAND has been in regular contact with ag scientists at Massey University, such as professors Peter Kemp and Paul Kenyon. He believes that collaboration between the two countries is crucial if satisfactory solutions are to be found. “All the time we are looking to do more with less,” Boland told Rural News. “What any two partners get from collaboration is that you can circumvent the many problems and challenges by learning from someone else’s experience.” He says Ireland and NZ are both, pretty much, trying to answer the same challenges. “For many years, we were competitors in terms of export markets and we probably still are to some extent. But more and more, people are recognising that if we can work together it will bring benefit to both countries.” Boland points to the ‘off-season factor’ – which means researchers can double the amount of work in a year. For example, by working together Irish and NZ researchers can get two calvings and two lambings in one year. “As with most successful collaborations, they are built around personal relationships and finding people you can work and get on with and have a chat outside the office,” he says. “New Zealanders and Irish people work well together because we have similar attitudes and are not afraid of a bit of hard work as well as enjoying a well-earned beer at the end of the day. This informal chat is really important and helps build confidence in each other and paves the way for better knowledge sharing and collaboration.” Boland says when scientists from Ireland and NZ come to each other’s countries and see exactly what the other is doing, it is invaluable. “After all, there is only so much you can put down on a piece of paper and a few hours of conversation is invaluable,” he says.

a range of aspects including sward production and quality, animal health and performance, meat/ milk quality and yield, soil health, biodiversity, water quality and carbon sequestration. He is also involved with GREENBREED – lead by Professor Donagh

Berry in Teagasc – to identify animals with a lower environmental impact. “As a member of the EU we are committed to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with 2005 levels,” Boland explains. “So, there is real pres-

sure going on. If we don’t meet those targets, there will potentially be financial penalties for Ireland as nation.” The race is on in Ireland, as it is in NZ, to find answers and quickly. Researchers in Ireland are looking at the diet of animals – grass species, feed

additives in the concentrates they feed stock at certain times of the year and how best this feeding can be managed to reduce GHG emissions. Boland says the issue is far from simple and the results are similar to what researchers have found in NZ, that such character-

ises are not found in any specific breed of animal – rather it is more genetic based within a breed. The other factor is the unintended consequences – meaning that an animal may be low emitter of GHG’s but may lack other vital productivity attributes.

RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

8 NEWS

ETS will see more farmland lost DAVID ANDERSON

BEEF + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) believes the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will see huge swathes of productive farming land converted into trees for carbon farming. It says there is no disincentive in the updated climate change policy to stop significant land use change away from productive and sustainable pastoral agriculture to exotic plantation forestry for the purpose of carbon farming. The red meat lobby claims this failure will take the focus away from actually reducing fossil fuel emissions. B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says his organisation is concerned by the lack of government action to limit the amount of carbon farming available through the

“However, our analysis indicates the Climate Change Response Act’s weak provisions do not provide the robust safeguards necessary.” ETS to offset fossil fuel emissions. “The Government has told us there are provisions in the legislation to limit the ability of fossil fuel polluters to offset their emissions by planting exotic trees,” he says. “However, our analysis indicates the Climate Change Response Act’s weak provisions do not provide the robust safeguards necessary.” McIvor claims, as it currently stands, the Emissions Trading Reform Bill will not achieve its stated aim of reducing emissions, but will simply lead to

increased offsetting. “We are alarmed the Government is rushing through these reforms, which will have significant consequences for sheep and beef farmers, rural communities and future export revenue.” He says B+LNZ is seeking changes to the legislation so that carbon farming and essentially fossil fuel emissions can be limited. “This will provide some safeguards to protect our sheep and beef farmers and rural communities from the risk of large-scale land use change as the carbon

Beef+Lamb chief executive Sam McIvor says there is no disincentive in the updated climate change policy to stop the conversion of productive and sustainable pastoral agriculture to exotic plantation forestry for carbon farming.

price is allowed to rise through these changes to the ETS. “It is vital there are safeguards in place to prevent fossil fuel emitters from having a carte blanche ability to offset all of their pollution on our landscapes, at the

expense of a sector that is worth 16% of New Zealand’s exports and supports about 92,000 jobs.” McIvor says B+LNZ is also seeking legal advice on the adequacy of existing provisions in the Climate Change Response Act.

B+LNZ’s analysis indicates that since 2019 about 70,000 hectares of productive sheep and beef land has been, or is in the process of being, converted into forestry. “This is approximately 13 times more than the average annual

amount of afforestation in New Zealand over the past five years. B+LNZ believes carbon related investment is a significant part of this.” McIvor says as the carbon price increases, the rate of forestry conversion is likely to accelerate and spread around the country. “This is supported by modelling by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment who, last year, estimated 5.4 million hectares of land would need to be converted into forestry to meet the Government’s Zero Carbon Bill targets,” he explains. “This about 60% of productive sheep and beef land and, as a result, the commissioner recommended halting the use of forestry to offset fossil fuel emissions.”

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

10 NEWS

Lamb prices recovering slowly, but off last year’s highs SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FARMGATE LAMB returns are recovering, but don’t expect prices to reach last year’s high. Farmgate returns are slowly recovering as the backlog of lambs to be processed has now largely been worked through in the North Island. At the end of May, North Island lamb prices averaged $6.70/kg cwt, and South island prices averaged $6.55/kg cwt, both up 4% over April prices. But ANZ agriculture economist Susan Kilsby says prices this winter are expected to be well down on last season, as will prices for next-sea-

son lamb. New Zealand lamb is still relatively highly exposed to the European markets despite China emerging as the largest market for lamb in recent years. Kilsby says the lamb NZ sells into Europe and the US ends up being a relatively expensive product, whether it is consumed at home or in a restaurant. The food service sector globally has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic as many restaurants have had to close, and even where they are able to reopen consumer demand has waned. “This has had negative consequences for lamb

Susan Kilsby

prices, particularly cuts like French rack that are not typically cooked at home. “Looking forward, demand for these higher-value lamb cuts is expected to be subdued for some time even as restaurants reopen, as the economic impact of COVID-19 is only just starting to bite.”

RaboResearch animal protein analyst Blake Holgate also expects prices to strengthen over coming months as supplies continue to slow and procurement competition puts upward pressure on prices. But he warns that softening in-market prices, higher logistical costs and market uncertainty will prevent prices reaching levels seen in second half of 2019. “While in-market pricing for most lamb cuts continue to hold up relatively well, there is still very little demand for high-value cuts sold through foodservice channels, such as French racks,” says Holgate. Compared to high-

ALMOST CLEARED MEAT PROCESSING is now almost near full processing capacity after COVID-19 lockdown disruptions. Blake Holgate, RaboResearch, says processors have largely worked through backlogs created during the lockdown. Despite the reduction in slaughter during April, the national lamb kill was only 3.2% down early last month. However, the North Island is faring better, with its kill up 1.4% and the South island kill 7.2% behind last year. The majority of the slowdown in the South Island occurred during April when processing plant throughput was compromised by physical distancing requirements put in place during the COVID-19 lockdown. Lamb processing in the North Island was already tracking ahead of the previous season so the reduction in plant capacity had a slightly lesser impact than the South Island.

value cuts, the price of the lower-value cuts of lamb such as forequarter and flaps have held up a little better.

ANZ’s Susan Kilsby says these prices dropped sharply earlier in the year as moving product into China became

challenging due to ports and logistics being constrained by restrictions on movements of people in order to control the spread of COVID-19. “When this market reopened, prices did improve a little and have now stabilised somewhat. “The softer NZD has also played a part in softening the impact of the lower international prices. “In the current economic environment further downward pressure is expected on lamb prices, as even when lockdown restrictions are removed and restaurants around the world reopen, consumers will be much more careful with their discretionary spending.”

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NEWS 11

Venison back on Chinese menus DAVID ANDERSON

NEW ZEALAND venison will soon be back on restaurant menus in China following a block on our exports to that country in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. NZ’s venison export trade to China was severely disrupted during the pandemic when Chinese authorities clampeddown on illegal sales of wild animal meat after it became clear that the Covid-19 virus had jumped the species barrier from wild animals. China has become an increasingly important market for NZ venison and was taking about 10% of our exports at the end of 2019. “Although our venison comes from farmed deer, this put a virtual halt to our exports there,” Deer Industry NZ chief executive Innes Moffat explained. “Given that deer are still widely seen as wild animals, it’s easy to see how some regional and border officials might have become uncertain about the legality of NZ farmed venison.” However, now a catalogue of approved animal species for human consumption has been issued by the Peoples Republic of China. It includes venison from farmed malu –

the Chinese name for red deer – along with more traditional farm animals and poultry. China’s official catalogue, the Journal of Livestock and Genetic Resources, has listed venison from NZ malu as the only imported red deer variety allowed. Moffat says the inclusion will make it clear to officials across China that the sale and consumption of New Zealand venison is legal and safe for Chinese consumers. “The news is really very timely. China has seen a dramatic slowing of the incidence of Covid19, to the point where Wuhan, the source of the pandemic, is reporting no new cases,” he adds. “Restaurants in many regions are reopening, but with social distancing. It’s a good time for us to be selling our delicious venison there,” he says. Meanwhile, Moffat says restaurants in some of NZ’s other main markets are also reopening before they have fully eliminated Covid. “How consumers will respond to this situation is unclear, which means there is less certainty about when trade will recover to previous levels.” Germany and the United States are the biggest markets for New Zealand venison.

All up, about $300 million worth of NZ venison is exported globally every year.

Read us until the cows come home!

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12 NEWS

Honda to quit ATVs in Aus MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

HONDA AUSTRALIA has signalled it will stop selling quads/ATVs in that country as the discussion about the effectiveness of Crush Prevention Devices (CPD’s) rages on. Honda’s move was brought about by changes to the minimum safety requirements enacted by the Australian Government in October 2019. “The new standard is extremely disappointing for farm safety and the countless users who rely on a quad every day,” says director of Honda Australia, Robert Toscano.

Driven by the Australian Competition and Consumer Committee (ACCC), who require the compulsory fitment of CPD’s by October 2021, the initiative is centred on the use of aftermarket devices currently available, none of which appear to be built to any agreed common standards. Toscano says the safety of its customers is paramount and Honda will never compromise on this. “Safety standards must be evidencebased, in both criteria and testing methods, to internationally accepted standards,” he adds.

New regulations in Australia around Crush Prevention Devices will see Honda quit selling ATVs in that market.

“Honda has provided research to show the

negative outcomes of the governments’ proposal,

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are here in this position today.” Toscano says Honda will continue to advocate for safety measures the company believe are ‘proven’ such as mandating helmets, supporting ride training and preventing children under the age of 16 from riding adult sized quad bikes. ACCC deputy chair Mike Keogh disputes a claim that it is too difficult for manufacturers to meet the required standards. “We deliberately designed the standard around existing CPD’s. We didn’t specify an exact requirement, with the only proviso being that devices needed to meet or exceed the existing roll-over protection devices.” This seems a little strange, as none of the devices currently available appear to be built to any recognised standard for design or manufacture.

Honda Australia claims that despite numerous recent coronial inquests, CPD’s have not specifically been recommended by coroners. However, Keogh says while this had not been ruled out, organisations more qualified in such matters should investigate what controls should be put in place. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Rural News understands there is likely to be a ministerial decision on the matter, prior to the upcoming election, with regulations in place by mid-2021. It is understood the likely direction will recommend that the owner (PCBU -person conducting a business or undertaking) of the “mobile-plant” will have obligations to decide what type of crush prevention devices are suitable for their situation. This might be as simple as a safety helmet, which under the proposed regulations will be considered a CPD. This will mean that a CPD will be able to range from a simple helmet to and aftermarket frametype device fitted to a machine. It is believed these proposals will be acceptable to NZ distributors of quads/ ATVs. However, they will continue to promote the need for initial and ongoing training, alongside legislation to prohibit under 16-year olds riding full size machines, and the compulsory use of good quality safety at all times.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

14 NEWS

Anzco turns the ship around in 2019 DAVID ANDERSON

Anzco chief executive Peter Conley says market diversification was an important strategy for the company in 2019.

MEAT COMPANY Anzco Foods has recorded a $60m-plus profit turnaround for the 2019 year. The company recorded its best ever revenue of

$1.7b and a net profit before tax of $30.6m for the year ended 31 December 2019. This is the company’s third highest profit ever and a vast improvement on the pre-tax loss of $39.1m in 2018.

Image courtesy of Christchurch City Libraries

Anzco’s 2019 result compares with Silver Fern Farms pre-tax profit of $89.6m on sales of $2.6b and Alliance’s profit of $20.6m on $1.7b turnover for the same year. “In 2019, we made record payments to farmers for the second year in a row ensuring the benefits of higher market prices have been shared across the value chain,” says chief executive Peter Conley. “We regularly mea-

mation in 2018 at its Rangitikei lamb processing operation had delivered significant gains in 2019. Meanwhile, Conley concedes that this year has been tougher from the start with Lunar New Year hitting sales in January closely followed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Conley attributes much of the improvement in 2019 to the adoption of the sales and operations planning system, which matches customer orders

“We regularly measure payments to farmers for sheep and beef, and we have consistently paid premium prices when benchmarked with the wider industry.”

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sure payments to farmers for sheep and beef, and we have consistently paid premium prices when benchmarked with the wider industry.” Conley claims market diversification was an important strategy for the company in 2019, with the business focusing on expanding its beef, lamb and healthcare products in a range of markets including New Zealand, Japan, the UK, Europe, North America, and China. “As the year progressed, global demand for New Zealand beef and lamb products continued to improve which provided a sustained period of higher market returns. “Despite the risks of volatility and the emergence of trade-related conflicts in global markets, red meat pricing increased steadily during the year, with China standing out as a significant market for both beef and lamb products.” Conley added that the company continued to offer a diversified portfolio of meat, value-add and healthcare products, with Japan, the UK, Europe and North America all remaining integral to balancing market options. The company says its $11m investment in auto-

and product specifications to inform livestock procurement and production planning, thus reducing inventory levels and wastage. He says the system provides much better market signals, taking advantage of Anzco’s inmarket resources and close customer relationships in key markets including Japan, China, Germany, Britain and the United States. Last year also saw significant growth in Anzco’s added-value business, which already represented 10% of turnover in the previous trading period. The Primary Growth Partnership FoodPlus initiative, completed during the year, produced two successful developments, notably the Bovogen blood product business and healthcare products. Other profitable addedvalue units are the beef jerky plant and the beef patty production plant. However, both had been severely disrupted by food service restrictions during the Covid-19 lockdown. Anzco is majority owned by Japanese giant, Itoham Yonekyu Holdings (IYH), the ninth largest meat company in the world.

RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

NEWS 15

Milk price forecasting ‘tricky’ SUDESH KISSUN

The new dairy season is bringing heightened uncertainty making milk price forecasting difficult.

sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

RISING MILK production in the Americas and Europe, the Covid-19 pandemic and a strong NZ dollar are making it difficult for economists to forecast the 2020-21 milk price. This reflects a wide ranging farm gate forecast price for the new season. ANZ is forecasting a milk price of $5.75/kgMS for the new season, Westpac $6.30/kgMS, Rabobank $5.60/kgMS and ASB $6.50/kgMS. Fonterra, for the first time, has announced a $1.50 range - $5.40 to $6.90/kgMS. ANZ agriculture economist Susan Kilsby says the new dairy season brings heightened uncertainty, which is impacting milk price forecasts. “New Zealand sourced product is commanding a premium in the global markets, but this premium is likely to be eroded as we start forward selling higher volumes of new-season dairy product. “Prices typically weaken during July/ August each year as buyers start to refocus on Oceania-sourced product. “Global supply at this time of the season tends to be relatively high, as stocks tend to

DRY BITES MILK PRODUCTION DRY WEATHER in the North Island caused a 10% drop in milk production in April, says Fonterra. North Island milk collection in April was 51 million kgMS, down 9.9% on last April. Season-to-date collection was 844.6 million kgMS, down 2% on last season. The co-op says effects of the drought are still being felt across much of the North Island. “Soil moisture levels remain low, and pasture growth rates have slowed, both of which have impacted milk production.” The drop in North Island collection was partly offset by South Island collection in April of 55.3 million kgMS, up 5.4% on last April. Season-to-date collection was

build in the Northern Hemisphere following their peak supply period,

602.6 million kgMS, up 1.8% on last season. Fonterra says the South Island has had a strong start to autumn, with milk production up strongly on the same time last year. However, in the Central South, some farms are reported to have restarted water irrigation to alleviate dry soils. The co-op’s total April milk collection was 106.3 million kgMS, 2.6% less than the same month last season. Season-todate collection was 1,447.2 million kgMS, down 0.5% on last season. Fonterra processes around 80% of NZ’s total milk. Total NZ milk production in April was relatively flat, down 0.6% on a litres basis (down 0.8% on milk solids basis) compared to last April 2019.

which occurs about May. At present we are selling the tail end of the dairy

products manufactured from milk collected in the 2019- 20 supply season.”

Other NZ processors are also cautious in their forecast. Synlait’s opening announcement is for a $6 milk price for next season. Open Country continues to pay its suppliers on a shorter time frame with its season divided into four sections. It has forecast a milk price range of $6.20 - $6.50/kgMS through to November. Smaller processors like Oceania Dairy and Westland Milk will continue to pay a milk price linked to the Fonterra price plus a small premium. ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown says while the lift in whole milk prices in the last Global Dairy Trade

was encouraging, over recent weeks the stronger NZD is an offsetting negative. “We have been noting for a while the possibility that the milk price dips below $6.00/kg and have regularly suggested farmers prepare for this contingency.” Milk production in the US and Europe continues to rise. According to Fonterra’s latest global dairy update, US milk production increased 1.5% in April compared to the same period last year. It says despite lower foodservice demand, US milk production continued to grow year on year. Milk production for the 12 months to April was

1.3% higher compared to the same period last year. EU milk production lifted 0.9% in March compared to the same period last year as the EU season gets underway. The largest production growth was seen in Spain (up 7.1%), followed by the Netherlands (3.0%) and Poland (1.9%) but decreases were experienced by Italy (2.8%) and the UK (2.4%). With a demand slowdown in response to the pandemic, milk is being redirected towards powders and the European Milk Board is pushing for excess supply to be reduced through a voluntary supply reduction. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

global agribusiness research analysts sharing market outlooks

16 MARKETS & TRENDS

Rabobank supports clients from farm to fork in

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On the bounce back? Overview

MAY WAS probably the best month for New Zealand agriculture since the crisis started. Global prices for many ag commodities rose in US dollar terms. Dairy prices in EU, US, and NZ markets and US-imported beef prices all closed the month higher than they started. Rising US dollar commodity prices generally offset a significant strengthening of the NZ$/US$ rate through the month. This helped ensure that improving US dollar prices in offshore markets were passed on in local currency terms. While Covid-19 and shutdowns made many things harder and/or slower from farm to fork, NZ food supply chains continued to function

well. Effective meat processing capacity rose as the country moved to stage 2, reducing the backlog of livestock and helping to generate the traditional seasonal price rise that had been so long delayed. The pipfruit and kiwifruit harvest is welladvanced. The effective operation of industry supply chains in NZ is in stark contrast to the experience in many countries.

Fonterra also provided a milk price forecast for the 2020/21 season. The initial milk price range stands at NZ$ 5.50/kgMS to NZ$ 6.90/kgMS.

Beef

RABOBANK EXPECTS slowing domestic supplies and strong US demand for manufacturing beef to help put some

upward pressure on NZ farmgate prices over the coming month. While US demand is likely to ease once current US processing issues are resolved, seasonal tightening of NZ supplies will ensure there is an element of procurement pressure on prices throughout winter. Farmgate prices stabilised in May following

declines in April resulting from Covid-19 processing restrictions. There was a lift in farmgate prices towards the end of the May as processing capacity recovered to nearnormal levels, creating more balance between cattle supplies and available kill space. As at the end of May, the North Island bull price was NZ$

North Island bull price

Dairy

IT IS a mixed finish to the 2019/20 milk production season in New Zealand. January to April has been dry for many parts of New Zealand, with some regions experiencing their driest rainfall on record. The effects of the drought are still being felt across much of the

North Island. Not surprisingly, milk production has slowed sharply as the season winds down, as dairy farmers facing feed shortages began to dry off herds. This compares to a better finish to the season for much of the

South Island, where milk production has expanded but will welcome rain in the coming months. Rabobank remains cautious about global market price settings ahead of the 2020/21 seasonal peak in production.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

MARKETS & TRENDS 17

COUNTRIES

Content supplied by Rabobank - Growing a Better New Zealand Together 5.10/kg cwt, up 5% MOM, with the South Island bull price sitting at NZ$ 4.45/ kg cwt, up 2% MOM. With NZ processors effectively back to full capacity, wait times to get cattle killed have reduced, although there does remain some backlogs in the South Island, particularly for prime cattle. Despite the processing disruptions experienced through late March and into April, NZ’s seasonto-date cattle slaughter is up 1.3% YOY. This indicates cattle supplies through winter will be limited.

Sheepmeat

RABOBANK EXPECTS farmgate prices to strengthen over the coming months as supplies continue to slow and normal seasonal procurement competition again puts upward pressure on prices. Softening in-market prices, increased logistical costs, and high levels of market uncertainty are likely to

the year, somewhat masking the extent to which export returns have declined in US dollar terms.

Horticulture

prevent prices reaching the same levels achieved in 2H 2019. With the seasonal peak in lamb production now complete, it looks like this season’s pricing floor is behind us. As of the end of May, the price in the North Island averaged NZ$ 6.70/kg cwt (+4% MOM), while South Island lamb averaged NZ$ 6.55/kg cwt (+4% MOM). Export data for April

shows NZ lamb exports continue to perform strongly despite the major disruptions Covid19 has created in key markets. While the average export value of lamb has come back from the record highs experienced in late 2019, returns for April were still 2% higher than the same month last year at NZ$ 10,553/tonne. However, the NZ dollar has weakened significantly since the start of

THE 2020 New Zealand apple crop is picked, mitigating an early key risk. Markets to date have responded well to the early sales of apples, and like kiwifruit, export receipts in key markets are largely advancing on 2019 year to date. The quality of the 2020 crop is reported as high, with good colour and sizing. Market demand has been seen in rising market prices. The softening of the NZ dollar against key export market currencies has enhanced FOB export prices. Export markets have responded with good demand and rising sales YOY into key markets, the EU and China. Much like the kiwifruit sector, these sales are coming

with a rise in per kg FOB values YOY. The depreciation in the NZ$/US$ rate, when removed, sees US prices remaining on par with 2019 year to date. Kiwifruit sector continues to outperform year on year in 2020. Export volumes and values remain ahead of the same time last year. With the gold crop picked and a significant portion of the green crop now also picked, another key risk element for 2020 is mitigated.

Exchange rate

THE NZ dollar rose a massive 5% against the

greenback from the start of May to June 3. At USc63.7, it was by then just 3.5% down on precrisis levels. The NZ dollar appears to have been pushed higher by a combination of optimism regarding the global economic outlook, ongoing injections of liquidity into the markets by central banks and rising investor risk appetite. Optimism, increased liquidity and rising risk appetite appeared to accompany the continued easing of lockdowns in many countries. Rabobank remains ill at ease with the extent

of the optimism, declining concern for risk, and forecasts of a strong rebound in the Chinese economy. The Covid-19 virus has yet to peak, secondary infection waves are quite likely, the cold war between the US and China looks set to ratchet up further over Hong Kong. Globally, while the economy will pick up through Q3, it will remain well short of prior year levels. As these realities become apparent to the market, we expect the NZ dollar to fall to USc57 within three months before a slow appreciation begins in Q1 2021.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

18 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

Reality bites HOPES FOR any quick outcome of free trade talks with the European Union have hit the wall following a “paltry” market access offer for our agriculture sector. The decision by the European Union to offer NZ farmers an FTA deal that is even worse than the status quo is nothing short of a gratuitous insult. To have leaked it to some mates, before even telling our government, compounds the situation and is a careless and shoddy act of diplomacy unbecoming of a modern democracy. NZ has every right to be angry and to question the honesty of the EU Commission, which has long claimed it was in favour of a comprehensive, ambitious and very special trade deal with us. EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, who was in NZ 18 months ago, said that “there a great deal of goodwill around the FTA negotiating table” and the EU “were very strong supporters of the multilateral trading system”. When officially launching the talks two years ago, his predecessor Cecilia Malstrom said the EU was “opening up a new chapter of economic possibilities for companies and giving choices to consumers as well also deepening the strategic ties” and that “NZ is a friend and an ally and it, along with the EU, stood up for common values as expressed in sustainable trade and done in compliance with international trade rules”. It sounded great at the time and NZ was made to feel that a good deal was on the cards, but on reflection you might ask, was this just political bull or a bunch of lies? What has changed and why can’t the EU deliver on its promises? Phil Hogan has a lot to answer for. Will he put things right and give us a fair FTA or will he take on the mantle of European arrogance and go down the road of protectionism and make the world an even worse place? Will he have the guts to rise above entrenched the petty protectionists of the EU and take a long-term strategic stance and allow the EU and the world to trade itself out of the Covid-19 crisis? Don’t hold your breath. The quality of a market access offer for the agriculture sector to the EU has long been seen as a stumbling block for a conclusion to talks. Trade Minister David Parker says a strong agriculture access offer was a red line for NZ negotiators and NZ could not afford for the status quo to continue. It looks like Parker and NZ’s trade negotiators have a long row to hoe to get the EU over the line.

RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

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“That’s typical! – they look after economy and completely ignore business class!”

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THE HOUND Interesting!

All talk!

No surprise!

Uninspiring

THE HOUND understands that National’s newly minted agriculture spokesman David Bennett is in a long-distance relationship with Bridget McKenzie, a senator from Victoria in the Australian Federal Parliament. She was former deputy leader of the Australian National Party and Minster of Agriculture in the coalition government under PM Scott Morrison. Unfortunately, in the lead-up to Australia’s 2019 election, McKenzie oversaw a controversial $100 million grant program that led to claims of pork-barrelling. An investigation found these allocations went disproportionately to marginal electorates held by the coalition or to electorates that the coalition was targeting and McKenzie subsequently resigned as Minister for Agriculture. Your old mate suggests Bennett may want to steer clear of any pork barrel politics if he wants a long-term career – unlike his girlfriend!

YOUR MATE notes that the current Government has recently made all sorts of positive noises about the importance of the agriculture sector to the NZ economy – especially in the wake of Covid-19. However, it appears that this is all talk. If one looks at the recent Queens Birthday Honours list you will see of the 178 awards there were a total of 32 for ‘education’, 24 for ‘the arts’ (including film, music and literature) 15 for ‘Maori’ and 14 for ‘conservation’. At the same time, agriculture got just one! Meanwhile, the Cuddler-in-chief, PM Jacinda Ardern paid a visit to the Hawkes Bay in late May and shelled-out $178 million in government funding for all the luvvies in the arts. Despite the fact that the same region is experiencing its worst drought on record, she never paid a visit to one farm or topped up the entirely inadequate $500,000 her Government has given to the region in drought relief.

YOUR CANINE crusader has always been suspicious about the mental capacity of all those anaemic, sickly, unhealthy looking vegans who preach about the benefits of a strictly plant-based diet. Now there is the science to back up this old mutt’s suspicions. Recent research out of the US saw a review conducted of 18 separate studies, which involved 160,000 participants, that looked at the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health. The researchers found that meat eaters had better mental health compared with those who avoided meat, who were subject to significantly higher risk rates of depression, anxiety and or self-harm behaviours. As a mate of the Hound’s opined: “It appears a steak-a-day not only keeps the doctor away, but also those big, burly men with straightjackets!”

A MATE of yours truly reckons these days it appears you have to be a boring, bald bloke to get a run at the Nat’s ag portfolio. Of course, new National leader and former ag spokesman – and seriously lacking in the hair department – Todd Muller took over the role from the rather hirsute Nathan Guy, who is retiring at the upcoming election. When Muller took on the leader’s job, he appointed David Bennett, another chrome dome, as ag spokesman, and someone called Andrew Falloon – who, you guessed it, is another bloke with a receding hairline – as associate ag spokesman. This old mutt is unsure why these uninspiring two made the cut when you consider the Nat’s line-up includes some good people with better and stronger ties to the sector – such as Amy Adams, Louise Upton, Barbara Kruger, Ian McKelvie, Lawrence Yule and former Young Farmer of the year winner Tim van de Molen.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

OPINION 19

Sorting the manure from the facts on N NITROGEN IS a basic requirement for the creation of soil organic matter. It doesn’t matter whether the source of the nitrogen is synthetic fertiliser (such as urea or DAP), urine, legume fixation or animal manure – but it is required. Every tonne of carbon sequestered in the soil is associated with 80 to 100kg of nitrogen, as well as approximately 20kg phosphorus, 14kg of sulphur and smaller amounts of various other nutrients.

COMMENT

Jacqueline Rowarth

tures generally stimulate both plant growth and soil organism activity. As soils dry out, plant growth is curtailed before that of soil organism activity. Microorganisms are able to keep active, using the organic matter as energy, for longer in drought than plants can keep

growing. Once the plants have stopped growing, the organic matter being consumed by the soil organisms is not replaced and so soil organic matter will be eroded. Irrigation can prevent this loss. By keeping plants growing, inputs to the soil organic matter are

maintained. Although some decreases in organic matter with irrigation have been reported, research has indicated that the irrigated plants were lacking in nitrogen. In this scenario, the activity of the soil organisms in the warm moist conditions outstripped that of the plants.

The interactions between the different components of biology, physics and chemistry involved in the soil are highly complex and the drivers of change in soil biology and organic matter are still being examined. Soil biology has been described as the Black

Box of the soil. Aeroplane black boxes are actually orange to aid recovery. Calling them black is as much a misrepresentation as suggesting synthetic nitrogen destroys organic matter. • Dr Jacqueline Rowarth has a PhD in Soil Science. The analysis above is her own. jsrowarth@gmail.com

fat reserves as the body searches for energy...) A second piece of research, by the same group, calculated carbon inputs in cropping to a base soil over 51 years

The misunderstanding about the role of nitrogen has arisen because of some American research where farmyard manure was replaced by urea and the organic matter in the soil decreased. In many soils it is the addition of nitrogen fertiliser that has allowed more plants to grow and die, contributing more organic matter to the soil than was possible before the fertiliser was added. This is assuming that moisture and other nutrients are not limiting for plant growth. Considerable research across New Zealand and Europe has shown that adding fertiliser nitrogen and grazing pastures optimally results in a higher proportion of organic matter in soils than is possible under either lax management or hard grazing. ‘Optimal’ is the key. The misunderstanding about the role of nitrogen has arisen because of some American research where farmyard manure was replaced by urea and the organic matter in the soil decreased. Of course, it did. Manure contains a lot of carbon with some nitrogen and other nutrients. Urea is almost half nitrogen with some carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. The soil organisms were used to a high carbon diet and cannibalised the organic matter in the soil as they adjusted to their new diet. (The human analogy is moving from a normal to an Atkins diet (low carbs), and cannibalizing

(1955-2005), in comparison with actual soil carbon after 51 years. The synthetic fertiliser nitrogen plots had less soil carbon than the calculation indicated ‘should’ have been present. The authors concluded that the synthetic fertiliser nitrogen had eroded the soil organic matter. However, examination of the data indicated that after 51 years of cropping, plots with treatments involving addition of synthetic fertiliser contained more soil carbon than those which had not. Pasture production and soil organic matter in New Zealand have increased over time due to research informing management strategies. These include application of fertiliser and lime and optimisation of grazing regimes. The Ministry for the Environment and StatsNZ have reported that soil total carbon (which makes up approximately 58% of soil organic matter) is now within target range for 95% of tested sites. Professor Louis Schipper of University of Waikato has warned that when soils reach higher soil organic matter status, they can become susceptible to C loss if management changes. Changes in climate also have an effect. Warmer tempera-

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

20 OPINION

Will Fieldays be a virtual flop? AFTER NEARLY three months, Fieldays has finally pulled the pin on the idea of running a rescheduled event in 2020. The annual June event was postponed due to the Covid-19 lockdown regulations banning mass gatherings of people, and organisers have

now chosen to focus on a 100% online format instead. “The New Zealand National Fieldays Society (NZNFS) has made the difficult decision to not host a physical event in 2020, instead, shifting our focus to the physical event in 2021 and Fieldays Online,” says

CRUSHA’S COMMENT

Mark Daniel

chief executive Peter Nation. “We understand for some exhibitors Fieldays Online won’t work, which is why we’re offering full account credits or alternate refund options for their site fees.” Nation says that, so far, Fieldays had processed just under half of

its 2020 exhibitors claiming 68% of them had opted for a site credit or have signed up for Fieldays Online, while only 32% have asked for a full refund. Given that it has taken nearly three months to come to this decision, and less than half of the exhibitors have been

Livestock transporter declaration From 14 June 2020, your livestock transporter may choose not to take your animals without a declaration that they are NAIT compliant. To avoid delays when transporting animals, OSPRI’s advice to farmers is to: Check all animals are tagged and registered in NAIT

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those in the machinery sector. A recent survey by trade association TAMA of its members found that 92% had no interest in the virtual event and 70% were looking for a refund. This view, confirmed by the marketing manager of a large-scale, long-term exhibitor who posted on social media: “As an exhibitor we have decided not to participate because Fieldays is about customer connection for us – and the horrendous cost. “I would rather put the money towards our own digital development. I am also sceptical about it from a ROI perspective and don’t see it doing too well with our audience.” Meanwhile, there is also consternation among exhibitors that NZNFS is missing the mood of supporting New Zealand businesses. In its press release announcing the online event it said: “We have been blown away by exhibitor responses, with inquiries coming in from across the globe including South Africa, Italy, Sweden, China and Ireland.” This raises the question, why is a business that purports to be one of the cornerstones of the NZ agricultural economy not — in the short term at least –promoting home grown?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Declare any unsafe to tag animals in NAIT and mark the animal

NAIT is an OSPRI programme

“processed”, this claim seems at odds with the feedback that Rural News has received from many loyal exhibitors who have supported the event for many years. Many have said they are uncomfortable with leaving their pre-paid site fees as a credit towards the 2021 event, citing problems with cash flow and needing the money in their own accounts. Meanwhile, the 32% who have taken the refund option – a number that could yet rise – are largely disappointed that the refund is only 80%. Many are more upset even by the general attitude of NZNFS, who quote its terms and conditions saying they are not obliged to give any refunds. Rural News also spoke to exhibitors who say they are being refused a refund of the Premium Site Fees that are used to allocate favourite sites. “Fieldays continues to hide behind their Terms and Conditions as a way to hold onto 20% of our site fees and 100% of our Premium Reserve fees,” one exhibitor says. “Which, in these difficult times, is little more than disguised theft.” The Fieldays Online concept also seems to be drawing lukewarm acceptance, particularly from

More information?

ospri.co.nz

27/05/2020 1:23:02 PM

IT HAS taken a global pandemic for the Government to realise how important our primary industries are and the crisis has a message for everyone in New Zealand. It should be grateful for what farmers can do to help them out of the crisis, to produce lots of different types of food – milk, meat, cheese to mention but a few. Simply, the world has to eat and our farmers have had to produce quality food in harsh drought conditions. Proposed new environmental laws should be delayed indefinitely as the farmers have enough on their plates now. We hear about water quality regularly in the provinces, but what we don’t hear about much is the crisis of water quality in the cities for some reason. Now is the time for the Government to hold fire on all proposed new environmental laws so farmers can focus on what they do best, farming – as there will be no tourists for a long, long, time to fill the gap. Jim Morgan RD 1, Whangarei

RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

AGRIBUSINESS 21

Don’t fence them in A SMARTPHONE application which claims to take the strain – and the strainers – out of herd management allows cows to be managed without fences and by the touch of a button. Smart-cow start-up Halter is a solar-powered, GPS-enabled collar for cows that enables farmers to shift, manage and monitor their herds remotely. After three years of testing on their pilot farm in Morrinsville, Halter is currently working with a select number of dairy farmers in the Waikato to try it out. Using a patented technology called ‘Cowgorithim’, the collar guides cows around a farm using sound and vibrations, creates virtual fences and even alerts farmers to health issues. Halter enables farmers to fence off areas or remotely shift herds with the touch of a button. Now the technology has added a new pasture management feature to enable the smarter collection, synthesis and ‘actioning’ of data. Coupled with virtual fencing (no more reels and standards), the company claims this will allow for more precise kgDM or pasture allocation per cow. Halter founder Craig Piggott says pasture management was a problem he was determined to solve. “Farmers want to grow

under a subscription model, where the collar is free and farmers contribute a monthly fee per cow – based on the features they want

Halter founder Craig Piggott claims his company’s technology will allow for more precise pasture allocation per cow.

MORE ABOUT HALTER HALTER WAS founded in 2016 by Craig Piggott; he says the company is made up of a diverse team. Over the last three years, the team has grown to a group of over 40 designers, engineers, data scientists, farmers and businesspeople, who are split between the company’s headquarters in Auckland and test farm in Morrinsville. Halter’s most recent hire is Simon Young, formerly chief technology and product officer at TradeMe. The company is backed by Founders Fund (Peter Thiel’s venture capital firm) along with Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck and Sir Stephen Tindall, from New Zealand’s K1W1 Fund.

and harvest more grass, but labour and time constraints along with a lack of viable technology, has always made it extremely difficult for farmers to effectively manage pasture,” Piggott says. “In an ideal world, farmers would have the technology that enables them to allocate the exact amount of pasture that an

individual cow requires, all while showing how these grazing decisions will affect them not only now, but in the future.” He claims Halter will essentially offer that ideal world. “It’s not only going to help farmers use the grass on their farms more efficiently, it’s also going to massively reduce their workloads.”

Growing up on a dairy farm, Piggott learnt firsthand the huge workload farmer’s face on a daily basis. And farmers say it certainly will. Pete Morgan who runs 630 cows in the Waikato can’t wait to start using Halter. “This app will save me around three hours of work a day. Right now, I’m incredibly challenged to find enough time and labour to manage the farm,” he says. “The ability to control herd movement and drafting remotely, while using virtual break fences to precisely manage grazing will profoundly reduce my workload.” Halter is working towards rolling out their collars nationally as they begin their operation in the Waikato this year. The collars are paid

enabled. Halter retains ownership of the collars and takes responsibility for their maintenance @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

22 MANAGEMENT

New crops offer opportunities SIX ‘STAR’ crops – soy, hemp, chickpeas, oats, buckwheat and quinoa – could represent new opportunity for New Zealand farmers. According to the Specialty Grains & Pulses Report produced by an Our Land and Water National Science Challenge research programme, Next Generation Systems, locally grown grains and pulses like soy, chickpeas and quinoa are being explored by local researchers and growers. In the report, researchers looked at the opportunities presented by new and different plant crops in the grain and pulses families. From a long list of 22 possible grains and pulses, the research team narrowed their focus down to six ‘star’ crops they think have the most potential for New Zealand farm-

ers. These are soy, hemp, chickpeas, oats, buckwheat and quinoa. Sixth-generation Canterbury plains farmer Earl Worsfold, whose family grows wheat and barley near Darfield, says there’s potential in growing specialty grains and pulses. Worsfold says, while he hasn’t yet put his toe in the water with these crops, he’s keen to look at them. “We’re always looking at different options. Our farm area is 400ha, of which 200ha is in cereals. We could quite easily replace wheat with oats or one of these other grains, because we’re growing in a pretty diverse rotation. We could easily drop a paddock of wheat out and put a paddock of quinoa in.” The specialty grains and pulses research team,

Canterbury arable farmer Earl Worsfold says there’s potential in growing specialty grains and pulses.

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a mixed system, being planted in November and harvested in March or April. “It could fit following a rye grass seed crop, where you’ve had the grass for grazing stock all winter, and then you take it out in November and put it into buckwheat. Then take that through to April and you could put it into wheat. That’s where those sorts of crops fit in quite neatly.” Since the report was released, Leftfield Innovation has been working on next steps with its growers, including a trial growing buckwheat in Canterbury for the Japanese market, trials with GE-free soybeans and trials and attribute testing of chickpeas. A similar project to identify opportunities for farmers in the Wairarapa is starting this year.

who are prepared to pay more for foods that are sustainably grown in New Zealand. The researchers then looked at the grains and pulses we import now, and asked, is there an opportunity to replace these with New Zealandgrown alternatives? They also looked at the risks to both biosecurity and food safety posed by importing these grains and pulses, the existing processing capability and knowledge, and environmental impact. Goodfellow says the way these crops fit into future farms could be as part of sustainable, mixed farming systems that also include some animals. Worsfold, who is a member of Leftfield’s Future Grains Growers Group, cites buckwheat as an example of a crop that could fit well into

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

MANAGEMENT 23

Corporate farmer sees value in Overseer CRAIGMORE SUSTAINABLES is a New Zealandowned and controlled farming company. It includes 22 dairy farms, located from North Canterbury to North Otago, and a sheep and beef farm in Middlemarch. The company has a sustainability programme in place at each of its farms, horticulture and forestry operations. It believes using OverseerFM helps to plan farm management changes that balance respecting the environment with running sustainable and profitable rural businesses. Caroline Amyes, a business support manager for Craigmore, says the company has been using Overseer since 2013. One use is to model the impacts ahead of farm management approaches or land use change. “When we are going

to do a farming system change, we will also use it to do a forecast farm analysis to see what impact the changes would have,” she says. “It adds real value in terms of forward planning.” Amyes says Craigmore’s focus is on positive and sustainable land use change, underpinned by sustainable operational excellence – ensuring optimal use for the right land. This includes reducing nutrient loss with the conversion of annual cropping and dairy land to permanent crop and using advanced techniques and systems, including smart irrigation, unique systems of runoff catchment ponds that recycle water into the irrigation system and significant riparian planting. “Many of our farms are organised into ‘pods’ of four or five farms. Each

farm has a manager and each pod also has a manager,” she explains. “The managers or pod managers work with environmental consultants to use OverseerFM to develop the nutrient budget for each farm.” Amyes says their role is to understand that information and use it to ensure every farm is within its nutrient limits. “Our ethos is that we farm in a sustainable manner with a focus on making a long-term positive impact. That is important to our investors and all of this information is also available to them.” She adds that it is vital to ensure information entered into Overseer is accurate. “We recently had one farm where the nutrient leaching came up as being above our allocated budget. But it was due to data around

Craigmore Sustainable’s Caroline Amyes says the company has been using Overseer since 2013.

irrigation use not being entered correctly. Once that was corrected, it brought it back in line.” Farm manager and former pod manager, Francois Tillard, joined Craigmore in 2014 and had previously been using Overseer for some years on his own farm. “The software has

improved a lot over the years,” he says. “I work with our agricultural consultant to produce the nutrient budgets and appreciate working with someone who understands it really well. We are on rolling land so nitrogen leaching is not too much of a problem for us but we have to

keep an eye on phosphorus.” Tillard also sees the value of Overseer growing in future in terms of managing GHG emissions. “That is going to be one of the biggest issues for farming going forward.” Amyes agrees and is

pleased that OverseerFM includes GHG emissions. She says while the company is not using that data yet, it is still good to know where they are sitting now. “We have seen Overseer evolve and it is a lot simpler to use. The reports are easy to extract and more readable.”

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“The Daily Report” continues to deliver all of the key information pertinent to New Zealand agribusiness. Hosted by Mark Leishman, it provides comprehensive rural specific news, interviews, saleyard reports and commodities, plus Philip Duncan’s exclusive 10 day long range rural weather forecast.

*Conditions apply. Only available to SKY direct customers with at least SKY Starter and a SKY box in the home. Country TV costs $18.40 per month in addition to your standard monthly subscription and is subject to SKY’s standard terms and conditions. Prices are correct as of 1 October 2019, are payable in advance and subject to change. For full terms and conditions visit sky.co.nz/countrytv.

RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

24 ANIMAL HEALTH

Good tracing key to eliminating animal diseases With contact tracing a key part of the Covid-19 response, OSPRI’s Kevin Forward explains how it mirrors the importance of a strong lifetime traceability programme for farm animals. FARMERS CAN learn a lot from the recent Covid-19 emergency and how diseases can be managed more effectively through a sound traceability system.

Where movement data is captured, it can inform and optimise an effective disease management response. It is working for New Zealand’s Covid19 response; it is working

for TBfree’s tuberculosis eradication programme. The crucial requirement for beating Covid19 is data accuracy and integrity, and that’s dependent on people

Feed shortages – you can get through

Drought, floods and the effects of COVID-19 restrictions have combined to create feed pressure for many farmers. Now is the time to seek help. Assistance is widely available to provide practical and financial help, and support for your wellbeing and that of your animals.

To find out more visit mpi.govt.nz/drought Beef + Lamb NZ DairyNZ

0800 233 352 drought&feed@beeflambnz.com 0800 4 324 7969 info@dairynz.co.nz

Agriculture & Investment Services Ministry for Primary Industries

Paul Sutherland

Manatū Ahu Matua

OSPRI says good animal tracing will be crucial when the next biosecurity incursion arrives on New Zealand farms.

observing the lockdown, recording contacts and movements. That’s everyday stuff for New Zealand farmers and the wider primary sector – dairy companies, meat processors, stock agents, transporters – who have successfully coped with the Mycoplasma bovis disease outbreak in recent years. Some farmers who’ve been in the game for longer are as familiar with bovine tuberculosis, which the farmersupported TBfree programme is getting closer to eradicating. Infected herds have reduced down from 1,700 at peak infection in the late 1980s to fewer than 30 today. Where good records are held, the tracing of animals infected with either disease has been much faster and more effective, enabling a quick response for affected

For a country reliant on agricultural exports, effective traceability is essential to the impact of animal diseases and the economic risk that carries. farmers. Good tracing will be our crucial defence when (not if) the next biosecurity incursion arrives on New Zealand farms. The strength of New Zealand’s biosecurity readiness ultimately relies on our ability to swiftly trace livestock movements and properties where there might be a risk. For a country reliant on agricultural exports, effective traceability is essential to the impact of animal diseases and the economic risk that carries. Our National Animal Identification Tracing system (NAIT) gets

stronger every time a farmer records a movement. It’s never so important as now, with dairy animals moving farms and moving to grazing. The NAIT programme continues to evolve as a key instrument in New Zealand’s biosecurity defence network. Data captured in NAIT can optimise decision-making around managing biosecurity responses – providing support for on-going surveillance and imposing movement controls where required. Traceability safeguards our agricultural exports – now worth $39.5 billion, according to MPI – builds

trust among our trading partners and endorses the safety of our products in international markets. That creates tangible benefits for farmers, industry and all New Zealanders, including the thousands employed in the agriculture sector. In the post-Covid-19 world, customers and markets may be more discerning about the source and integrity of the food they’re buying. At the farmgate, traceability helps animal health and monitoring and leads to better business decisions. And the value is delivered by the markets. Lifetime traceability of animals needs to become the bedrock of New Zealand farming. Because the response to the next global pandemic will depend on it. • Kevin Forward is head of NAIT @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

ANIMAL HEALTH 25

The importance of copper and iodine in sheep ASSESSING THE trace element status of a flock should be part of your animal health programme There are four important trace elements to consider in New Zealand sheep flocks. These are selenium (Se), copper (Cu), iodine (I), and cobalt (Co). In this article we will look at iodine (I) and copper (Cu). As most trace element deficiencies occur in lambs, prevention is the best approach. To prevent swayback (Cu) and goitre (I), treat the ewe in early gestation with Cu and I. Iodine In New Zealand, iodine deficiency is usually associated with feeding pregnant ewes on brassica crops. More rarely, iodine deficiency can be observed in sheep grazing only on pasture. Function of iodine • Constituent of the thyroid hormones • Thyroid hormones control basal metabolism and heat production, cell differential and the growth of tissues such as brain, central nervous system and lungs

• Important for foetal development Clinical signs of iodine deficiency • Enlarged thyroid (goitre) in lambs • Increased perinatal mortality, particularly in cold weather because iodine deficient lambs have less control over body temperature • Low birth weights and hairless lambs • Decreased fecundity Iodine deficiency diagnosis The presence of goitre in lambs: Measure the ratio of thyroid weight to liveweight in 10 or more lambs. Any lambs with a ratio >0.8 g/kg confirms iodine deficiency. Most lambs 20ug/L are associated with healthy lambs. Care needs to be taken when interpreting results from ewes treated with iodised oil products. Sheep grazing pastures with iodine concentrations of 1 mg/kg DM. Goitrogens include thiocynates in brassicas and cyanogenetic glucosides in white clover. For this reason, it is not possible to recommend a dietary iodine require-

Copper and iodine are two of the four important trace elements to consider in sheep flocks.

ment with any confidence. Preventing Iodine deficiency Untreated pregnant ewes fed brassicas are at a very high risk of giving birth to lambs with goitre. Inject ewes intramuscularly, in the anterior neck region, with 1.5 ml iodised oil to provide 390mg iodine four weeks before mating. Drench ewes with 200mg iodine as potassium iodide or iodate at eight and four weeks before lambing. Copper deficiency In New Zealand copper deficiency is usu-

ally associated with increased pasture molybdenum (Mo) concentrations. The metabolism of copper is complex as the Mo influences copper absorption and liver copper storage, thereby increasing dietary copper requirements. Other trace elements such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) have also been observed to influence copper metabolism. Cattle and deer are more prone to copper deficiency than sheep. Functions of copper • Development of the nervous system and maintenance of myelin sheath around nerve

fibres • Bone growth and development • Maintains the integrity of the immune system • Role in iron metabolism • Development of the fleece and skin pigmentation Clinical signs of copper deficiency The lamb is the most sensitive to Cu deficiency. • Nerve disorder termed swayback or enzootic ataxia • Bone disorder described as osteoporosis • Poorer growth might occur when pasture Mo >3mg/kg DM

Copper deficiency diagnosis Biochemical criteria associated with the presence of clinical signs such as swayback. Liver is the tissue of choice for determining the need for supplementation as it reflects body copper stores. There is a seasonal decline in liver copper concentrations, with the lowest value being observed in late winter/ early spring. Sheep with a barely adequate copper status in the autumn may be supplemented with copper. Pasture with copper concentrations 3 mg/kg DM at pasture copper concentration of 5-6 mg/ kg DM will not maintain an adequate copper status in sheep. The pasture analyses must include Mo as well as copper. Copper deficiency prevention Sheep are very susceptible to copper toxicity, so should not be supplemented unless copper deficiency has been proven. Check dose rates and instructions for each

product. Never use multiple methods of copper supplementation in sheep. Dose ewes with 5g CuO (Copper oxide) needles (bolus) early in gestation. This will increase the copper status of the ewe, the foetus and her lamb from birth to at least nine to 10 weeks of age. The copper concentration of ewe’s milk is not greatly changed. Inject ewes with copper (0.5-1.0mg/kg LW; 25-50mg Cu) during early to mid- gestation. The copper status of the foetus and lamb will be increased. Top-dress pasture annually with 5kg copper sulphate (1.25kg Cu/ha) in the autumn. From a management point of view, pasture must not be grazed for at least four weeks to allow the copper to be ‘washed’ into the soil and taken up by the pasture. Drenching with copper is not recommended as it is only effective for a short period of two to three weeks. • Information from Beef+Lamb NZ factsheet: ‘Trace element nutrition of sheep’

PROTECTION FROM THE DAY THEY ARE BORN. Pre-lambing, Ultravac® provides protection against clostridial disease for ewes and their lambs. For continued protection in lambs, choose Ultravac 5+1 B12 to get your lambs off to a flying start. It’s also available with added selenium for extra immune support. Don’t take chances with your ewes or lambs. Give them the best start with the name you can trust.

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Zoetis New Zealand Limited Tel: 0800 963 847, www.zoetis.co.nz. ULTRAVAC is a registered trade mark of Zoetis. ACVM No. A3585, A11606 and A11607.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

26 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Rugged Ranger trio offers a variety of choices MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

ON-FARM TRANSPORT was revolutionised with the arrival of quads, but really came of age with the sideby-side. Polaris is a pioneer in the former and has carved a name for itself with the latter, particularly with its Ranger series. This model first saw the light around two decades ago, with a concept of making an ATV with seats for a driver and passenger seated side by side. The first Ranger was a 6x6 – that over the years evolved into 4x4 – along the way picking up more power, better suspension, comfort and more seats. Rural News recently got the chance to take a closer look at three of Polaris’s flagship models in the shape of Ranger 1000 EPS, the Ranger 1000 HD-EPS and the Ranger Diesel HD-EPS. All three feature a robust chassis with double A-arm suspension layout at each corner. This offers excellent ground following characteristics, shock absorption and good ground clearance. The Ranger 1000 EPS is fitted with a SOHC twin-cylinder, fuel injected engine delivering 61hp, that mates to the Polaris PRO-PVT transmission – a variable belt drive layout, with shaft final drives. In use, as the throttle speed is increased, take-up is smooth, while driveability – particularly at low speeds – is easy to control. Drive selections are controlled via

Polaris’s latest Ranger selection: the Ranger 1000 EPS, the Ranger 1000 HD-EPS and the Ranger Diesel HD-EPS.

a large, dash-mounted shift lever with High/Low/Neutral/Reverse and Park options. Meanwhile 2WD, 4WD and Turf Mode choices are via a rocker switch, also in a central location. Trialled in mixed conditions – with flat pasture, rugged bush and soft riverbanks in the mix – the vehicles handled everything with ease, with power delivery smooth, linear and easy to control. Moving onto the bigger, petrol brother, the Ranger 1000 HD-EPS:

While it carries over many of the mechanical functions from the more basic machine, it’s packed with useful extras to make it a standout in this very competitive sector. For the operator, five inches more cabin room complemented by cushioned seats with adjustable slides, upped the ante in the comfort stakes. Six cup holders, two drinks holders and numerous stowage areas in the dashboard and under the flip-up passenger seats make the HD very practi-

cal to live with. Power is provided by a DOHC 82hp fuel injected unit. This is never wanting in any task and is particularly suited to towing heavy loads, up to 1134kg in difficult terrain. Add in a load bed capacity of 454kg and you can see this vehicle is a workhorse. A dash-mounted rocker switch offers three engine modes, with Power, Work and Standard on tap. Our test vehicle had the optional farm pack fitted. It includes a windscreen, surely

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a must-have in performance mode as nailing the throttle certainly makes your eyes water. Third machine off the rank, the Diesel HD, will certainly find followers in the rural community for its frugal fuel use and removing the need to keep two fuels on farm. Although a little noisier than its petrol-powered cousins, this is no slouch, quickly building revs and topping out at 65km/h. Power is provided by a 900cc, three-cylinder Kubota engine with mechanical injection that pushes out around 25hp. A standout during our test drive was the low-down torque that meant shifting heavy loads and tackling inclines was a breeze, while undertaking descents with heavy loads behind was very controlled with good engine braking. All three models showed excellent retardation on downhill sections, which could be accentuated by using the Active Descent Control Function. This is selected by a rocker switch that made things feel particularly safe. With disc brakes all round, stopping should never be a worry. At higher speeds, when safe to do so, the driver is helped by a progressive suspension set-up, with difficult terrain handled with ease, aided by the ground clearance of around 28cm. In summary, if you need to move three people safely around the farm, these three machines certainly warrant a closer look.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 27 SNIPPETS Free handpiece

HEINIGER NEW Zealand is offering purchasers of its Evo Shearing Plant the chance to take away a free Icon FX mechanical or S12 electric handpiece. To receive a free handpiece, users must purchase four “specially marked” Evo shearing machines from an approved stockist, then visit heiniger.co.nz/evos4nz with proof of purchase and the serial numbers from the four Evo plants. The offer is available while stocks last.

Hybrid Highlander

The Turley’s trailed Horsch Leeb GS sprayer with 6,000litre capacity and 36m booms in action.

Handles humps and hollows with ease MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

TURLEY FARMS, owned by Margaret and Murray Turley, is a large multifarm cropping operation that produces wheat, onions, grass seed, white clover, potatoes and hybrid vegetable seeds. Operating on 36m tramlines, they also have undulating ground. So, the Turleys were the first in New Zealand to purchase a trailed Horsch Leeb GS sprayer with 6,000-litre capacity and 36m booms. The machine is equipped with Horsch’s BoomControl Pro Plus, which allows each side of the boom to bend vertically, at a pivot point partway down its length, to offer impressive contour following. Andrew Smith, farm manager at Turley Farms’ property at Orton, says the land there looks flat, but is old riverbed country and has plenty of dips and gullies. “The Horsch Leeb auto control boom follows the contours better than anything else on the market. “This is what attracted

us to it.” Smith says when working with their old sprayer there could be a height difference of 1.5m from one end to the other, creating a risk of the boom digging into the ground, or the opposite effect, more spray drift and uneven application. “Weed control in the onions has improved and we spray a little less,” Smith says. “We are now getting around 95% chemical contact in the crop as the boom is always the same height. We typically work at a 300mm boom height but have the option to work at up to 900mm if conditions demand.” Turley Farms main sprayer operator is Andrew McConnochie, who in a typical season sprays 20,000 ha over 1,600 hours. For 26 years, Turley Farms had run self-propelled units, so it was a big deal to get McConnochie to embrace the change to trailed. He says he is now working in conditions that would have stopped him in the previous sprayer. “If there is a breeze and the boom is 1m above

the crop, then you get drift. There are not many days we have to stop now, as the booms are that low – it just looks after itself.” Running the Horsch Leeb at a speed of 12-16 km/h, the use of higher water rates and increased speeds means more hectares being covered in less time. In operation, McConnochie enters in the spray rate and how many hectares to be covered, then the spray controller calculates how much water is required and pumps up that much, typically taking about 11 minutes to completely fill the tank. If forward speed changes while spraying, the system adjusts the application rate to keep the total rate constant. Meanwhile, the operator can also change nozzles from the cab, rather than get out and do it manually. The sprayer also features section control, so it delivers an even application rate without overlaps or skips. Looking to the future, Turley Farms is considering a Horsch self-propelled model, probably

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fitted with Auto-Select, where the sprayer changes nozzles on-the-fly to meet required rates and changing ground speeds.

TOYOTA NZ has confirmed the next generation 7-seater Highlander SUV will only be available as a hybrid engine option when it arrives in New Zealand in early 2021. Built in the US, the new Highlander comes equipped with a 2.5-litre new-generation hybrid system delivering 179kW and exclusive intelligent AWD system, performance is supplemented by electric motors and a hybrid battery located under the second-row seats.

Sprayer deal done

KVERNELAND GROUP and JD-owned company Mazzotti, which manufactures self-propelled sprayers, have signed a long-term contract to prolong and intensify their cooperation. Combining high-tech products developed by both companies, there will be a focus on one end-user product, the Kverneland iXdrive self-propelled field sprayer.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

28 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

CLAAS releases half-track tractors MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

FIRST SEEN as concepts at Agritechnica two years ago, CLAAS has now released the world’s first half-tracked tractors with full suspension. The two new models, the AXION 960 TERRA TRAC (445hp) and AXION 930 TERRA TRAC (355hp), incorporate the proven tracked assemblies utilised in the company’s LEXION and JAGUAR grain and forage harvesters. The company suggests that Terra Trac improves traction and reduces soil compaction, whilst still retaining the driving characteristics of a wheeled tractor. With an operating weight of 16.5t and a maximum gross weight of 22t, load capacity of 5.5t.

Currently available with 457mm (18”), 635mm (25”), 735mm (29”) and 890mm (35”) track widths. The 890mm track is 35% larger than a 900/60 R42 tyre, offering a footprint of 3.87 square metres. This equates to 15% more tractive power and a 50% reduction in ground pressure, while remaining within a sub-3m external operating width. The rear axle of the AXION has been substantially modified to accommodate the TERRA TRAC units, which in turn, have been modified to improve traction. The drive wheel has been increased in size to meet the specific power transfer needs and high levels of torque, while the transmission inside the crawler tracks has been

STANDARD FEEDER (C6 Pinned) • 1 x 6 foot bale • 2m diameter • 15 feed positions • 15 - 30 animals

The intelligent drive control system means the tracks are capable of performing tight turning manoeuvres.

strengthened to transmit higher torques. Each track assembly can pivot up to 23 degrees longitudinally, combining with individuallysuspended rollers, to maintain optimum ground contact in all soil conditions, terrain and operating speed. The tracks use a forcelocking drive and are

OVAL FEEDER (S2 Pinned) • 3 x 4 foot bales • 2 x 6 foot bales • 24 feed positions • 24 - 48 animals • 4m long

maintained at a higher tension for even pressure

distribution, with friction blocks on the drive wheel

to transfer drive forces to the track belt and at the

same time create a selfcleaning effect. The CMATIC continuously variable transmission allows precise control at low speeds and up to 40 km/h on the road. An intelligent drive control system means the tracks are capable of performing tight turning manoeuvres, offering the operator the choice of three levels of steering assistance or adjust the tractor’s ground clearance by up to 12cm for specific jobs.

NEW JD DISTRIBUTORS FROM JULY 1, John Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment will be available from AGrowQuip in the North Island and Drummond & Etheridge (D&E) in the South Island. This follows an announcement in March that John Deere would end its former distribution agreement in New Zealand with CablePrice. Both companies are New Zealand-owned and operated. AGrowQuip has four depots and 120 staff and a history dating back more than 50 years. D&E, with 10 locations and over 200 staff, is an established John Deere Ag & Turf dealer. Given the company has the sales, parts, service and support systems already in place – it’s ideally positioned to extend its JD product offering. D&E can trace its origins back over 85 years. John Deere Construction & Forestry Division managing director for Asia Pacific and Africa, Jeff Kraft, says both dealers will offer worldclass after-sales support. “They already have a proven

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From July 1, John Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment will be available from AGrowQuip in the North Island and Drummond & Etheridge (D&E) in the South Island.

track record of doing so across their existing John Deere customers.” Alongside a change of distribution, John Deere has also extended its product offering to include several of its machines not seen in NZ before. In addition to motor graders and crawler dozers, the range will now include wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, compact excavators, compact track loaders, skid steer loaders and a new range of mid-size hydraulic excavators. The company says it will also introduce a suite of technology-

led solutions such as John Deere WorkSight for construction and John Deere ForestSight for forestry. These are designed to maximise ‘uptime’ and optimise machine performance, thereby increasing profitability while decreasing the need for physical service call outs. JD says the technologies will be supported by in-country parts availability and machine telematics to monitor machine health, detect potential problems, and provide remote diagnostics and remote programming.

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RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

USED MACHINERY 29

Made in NZ – Levno

AS GOOD AS NEW

Businesses

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the rural sector. This issue, machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Levno in Palmerston North, catching up with chief executive Kate Gwilliam. Q - When was the company founded, by whom and why (was it to solve a problem or market a product)? Levno was founded in 2012 by Larry and Jane Ellison, who owned New Zealand’s largest independently owned fuel distributor, Rural Fuel. Larry saw a need to remotely monitor fuel tanks to help improve logistics and offer customers more visibility of fuel use and losses. This led to a patented fuel monitoring system, suitable for use in explosive situations, which has evolved into a product range to monitor many other storage situations. Q - Where are you located – is it single or multiple sites and how many people are employed? Our head office is in Palmerston North with a team of sales and support staff in rural regions around the country, numbering 35 in total. Q - What are your key products and which markets do they serve? Levno for Milk monitors temperature, volume, milking time, and vat agitation. Levno for Fuel alerts users when fuel is added or withdrawn from a tank and when levels get low. Levno for Water helps eliminate water loss and meet compliance regulations by measuring flow rates and tank levels. Levno for Effluent measures flow pump activity and irrigator movement, leak detection and offers remote switch on/off switch via an app. Levno for Silos measures feed usage and balance

MADE IN NZ

A LOOK AT HOME-GROWN COMPANIES

remaining, with low level alerts to the farmer and feed supplier. Q - Are your products unique – if so, what are the four key benefits? If not

Levno’s app offers complete visibility over its core systems, displayed in one simple dashboard.

unique what are the unique selling points? Levno continues to invest heavily in research and development. A key benefit is an intuitive app that that offers complete visibility over our core systems, displayed in one simple dashboard. Levno has always been focused on solving real on-farm problems, adding value to farmers by saving them time and money. We take pride in customer service, with a 24/7 team of customer service staff that live and breathe our products. Q - Looking at an everevolving market, what changes have you made over the last few years? Or what will you have to do moving forwards (this might have required design or manufacturing changes - reworks to enter new sectors or the incorporation of electronics)? Over recent years, we’ve rolled out several new products and made changes to our core system to enable it to scale into the future. We

continue to develop new products and are currently in the research phase for a range of soil monitoring products. Q - What has been the company’s greatest success since its formation? It’s been great to see New Zealand farmers adopt our technology, with our products now on over 5,000 farms. We’ve experienced exponential growth over the last five years and been awarded a Rising Star Award in the Deloitte Fast 50. Levno is the most preferred supplier in Fonterra’s Milk vat monitoring project, with more food industry compliant monitoring systems on dairy farms than any other supplier, making us proud to be the leaders in the sector. Q - In contrast, what has been the biggest “Oh Bugger” moment or the steepest learning curve? Our business means we need to invest in and embrace emerging technologies. In some cases, we’ve invested heavily in projects that have never come to fruition. As an example, we poured a

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Levno is the most preferred supplier in Fonterra’s Milk vat monitoring project, with more food industry compliant monitoring systems on dairy farms than any other supplier, making us proud to be the leaders in the sector. bucket load of money into a new, low-powered, wide-area network communication technology. It currently sits on a shelf waiting for a useful application. Q - If you were approached by someone looking to start a business, what would be your three key pieces of advice? Keep it simple, understand you value proposition and surround yourself with great people. Q - Where do you see the company in the next three, five and ten years? What changes do you foresee to keep relevant and grow your business? We will continue to be the leading supplier of on farm monitoring. We will grow our range of monitoring products and expand overseas. We want to be a great kiwi company taking New Zealand agritech to the world.

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Power Farming NZ

RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

30 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER LASER FF95

DIESEL HEATER

‘Czech’ out Skoda’s latest SUV MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

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SKODA HAS released the newest member of its SUV family – the Skoda Kamiq – to enter the rapidly growing compact SUV segment. The all-new Kamiq bears an upright radiator grille with distinc-

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tive double slats on its wide front section, with a prominent front spoiler and other add-on parts such as the rear diffuser to accentuate the overall impression. From the side, it looks rugged thanks to its distinctive tornado line, defined surfaces and roof rails, while the Monte Carlo model is fitted with a panoramic roof and gloss-black roof rails to bolster the bold appearance further. The interior of the vehicle is spacious, offering the driver and front passenger 1,051mm of headroom and 1,439mm of elbow room – with rear seat passengers getting 1,003mm of headroom, 1425mm of elbow room and 73mm kneeroom. The

FOOTWEAR LTD

The newest member of Skoda’s SUV family – the Kamiq.

boot capacity is 400L, but climbs to 1,395L with the 60:40 split backrests folded down, as well as delivering an extra 26L of stowage space via clever interior compartments. Two TSI petrol engines are available, with The Ambition 85kW TSI and the Ambition + and Monte Carlo 110kW TSI with cylinder capacities of 1.0 or 1.5L, all mated with a 7-speed

DSG transmission. It uses a new chassis that combines the advantages of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a compact car. In comparison to the ŠKODA SCALA, which uses the same platform, the KAMIQ has longer springs and shock absorbers, a stiffer stabiliser for the front axle, a reinforced rear axle, larger wheels and power steer-

ing with a different gear ratio. This raises ground clearance by 39mm – 10mm of which stems from the larger cross section tyres to deliver a total ground clearance of 188mm. The KAMIQ features Lane Assist, Front Assist including City Emergency Brake, Driver Fatigue Alert, and Cruise Control as standard. Using a camera, Lane Assist

NZ MADE BOOTS

recognises road markings and helps the driver to stay in lane, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake lends a hand by preventing or reducing the severity of a collision with pedestrians or cyclists. The Driver Fatigue Alert system recognises a reduction in the driver’s concentration and recommends a break from driving. The optional, automatic door-edge protection is unique to the compact SUV segment, while an electric tailgate includes a Tap-To-Close function is also available. As with the rest of the Skoda SUV range, the umbrella compartment (including umbrella) is in the driver’s door, ice scraper in the fuel filler flap with a tyre tread depth gauge and the integrated funnel in the lid of the windscreen washer tank are all standard equipment.

FREE

Visit www.lastrite.co.nz for more quality products

nationwide delivery

HUNTER BOOTS Comfortable, durable and stylish.

The heavy duty sole construction makes this a robust boot designed for climbing over rugged ground. This boot has a soft toe and is made from a thick Mad Dog Nubuck Leather, stitched and screwed construction with a rubber, replaceable sole, that is glued and screwed. Soft padding for ankle support and D-Rings for your laces are an added advantage. Great fitting boots full of comfort, ideal for those long hunting and tramping trips.

BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE

FARMER BOOTS Lastrite’s Farmer boots are made for

BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION

comfort. Constructed from Reverse kip leather they are an ideal farmers, fencers and builders boot. Very sturdy and made to last this boot is robust with a heavy duty construction. It has a leather insole and midsole that is stitched and screwed construction with a rubber, replaceable sole, that is glued and screwed. Update your old boots now and you will never look back.

WATER TANKS, PUMPS FILTRATION DEVAN CALPEDA • PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •• PROMAX PROMAX • •CALPEDA • PURETEC •& OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •TANKS, RX • CALPEDA • AQUA • OASIS CLEARWATER WATER PUMPS & FILTRATION

10 HALL ROAD, RD5, WHANGAREI Phone 09-436 2794 or 027-436 2793

ONE STOP WATER SHOP 300mm x 6 metre .......................... $410 400mm x 6 metre .......................... $515 500mm x 6 metre .......................... $690 600mm x 6 metre .......................... $925 800mm x 6 metre ........................ $1399 1000mm x 6 metre ...................... $2175 1200mm x 6 metre ...................... $3475 ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.

DEVAN • PROMAX • CALPEDA • •PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER P: 326 8888 www.thetankguy.co.nz P:0508 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz A: A: 30 30 Turners RoadRoad – Feilding Turners – Feilding

P: 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz A: 30 Turners Road – Feilding

CULVERT PIPES

New Zealand’s CHEAPEST Culvert Pipes! FREE joiners supplied on request. • Lightweight, easy to install • Made from polyethylene

Check out our NEW website www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

Phone

06 323 4181

0800 625 826 for your nearest stockist

Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes

RURAL NEWS // JUNE 16, 2020

RURAL TRADER 31 Be Safer With Clic Duals Wheels

Free Range & Barn Eggs

FLOOR REPAIR SOLUTIONS ™

DOLOMITE

NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call... 0800 436 566

SUPPLIERS OF:

• Nest boxes - manual or automated • Feed & Drinking • Plastic egg trays

™

SELF LEVELLING EPOXY RESIN

EPOXY SCREED FOR ERODED FLOORS

Non Toxic, Solvent Free High strength, Rapid cure Chemical Resistant Ideal for cow yard floor cracks

Non Toxic, Solvent Free Chemical Resistant, super strong Self smoothing, easy to spread Covers eroded & pitted floors

QUALITY PRODUCTS MADE IN EUROPE OR BY PPP

❖

A trusted name in Poultry Industry for over 50 years

Get up-to-date news

❖

www.ruralnews.co.nz on Duals for more traction, stability, flotation, towing power, versatility.

Clic Wheel Systems Ltd, ROTORUA

Phone/Fax 07 347 2292

www.clicdualwheels.co.nz

Quadbar introduces the new

REGIS COATINGS

ORDERS AND ENQUIRIES

Ph 0800 542 542 www.regiscoatings.co.nz

FLEXIBAR

735

+GST

Flexibar includes all the safety and convenience features of the Quadbar with the added advantages of:

Rubber Safety Matting • ATV Carrier Mats • Exit/Entry Areas • Calf Trailers • Horse Floats & Trucks • Weigh Platforms • Bale Mats • Comfort Mats for Wet & Dry Areas • Utility Deck Matting

Phone: 0800 80 8570

• A flexible joint that allows the bar to flex rearwards in the event of contact with an overhead obstacle • The joint facilitates some sideways flexibility before locking and becoming more of a traditional crush protection device • In the event of a rearwards flip there is negligible movement from the flexible joint

Recommended by Worksafe. ACC subsidy available

• The top section of the Flexibar can also be easily removed for transportation inside a vehicle.

For a Quadbar, call me, Stuart Davidson, owner of Quadbar NZ. Phone: 021-182 8115 Email: sales@quadbar.co.nz or for more info go to www.quadbar.co.nz

www.burgessmatting.co.nz

FREE LIGHT

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET • Robust construction • Auto shut gate • Total 20 jets • Lambs only 5 jets • Side jets for lice • Adjustable V panels • Davey Twin Impellor Pump • 6.5 or 9.0hp motors

365 Days a Year

SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992

GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE QUICK TO SETUP – EASY TO USE – JOB DONE

PH 06-835 6863 • MOB 021-061 1800 JETTER VIDEO: www.craigcojetters.com

VIRGINIA GOLD TOBACCO LEAF AANATURAL PESTICIDE INSECTICIDE natural pesticide andAND insecticide 1 pound makes 500 litres

KILLS • FLEAS • HEAD LICE • TICKS • FRUIT FLY • MITES • APHIDS

Light up billboards, yards, driveways, car parks, fishing boats, truck stops and more.

Free shipping with NZ post

www.virginiagold.co.nz Ph 021-683 332

No Cabling Cost & No Power Bill (Available in 120W &180W 100-110LM/W) ORDER ONLINE VIA WWW.TRADE-ME.CO.NZ – SEARCH: ‘D2D LIGHT’

Buyer Protection With Ping

RAROTONGA +682 70924 / NZ +64 274438959

CLOSING DOWN SALE! - FLEXI RAINWEAR

After 25 years of providing workwear to New Zealand farmers - our rainwear & footwear is the best it has ever been - however we are unable to get the prices &/or sell the quantities we need to remain viable. We have rainwear arriving in June & anticipate this will sell very quickly. Thank you to all our customers who have supported us over the years! Flexiskin Max Rainwear - there really isn’t another product to match it for durability, comfort & price. Take the flexible fabric, it stretches as you move so you can get around easier. The hood visor will keep rain from driving into your eyes & the fleece collar will keep you cosy and warm when the wind is howling. The 100% waterproof outer layer will keep you completely dry even during a torrential downpour.

PHONE

9am-5pm

0800 16 00 24

ONLINE

FLEXISKIN MAX

$80

$70

$60

BIB OVERALLS

JACKET

valued at $160

valued at $230

100% Waterproof Fleece Collar Hood Visor

earthwalk.co.nz

CHEQUES

LEGGINGS

YES - we are still shipping throughout all Covid-19 levels

valued at $145 Most sizes arrive late June

Flexible Acid Resistant Durable Seams

SIZE

2XL

3XL

4xl

CHEST CM

104

112

122

132

142

152

WAIST CM

104

111

123

130

earthwalk, r d 2, palmerston north

please add $12 freight per order

Datamars

Deal breakers Save

INDICATOR ID5000

$200

NOW $1999 WAS $2499

EID XRS2 STICK READER

Save $500

NOW $2099 WAS $2299

EID SRS2 STICK READER

NOW $1299 WAS $1799

Save $500

“Outstanding performance” LOAD BARS HD5T

NOW $2199

ANCHOR BOLTS INCLUDED.

WAS $2299

ENERGISER 46000W

Save $100

Only for a very limited time. Get down to your rural retailer for these and other fantastic deals today.

TRACTA_DMA63100_IMC Retail_RN

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