rural news 22 jan 2013

january 22, 2013: Issue 530 www.ruralnews.co.nz

RuRalNEWS

farm safetya spate of accidents has put the issue of quad bike safety back on the agenda. page 6

managementThey work for 365 days a year for nothing - the ultimate work force. page 26 off to see the

queenLockwood

smith is off to London to take up a new role.pages 10-11to all farmers, for all farmers

Well-earned recognition

MPI takes leadership role Sheep farmers show the way

Former Agriculture minis-ter and Speaker of the House, lock-wood Smith says farmers have to be mindful of the need to farm sus-tainably and not damage the envi-ronment. But he says that has to be done in a scientific way.

He believes too much thinking nowadays is not based sufficiently on sound science.

“Sadly over the years, it’s my view, that some of the fundamen-tals of scientific methodology have not been inculcated sufficiently into students. i used to teach scien-tific method at university, and agri-cultural science is one of the great scientific traditions that has a very, strong basis in sound scientific methodology. other fields of sci-entific endeavor, to me, don’t have quite that sound basis in scientific methodology.

Smith is full of praise for the sheep industry, which over the years has become very efficient. He points to the huge increase in lamb-ing percentages and notes that not so long ago getting 100% was good, whereas today the good farms are up over 150%.

“if the rest of the economy had achieved what sheep farmers have achieved New Zealand would be one of the wealthiest countries in the world.”

• Smith profile - pgs 10-11, 14

tHe miNiStry for Primary industry is planning to raise the public profile of the primary sector this year and take on a wider promotional role than it’s done in the past.

mPi Director general Wayne mcNee told rural News that this is part of move by the ministry to take a ‘leadership’ role in the primary sector from now on. As part of this, mPi may make consider making submissions on regional coun-cil plans – a matter that farming leaders have been asking it to do for some time.

mcNee says some years ago mAF, as it was then, made a conscious decision not to submit on plans. the change of heart appears to be linked to the ruc-tions that have arisen from Horizons regional council, which has drawn much criticism for its failure to accu-rately estimate the negative economic costs on farming of its controversial one Plan.

Work commissioned by mPi showed the one Plan would have significant negative impacts on farming on the region – a matter that Horizons still disputes.

mcNee says the landcare report on the Horizons situation was commis-sioned before the environment court made its decision. He says it outlined a number of scenarios and one the min-ister for Primary industry David carter highlighted as closest to the court deci-sion.

“We have worked this through with ministers and other agencies and on a case-by-case basis if we consider it necessary, we will look to submit on the regional planning process,” mcNee adds.

He says the decision to submit on council plans is just one example of the new ‘leadership’ role mPi intends to take this year.

“it’s not advocacy, but it is about us fronting the issues publicly in the media and within government circles.

it’s important for us not to call it advo-cacy because Doc has a legislative role for this and there is a lot of criticism of that role. Within government you’ve got to be seen to present a ‘fact or evi-denced-based argument’, not just wave the flag and say ‘primary industries, pri-mary industries’. you’ve got to front up to treasury and ministers with the evi-dence,” he says.

mcNee believes mPi has a major role to play in helping the government achieve its growth targets.

Peter burke

[email protected]

Horowhenua commercial vegetable grower George sue was one of only a handful of people from the primary sector to feature in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list. seventy two year-old sue, a second generation commercial grower, earned his Queens service medal (Qsm) for his work as both an industry leader in the commer-cial growing sector, as well as his contribution to a wide range of community organisations. for more on George sue and other rural/agribusiness sector awardees see page 4.

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neWs 3

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Double whammy for sheep farmersuNFAVourBAle WeAtHer is piling further pressure on sheep farmers grap-pling with low lamb prices.

Dry conditions in parts of the coun-try means lambs are being killed at lighter weights. At the same time, farm-ers are receiving $50 less per head com-pared to last year.

Beef and lamb New Zealand chair-man mike Petersen says farmers are being forced to offload stock at soft prices.

Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and parts of canterbury are experiencing extreme dry conditions after missing out on spring rain.

the double whammy of low prices and poor weather comes after two very good years for New Zealand sheep farm-ers. Petersen says sheep farmers are in generally good shape financially, but they won’t be able to sustain lower prices for much longer.

“if lamb prices remain at this level, some sheep farmers will be looking to exit the industry,” he told Rural News.

the sheep industry’s woes stem from the financial crisis gripping europe,

New Zealand’s number one market for sheepmeat in volume and value. Softening eu markets have forced redi-recting of lamb from those markets onto the strong middle east market and other markets around the world, further eroding prices.

Petersen believes the level of volatility in pricing for lamb does not provide suffi-cient confidence for farmers to invest in the future of the industry.

“my pick is that we will see a further reduction in capital stock numbers and this puts added pressure on the pro-curement situation for future years.”

one of Australia’s largest exporters of lamb says with plenty of cheap prod-uct on the international market, pro-ducers can’t expect returns to increase for at least the next four to five months.

Western Australian meat marketing co-operative limited (WAmmco) chief executive coll macrury says with consumers switching to cheaper sources of protein, an oversupply of lamb will be a problem.

“there’s plenty of product, cheap product on the market and you’re just

hearing all the proces-sors at the moment talking that way and the eastern states as well. New Zealand, who have another 2 million lambs to process this season, which is their big lamb kill, doesn’t commence until pretty much February and goes through until may and there’s going to be

some pressure on there.“For the next four to five months

i’d have to say that the international market isn’t in a strong position at all. “

But Petersen says lamb exports out of New Zealand cannot be blamed for the low prices.

“We are still talking about our third lowest lamb export on record. it’s the subdued demand in europe that is affecting prices.’

BlNZ has forecast a 2012-13 lamb export of 20.5 million, the third lowest on record. it has predicted $4.80/kg price for peak season lamb. Petersen says this is not enough for a viable sheep industry.

He says it’s hard to predict how lamb prices will fare over the coming months.

SuDeSH kISSuN

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ausTraLIan LaMB exports, last year, decreased 6% to 12,128 tonnes.The tough economic environment within the eu, particularly the uK,

australia’s largest market for sheepmeat within the eu, impacted on austra-lian exports, as consumers continued to look for cheaper protein options, says Meat and Livestock australia.

Overall uK sheepmeat imports in 2012 (january to October) were down 9%, totalling 61,919 tonnes, with imports from both australian and new Zealand back, 23% and 5% respectively - illustrating to the tough climate for imported sheepmeat in the uK throughout 2012, MLa says.

oz exports tumble

mike Petersen

@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Dairy prices tracking northgloBAl DAiry prices are continuing to inch higher. However, it doesn’t mean a higher payout for farmers.

last week’s Fonterra globalDairytrade (gDt) auction recorded its third straight lift in prices. the gDt trade weighted index rose 1.1% last week follow-ing a 2% lift on January 2.

more importantly, prices for whole milk powder, which typically accounts for more than half the prod-uct sold, last week rose 2.8% to uS$3288 per tonne.

BNZ economist Doug Steel says the small rises con-tinue the trend of the last few months.

“this fits with our view that in 2013 prices will con-tinue to nudge higher,” he told Rural News.

But while prices rise, the New Zealand dollar is showing little sign of easing. last week it was hover-ing around the uS84c mark.

Steel believes Fonterra has built in some dairy price increase in its 2012-13 forecast payout. the future con-tracts offered in last week’s gDt cover the second half of 2013, so the price increases will not impact the cur-rent season, which ends may 31.

“unless dairy prices lurch higher, the current payout stands as Fonterra will have some increase built into it.”

Both supply and demand factors are encourag-ing the positive trend, he says. the world economy is

recovering with the uS pulling back from the ‘fiscal cliff ’ and concerns about eu economy are not as strong as expected. However, he says the eu is not out of the woods yet.

on the supply side, the drought in the uS is wors-ening, impacting milk production. Higher grain prices are also pushing up feed prices for northern hemi-sphere farmers. this should tighten the milk market, he says.

Steel says milk production in New Zealand remains strong despite earlier reservations about weather.

“the risk of el Nino around six months ago has dis-sipated,” he says. – Sudesh Kissun


4 neWs

Outstanding in their fields

Well-kNoWN Horowhenua – now retired – commercial vegetable grower george Sue was one of a handful of people from the primary sector to fea-ture in the New year’s Honours.

Seventy two year-old Sue is a second generation commercial grower who was born in otaki, but has farmed on his present property on the outskirts of levin for more than 40 years. He and his brother grew potatoes, cabbage, cauli-flower, pumpkins and carrots and sold their produce at markets in Wellington.

For his work as both an industry leader in the commercial growing sector, and his contribution to a wide range of community organisations, that earned Sue his Queens Service medal (QSm). He’s been involved in rotary, Jaycees as well as the setting up of a kindergar-ten in the town. in his days with Jaycees, Sue was involved in a national milk bis-cuit programme designed to help under-nourished children overseas.

george Sue served as secretary of the chinese growers Association and was the founding chairman of the Horow-

henua growers Association, which later became the tararua growers Associ-ation. He has also served on the trust that manages libraries in the Horow-henua District and the children’s Board – which seeks to help young people who get into trouble with the law.

others from the primary sector to feature in the New year’s honours were Dr Philip yates who was made an officer of the New Zealand order of merit for his contribution to agribusiness.

Also awarded the oNZm was emeritus Professor roger Field for his contribution to education and land based industries. Professor Field was, until recently, the Vice chancellor at lincoln university and has had a long and distinguished career in agricultural science.

three people received the mNZm. John Hartnell of christchurch for his contribution to the bee industry and his involvement in the Farmy Army, ian corney of taumarunui for his contribu-tion to agriculture – most notably in the development of NAit and Peter ombler for his services to the kiwifruit industry.

Peter burke

[email protected]

kiwifruit stalwart gains recognition

A groWer for 30 years, Peter ombler has been awarded the New Zealand order of merit for services to the kiwifruit industry – but those services are not over yet.

A director at kiwi-fruit Vine Health (kVH), ombler will soon take over as chairman, with Peter mcBride moving on to become chairman of the Zespri board.

ombler headed NZ kiwifruit growers incor-porated (NZkgi) for three and a half years, was on the Zespri research and Development Board prior to that and has served in numerous other roles.

But ombler says he could list up to 40 others who work voluntarily in the industry who deserve recognition.

“it just happens that i

PaM tIPa

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Psa wOn’T be the only major threat which emerges to the kiwifruit industry, Ombler says.

“But had we had a body like Kiwi-fruit Vine Health prior to Psa, who knows? we might have had our hand on the pulse a bit more and we may have been in a different position now,” says Ombler.

He says Psa won’t be the last disease or pest to emerge because “there is continuous risk and the obvious one if fruit fly”.

“now we have a body whose only responsibility is to manage the risk around disease and pest, hope-fully KVH can play a role in at least decreasing the risk of another incur-

sion of some sort. you can’t say you will eliminate … but hopefully we can ensure we are a bit more secure than we have been in the past.”

However, Psa management will remain KVH’s core function.

“we will not get rid of it – so we will have to manage the spread and have enough effect to make sure there aren’t abandoned orchards creating prob-lems with the spread.

“we have a key role in the r&D space. It is Zespri’s programme, but KVH has a very keen interest in the programme because that ultimately is where the answers will come from… and also people trying different things in their orchards.”

Psa ‘won’t be the last disease’

@rural_newsfacebook.com/ruralnews

got it. A lot of people work on a volun-tary basis and their support enabled me to deliver on things i have done.”

ombler says there were two big issues when he was chairman NZkgi (up until Decem-ber 2011) – the challenge to the single desk structure from turn-ers and growers and the emergence of Psa. the t&g challenge was ongo-ing and “a big deal” at the time.

“We are in a much better space with turn-ers and growers now …. We are now able to collab-orate instead of trying to beat each other up.”

When Psa first hit he says there was “the ini-tial shock and the issue

of managing our way through

that crisis and i was fairly heavily involved in that”.

As a grower

near te Puke,

ombler has hands-

on experience with Psa. He has a six and a half ha canopy of kiwifruit, with about two thirds green and a third gold.

“We were realistic and chopped out our 16A and moved into gold 3 and, like everyone else, we are doing our best and hoping things work out ok.”

Part of his green orchard also has signs of Psa, but he hopes it won’t affect production.

“We don’t really know

how this plays out on green either over time… but my sense of it is, in a well-managed situation in a good location, it is doable in a Psa environ-ment.

“in italy, where they are a couple of years ahead of us, indications are you can grow green in a Psa environment.”

the full picture in New Zealand still has to emerge “but my sense of it is that the genetics of green are robust enough to toler-ate it in a normal year with good management and a reasonable location.”

omber was an organic grower, then had paral-lel production with gold grown conventionally and green organically.

“But when Psa came along we felt there was enough to deal with with-out having to manage the organic side. i didn’t want anything cluttering my thinking.”

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neWs 5

Overseer under scrutinyAN iNDePeNDeNt review panel says regulators and all users of the overseer model must recognise its limitations.

the review was instigated by the Foundation of Arable research in light of concerns the model, which is increas-ingly being adopted as a regulatory tool by regional councils, might not be suit-able for monitoring cropping farms’ nutrient losses.

the review report, released today [January 22], concludes overseer is the best tool currently available for estimat-ing long-term, average nitrate leaching

losses but further work on cropping pre-dictions is needed.

FAr’s director of research development, roger Williams, says there are two main problems: the practicalities of inputting cropping data; and confidence in the accuracy of the modelling.

“the interface for cropping is not yet very well developed,” he told Rural News. “it’s a very onerous task to enter all the data you need for a cropping farm. that may be to do with the pro-gramming, or it may be to do with the protocols.”

Among 11 recommendations made, the review says an overhaul of the way

users enter crop data is needed. Wil-liams suggests paddock data should build year on year, rather than having to enter the history every season. offering pre-populated arable rotations might be another option.

With regards to confidence in the model, further validation of model results against real-life situations and other crop models is needed. “there are simplifications built into overseer that you don’t see in other crop models,” he says.

Nutrient modelling cropping in New Zealand is complicated by the diverse rotations practiced. even with-out those, annual cropping is more dif-

ficult to model than permanent pasture as cultivation introduces another major variable, and different crops have dif-ferent rooting characteristics, nutrient demands, and fertiliser regimes.

“it’s very different to the pastoral system overseer was designed for,” says Williams.

Another major recommendation is an increase in funding to develop the crop model and other aspects of over-seer. Williams says overseer’s owners, Agresearch, mPi, and the Fertiliser manufacturers’ Association, should “principally” be responsible for that funding, but FAr would consider some joint-funding if necessary to ensure

cropping work is done. “We’re certainly not closing the

door to that option.”the review notes the remarkable

development of the model over the past decade and the ever increasing demands on its owners to manage stra-tegic direction, resourcing, and risks the model presents. consequently a review of its governance, as well as an increase in the team dedicated to it, is recom-mended.

the review will be posted in the media area of FAr’s website (www.far.org.nz) today.

aNDreW SWaLLOW

[email protected]

PorkNZ’s marketing blitz

PorkNZ Will next month launch television advertising promoting new easy-cook cuts fol-lowing a levy boost last year.

New Zealand pork pro-ducers are now world leaders in animal welfare standards and PorkNZ chairman ian carter says they also want to get that message across.

Pork NZ released its annual report last week promising a new begin-ning with the refocused marketing campaign and a

new business strategy.the kill for october to

December was down by 10,000, or about 5%, on the previous year as lower prices prompted some to leave the industry.

carter is confident a recent slight lift in kill and the new marketing thrust will see reasonable returns for producers this year. the message to con-sumers will not solely be around the product but the industry also, he says.

“the focus is to further education the consumers and general public about what the pork industry is about, that we are inno-

vative and forward think-ing, and the end product is environmentally friendly and the most consumed meat in the world. So we want to be seen in that light in a more proactive form than we have in the past,” he told Rural News.

PorkNZ held a train-ing programme for butch-ers nationwide last year to produce new convenient cuts for time-constrained consumers, he says. “As an industry we recognise we haven’t done that well in the past and we need to get those five-day (work-ing week) meals when consumers have a limited

amount of time,” he says.last year also they tar-

geted “passionate foodies” but now want to reach the general consumer with the television campaign and boosted newspaper and magazine advertising.

PorkNZ is also push-ing for all segments of the supply chain to add value. “As an industry we are competing with 45% imported product in the domestic market and we still have a reason-able a reasonably tradi-tional sales structure with farmer through to whole-saler, retailer to consumer.

“All those people have

to be adding value rather than creating cost and just being a middle man.”

Another focus will be to get the message across to government that “reg-ulations are put in place which aren’t necessar-ily consistently applied against our production base compared to the imported product” and that adds cost to our pri-mary industry.

“We are among world leaders now in animal wel-fare at a production base – that needs to be brought home.”

@rural_news

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ian carter says pig farmers are now world leaders in animal welfare standards.

PaM tIPa

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@rural_news


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6 neWsQuad bike safety issues raised – again!

tHere’S A big difference between farmers being experienced with quad bikes and being competent to use them across a wide range of tasks according to ona de rooy, general manage health and safety operations at the minis-try of Business innovation and employment (miBe).

She told Rural News that quad bikes are inher-ently dangerous vehicles and there are challenges in getting people to use them safely. Her comments come following a spate of

quad bike accidents both on farm and recreationally over the christmas holi-day period.

“over summer there are longer daylight hours and a lot of work done

on farms. there is often the temptation to work longer hours and fatigue and stress all play a part in accidents. things such as forgetting to check the quad bike or making a simple mistake because they are really tired that can have long term conse-quences,” she says.

De rooy says miBe is involved in a number of initiatives to improve

Peter burke

[email protected]

farmers attitude to quad bike safety and there are some encouraging signs that farmers are starting to understand the risk and comply with safety steps. She says the ministry is working with stakeholder groups to try and influ-ence farmers to be more safety conscious. one of the areas of concern is the use of safety helmets.

“there are a lot of excuses for not wearing a helmet, but your life can change in a second. that’s the tragic impact of poor decisions and yes there is a strong culture of ‘it’s not going to happen to me’,” she says.

Federated Farmers Jeanette maxwell says her organisation is doing much to promote the safe use of quad bikes on farm by encouraging farmers to draw up health and safety plans. She says many farm-ers have been using quad bikes for a very long time and know how to ride them. maxwell acknowl-edges that accidents can occur in a split second, but

says farmers have mixed views on helmet use.

“current quad bike helmets are heavy and sit quite high – espe-cially when you have wet weather gear on. often you have to choose between having wet neck or back and wearing a helmet that doesn’t fit underneath a wet weather jacket,” she adds.

ona de rooy says in addition to its educa-tion programmes, miBe’s health and safety inspec-tors are out on a road ensuring that farmers comply with the rules.

“Between July 2011 and December 2012, we issued a total of 653 notices or warnings.

“these were improve-ment notices and warn-ing letters. if we re-visit a property and find that the workplace is still non-compliant then we would shift to an infringement process. this could mean a fine of between $100 and $3000 depending on the nature of the breach,” she says.

In 2012, there were 761 claims costing $1.4 million for work-related accidents involving all aTV’s on farms. while there were almost twice as many accidents of a recreational nature; the actual cost of these accidents to aCC was about the same as those which occurred on farms.

In terms of age, the largest group involved in accidents involving all aTV use, both on farm and recreationally, was in the 15 to 24 age group (398). But there was also a large number in the 45 to 54 age group (360)

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“there is often the temptation to work longer hours and fatigue and stress all play a part in accidents.”

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Water an MPI priorityWAter reFormS and improved irrigation are top priorities for the mPi, according to its Director gen-eral, Wayne mcNee.

He says having a ‘stable supply’ of water makes a huge difference to the ability to farm whatever type of farming operation being under-taken.

mcNee believes the ‘irrigation acceleration fund’ and the ‘water infrastructure fund’ are key tools to achieving better use of water. But says even more important is the resource management Act reforms and the water reforms which are currently being under-taken. He says these are fundamen-tal to enabling the primary sector to grow.

“At the moment councils are making a number of decisions around the country which poten-tially have significant impacts, not just on growth of our primary industries but on the existing oper-ations of our farms. the govern-ment has signaled that it’s going to

be consulting on reforms this year and those reforms are going to be really important.”

mcNee says mPi and the min-istry for the environment (mfe ) have been working jointly on the water reforms and mPi have had ten staff working on a full time basis at mfe in the so-called ‘water room’ at mfe.

“We are also putting resources into economic analysis to sup-port the reforms and have com-missioned some external work, as well as having done some our-selves. this is designed to help min-isters make decisions by the middle of the year when they come to look at the reform outcomes. ministers say before they make decisions they want to understand the real impacts that are going to be on the rural economy.”

mcNee says they need to get some work done to look what the on-farm impacts of the reforms are and also what the longer term impacts are on the environment.

“So it’s a thorough economic analysis looking at the short, medium and long term impact on

farming and of environ-mental change. the short term pieces of work we have done so far have been focused on the impacts on-farm and in particular catchments.”

mcNee says mPi is already commissioning more information and working with councils to understand local issues. He says the objective is to provide them with data that will help in the decision-making process.

Peter burke

[email protected]

@rural_newsfacebook.com/ruralnews

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8 neWs

Protecting farmer interests sacrosanct – read

Blue read

FoNterrA’S NeWeSt director, Blue read says there is a lack of appre-ciation about the value of grass as the backbone

of New Zealand’s dairy industry.

He says, of late, it’s been too easy to procure Pke and maize silage. read believes some farm-ers tend to focus on pro-duction rather than

productivity and profit-ability – he says profit is what it’s all about. Despite this, the new Fonterra director believes New Zea-land is still very compet-itive internationally in terms of production costs.

read was the only new director elected to the Fonterra board, in a field of eleven candidates, at the end of last year. two incumbents, John Wilson and Nicola Shadbolt were re-elected.

read farms on the taranaki coast near White cliffs about 40 km north of New Plymouth. He and wife Shirley milk 220 cows once-a-day on their 225 acre block, which pro-duces 61,500 kgmS.

Peter burke

[email protected]

the farm backs onto the rugged taranaki coast and views are stun-ning. From the day they bought the property, Shir-ley and Blue embarked on an extensive planting programme and all the streams on the property are fenced and planted.

there is little doubt that read’s involve-ment and achievements as chairman of the Fon-terra Shareholders coun-cil and his chairmanship of cooperative Business New Zealand (formerly the cooperatives Association) gave him a profile.

“it wasn’t a great ambi-tion to seek a position on the Fonterra board, but when you talk to people you gain a realisation about the experience you have had. People said to me why would you not give it a go?

“my time on the Share-holders council gave me the background and understanding of Fon-terra. For me it’s always about looking forward and especially the importance of the cooperative in terms of protecting farmer inter-ests. this is absolutely sac-rosanct.”

read says his role on the Shareholders coun-cil meant that he’s played a role in dealing with some pretty contentious deci-

sion, such as tAF and the setting of the milk price. He’s always been a sup-porter of tAF, but with ‘conditions’.

compared with some of his fellow directors, read is a small farmer – but that doesn’t bother him.

“the important thing in any organisation is diversity and the willing-ness to debate and argue to reach consensus and agreement.

“i think if i have got a skill; it is to be able to ‘black hat’ things. i look for problems and solutions for those problems and surely the job of the director is to be aware of and mitigate the risk.

“it’s also to be aware of the opportunities and to grasp them.

“the fact that we haven’t shifted from here and grown bigger doesn’t mean that i am not suc-cessful. When i look at the success i look at my involvement in Fonterra and the Shareholders council.

“maybe it hasn’t grown my personal fortune, but by god it’s helped our farmers to grow their for-tunes. i take a more holis-tic view of success above and beyond the personal,” he says.

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neWs 9

Oz 2012 beef exports set new recordAuStrAliAN BeeF ship-ments last year set a new record.

According to meat and livestock Australia (mlA), exports topped 963,799 tonnes – an increase of 2% on the pre-vious year and just ahead of the previous record set in 2008 (957,482 tonnes).

mlA says while 2012 ended up as the largest volume year on record, the final result was largely in contrast to the very tough trading conditions for exporters through-out the year. the high Aussie dollar, weak con-sumer demand in Japan and korea (especially for the first half of the year) and increased competition in many markets impacted export returns – especially for chilled beef.

However, there were also several high points for the trade, including his-torically high global prices for manufacturing beef, a 33% year-on-year increase in shipments to the uS (224,007 tonnes), along with record shipments to china (32,905 tonnes, up 324%), taiwan (38,281 tonnes, up 4%) and Sin-gapore (14,087 tonnes, up 46%).

on the supply side during 2012, a surge in slaughter and beef production during the final three months of the year facilitated an increase in beef exports, assisted by lower cattle prices – largely due to the rapid drying off in seasonal conditions.

illustrating the fast finish to the export year, this year had the highest December on record, at 86,229 tonnes – 5% higher year-on-year.

Despite contract-ing 10% year-on-year, to 308,537 tonnes, Japan easily remained Austra-lia’s largest beef export market, taking 32% of all

beef exported. the weak Japanese economy, falter-ing consumer demand, the high dollar and increased competition from the uS all combined to affect Aus-tralia’s trade throughout 2012.

While the uS was the second largest market for the year, at 224,007 tonnes, the 33% year-on-year increase was off a very low 2011. After a very slow start to the year, Aus-tralian beef exports to

korea finished the year at strong levels. exports for the year totalled 125,957 tonnes – down 14% year-on-year, after being down as much as 32% after the first six months of the year.

the combination of increased korean beef and pork production, compe-tition from the uS and a slowing korean economy impacted demand for Aus-tralian beef throughout the year.

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entries for this year’s ahuwhenua trophy for the top maori sheep and beef farm close on January 28, but organisers say there is still time to enter this prestigious competi-tion.

the trophy is competed for each year, but alternates between dairy and

sheep and beef. this year it’s sheep and beef.

the first round of judging will take place in march and a public field day will be held on the properties of the finalists in late april and early may. the winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Hawkes Bay in early June.

AhuwhenuA AwArds close soon


10 neWsShortly Lockwood Smith puts his redbands into storage and leaves for London to take up the role of High Commissioner. In terms of the diplomatic service, London is the jewel in the crown – the most important and sought after post. Peter Burke talked to Smith just before it was announced that he was taking up his new role.

Dr Smith goes to LondonoF All the people over the past 50 years who have held this prestigious post arguably there’s never been a better qualified

person to do this than Dr ‘the Honorable’ lock-wood Smith.

As a politician, he’s held the key ministerial

portfolios of trade, agri-culture, tourism, educa-tion, as well as Speaker of the House. He’s a qualified agricultural scientist with

a PhD in animal science. He’s a successful farmer who’s developed his own unique strain of Belgian Blue cattle. He’s been an

international marketer with the Dairy Board – the forerunner to Fonterra.

But after 28 years in politics, he’s looking for-

ward to a change of scene and the challenges that the post in london offers.

“our relationship with Britain is hugely impor-tant, not just for the his-torical linkages which are obvious but Britain is a member of the european union. Just because it’s no longer the fastest grow-ing part of the world or the most rapidly growing area for trade we shouldn’t underestimate the impor-tance of london. if you take the whole of europe it’s one of the biggest developed economies in the world and it affects us hugely because if europe were to turn to custard, that would affect china, Australia and ultimately

New Zealand,” he says. london itself holds

much for Smith outside the ‘business part’ of his role. He describes it as one of the most ‘special cities’ in the world. Aside from the arts, music and culture there are other things that appeal.

But going to london does have a downside for this passionate farmer – his own farm at ruawai in Northland. He’ll have a manager run his farm while he’s away; to keep going the ‘interesting genetics’ that he’s devel-oped with the Belgian Blues. But as he points out, the chance to represent New Zealand in london is ‘a unique opportunity’.

a political lifewHILe sMITH has enjoyed success as an agricultural scientist, academic, marketer, sportsman and singer, it’s his 28 years on the political stage that he’ll be best remembered for.

as agricultural minister he initiated the reform of the producers boards, as tourism minister he initi-ated the 100% pure brand and as education minister he was responsible for a range of reforms including the introduction of the early childhood curriculum and the first national curriculum, the qualifications framework, as well as the industry skills strategy.

From an agricultural point of view; it was his work as trade minister that stands out.

“I started the whole process that has led to the Trans Pacific Partnership. Originally my concept was called P Five involving the united states, Chile, australia, singapore and new Zealand.

“when I couldn’t get that off the ground in the late 90’s, we did a little trade deal with singapore – the idea being to do a top level trade deal that we could bring others into and that’s exactly what’s happened.”

smith’s other memorable moments were chairing the aPeC Trade Ministers meeting and signing China up into the world Trade Organisation (wTO), which in turn led to China signing a Free Trade agreement with new Zealand.

“They were hugely appreciative because no other country would sign them up,” he says.

smith has performed well as the speaker of the House – firm, tolerant and a man of change.

“we have changed question time and we have changed the way the house handles legislation.”

But after 28 years in parliament, Lockwood smith admits there’s a limit on what he can change and it’s time to move on.

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neWs 11

agriculture the backbone of careerAgriculture HAS always been a part of lockwood Smith’s life.

His early scrapbooks have pictures of romney sheep and Angus cattle. His father owned a romney stud and the young lockwood quickly played an active role in its management.

in 1960, his father set up an Angus stud and eleven year-old lockwood took over the stud records.

“i knew every ewe in the stud flock and every cow in herd by sight. even at a very early age my father would send me off to do all the buying and selling of rams. if someone came to buy a ram dad would say ‘don’t talk to me, talk to the young fella, he knows them all’. So i developed a genuine interest in live-stock breeding.”

At the age of 15, Smith experienced his first real wrench in life when he left the farm to board at Auckland gram-mar. He wasn’t to return to the farm for 20 years, while he pursued a career in agriculture off-farm.

the person that ultimately influ-enced Smith in his career choice was one Dr campbell Percy mcmeekin – one of New Zealand first world renowned agricultural scientists.

“i guess he inspired me to some

extent, with dad’s backing, to be not just a scientist, but an agricultural scientist. i went to massey and did a B AgSci. At 22 i was appointed a junior lecturer at massey.”

He then decided to do a master’s degree and his thesis was on the nutritive value of maize silage. it was some of the first scientific work done on this subject in New Zealand. While he was doing his masters, Smith met up with ruminant phys-iologist Dr Adrian egan from Adelaide university. rumi-nant psychology appealed to Smith and when he won a commonwealth scholarship and decided to go to Ade-laide to do his PhD.

“As well as doing my work in nitro-gen metabolism in ruminants with Adrian egan there was the added incen-tive to go there because the Dean at the music faculty had invited me to study with him.

“that was Donald munro, who’s rec-ognized as the father of New Zealand opera company. He had heard me sing

in Palmerston North and invited me to study with him so i enrolled in my PhD as a commonwealth scholar at the uni-versity of Adelaide. i also had my daily singing lessons with Donald munro at the elder conservatorium.”

At the same time, Smith found a pas-sion for rowing and says his PhD took longer than it should largely because of this. He ended up rowing for both the

university and also the state of South Australia for two years.

While rowing and singing might have been distractions, Smith found doing the PhD hard. He says in those days students not only had to do the study, but build many of their own scientific instruments.

“Being locked away in a laboratory for weeks on end, late at night was not

my idea of a life, so it was while i was doing my PhD that one day i decided that i wanted to get into politics.”

in late 1979, Dr lockwood Smith returned home to New Zealand with his mind set on a career in politics. the fol-lowing year he joined the Dairy Board.

“two of my mentors were John Parker and the late Alistair Betts. they were good operators and i learned a lot from them.”

the time at the Dairy Board was part of Smith’s strategy to get into par-liament.

in 1984 he was elected the mP for kaipara and when the electorate bound-aries changed in 1996, he represented rodney through until 2011. He has since been on the National Party list.

once in parliament, Smith returned to the family farm and so began two new chapters in his life. (At this stage, the singing career was over because his base baritone voice was ‘wrecked’.) But he also had another part time life as a television presenter in both Australia and New Zealand. this included a sci-ence show for children in Australia and the host of ‘W three’ and ‘it’s Academic’ for New Zealand television. • Singing the ‘Blues’ – page 14

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12 neWs

Why the about face?

oxForD FArmiNg conference speaker mark lynas spent “several years ripping up gm crops” and helped start the anti-gm movement in the 1990s.

“i thereby assisted in demonising an important technological option which can be used to benefit the environment,” he told the conference. “As an environmentalist, and someone who believes that everyone in this world has a right to a healthy and nutritious diet of their choosing, i could not have chosen a more counter-productive path.”

lynas said his change of heart came after he “discovered science”.

“i discovered that one-by-one my cherished beliefs about gm turned out to be little more than green, urban myths.”

lynas said desperately-needed agricultural innovation is being strangled.

“the risk today is not that anyone will be harmed by gm food, but that millions will be harmed by not having enough food, because a vocal minority of people in rich countries want their meals to be what they consider natural.”

lynas’ message to the anti-gm lobby was: “We are coming to a crunch point, and for the sake of both people and the planet, now is the time for you to get out of the way and let the rest of us get on with feeding the world sustainably.”

anti-GM activist changes stanceA Former activist who helped start the anti-gm movement apol-ogised and said he got it wrong to a uk conference, attended this month by DairyNZ chairman John luxton.

luxton said a speaker to the oxford Farming conference, envi-ronmentalist mark lynas, used to be a leading activist against genet-ically modified foods.

“He got up at the conference and made a public apology and said ‘i got it all wrong’,” luxton told Rural News. “He now believes gm is the only way to feed the future world population.”

According to luxton, lynas spoke about how he had a polit-ical science degree and was also a campaigner and author on cli-mate change. He was determined his arguments on climate change

would be backed by science and set out to understand it – which lead him to see his arguments against gm were not based on science.

“He realised he was a bright guy, but he didn’t know anything about science so he went back and re-learnt it,” luxton says. “He looked at all the peer review papers (on gm) and did a complete study of it over the years and thought ‘actually i have got it wrong’.

“He started his speech at the conference with – ‘i just want to publicly apologise for having made a huge mistake’ and for encourag-ing a lot of opposition to gm. there are millions of hectares planted by genetic crops around the world and no one has died’.

“this was an interesting per-spective from someone who had been an activist totally opposed to ge.”

luxton says the British Secre-tary of State for environment, Food

and rural Affairs, owen Paterson, also spoke on how there should be more movement on gm produc-tion in the uk.

“So he was also pushing the boat out a fair way relative to what’s seen as ok in New Zealand,” luxton adds.

Both lynas and Paterson’s com-ments attracted a lot of headlines “so it was interesting to see the shifts in direction coming out of the uk”.

luxton says this was among many highlights from the confer-ence. Another included this year’s research paper commissioned by the oxford Farming conference about farming and society – and the disconnect between the rural and urban sectors.

“this was a very interesting report and looked at some of the same issues we are trying to deal with in New Zealand and more specifically within DairyNZ. often people only talk about the negative impact of the farming sector… and the research paper says there are virtually equal and opposite envi-ronmental benefits from the farm-ing sector.”

the research concluded that uk farmers are making significant contributions to national biodiver-sity, accessible green space, health and communities. it also said farm-ers had the skills and geographical reach to address some of society’s fundamental challenges such as health, well-being and self-sustain-ing communities.

But turning that opportunity in to reality required a better con-nection between wider society and farmers, and that was a two-way process.

PaM tIPa

[email protected]

John luxton

@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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14 neWs

Locky keeps on singing the ‘blues’

BAck oN the farm at ruawai, lockwood Smith decided he wanted to breed cattle – partly because the farm was no longer suitable for running sheep.

He looked at several different breeds includ-ing limousins, South Devons and Angus. “then

i came across these Bel-gian Blues and i was just fascinated by the genetics. especially those genetics involving the myostatin gene and the suppres-sion of that gene and also the efficiency with which they produce lean beef. i started the Belgian Blues in 1988, and 24 years later the genetics of them still fascinate me,” he adds.

But while he was fas-

cinated with the Belgian Blues, Smith recognized that the actual breed – as it stood – needed to be changed if it was to be suc-cessful in New Zealand. For example, in europe the animals are stall fed and many of the calves are born though caesarean section.

“So what i tried to do was to ‘harvest’ these interesting genes into New

Peter burke

[email protected]

Zealand cattle. i started with the herd we had on the farm at the time, which was a hangover from the Angus stud. Although we dispersed the stud when i left home, they kept a few old cows and an old bull and interbred them with Friesians.

“there’d even been a bit of limousin blood introduced into them; so that was the base herd i started with. then i started incorporating Bel-gian Blue genetics into that and even used part-bred sires to try and main-tain the polled condition.

the Belgian Blues are horned animals, but now over 80% of my calves born are polled,” he says.

Smith’s focus was on selecting for calving ease, growth rate, structure and the mobility to get around the hills on his farm. While he shows animals, Smith says the selection pressure has always been on perfor-mance.

“i’ve developed an interesting line of cattle that are structurally pretty darn good and they still grow extraordinarily rap-idly. the most spectacu-lar performance i had a

couple of years ago was a bull calf at the royal easter show in Auckland. He would have been barely 11 months old and weighed 584 kilos which was mas-sive production.”

unbelievably, says, Smith, under the scrapped etS he’d have been penal-ised because it would be treated the same as 345 kilo carcase from a three year old.

“that’s what so crazy about the originally pro-posed etS and the esti-mation of the methane emissions from ruminant animals. i’d be one of the

few in this place (parlia-ment) that understands it. it’s crazy because you penalise the most effi-cient,” he says.

Some of Smith’s ani-mals are killed at ruakura and are sold through a supermarket in Welling-ton.

“they put it through its gourmet bar. Now your traditional men would all say it’s far too lean. tradi-tional works would down-grade it because it’s too lean and yet customers actually like it,” he says.

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neWs 15Inaugural on-farm lamb sale may become annual

PGG wrightson agent Paul Petersen (left) talking with feilding identity and farmers transport representative Neville dais at the lilburn on-farm lamb sale.

HugH AND Pru lilburn, who farm Drysdale Station and Ferndale Properties – inland Hunterville, held their first on farm sale on January 9; yarding 7360 lambs from the two prop-erties.

top price of $80.50, for the day, was shared by a line of 321 very good cryptorchid lambs bought by Alan mcleod from Feilding and 61 black face lambs bought by Doug-las Duncan of te kumu estates.

in years gone by, a highlight to the start of the farming year in the rangi-tikei was the annual Hunt-erville lamb Fair held in early January – with yard-ings of 15000-plus lambs. However, these sales are no more and rather than flood the Feilding market, the lilburns decided to hold an inaugural on farm auction.

At around 1860 ha each, both of their properties are steep hill country with 130ha of easier terrain beside the turakina river, which flows through the farms.

the shorn lambs were presented in outstand-ing condition considering the dry period the area had before christmas, with the lines presented being very even. the lambs had been weaned onto hill country crops in the week prior, and stock from this area, 25 kilometres inland from Hunterville, in the turakina Valley, is renowned for its shifting ability.

the white face lambs

are sired by cheviot-cross kelso rams out of romney ewes, while the black face lambs by Suf-folk rams from kevin Nes-dale at kimbolton. lilburn has lifted his stock perfor-mance markedly through a number of factors, includ-ing using kelso genet-ics and strategic fertiliser usage. the lambing per-centage for last year was 136%.

the 14 lines – ranging in number from one of 61 black face lambs, through to the largest of 1872, that sold in four cuts, bidding was spirited and Pgg Wrightson auctioneer keith Wilshire didn’t have to work too hard to secure the sales.

Prices ranged from the $80.50 down to $53.50 for a line of 263 smaller woolly cryptorchid lambs on account of Dean and teresa cunningham who lease 400ha of the Dry-sdale property from the lilburn family. the cun-ninghams sold another line of 289 better woolly lambs at $63.50, and these went to mark toulmin who has properties in Hawke Bay. the sale aver-age price was $66.50/head.

Buyers attended from the Wairarapa, Hawke Bay, manawatu and locally. Prices were regarded as being around $3-5 above the Feilding store market. Agents thought the sale was good, with competi-tion from the estimated 150 people who attended.

it was a great day out for the locals, agents and buyers, but somewhat of a gamble for the lilburn’s. their hospitality was out-

standing with plenty of food and refreshment pro-vided. Speaking to Hugh after the sale he was happy

with the outcome, and although a first sale, it now may become an annual event.

berNarD LILburN

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16 neWsag sector growing in confidence – uDC

tHe Agri and rural sector, along with most others, are showing less nervous-ness than mid last year, according to uDc Finance chief executive tessa Price.

Her comments followed uDc’s announcement that its net profit after tax rose 31% to $37.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. this was driven by a lift in lending activity and an

increased focus on cost management. “From our perspective there are

some positive signs out there as a result of quality new lending, and it is quality because our provisions and bad debts are down,” Price told Rural News.

“it does appear in most sectors including agri and rural that customers are less nervous than they were say five months ago. they now seem to have a forward vision … and there’s certainly been some consolidation which has helped.

“What we are seeing in agri and rural is that while it is still flat, there is still replacement activity going on, so there are pre-orders of tractors and harvest-ers. Some of that is seasonality but in the agriculture sector we did see that a bit earlier – getting those orders in prior and upgrading equipment so they could start work immediately.

“the sun is definitely up and it’s warm and there’s signs of growth. When it comes to commodities i think we all know the story in terms of the Asian

markets on our doorstep.“i think the forward vision is defi-

nitely more confident out there.”Following on from the September

yearly result, Price says uDc had a very strong october and November. october’s result, at just over $109 million, was its highest month since 2006.

“So you can see that we are going back to pre gFc levels so that recovery is there.”

New car sales are up across the board,

a trend also seen at the fielddays last year, she says.

Agriculture represents 11.4% of uDc’s book – including farmers and contractors – and 17.2% if forestry is included. Across the board, Price says in the year to September 2012, uDc’s book increased by 3.5% to over $3.5 bil-lion and the company had a good focus on costs and deposits.

Price says uDc is about New Zea-landers investing in New Zealand busi-ness.

Different country, but exactly the same problem!

uk SHeeP farmers are reeling from a sharp drop in farm gate prices.

the National Farmers union says farmers are now losing on average $55 (£26) for every lamb they sell at market. it also points out that farm gate prices have dropped by a fifth in the past year, while supermarket retail prices have gone up.

last week, uk supermarket chain Sainsbury’s announced it will increase lamb prices paid to 800 Welsh farmers by $1.15/kg until the end of February.

With lamb prices at their lowest for three years, the sit-uation for farmers has been made worse by rising produc-tion costs due to the extreme weather in 2012. impacts from the new lamb-deforming disease Schmallenberg are also being felt with the spring lamb season about to get underway.

the NFu wants retailers to “demonstrate genuine commitment to their British suppliers and customers”.

NFu livestock board chairman charles Sercombe says farmers are working hard to stay on top of a really tough situation. But they face challenging conditions on the world market while seeing a considerable reduction in the price that local retailers pay.

cheaper imported lamb products on supermarket shelves don’t help, says Sercombe.

“What puzzles me is that prices to consumers have increased. Demand from consumers has also remained strong, so what’s happening; where is the money going?

“i want to see a thriving British lamb sector, crucial if we are to attract young people to work in our industry, so retailers have to start working more closely with their Brit-ish lamb supply base to help meet some of the challenges being faced. And we need our customers - the consumer - to reap some of the benefit too.”

Sercombe says Sainsbury’s decision is a good start and challenged others to follow.

“it’s positive that Sainsbury’s has listened to its farmer suppliers and although it only involves limited numbers and is for a limited time period, it lays down the challenge to other major retailers to ensure their lamb suppliers also receive a fair price.

“the NFu will be looking closely at the procurement activities of all major retailers in the coming days.

“the consumer showed last summer on milk that they will not accept retailers paying farmers below the costs of production for food. Sainsbury’s has recognised that sheep farmers cannot run businesses on current prices.

“it’s clearly time for the whole trade to now show they are committed to a sustainable uk lamb industry.”

Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin king says it is pas-sionate about sourcing British product.

“Because of the close relationship we have built with our farmers we can react quickly to the volatile market conditions. that is why we have announced a new price for our lamb farmers.”

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World 17

arla emulates Fonterra’s strategy

DANiSH DAiry cooperative Arla Foods is ditching expansion plans in europe and increasing its focus on china, russia and Africa/middle east.

the co-op aims to double sales of ingredients to the growing food indus-try outside the eu. At the same time, the focus in Northern europe moves from expansion to increased profitabil-ity and innovation.

the strategy change is similar to Fonterra’s strategy refresh unveiled last year. Fonterra is setting up more dairy farms in china and boosting production capability in Asia and the middle east.

Arla notes in markets outside the eu, millions of people have achieved a better standard of living and are demanding healthy and safe food prod-ucts.

Arla Foods chief executive Peder tuborgh says its exports to russia, china and the middle east & Africa region are growing rapidly.

“We will work hard over the next five years to build on the massive potential that these markets hold for Arla’s prod-ucts,” he says.

Defining russia, china and the middle east & Africa as strategic growth markets will see Arla increase investment in marketing, distribution networks and cooperation with local partners in these markets between now and 2017. By 2017 the overall revenue from Arla’s strategic business gener-ated in these markets is set to increase from approximately $760 million to $2.1 billion.

the revised strategy is linked to the abolition of eu milk quotas in 2015.

Without eu quotas it is anticipated that Arla’s milk farmers will produce at least one billion kilos of milk more each year than today. the extra milk cannot be sold as profitable products in the eu due to growth stagnating, it says.

“We have an opportunity to achieve profitable long-term positions in mar-kets outside the eu, and therefore it is important that the strategy sends a clear signal to the organisation that we need to further develop our sales chan-nels.

“our dairy products need to reach many new consumers as these increased global sales will help to maintain a viable dairy business in northern europe,”

in recent years, Arla has strength-

ened its positions in its core markets in the uk, Sweden, germany, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands. Accord-ing to its Strategy 2017, these markets must continue to be developed, but with more focus on refining activities, not

primarily through expansion via merg-ers and acquisitions. tuborgh says Arla has a lot of unutilised potential that must be put to good use.

“We can do this by further advancing our relations with customers and con-

sumers, offering more attractive prod-ucts, and finding new ways to inspire our customers. We will continue to focus on the three global brands of Arla, lurpak og castello, which must all grow via their individual unique profiles.”

SuDeSH kISSuN

[email protected]


18 agribusiness

LIC on hunt for new bossliVeStock imProVemeNt corporation (lic) is launching an international search for a new chief executive.

this follows current ce mark Dewdney announcing he will step down from his position on may 31 to fulfil a long-term ambition to be a ‘hands on’ dairy farmer and expand his professional direc-

tor roles. Dewdney was recently appointed to the tatua coopera-tive company ltd board as a direc-tor.

on march 1, current chief oper-ating officer David Hemara will assume the role of acting chief executive while the position is advertised. Dewdney will con-tinue to support Hemara and the board until may 31.

Announcing the resignation,

lic chairman murray king says Dewdney joined lic in 2006 indi-cating he expected to fill the role for five to seven years.

“He has done that, deliver-ing outstanding financial returns to shareholders and overseeing an organisation which provides a large number of innovative solu-tions for New Zealand dairy farm-ers, and has developed a world class team of staff,” says king.

“lic reviewed its strategy in 2012 and is well positioned for the phase of growth with clear direction and a signifi-cant programme of investment.” Dewdney has extensive experi-ence within the dairy industry both internationally and in New Zealand. immediately prior to joining lic he was the managing director for Fonterra’s Asian ingre-dients businesses.

PaM tIPa

lAmB ProDucerS could learn from New Zealand tour-ism by targeting top-end chinese markets, says Westpac economist Nathan Penny.

Prime New Zealand lamb cuts remain out of reach for some years for many households in developing countries, despite sustained growth in these markets, he says. West-pac predicts china’s growth will accelerate to 8.8% from 7.8% last year.

“Nonetheless the potential’s there to develop top-end markets, as evidenced by the development of the New Zealand tourism market,” Penny says in the bank’s latest Sheep and Beef outlook report.

“the challenge for lamb producers will be to develop their own niche within this growing top-end market.”

Annual chinese tourist arrivals overtook British arrivals in 2012, becoming New Zealand’s second-largest market, Penny adds.

the Sheep and Beef outlook says lamb prices have fallen hard during 2012, while beef prices are still at or near record levels. on one side of the story is Americans want-ing their clean fuels and hamburgers and on the other side is recession in europe with luxuries like lamb off the menu.

in 2011, both beef and lamb hit record levels but since their fortunes have moved in opposite directions with beef 8% down on those highs and lamb 30% lower.

Feed prices for uS beef producers are being driven up by drought and the requirement that 13 billion gallons of biofuel must be produced this year under rules designed to reduce carbon emissions and that country’s reliance on imported oil.

uS producers have not culled as they normally would following a drought. the cattle herd is at its lowest in 60 years. the uS accounts for about 40% of New Zealand beef exports with potential for more growth.

the uS Department of Agriculture expects imports to account for over 10% of the total uS beef market by march 2013 “of which New Zealand beef exporters will grab their share,” Penny says.

in contrast, Australia has been ramping up its lamb exports, putting downward pressure on world lamb prices. its lamb production is forecast to increase 15% this year. However, with the european economic recession expected to last well into 2012, the outlook for this product remains weak.

improving wool prices could offset some of the lost income from weak lamb prices for farmers. china, which accounts for 45% of New Zealand wool exports, is driving the increased demand for wool.

“While other markets are weak, the combination of the increasing chinese demand along with low wool stock levels should drive firmer wool prices in 2013,” the report says. – Pam Tipa

Rich Chinese potential outlet for NZ lamb

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agribusiness 19

Growing uS economy will weaken NZ dollar - hopefully!For tHe most part, 2013’s economic themes for the rural sector are looking generally positive.

However, there will be the ongoing challenges of both the high kiwi dollar and rising operational costs.

expect to see some improvement in export conditions over 2013; with a lift in meat and dairy prices – as a result of recovery in demand from the uS, Australia and china.

the best prospects for any kiwi dollar weak-ness will come from grow-ing uS economic strength. American economic fun-damentals should begin to sharpen during 2013, in turn creating an environ-

ment that will drive down the kiwi against the uS dollar.

While there are other currencies the NZD has recently fallen against such as the euro and Japa-nese yen; the vast majority of New Zealand’s primary exports are traded in uS dollars so this is the one to keep the closest eye on.

recovering economic activity in china over 2013 is set to drive demand for dairy products, while the lingering effects of drought in the uS and elsewhere continue to constrain agricultural supply. the united States drought last year impacted on roughly 62% of that country.

this brings back the

horror memories of the dust bowl years during the great depression. the dust bowl, or the ‘Dirty thir-ties’, was a period when severe dust storms that caused major ecological and agricultural damage to American and canadian prairie lands in the 1930s.

meanwhile, the recent drought has pushed uS beef prices to record highs. With the American domes-tic market a large destina-tion for uS beef; therein lay some good news for New Zealand beef export prices.

there is also a glim-mer of hope for lamb prices, with export vol-umes rising as the chinese start the 2012/13 season on a strong note import-

ing more than double the volume of kiwi sheep meat than a year before. china has recently overtaken the uk, on a volume basis, as a key export market for New Zealand sheep meat – with china importing 62,000 tonnes of NZ sheep meat between october 2011 and September 2012.

Although this does not directly impact already low prices, increasing demand in the Asian region will lead to long term price

support for sheep meat. Fonterra’s investment

units will be ones to watch this year for all those inter-ested in investing in the dairy sector. the units set off with a bang, late last year, when they were listed at $5.50 and have quickly shot up above $7 in early January.

look out for links between the milk price movements and move-ments in the unit price. With the first gDt dairy auction of the year being up 2% and increasing dairy demand offshore; short term milk prices look to be well supported.

unfortunately, opera-tional costs aren’t set to go south anytime soon. this shows inefficiencies in the

supply chain, as a high kiwi dollar – in theory – should bring prices down.

the industry is a get-ting an unwanted double whammy here, where in the fact returns are being suppressed by a high kiwi dollar and not being reflected in lower oper-ational costs. New Zea-land wheat producers are likely to see a good start to 2013, as uS wheat invento-ries ended 2012-13 smaller than had been expected. these may not get the refill this year which inves-tors had expected either, with winter wheat sowings coming in below forecasts not helped by the summer droughts.

So there is a lot in the pipeline across the rural

sector for 2013, but the big themes will be the high-flying kiwi dollar and export markets.

the New Zealand econ-omy is set to continue growing at a stable pace this year; so there is not much here that will drive the kiwi dollar down. So all eyes will on the uS econ-omy for any relief on the kiwi dollar and on our trading partners for any export growth.• Francis Wolfgram is an Independent Financial Analyst with BA in Economics including 15 years’ experience in the financial markets working for some of the world’s largest financial institutions. [email protected]

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Market sNapsHot laMb Market treNds beef Market treNds

Beef & venison prices are reported as gross (before normal levies & charges are deducted). Lamb & mutton prices are reported nett (after levies & charges are deducted). Note: Freight is paid in the North Island but not by all companies in the South Island.

MeatMeatMeatMeat North IslandNorth IslandNorth IslandNorth Island South IslandSouth IslandSouth IslandSouth Island

c/kgCWTChangeChangeChangeChange

c/kgLast Last Last Last WeekWeekWeekWeek

ChangeChangeChangeChangec/kg

Last Last Last Last WeekWeekWeekWeek

LambLambLambLamb - PM 16.0kg n/c 4.734.734.734.73 n/c 4.734.734.734.73

SteerSteerSteerSteer - P2 300kg n/c 4.234.234.234.23 n/c 4.004.004.004.00

BullBullBullBull - M2 300kg n/c 4.404.404.404.40 n/c 4.004.004.004.00

VenisonVenisonVenisonVenison - AP 60kg n/c 6.506.506.506.50 n/c 6.786.786.786.78

North Island 16.0kg M Lamb PriceNorth Island 16.0kg M Lamb PriceNorth Island 16.0kg M Lamb PriceNorth Island 16.0kg M Lamb Price

$3.5

$4.5

$5.5

$6.5

$7.5

$8.5

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

5yr AveLast YearThis Year

South Island 16.0kg M Lamb PriceSouth Island 16.0kg M Lamb PriceSouth Island 16.0kg M Lamb PriceSouth Island 16.0kg M Lamb Price

$3.5

$4.5

$5.5

$6.5

$7.5

$8.5


5yr Ave

Last Year

This Year

North Island 300kg Bull PriceNorth Island 300kg Bull PriceNorth Island 300kg Bull PriceNorth Island 300kg Bull Price

$3.0

$3.5

$4.0

$4.5

$5.0


5yr Ave

Last Year

This Year

South Island 300kg Steer PriceSouth Island 300kg Steer PriceSouth Island 300kg Steer PriceSouth Island 300kg Steer Price

$3.0

$3.5

$4.0

$4.5


5yr Ave

Last Year

This Year

North Island 60kg Stag PriceNorth Island 60kg Stag PriceNorth Island 60kg Stag PriceNorth Island 60kg Stag Price

$6.0

$6.5

$7.0

$7.5

$8.0

$8.5

$9.0

$9.5


5yr Ave

Last Year

This Year

South Island 60kg Stag PriceSouth Island 60kg Stag PriceSouth Island 60kg Stag PriceSouth Island 60kg Stag Price

$6.5

$7.0

$7.5

$8.0

$8.5

$9.0

$9.5


5yr Ave

Last Year

This Year

BEEF PRICES

c/kgCWT Change Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year

NI P2 Steer - 300kg n/c 4.23 4.23 4.60

M2 Bull - 300kg n/c 4.40 4.40 4.85

P2 Cow - 230kg n/c 3.55 3.55 3.70

M Cow - 200kg n/c 3.40 3.40 3.60

Local Trade - 230kg n/c 4.20 4.20 4.60

SI P2 Steer - 300kg n/c 4.00 4.00 4.35

M2 Bull - 300kg n/c 4.00 4.00 4.30

P2 Cow - 230kg n/c 3.20 3.20 3.50

M Cow - 200kg n/c 3.00 3.00 3.40

Local Trade - 230kg n/c 4.10 4.10 4.38

NZ Slaughter Estimated Weekly Kill

1000s Change 2Wks Ago

3 Wks Ago

Last Year 5yr Ave

Cattle NI +79% 15.4 8.6 19.2 18.5

Cattle SI - 3.1 0.0 5.9 4.9

Cattle NZ +115% 18.5 8.6 25.1 23.5

Bull NI +127% 6.8 3.0 9.4 8.0

Bull SI - 0.3 0.0 0.9 1.0

Str & Hfr NI +32% 5.8 4.4 7.3 7.8

Str & Hfr SI - 2.0 0.0 3.5 2.9

Cows NI +133% 2.8 1.2 2.5 2.8

Cows SI - 0.8 0.0 1.5 1.0

Export Market Demand

Change Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year 5yr Ave

95CL US$/lb n/c 2.23 2.23 2.08 1.64

NZ$/kg -12 5.82 5.94 5.80 4.91

Procurement IndicatorChange 2Wks

Ago3 Wks

AgoLast Year 5yr Ave

% Returned NI +2% 75.6% 73.2% 82.74% 75.3%

% Returned SI +0% 68.7% 68.7% 74.1% 68.9%

NZ Weekly Beef KillNZ Weekly Beef KillNZ Weekly Beef KillNZ Weekly Beef Kill

0

20

40

60

80


LastYearThis

Demand Indicator - US 95CL BeefDemand Indicator - US 95CL BeefDemand Indicator - US 95CL BeefDemand Indicator - US 95CL Beef

$1.80

$2.00

$2.20


Last Year

This Year

Procurement Indicator - South I.Procurement Indicator - South I.Procurement Indicator - South I.Procurement Indicator - South I.

60%

70%

80%

90%

Oct Dec Feb

Last YearThis Year

Procurement Indicator - North I.Procurement Indicator - North I.Procurement Indicator - North I.Procurement Indicator - North I.

60%

70%

80%

90%

Oct Dec Feb

Last Year

This Year

LAMB PRICES

c/kgCWTChange Last

Week2 Wks

AgoLast Year

NI Lamb YM - 13.5kg n/c 4.71 4.71 7.36

PM - 16.0kg n/c 4.73 4.73 7.38

PX - 19.0kg n/c 4.75 4.75 7.40

PH - 22.0kg n/c 4.76 4.76 7.41

Mutton MX1 - 21kg n/c 2.78 2.78 4.60

SI Lamb YM - 13.5kg n/c 4.73 4.73 6.91

PM - 16.0kg n/c 4.73 4.73 6.93

PX - 19.0kg n/c 4.73 4.73 6.95

PH - 22.0kg n/c 4.73 4.73 6.96

Mutton MX1 - 21kg n/c 2.56 2.56 4.35

NZ Slaughter Estimated Weekly Kill

1000s Change 2Wks Ago

3 Wks Ago

Last Year 5yr Ave

Lamb NI +197% 106 36 140 152

Lamb SI +525% 104 17 236 195

Lamb NZ +301% 209 52 376 347

Mutton NZ +99% 136 69 123 117

Export Market DemandChange Last

Week2 Wks


UK Leg £/lb +5 1.38 1.33 1.90 1.73

NZ$/kg +12 5.82 5.70 8.13 8.50

Procurement IndicatorChange 2Wks

Ago3 Wks


% Returned NI -3% 83.3% 86.3% 92.2% 63.0%

% Returned SI -3% 81.6% 85.1% 87.9% 58.9%

Venison Prices

Change Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year 5yr Ave

NI Stag - 60kg n/c 6.50 6.50 8.10 7.24

SI Stag - 60kg n/c 6.78 6.78 8.20 7.46

NZ Weekly Lamb KillNZ Weekly Lamb KillNZ Weekly Lamb KillNZ Weekly Lamb Kill

0

150

300

450

600

750


Last Year

This Year

Demand Indicator - Demand Indicator - Demand Indicator - Demand Indicator - UK Leg PriceUK Leg PriceUK Leg PriceUK Leg Price

£1.00

£1.50

£2.00

£2.50


Last Year

This Year

Procurement Indicator - South I.Procurement Indicator - South I.Procurement Indicator - South I.Procurement Indicator - South I.

45%55%65%75%85%95%

105%


Last Year

This Year

Procurement Indicator - North I.Procurement Indicator - North I.Procurement Indicator - North I.Procurement Indicator - North I.

50%60%70%80%90%

100%110%


Last Year

This Year

M re people on the ground, here and overseas.


News priCe watCH

BEEF

Beef prices remain firm in early 2013

Demand for works cattle has remained good into early 2013. Pricing for bull and local trade cattle have lifted slightly while export steer prices have held firm. 300kg bull prices in the North Island hovered about $4.40/kg last week and up to $4.45/kg. Competition from companies has lifted with the rain keeping a lid on numbers in early January. The latest kill numbers were 15-20% below the same week last year. With the NZ dollar firming to above US84c, and US beef prices steady to easing, companies are paying a higher proportion of market returns back to the farmgate. If the dollar remains above US84c for too long and dry conditions continue schedules may well adjust downwards.

China a strong future market

China looks set to become a strong future market for NZ beef. Their economy continues to expand at a relatively rapid pace with GDP per capita following suit. This means the Chinese people have a greater purchasing power to buy higher priced protein like beef with a lift in per capita consumption showing this is already occurring. The building of trade relations with China has certainly paid dividends with seasonal beef export volumes lifting by over 500% since the FTA was signed four years ago. A hike in Chinese demand should help to offset the projected fall in volume to Japan when US beef age restrictions are relaxed and this should help tamper price falls at this time.

LAMB

Lamb prices start a little lower in 2013

Some companies eased schedules back during the break with most pricing between $4.75-$4.85/kg (gross) last week. But there was a bigger range in price. $4.95/kg incl. loyalty premiums etc was still available last week and on the other hand lambs were making as low as $4.70/kg. Overall kill space is still tight, particularly for ewes in many regions. Lamb prices look like they may have found a level in the short term with the start of the Easter chilled season looming and underpinning demand. While the flow of lambs has been a little more subdued with the rain over the break, numbers could keep flowing, especially in the North Island, if there isn’t some follow-up rain shortly. Works ewes are mostly priced at $2.75-2.80/kg in the North Island last week and $2.60/kg in the South. There is a North Island contract at $3/kg for mid Feb to mid Mar supply which is proving pretty popular.

Store lamb prices are also showing some more stability after rain over the holiday’s kicked some life into greenfed crops and pastures. North Island prices for 28kg lambs were $2.00-$2.10/kg. South Island prices were 10c/kg higher with better feed condition there on average.

VENISON

Deer prices stabilise at the farmgate

Like in the lamb market, venison prices have stabilised in early 2013 after falling sharply in late 2012. North Island prices for 60kg AP stags last week averaged $6.50/kg with South Island prices 20-30c/kg higher. Exporters are not shifting too much frozen product in the market at this point with prices still being negotiated. This provides some uncertainty for farmgate prices in coming months.

WOOL

More Chinese interest boosts wool market

The first wool sale in 2013 saw a decent hike in prices for all wool types on the back of increased interest from China. Inter island price variations are now largely gone with North Island prices lifting to match South Island levels last week. There were over 21,000 bales on offer making it the largest sale since June 2012. But despite the large supply and strong NZ dollar, buyer competition for wool was strong with 90% of all bales were sold.

WOOL PRICE WATCH DAIRY PRICE WATCH

Indicators in NZ$ Change 08-Nov 01-Nov Last Year Indicators in NZ$/T Change Last 2

WksPrev. 2

WksLast Year

Coarse Xbred Indic. -4 3.90 3.94 6.36 Butter +32 3986 3954 4968

Fine Xbred Indicator +1 4.72 4.71 6.61 Skim Milk Powder +63 4137 4074 4455

Lamb Indicator - - - - Whole Milk Powder

+62 4016 3954 4663

Mid Micron Indic. - 8.57 - 9.21 Cheddar +39 4832 4793 5240

Overseas Price Indicators Overseas Price Indicators

Indicators in US$/kg Change 08-Nov 01-Nov Last Year Indicators in US$/T Change Last 2

WksPrev. 2

WksLast Year

Coarse Xbred Indicator -4 3.20 3.24 4.85 Butter n/c 3300 3300 3875Fine Xbred Indicator -1 3.87 3.87 5.04 Skim Milk Powder +25 3425 3400 3475Lamb Indicator - - - - Whole Milk

Powder+25 3325 3300 3638

Mid Micron Indicator - 7.02 - 7.02 Cheddar n/c 4000 4000 4088

Wool Indicator TrendsWool Indicator TrendsWool Indicator TrendsWool Indicator Trends

300350400450500550600650

Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov

CXI FXI LI

Coarse Xbred Indictor in US$Coarse Xbred Indictor in US$Coarse Xbred Indictor in US$Coarse Xbred Indictor in US$

250

300

350

400

450

500

550


Last YearThis Year

Coarse Xbred IndicatorCoarse Xbred IndicatorCoarse Xbred IndicatorCoarse Xbred Indicator

300

400

500

600

700


Last YearThis Year

Dairy Prices TrendsDairy Prices TrendsDairy Prices TrendsDairy Prices Trends

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000


SMP WMPBut. Ched.

Whole Milk Powder Price in US$/TWhole Milk Powder Price in US$/TWhole Milk Powder Price in US$/TWhole Milk Powder Price in US$/T

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000


Last Year

This Year

Whole Milk Powder Price (NZ$)Whole Milk Powder Price (NZ$)Whole Milk Powder Price (NZ$)Whole Milk Powder Price (NZ$)

3,500

4,500

5,500


Last Year

This Year

Wool Indicator in US$Wool Indicator in US$Wool Indicator in US$Wool Indicator in US$

250

300

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550


CXI FXI LI

Dairy Prices in US$/TonneDairy Prices in US$/TonneDairy Prices in US$/TonneDairy Prices in US$/Tonne

2,500

3,500

4,500


SMP WMP.But .Ched

CURRENCY WATCH

vs. NZ Dollar Last Week 2 Wks Ago 4 Wks Ago Last Year

US dollar 0.845 0.828 0.843 0.790

Euro 0.637 0.635 0.645 0.617

UK pound 0.523 0.514 0.523 0.515

Aus dollar 0.798 0.791 0.801 0.767

Japan yen 74.97 72.25 70.52 60.70

Euro

0.52

0.56

0.60

0.64


Last Year

This Year

UK Pound

0.46

0.48

0.50

0.52

0.54


Last Year

This Year

US Dollar

0.70

0.75

0.80

0.85

0.90


Last Year

This Year

M re people on the ground, here and overseas.

editorial

the houndWant to share your opinion or

gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to:

[email protected]


22 opinion

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Office dangersyour old mate is well aware of the disdain many farmers hold for the shiny suits and paper shuf-flers who work in offices. However, spare a thought for the dangers these people suffer in the day-to-day work life. reports from england say the Manchester nHs Trust has banned the use of paperclips because staff kept cutting themselves! so, the trust sent out a memo telling employees that all paperclips ‘should be carefully disposed of’ and replaced with plastic fasteners. and you thought life was tough down on the farm!

George who?The Hound hears that rural services company PGG wrightson is being a bit tough on punters at present due to the economic conditions. However, a mate of yours truly was taken aback about how tough when opening up a new account. Thinking his 30-plus years with PGG wrightson and friends with MD George Gould might do the trick, our mate dropped George’s name. “George who?” the answer came straight back. seems PGG wrightson might need to send a profile of its boss around the troops.

a stepping stone?This old mutt has heard how Fonterra farmers view its shareholders Council (sHC) as nothing more than a lapdog of the board – rather than a watchdog. One can understand this senti-ment when you see the number of new Fonterra board members who were also former chairs of the sHC. Of the current directors this includes new chairman john wilson, director john Monaghan and newly elected board member Blue read. so it shows a stint as chair of the sHC is not a bad stepping stone on the way to a Fonterra directorship.

blame it on the weathera sea-faring mate of the Hound tells of an encounter with a marine weatherman in russell, Bay of Islands, while boating there over the festive season. This weatherman is respon-sible for broadcasting weather forecasts to boaties, although his run rate could have been better, says our source. Picking the weather had become “impossible”, due mainly claimed the weather watcher, to “global warming”. Our salty sea-dog laughed out loud. what, he asked, had their excuse been before the world discovered global warming?

Moonstruck!speaking of bad weather forecasters, a mate of the Hound’s reckons the moon man Ken ring’s predictions are about as accurate as his widely inaccurate and infa-mous earthquake predic-tions. according to ring’s summary for january, based on lunar patterns, the driest regions for the south Island for january may be the hydro lakes. However, 500mm of rain in the waitaki and rangi-tata river catchments in january was prob-ably the most had over the summer in several decades.

Where to in the year ahead?

tHe FirSt bit of good news to emerge in 2013 is that the ministry for Primary industry is going to live up to its new name and to start taking a leadership role in the primary sector. Feder-ated Farmers – and others – will be pleased to see mPi’s aiming to be a ministry For, not oF Primary industry.

For too long the sector has lacked some high level leadership. the old mAF, in recent years, isolated itself to become quite an ordinary policy shop by providing ok advice to government but not publicly standing up for the sector. this was left to the minister and a few industry leaders.

that mPi Director general Wayne mcNee has decided to grasp the nettle and take a ‘lead-ership’ as distinct from ‘advocacy’, role is a pos-itive move. it will please those who felt Doc’s environmental views were not countered at a high government level. industry good organisa-tions and some companies have done a good job in this space – as has landcorp. However, those of us who remember the mAF of old recall it did put the primary sector on the map – so let’s hope mPi can re-invent the wheel.

this year will see some major reforms coming through parliament – especially in relation to the rmA and on water in particular. these are neces-sary as there is a danger that some regional coun-cils, for their own perverse reasons, are heading down a track of stifling primary sector growth rather than enabling it to happen.

Sure there needs to be a balance, but achiev-ing a clean environment and growing the pri-mary sector is not an impossible target. on a daily basis we see farmers improving the envi-ronment and their own profitability, so why not on a national basis?

local government reform was inevitable given the indifferent performances by some councils and, in particular, a lack of consistency nationwide.

What we are likely to see this year is the adverse effects of PSA on the kiwifruit industry and by all accounts this will be dramatic. Dairy prices will hold up, so will beef, but lamb prices – as are already seeing – are set to take a bit of tumble.

the primary sector is also likely to get a new minister with the incumbent David carter potentially and reluctantly heading for the speaker’s chair in parliament. the hot money is on his ‘deputy’ Nathan guy to succeed him.

All in all a year that promises so much.- Peter Burke

“the wife and i have just had words, but i wasn’t allowed to use mine!”

edna


opinion 23

2013 – hopes for improved trade and environment

federated farmers Bruce wills hopes for 2013 includes an end to farmer v environmentalist bickering and the tPP.

i HAVe two big wishes for 2013; an end to the ‘farmer v. environmen-talist’ bickering and the trans Pacific Partnership.

if we can get environ-mentalists working with us on solutions, a better environment will reap a pot of gold at the end of an economic rainbow called the tPP. money makes all things possi-ble; something you only discover when you don’t have it.

the tPP is a uS$21 trillion club and europe would need another ger-many just to match it.

i know some have sus-picions and want every-thing done in the open but trade negotiations are like any negotiation. Whether it is for wages or a used car, there are things that must be kept within four walls. i doubt those of a conspiratorial disposition would want their personal details posted on the internet. i also know that any tPP deal will need legisla-tion and if that does not provide scrutiny, what would?

the tPP must elim-inate all tariffs placed on products to protect domestic industries from competition. Any other non-tariff condition must be based on scientific standards to make trade open, accessible and

bruCe WILLS above all, honest.We will be onto a

winner if we can get a high quality deal from the outset, especially one with water tight tariff phase outs and rigour around ‘non-trade barriers.’

look at it like this, 20-years ago our two-way trade with Japan was ten times greater than our two-way trade with china. last year, Japan represented just half of our trade with china. our exports to china have tre-bled since 2008 when the china free trade agree-ment was signed; a suc-cess story for trade access and openness.

if you do not feel like you have expo-sure to exporting think again; every New Zea-land dollar you spend is backed by what we col-lectively export. likewise,

most farmers i know care deeply about the envi-ronment because a farm is a home and a work-

place. this is why we need environmental scientists working with us for solu-tions.

the ministry for the environment’s 2012 bath-ing quality results shows that while farming affects water quality, so does human activity. Farming by itself does not explain the very poor water qual-ity sites found at camp grounds and around small

rural settlements. or for that matter, poor qual-ity water found in many of our urban centres too.

Since it received that silly moniker ‘as among the worst in the west-ern world’, the manawatu river has either had the biggest comeback since lazarus, to be cleaner than Wellington’s Hutt river, or there is a human dimension to water qual-ity.

While history will be the judge, i believe Fed-erated Farmers efforts

on the land and Water Forum (lAWF) may be the end of the beginning for finger pointing. What emerged in its final report was agreement. Agricul-ture, councils and even those organisations we sometimes rub up against, found common ground.

i acknowledge agri-culture has been on the policy back foot ever since someone put two words together and formed

an unhelpful slogan but lAWF changes that. Deci-sions about how we farm with water are better made by affected com-munities than by a distant judge.

Some will continue to throw primary school taunts, but they are the fringe these days. lAWF is a big shift because it rec-ognises the importance of keeping farming profitable and allowing it to grow, so

long as our environmental impacts don’t.

that is why we need environmental scientists working with us on solu-tions instead of problems. With this and a tPP set to supercharge our exports, it would make for a very happy New year indeed. • Bruce Wills is the President of Federated Farmers and attended the TPP negotiations late last year.

“most farmers i know care deeply about the environment because a farm is a home and a workplace. this is why we need environmental scientists working with us for solutions.”

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24 opinion

Bank confident in New Zealand dairy’s outlookrABoBANk SAyS it has a strong outlook for the New Zealand dairy sector, with its December survey showing confidence moving back into positive territory.

the bank says comments about the New Zealand dairy industry were incorrectly attributed to rabobank in an article ‘Agriculture’s mythbuster in top flight’ published in Rural News on December 4, 2012. it disputes claims the bank has undertaken research showing a lack of viability for New Zealand dairy farms, as had been quoted in the article, a bank spokesman says.

rabobank’s quarterly rural confidence Survey, released on December 14, 2012, showed dairy farmer expectations have nudged back into positive territory with those expecting the agricultural economy to worsen reducing from 41% to 21%. more than half

(52%) now expect it to stay the same, while 25% expect an improvement (versus 20% at the last survey).

in the latest survey, only 1% of dairy farmers surveyed considered that they were ‘unviable’, with 74% citing they were ‘viable or easily viable’, and a further 25% were ‘just viable’.

in addition, this survey was undertaken before Fonterra lifted the milk price in December for this current season by 25 cents/kg mS.

rabobank senior dairy analyst Hayley moynihan says that while the rural confidence Survey was conducted before Fonterra lifted its expected milk price to $5.50/kg milk solid, the price still remain 10% below last season.

“Dairy farmers had generally enjoyed milk production flows higher than last year over the first half of the season which

had also assisted income,” moynihan says.

the latest survey also shows New Zealand dairy farmers’ investment intentions have improved with 31% expecting to increase their farm investment over the coming 12 months versus 22% in the last survey. those expecting to decrease their investment fell from 15% to 12%.

looking ahead, rabobank expects international dairy prices to recover in 2013, with weaker demand growth unlikely to dent further price recovery on top of the firming prices evident in late 2012.

Hayley moynihan

FOnTerra sHare-HOLDers are asking how executives and directors of the company got the public float of the shareholders’ Fund so wrong. unit prices went from $5.50 to $6.70 almost immediately on the units being listed. In effect shareholders have given up $100 million of capital to outside inves-tors, $40m of that has gone overseas. The extent of the mispricing of the issue was

clearly illustrated by the low number of Fonterra shareholders who offered to sell shares into the fund: only 900 farmer share-holders providing only 5% of the fund, and 95% topped up by Fonterra versus a reported 10-to-1 oversubscription by eager investors swooping on the under-priced units. $100 million is not chicken feed and as farmer share-holders are forced to tighten our belts during a low payout year, we’d

expect to see account-ability from the Fonterra board for a monumental balls-up. another issue for share-holders to grapple with is that TaF has again resulted in a situation where it costs more to share-up than we get for our milk. with unknown restrictions on the ability of shareholders to exchange shares for cash and vouchers from the shareholders’ fund, it appears that growing supply will be a more diffi-

is tAf A $100m bungle?

cult proposition than in the past. It certainly makes a switch to independent processors look more appealing in regions where that option is available.

Matt Long Whangarei (Please note this is my personal opinion and I do not speak for Federated Farmers Northland on this issue.)

ag twitsRural News’ irreverent and hypothetical look at what’s happening in the farming world

Top Bleats view all

nathguyminister: Ah 2013… looking for-ward to taking over the primary industries portfolio when @ dcartermrspeaker gets demoted promoted to speaker! #love-mynewjob

dcartermrspeaker@nathguyminister: I actually see the speakership as my Clayton’s career move – the job you don’t want when someone else (namely JK) wants you to have it! #takingonefortheteam

bwillsfedfarmers: Mine and Fed Farmers sincerest hopes for 2013 includes more drought, floods, pestilence and anti-farming sentiments from both government and NGOs to ensure my lobby is able to keep in the headlines. #keepingusrelevant

jwilsonfonterra: For 2013 I’m looking forward to @henryexfonterra finally leaving the co-op board and going off silently into the sunset! #buggeroffhenry

henryexfonterra: Let me tell you @jwil-sonfonterra there’s about as much chance of that happening as Kim Dotcom being named 2012’s Weightwatchers slimmer of the year! #fatchance

dshearerlabour: In 2013 I am looking forward to stamping my authority all over the Labour caucus and ensuring their unani-mous support for David Cunliffe, Parker, Lange, Cameron, I mean …um, err, ah Shearer as leader. #decisiveasever

johnkeypm: Ok, so 2013 means I need to stay away from fat Germans; short ACT leaders; gay, red shirts; ACC scandals; asset sales; memory lapses; farm sales to China! #focusfocusfocus

damienoconnormp: Not sure how 2013 is going to turn out but I am pretty certain any bad news for the agriculture sector I will be able to sheet home to Fonterra’s decision to implement TAF!#moreofthesame

mikejoymassey: 2013 will hopefully provide me with more opportunities to run off to international media and tell stories of how every NZ river is full of cow effluent, stale milk and dead babies. Can’t wait! #theskyisfalling

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Rural News

Notice of Confirmed CandidatesNominations for the 2013 Beef + Lamb Board of Directors Elections closed at 5 pm, Thursday 20th December 2012.

Central South Island (one required)As only one nomination was received from Anne MUNRO for the Central South Island electoral district, no election is required.

Western North Island (one required)Two nominations were received for the Western North Island electoral district, therefore an election will be required. The candidates are:BRYANT Kirsten Fordell 06 342 7755McCARTHY John Ohakune 06 385 9235

ElectionsElection Day will be Thursday 21 February 2013. Elections will be conducted by postal and internet voting. Voting papers will be posted on 28 January 2013.

To be eligible to vote, a livestock farmer must, on 30th June 2012, have owned at least:250 sheep, or50 beef cattle, or100 dairy cattle

Livestock farmers owning at least the minimum number of livestock in the Western North Island electorate should contact the Election Helpline to check if they are on the electoral roll or to get a voter registration form. To vote, you must be on the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd electoral roll by 5pm on Wednesday 23 January 2013.

A copy of the roll for each electorate is available for inspection at the office of: Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd, Level 4, Wellington Chambers, 154 Featherston Street, Wellington 6011.

Election Helpline: 0508 666 003

Warwick LamppReturning Officer – Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd0508 666 003PO Box 3138, Christchurch [email protected]

Notice of Confirmed CandidatesNominations for the 2013 Beef + Lamb Board of Directors Elections closed at 5 pm, Thursday 20th December 2012.

Central South Island (one required)As only one nomination was received from Anne MUNRO for the Central South Island electoral district, no election is required.

Western North Island (one required)Two nominations were received for the Western North Island electoral district, therefore an election will be required. The candidates are:BRYANT Kirsten Fordell 06 342 7755McCARTHY John Ohakune 06 385 9235

ElectionsElection Day will be Thursday 21 February 2013. Elections will be conducted by postal and internet voting. Voting papers will be posted on 28 January 2013.

To be eligible to vote, a livestock farmer must, on 30th June 2012, have owned at least:250 sheep, or50 beef cattle, or100 dairy cattle

Livestock farmers owning at least the minimum number of livestock in the Western North Island electorate should contact the Election Helpline to check if they are on the electoral roll or to get a voter registration form. To vote, you must be on the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd electoral roll by 5pm on Wednesday 23 January 2013.

A copy of the roll for each electorate is available for inspection at the office of: Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd, Level 4, Wellington Chambers, 154 Featherston Street, Wellington 6011.

Election Helpline: 0508 666 003

Warwick LamppReturning Officer – Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd0508 666 003PO Box 3138, Christchurch [email protected]

Farmers Weekly, 15x3


24 opinion management 25

Managing farms in enviro units

tHiNk ABout your farm as a series of land units and manage them accord-ingly.

that’s the underlying principle behind complet-ing a land and environ-ment Plan for a farm,

says Agresearch’s Alec mackay, one of the scien-tists instrumental in the revamp of Beef + lamb New Zealand’s land and environment Planning toolkit.

Soil types are a key

factor, but the plan must look at the whole picture, he stresses.

“it’s not just the soil we’re thinking about, but where it sits in the land-scape. For instance here, if we take those trees out,

it would seriously degrade this unit of the farm,” he told field day delegates standing in a paddock on colin and Hilary guild’s Quartz Hill Station, can-terbury, just before christ-mas.

But for a well-estab-lished pine shelter belt some 200m to the west of where the group had stopped, mackay’s wise words would have been lost on the nor’wester rip-ping down the rakaia valley.

the station’s exposure to such winds was recog-nised by the guild’s when their family took it on in 1973. they’ve been steadily planting trees ever since.

“you can’t farm this land without shelter,”

colin guild told the field day. “We always have to keep this in mind.”

An example is their approach to crop or grass establishment.

“We try not to cultivate

at all, preferring to direct drill. But we will cultivate if we have to because soil’s been pugged or damaged.”

running from 500m to just under 1000m, the altitude makes for a short

growing season and a clay pan in the glacial soils limits the areas which can be grazed in winter. Again, it’s an environmental factor the guild’s have

Shortly before Christmas Beef + Lamb New Zealand re-launched its Land and Environment Plan toolkit with the help of Minister Amy Adams in Christchurch, followed by a field day in the Canterbury foothills. andrew swallow reports

why now?The Land and environment Plan toolkit has been revamped and re-launched because “the environment has moved on a bit from when we first put it out,” Beef + Lamb new Zealand general manager market access, Ben O’Brien, told Rural News.

That was in 2005. Today there’s more pressure on farms to comply with regional council regulations, and coun-cils themselves are under pressure from central Government to “take control.”

Those domestic factors were “the major driver” for the re-launch. The aim is to provide tools to farm under new regimes, but there’s also an international marketing angle, for farms to be able to show their practices live up to the clean-green branding, O’Brien says.

“since the global financial crisis there’s not been so much focus on sustainability in international markets as there was four or five years ago, but the wheel will turn again.”

colin Guild (right) discuss soil management with agresearch’s alec macKay at the BlNZ leP launch.

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26 management

Worms the ultimate workforce?tONy HOPkINSON

JoHN Fell has a large business in kawerau with a huge work force, yet he’s never had any prob-lems with Acc, Health and Safety, unions, strike action, or even wage nego-tiations.

“they work 365 days of the year, for nothing,” he told Rural News. “All i have to do is feed them.”

Fell and partners michael Quintern and tom mcDowell own eco-cast, one of the biggest worm farms in New Zea-land. their “workforce” numbered about 400 mil-lion late last year and is increasing all the time. they’re employed across 6ha processing biosolids from the sewerage sys-tems of rotorua and te Puke, mixed with pulp waste from the nearby Norske Skog paper mill.

the pulp is wood fibre

that’s unsuitable for paper making. Historically it went to landfill but now ecocast takes 7500t/year. the biosolids also for-merly went to land fill but now rotorua city coun-cil delivers about 10,000t/year to ecocast, and about 80t/month comes in from te Puke’s treatment sta-tion.

“We are in negotiation with other councils as we could process a lot more,” comments Fell.

incoming biosolids are dumped in a concrete pit then combined with wood fibre in a keenan mixer wagon and laid in wind-rows 110m long, 10m wide and 500mm high.

Scoops of maturing material from earlier rows are added to new rows get the digestion pro-cess started, but as wind-rows mature and run out of nutrients – the biosol-ids are

high nitrogen, the wood waste is high carbon – worms naturally migrate to adjacent windrows to find new food.

“most of the worms shift at the same time and can travel 100m over-night.”

two types of worm are used: tiger worms and Southern worms. Both are prolific breeders with a two year life span. they start breeding at four to six weeks depositing six capsules/week with 3-5 worms/capsule.

Six months after estab-lishing a windrow any plant growth on top is sprayed and incorporated into the windrow where it’s processed by the worms.

New Zealand health and safety regulations dic-tate the residual vermicast from the windrows cannot be used for compost or on land used to grow crops for human consumption.

Fell says he accepts these rules but also that he believes it to be totally

safe: it’s passed through worms at least five times in the windrow, he points out. the product has also passed as Aa grade as defined in the guidelines for the safe application of Biosolids to land in New Zealand. (NZWWA 2003)

only a quarter of the original volume of mate-rial is left, about 500t per row. PJ Brogden contract-ing, Awakeri, remove and spread it, but cannot keep up with the demand.

“We spread most of it on ground being used to grow maize, mostly to repeat customers as well as new farmers who have seen the results.”

Brogden says maize growers report improved soil, more worms, and increased plant yields.

Fell’s partner in eco-cast, michael Quintern, is also managing direc-tor of Noke Vermicom-posting Solutions. Noke is the maori word for worm and by the end of 2013 the various composting enterprises it’s involved

with will have prevented 140,000t of waste from going to landfill.

“this is a significant saving in landfill area, and we can’t keep up with the demand [for vermicom-post],” says Quintern.

“the potential to grow this industry to process formerly waste products has no limits.”

Quintern was raised on a farm in germany and had a university career including a PhD on appli-cation of organic waste to farmland and 12 years’ lec-turing before coming to New Zealand seven years ago.

His first role here was with the former

Forest research insti-tute in rotorua, investi-gating land application of organic waste, which lead to research on worm farm-ing and composting.

“i looked around and saw all this waste mate-rial on the one hand and demand for vermicast fer-tiliser and compost on the other. the surrounding pumice soils were crying out for organic material.”

After forming his com-pany one of his first proj-ects was with tuaropaki trust at mokai south of tokoroa. the trust has 12ha of glasshouse toma-toes which create 2000t/year of reject fruit and vine waste. combining

this with fibre/wood waste from kinleith mill means it’s all now turned into useful vermicast compost and fertiliser.

Quintern believes the dairy industry also has waste which could be con-verted into useful vermi-composting products.

“A large amount of waste is created just from the washings of plant and tankers. this is treated and when aerated forms a different DAF sludge that could be combined with timber waste and pro-cessed through a worm farm.”

Whatever product(s) are used, there are no smells created, he says.

ecocast started a new venture this month [january] on a disused air strip near Kawerau. It will use another 7500t/year of wood fibre waste plus 20,000 tonnes of dewatered sludge from oxidation ponds at the paper mill. The two products are combined in the same way as the pulp plus biosolids, and laid out in similar windrows.

“The advantage of this new product is that it can be applied to any land or cropping ground, in plant mixes and sold as compost,” says Fell.

The material is much safer than many commercial composts as it is matured and poses no Legionnaires’ Disease risk. strong demand from dairy farmers aiming to improve soils and get better worm cultures established is expected.

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management 27

top pasture principles relayedWAikAto FArmer Dave muggeridge’s farm-ing philosophy is simple: keep grass in good condi-tion and monitor growth weekly.

the tatua cooperative supplier’s good pasture management practices are delivering results. His farm is in the top 5% of farms ranked on profit-ability on DairyBase, an online software tool that analyses farm businesses.

the morrinsville farm was also one of the two winners in the Pas-ture renewal Persis-tence competition, run by the DairyNZ-led Pas-ture renewal leadership group. the competition set out to find Waikato and Bay of Plenty’s best renewed dairy pastures. muggeridge’s farm was picked for the quality of its three-year-old pastures, the result of good man-agement before and after sowing, and subsequently.

Judges found high levels of white clover and low weed contents in the winning paddock. they said the success of the pas-tures, established in 2009, came down to good graz-ing management, careful pre-sowing preparation and a correct choice of endophyte (Ar37).

muggeridge says he opted for commando Ar37, a diploid perennial ryegrass, sown with trib-ute and emerald white clover. last month he hosted a fielday on his farm to share his success story with 40 other farm-ers.

the wining paddock was converted from old pasture in 2009 follow-ing the removal of a hedge. muggeridge says he did not rush the pasture estab-

lishment process.“the paddock was

grazed and then sprayed with round-up before being ploughed. We waited for rain to lift soil moisture, then power har-rowed, rolled, sowed and rolled again the same day.”

the first grazing involved 160 cows but only after the pasture passed the ‘pluck test’. the cows had about two hours in the paddock and were removed once a resid-ual of 1500kg Dm/ha was achieved.

the second grazing was during a winter round of 90 days, the cows going in when cover reached 2500kg Dm/ha, again graz-ing down to 1500kg Dm/ha.

muggeridge says main-taining paddock quality is the key.

“the cows are moni-tored while in paddocks at all times during wet weather to ensure pad-docks are not being dam-aged. if there are signs of pugging the cows are stood off on the feed pad. i believe in an absolutely no pugging policy.”

Feed deficits are filled with Pke or silage. mug-geridge and his wife mary have owned the 90ha (effective) farm since 2006. they run 270 cows and target 110,000kgmS this season. contract milk-ers Ashley and Andrew kowalski have been on the farm since June 2011.

muggeridge has a five-year plan for the farm that includes pasture renewal, even though pastures are still producing well. regrassing what turned out to be the winning pad-dock has taught them some valuable lessons, he says.

“Don’t rush the seed-bed preparation… A firm seedbed and compaction

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Here’s how it’s done…..dave muggeridge makes a point to farmers a pasture

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28 managementthree levels to relaunched LeP

FrOM PaGe 25

built into their manage-ment, acquiring two run-offs to limit the number of stock they have wintering on the station.

“We keep the cattle off the heavy flats in winter… it can get impossibly wet, and did [last] year.”

location of water-ways and erosion risk is taken into account with

any development, espe-cially fencing. tussock is preserved and encour-aged near water to protect soil and water. on steeper country spraying of mata-gouri is “strategic” to leave some for soil and stock shelter.

two areas of red tus-sock are protected by Qe2 covenants.

extensive soil testing

drives nutrient manage-ment decisions.

“We have a rigid liming policy because of the wet-ness. We come back in [with lime] every five years.”

mackay says when doing a leP, the princi-ple is to think about how best to use and preserve the resources of the farm going forward.

“you need to build on a property’s advantages without degrading its resources.”

the BlNZ toolkit splits the process into three levels: level 1, or entry level; level 2; and level 3 which aims to achieve standards suitable for quality assurance pro-grammes.

completing a level

3 leP will be least challenging when part of the standards are already being achieved, and a level 2 leP has already been prepared, says the levy-body.

A manual for each level presents a step by step approach to assessing the farm’s resources and building an appro-priate management plan

around them.Northern South island

extension manager ian knowles says because every farm is different, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and every farm will need to work out their own plan.

“if this stuff was easy we’d have posted out a little capsule, but there’s no silver bullet to these things.”

copies of the toolkit are available from BlNZ: 0800 233352. or see www.beeflambnz.com

the land and environment Plan toolkits contain a booklet for each level, breaking the process down into manageable steps.

Rural professionals aim to raise gametHe NeW Zealand institute of Primary industry manage-ment has created a new position of chief executive follow-ing a comprehensive strategic review of the institute’s role.

Stephen macaulay, previously general manager of the Agricultural and marketing research and Development trust (AgmArDt), has been appointed to the position, and says the aim is to build professionalism of members so they are better placed to meet farmers’ advisory needs.

“When you look at the level of sophistication of farm-ing systems now, and the regulatory environment, the need for a greater skill set and professionalism among those providing services on farm has never been greater,” he told rural News.

NZiPim president Wayne Allan, says he’s delighted macaulay, who hails from a farming background in South canterbury, will lead the organisation.

“industry sectors and government agencies are looking to NZiPim to help the farming community work through a number of important issues. these include increased regulation of land use with respect to water quality and environmental performance, as well as the continued development and profitability of farming systems.”

macaulay’s experience with AgmArDt and previous role as general manager of the retail meat industry train-ing organisation and retail meat New Zealand, means he’s well placed to meet these challenges, says Allan.

NZiPm was formed in 1969 as a voice for qualified rural professionals within New Zealand. it has a membership of 700 spanning a wide variety of occupations including: agribusiness and farm management consultancies, edu-cation providers, farm finance and accountancy firms, rural banking, farmers, fertiliser companies, rural valua-tion, agri-sciences, property management, veterinary ser-vices and other agri-business positions.

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animal health 29

bumper season sees big wins for sometHe FeStiVe season saw thirty-four lucky farmers land an extra and unex-pected christmas pres-ent courtesy of animal health firm coopers and a range of other companies involved in its Bumper Season initiative.

For most, the prize was a drench-backpack with gun, but four win-ners landed considerably bigger catches, such as ross Paterson of Waikaka Studs, gore, who drew the gallagher weigh scale and data collector prize.

“it’s awesome,” Pater-son told Rural News. “it’s a great product to have and to get to play with. i’m pretty enthusiastic about that [recording] side of things.”

While he and his family already use eiD to track

growth and other traits in their 700 romney, romPer, and romtex stud ewes, plus the 150 texels, the unit is a definite improvement, he adds.

“this machine is built to do this kind of stuff. the one we’ve got is much older and we’ve upgraded it over the years. i’m look-ing forward to using this one.”

Paterson won thanks to filling in an online form with the numbers off a couple of 10 litre packs of Scanda, coopers’ oxfenda-zole + levamisole combi-nation drench.

“We use a lot of con-verge (abamectin + levam-isole) but thought we’d mix it up a bit and use another family of actives to make sure we stay clear

of any resistance.”converge

was the coo-pers’ product

which saw tennant

mcNeil,

tahunga, inland of gis-borne, land a Stihl mS391 chainsaw.

“i’m bloody wrapped. it’s a great saw,” he told rural News.

in partnership with his brother he runs a 50,000 stock unit sheep and beef business on a range of owned and leased proper-ties up the east coast.

“there’s plenty of opportunity on the east coast, and plenty of opportunity to use a chainsaw!”

coopers’ first Bumper Season draw also saw a Honda xr125 farm bike and Honda WB20 water pump presented.

the bike went to Southland-based builder and lifestyle farmer, richard Wilson, while the pump winner was Nancy craig, of mt charles, Herbert, North otago. craig admitted she had her granddaughter to thank for her and husband

Jim’s windfall.“She filled it all in for

us online. i knew nothing about it until i heard i’d won.”

coopers’ brand manager, Shelley reynolds, says the Bumper Season, bump up your productivity and win, initiative is on-going with another 34 winners announced last week (see panel) and the same number of names to be drawn in February.

“then the 15th of march is the big one. everyone who has entered in any month will go into the draw to win just one big prize, which will be the farmer’s choice between a gallagher Sheep Auto Drafter with weigh scale and tag reader, or a Honda Big red muV four-wheeler.”

results of draws to date, and how to enter for subsequent draws, are on www.bumperseason.co.nz

latest Winnersjames Barron, Matamata: Gallagher weigh scale & data collectorLauchie Phillips, Putaruru: Honda Xr125 farmbikeGraham wheeler, Taumaranui: stihl Ms391 chainsawamy Barrett, Gore: Honda wB20 water pump

tHree more cases of Bovine Johnes Disease (BJD) in Queensland have been reported.

BJD is a notifiable disease in the state and two of the suspected new cases have been traced to movements from a Brahman stud near rockhampton which was found to have the disease late last year (Rural News, Dec 4).

A third suspected case is on a separate property in Southern Queensland, in an animal

imported from one of Austalia’s southern states where BJD is endemic.

“there are market implications for those that have Johnes Disease for live exports,” ABc News reported Biosecurity Queensland’s chief veterinary officer rick Symons as saying.

Stud producers are lobbying for the disease’s notifiable status to be lifted, arguing movement restrictions imposed on

properties notifying outbreaks, and those they deal with, encourage producers not to report possible cases.

the Brahman stud case led to movement restrictions on 160 properties which had received cattle from it.

restrictions remain in place until properties test negative for the disease, which could take months. Positive tests trigger full quarantine and cull requirements.

More BJD cases in Queensland

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30 animal health

Facial eczema season off toaNDreW SWaLLOW

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flavouring is one solution to avoidance issues with the zinc administered through water systems.

eArly SPore counts point to a potentially severe facial eczema season with vets advis-ing clients to heed the warning signs and protect stock.

“Zinc is only protective,

not curative,” points out Angus campbell of North-land Veterinary group, Whangerei.

“you want it there before the spores hit the liver. if damage has been done, zinc won’t fix it.”

Beef and lamb New Zealand’s risk and inci-dence monitor* shows

20% of sites had elevated spore counts as of January 11, far higher than at this stage in the three previ-ous years. rodney, North Auckland, topped the table with a massive one million spores per gram.

Rural News went to press before Jan 18 data was available, but camp-

bell says conditions have continued to be favourable (warm nights, plus moist pasture) for the fungus so it is likely spore counts will be on the rise at more sites.

Spore counts can double every 24-48 hours, so a low reading can rise very rapidly, going from

1000 to 2000 then 4000 and 8000 and so on in as little as a week, he explains.

“you need to be very careful about relying too heavily on low readings. if there are some high read-ings, you can be pretty sure they will soon be high all over the district.”

that said, local varia-tions in weather and pas-ture make a big difference so taking pasture samples from at risk paddocks and getting them analysed is “not a bad idea,” camp-bell adds.

“Not many farms do their own spore counts these days, but it is a good idea because the best information is that spe-cific to your farm, not one 10 or 15km away.”

that advice is echoed by Feilding-based vet trevor cook who trav-els nationwide on consul-tancy work.

“As soon as there’s an indication spore counts are going up in your area,

switch to your own moni-toring,” he suggests.

the cost of tests is min-imal and methodical sam-pling across a farm will help identify high and low risk paddocks.

“you can build a pic-ture of where you can shift stock to if and when spore counts start to rise, and try to accumulate feed in the lower risk areas so that there’s feed there when it’s needed.”

Sheltered and shady areas with longer pas-ture are most likely to have high spore counts, so those are the areas to take pasture samples in first, he says.

the fact there were

altum’s dairy anglewhile cattle, sheep, deer and goats are all susceptible to facial eczema, for dairy farmers in particular, the disease can “put a real brake on production,” warns altum’s jackie aveling.

sub-clinical Fe from exposure to the spore-born toxin sporadesmin can cause immediate drops in milk production before physical signs appear, she points out.

“It’s possible that farmers will not be aware of the full extent of a facial eczema problem until it’s too late. If as little as 3% of the herd show clinical signs of facial eczema, then subclinical cases can affect up to 70% of the herd.”

affected animals’ production can be halved, she warns.

“Farmers need to take into account the cumula-tive effect of spore consumption. a count of 60,000 is considered high risk, but stock can still be affected with cumulative effects at lower counts.”

spore counts increase where grass temperatures are above 12 degrees for three consecutive nights.

aveling says dosing troughs with zinc sulphate doesn’t guarantee protection as zinc tastes bitter and can reduce water intake. altum’s solution is to improve the taste with Zincmax+, a combination facial eczema treatment with agricultural Compounds and Veteri-nary Medicines (aCVM) registration.

“Zinc in the feed isn’t an aCVM registered treat-ment,” she notes.

The peppermint taste of Zincmax+ makes it palat-able, helping herds maintain water consumption, says altum. It also contains organic copper which helps offset zinc’s antagonistic affect on absorption of copper, an important trace element for production, immune response and breeding. Low copper can also affect growth and fertility in heifers.

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animal health 31

ominous startProductivity losses can occur even if there are no visual symptoms, warn vets.

already pockets of ele-vated counts early in Jan-uary is an indication the fungus is “up and running and starting to multiply early in the season,” cook warns.

“the potential to pro-duce large spore numbers later in the season requires the fungus to start multi-plying early in the season.”

However, dry spells in the east of the country should limit risk in those regions, he notes.

According to cook, often farms are unaware of productivity losses due to Fe as there may be few, if any, symptoms, other than maybe a few lambs with crusty ears.

“then there will be a lower result at pregnancy scanning that they can’t explain.”

in hoggets, exposure to the spores, as indicated by raised ggt levels in the blood, will cause a life-long fertility reduction, he adds.

“So the consequences

are significant.”campbell notes the

disease has occasion-ally caused deaths num-bering in the hundreds in unprotected dairy herds in the Waikato, but in less extreme cases production losses are still marked yet may go undiagnosed.

“Probably only 20% of cases develop skin lesions.”

His preference is for direct treatment, either by drench or bolus, to ensure every animal gets the required amount of zinc to protect it. in dairy herds drenching every three days would be the norm, but that can be stretched to a once a week interval for dry stock.

Protection from bolus treatment lasts four to six weeks, depending on the brand.

“We have seen clinical symptoms as late as June but usually the risk is gone by April-may.”*www.beefandlamb.com/farm/facial-eczema/

re Rural News, December 18, p55, Mixing Calf Lines, where 30 out of a batch of 61 calves died of salmonella. surely [rearer] Trish Hosking would have inspected her new calves prior to their delivery to her new, clean calf sheds. Did they show any sign of ill health? as a sole rearer of 500 plus calves this season, my little ones were also subjected to this “horrible” and contagious disease. starting with the loss of a few highly prized and productive cows on the farm, it came without warning. Vet consulta-tion put us at ease when told it would not pass onto the calves… it did!

all cows were vaccinated imme-diately, but too late: many of their offspring started showing the signs of salmonella. Faecal samples showing blood were sent very quickly for laboratory testing which

confirmed that a number of calves had salmonella. Before results came back antibiotics, electrolytes and probiotics were started on all the pens that were already in and all new calves isolated even if they showed no symptoms. It was “full on” moni-toring and treating: any calf who did not respond was moved to a ‘sick bay’. Hard work, heart breaking and time consuming, but worth it: I lost 9 calves, not all from salmonella. I would have been devastated not only emotionally, but financially, if it had been 50% of the calves I raised under contract.

so what went wrong for Trish?The lessons I have learnt are:• Only buy healthy looking calves:

leave others for another “fool” or buy at a reduced price and work a little harder for a successful outcome.

• Treat under vet consultation as soon as any symptoms appear. Confirm your suspicions with lab tests on faecal samples.

• Keep hygiene levels very high, including protecting the rearer with hand hygiene. Keep infants and chil-dren away from sick calves. salmo-nella can be fatal for children. Keep fingers and toes crossed for a good outcome.

• and yes, don’t mix calves from different sources prior to sale, although this can still happen if a rearer purchases from several different independent farms. It’s just a matter of keeping each group together until weaned if possible and observing health changes and being quick to act.Diane Collie, tikokino,Hawkes bay

sAlmonellA ‘horrible And contAgious’

Beef + lamb adviceFacial eczema is “a hidden killer”, Beef + Lamb new

Zealand says on its webpage dedicated to the disease.

“If you live in the north Island, you probably have a

problem with facial eczema, and it will be costing you,”

it warns.

“your losses are much greater than they appear.

even when no symptoms are visible, Fe can reduce

lifetime productivity by 25%. However you can mini-

mise the risk.”

The levy-body says breeding for increased toler-

ance should be the first line of defence and buying

Fe-tolerant rams will make a big difference in just a few

years.

Other methods to reduce Fe damage include

zinc treatments, quitting stock early, building feed

reserves and light rotational grazing. Fungicide sprays

before the onset of the Fe season can reduce spore

counts for five to six weeks.

sharing information with neighbours, taking

advice, and not relaxing precautions too soon are also

advised.

“a few cool nights or heavy rain doesn’t mean

danger has passed,” warns Beef + Lamb nZ. “Once

spore counts rise, pastures remain toxic until the

spores disappear.”

Back by popular demand – the ‘wheel’ vaccination planner is being delivered to sheep farms all over the country. It’s all about helping you make the best decisions pre-mating, by planning what sheep performance vaccines will help you achieve your goals, and when you should use these. If something goes wrong at pre-mating, it can take a long time for lamb numbers to recover. Getting the timing right can make all the difference to the outcome for your next lambing season. And because of the way biological vaccines are made, you need to plan ahead to ensure you’ll be in the best shape possible.Your vet is your animal health expert. So talk to them today about the best vaccination programme for your farm or visit www.sheepvax.co.nz

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machinery & products 33

Speedy baler handles it all easilySoutHlAND coN-trActor Jason Hawker says you don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve tried a mcHale baler.

Hawker runs Waimea contracting ltd in rivers-dale and trialled a mcHale V660 baler two seasons ago.

“We were pretty happy with the way it performed. it made a nice tight bale. We aim to make the tight-est bale of baleage that we can. the more in the bale, the better and more cost effective it is for the farmer.”

it also helped that Power Farming is New Zealand’s mcHale distributor. Hawker says, in the past, he has had good support from Power Farming. Whenever his drivers had hiccups with a machine, product manager Nigel Prattley and his team were ready to answer questions or shoot out to see them.

With this history of good service behind him, once he’d tried the new mcHale model, the out-come was inevitable: Waimea contracting became the proud owner of a mcHale V660.

“the baler was pro-vided by Power Farming in gore. Shane o’Donnell made the transition easy for us. it was the right choice for a busy com-pany,” Hawker adds.

Waimea contracting has more than 25 years’ experience. combined

with parent company Waipounamu contract-ing, they offer a wide range of services.

Hawker says to provide the best service, you need the best gear for the job, and the V660 is just that.

“it’s improved our business,” he adds. “there are lots of features to like. it has a variable belt chamber and works well on a range of crops includ-ing grass, whole-crop, hay and straw.

“We chose the V660 because it’s a straight baler without a wrapper. While there is still a place in our business for a baler-wrapper combination, there’s a limited window in a day to make bales.

“A baler that is also a wrapper slows you down a bit. We can move around more quickly with just the baler. the man with the wrapper can follow along and can work into the night if need be. We have to try and make the best quality bales while condi-tions are good.”

lots of bales in the area are also tube-wrapped and they didn’t need the extra weight of a baler/wrapper, especially on hills.

“the V660 is a very stable baler. When con-ditions are good we can make around 60 bales an hour. it’s up there with the best of them,” he says.

most of the hay and straw bales Waimea con-tracting makes are 5 x 4, while most of the grass baleage bales are 4 x 4.

the baler copes equally well with straw or baleage with no extra adjustment needed.

“it has a 2.0m pick-up and a bank of 15 knives that is hydraulically engaged from the com-puter in the cab. you can also use the cab moni-tor to adjust bale size and density,” Hawker says.

“it also has a drop floor to deal with blockages. it opens the throat and 99 percent of the time it will pull the block through and suck it straight into the chamber.”

the bales are net-wrapped. it’s a simple system which copes with most types of net. they’ve now opted for Agpac’s marathon brand and apply three layers of netting.

maintenance on the V660 is easy. there’s a chain oil reservoir on the side of the baler, which Waimea contracting staff top up every morning, and the grease points are all easy to get to.

Hawker says the mcHale V660 does a great job and is easy to use.

“it’s driver-friendly. the monitor is easy to find your way around and we can chop and change staff and there’s no hassle for them all to use it. We’re really happy with the baler and its ideal for what we need.”

Further information is available from graeme leigh on 07 902 2280 or [email protected].

Jason Hawker and partner emily Norton. Jason says his farmer

clients like the tight bales his mcHale

V660 baler makes, and he likes its easy

operation.

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34 machinery & products

Outlander Xt excellent value for moneycAN Am and BrP are synonymous with build-ing top-class recreational vehicles with the brand now taking market share off the established makes with their range of capable Quad bikes.

in 500cc spec, the outlander xt is a com-fortable and versatile mid-range machine, that would shame some of the larger

capacity AtV’s. in canary yellow, you will not lose this machine in the pad-dock, unless it’s full of Buttercup!

With its 40 hp V twin, fuel injected rotax engine there is plenty of go, and the outlander in 500, 650, 800 and 1000cc are the only AtV’s on the New Zealand market with adjustable power steering, called tri-mode Dynamic Power Steer (DPS) in can

berNarD LILburN Am speak. Sounds like a gimmick? Believe me; it works –with three settings that adjust the amount of assistance provided.

Suspension is key to this machine and it’s a great ride. A torsional trailing arm at the rear provides class-leading comfort and the mcPher-son double A arm front suspension keeping it all balanced and plush. Hidden in the front wheels are two big 214mm venti-lated disc brakes with twin

calipers and a single disc – the same size for the rear. With this bike coming from the uS, the left hand brake operates both axles. this provides progressive and controlled braking, while the foot brake only operates the rear brakes as is usual.

With front suspension travel of 229mm and rear, 236mm, there is plenty of room to soak up bumps and ground clearance is 279mm. Solidly built, the 500 xt tips the scales at

320 kg, which is heavier than almost all Japanese Quads. this has a bear-ing on towing ability, and is rated at a class-lead-ing 600kg. rack capacity is 136kg, and the test unit came with the standard heavy duty bumpers front and rear, which adds to the look too.

the outlander 500 xt is packed with features,

such as the selectable 2 and 4 wheel drive system, with the trademarked Visco-lok front differen-tial. this works by detect-ing slip and diverting traction to the wheel that isn’t spinning, much like the clever All Wheel Drive systems found in expen-sive cars.

A comprehensive “multimeter” dash dis-play keeps track of fuel, time, speed, hours with trip functions along with a rev counter. the 500 xt comes standard with a 3000lb (1500kg) WArN 8 winch with roller fair-lead and remote control. useful!

i went on an 80km “cockies day out” around the hills of Hunterville in the rangitikei, run by the Poukiore Dog trial club. i was amazed at how well the outlander treated me, and my daughter, who was very sore after being beaten up by a horse the day before.

We alternated between a 400cc outlander and

the test rig. And the dif-ference is? if the 400 is a Hi-lux, then the 500 is the latest range-rover – such is the difference in power, comfort and ease of oper-ation. We negotiated some hairy slopes on the ride and it was amazing to see the non-Japanese machines scrabble their way up and down the hills with no drama, helped by the excellent cVt trans-missions –meaning that the machine is in the right gear every time!

the engine braking on the 500 isn’t as good as its smaller sibling, but still plentiful enough for strong downhill control.

the outlander on test is in run-out mode, with the new g2 version with altered styling and a few upgrades imminently due. these machines are very well priced. See your local dealer for a sharp deal, and with the $1000 cash back offer being extended, at $12,450, these well spec’d machines are excellent value for money.

outlander 500 Xt.

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innovators in agriculture



FertiliSer SPreADiNg speed and accuracy have risen for a timaru dairy farm manager since he began using trac-map, the company says.

chris edge, milking 830 cows on 220ha at Pleasant Point, west of timaru, first had his whole property digitally mapped by tracmap, then six months ago began using the company’s traclink farm fertility and nutrient

management system. traclink allows use of a computer to order fertiliser and to select the paddocks to be spread. the software interface allows the farmer to note the type of fertiliser to apply, volume, supplier, timeframe for applying it, any notes on application and the area it needs to be spread on.

All fertilizer is applied on the edge farm temuka transport, who until Jan-uary 2012 relied on edge noting the required fertiliser applications on a farm

map, and leaving it in their letterbox for the truck drivers to collect.

Now edge nominates paddocks from a computer map, this information being sent directly to temuka transport’s gPS systems.

this has greatly simplified the pro-cess, edge says. “our internet connec-tion is very slow; i can submit an order in 10 minutes, or five minutes if the inter-net is quicker.”

Software allows farmers to overlay

previously made orders as the basis of a current order and edge says this also cuts down the time needed to order fertiliser.

“you can tell exactly where you’ve put on fertiliser in the past and you can use that for the basis for where it needs to go.”

Besides being able to highlight pad-docks for fertiliser application, the farmer can use a software function that allows him to exclude areas in paddocks where he doesn’t want trucks to go.

Determining these locations is easier with traclink than it was off a paper map says edge. “the google earth map is pretty fantastic so you can work out where all the wet spots in the paddock are 99% of the time.”

edge hasn’t used this function fully; “We will put that to the test in late autumn when there are areas we want them to dodge out of.”tel. 0800 872 262www.tracmap.co.nz

GaretH GILLatt

Fertiliser via the stroke of a key

less chaos in feeding stock

tHe cHAoS Springs cyclone multi-task mobile pump-ing and mixing tool has made feeding stock supplementary minerals easy, claims matamata farmer Ben troughton.

troughton, who milks 650 cows on a 200 hectare prop-erty just out of matamata, spreads minerals and supple-ments over pastures to maintain cow condition and performance.

While he normally puts magnesium on pastures before putting animals onto the paddock – other minerals and supplements including lime flower and molasses are put on to pastures. up until six months ago troughton dusted magnesium, but found the process left a lot to be desired.

“it was wasteful, inaccurate and it wasn’t exactly pleas-ant work.”

After deciding that liquefying minerals before spraying them on was the answer he purchased a cyclone multi-task six months ago and says he has never looked back since.

“i can work out what goes onto the pasture now pretty accurately and there’s very little waste.”

the multi-task pumping/mixing system uses a special vortex flow design to mix and oxygenate materials used in biological fertilizers. Since getting the multi-function pump, troughton has spread more supplements onto pas-ture including lime flour, seaweed and bloat oil.

“i had very little problem with down cows this season and i am pretty sure it also helped with production.”

troughton says the multi-functional pump system also proved to be a good way to offer stock molasses. “We were looking at installing molasses feeder into shed going at a cost of $30,000 – and this was fairly cheap really.”

in fact, the cyclone multi-task was the least costly mul-tifunctional pumping tool on the market says troughton.

“it was almost half the price of competitors’ machines.”With a five horsepower engine he is able to mix the

solution spray it onto the paddock and then rinse out the machine in around an hour a day without any hassle.

cleaning the inside of the multi-functional pump system just requires running clear water through the system which troughton says was a big draw-card when selecting the system.

“i wasn’t interested in using something that i would need to clean out filters with. the stuff settles in there is pretty terrible to get rid of, but we just rinse it with water every time we use it and doesn’t take long to clean.”tel. 07 863 7975 or chaossprings.co.nz

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36 machinery & productsQuad bike safety training aimed at farmers

receNt PuBlicity around quad bike and AtV accidents has brought AtVs and their riders’ safety under the spotlight again.

land Based training realised there was a gap in the market for a practi-cal quad bike course that updates farmers with cur-rent legislation – other than the New Zealand Qualification Authority

(NZQA) unit Standard course, which can take up to 3 days with at least 10 hours class room time.

land Based training (lBt) is a Private train-ing enterprise (Pte) with its headquarters in Wan-

ganui and offices and tutors based throughout the North island with the ability to outsource work in the South island. man-aging Director rob gollan, who is also a farm consul-tant, says:

“Farmers don’t want to be taken out of their busi-nesses for two or three days to do a course, which is basically teaching them something they already know how to do. We iden-tified a gap in the market,

berNarD LILburN

and with demand from our clients, saw there was an opportunity to develop another method of con-veying the information to our existing clients, as well as providing a service to the farming and service sectors.”

So in consultation with the ministry of Business, innovation and employ-ment (formerly the Dept of labour), the company in conjunction with exist-ing corporate clients and tutors, developed a one day course that is held on farm. ideally each course has at least 8 participants and covers what employ-ers and employees obliga-tions are under the HASie Act. it also gives examples of what happens when lapses occur, what the penalties are – as well as the costs of rehabilitation.

this is done through a Power Point presentation that takes about an hour and a half, and involves no writing or form filling for the participants.

then it is on to the quads, with the tutor pro-viding information and – if needed – instruction on techniques for different things, as well as eventu-ally assessing.

the course covers all aspects of quad riding, such as towing, active riding, riding on undu-lating terrain and with

mounted loads. “it’s not about re-

inventing the wheel,” gollan says. “the aim of this one day course is for employers to make sure that their staff are aware of the laws, are competent and safe.”

the ministry of Busi-ness, innovation and employment has had their inspectors review the course and have rubber stamped this initiative.

All farm employ-ers and employees need to come to terms with their requirements under the Health and Safety in employment Act (HASie). the Act states: every employer shall take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employees while at work.

land transport fact sheets state that hel-mets are now compulsory, and all riders must wear them. unfortunately, this is often not adhered to. if there is a quad bike acci-dent both employer and employee can be prose-cuted HASie and the fines range up to $25,000 for individuals, to $250,000 for companies.

the day commences at 10.00am and goes through to around 3.00pm at a cost competitive rate.Land based training, 0508 traINMe – 0508 872466

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As seen on TV



ripper slashes cultivation time

New Ravensdown chiefgreg cAmPBell has taken over from former long-serving ceo rodney green as head of the billion-dollar farmers’ co-operative ravensdown.

campbell comes into the role having been the ceo of Ngai tahu Holdings corporation and with significant interna-tional experience as a chief executive. He is in on the boards of a number of compa-nies and has previously been on the board of Pgg Wrightson.

He says the co-operative structure of ravensdown appeals to him, as the com-pany is not driven by share price or short-term focus.

“essentially the profits are returned

to our owners and customers. We are able to invest in products and services that will underpin the company, our owners’ businesses and the future of New Zealand agriculture. i have a passion for the agri-cultural industry and am excited about taking up this new role.”

campbell says his initial focus is to meet as many staff, suppliers and share-holders as he can.

chairman Bill mcleod says in greg campbell the co-op has someone: “who will continue the innovative direction ravensdown has taken for some years, while maintaining the culture we have with customers, staff and suppliers.”

A VerSAtile 9-tine Jumbo Buster ripper has slashed cultivation time by 60-90 hours for Northland farmer Sam Burke.

Burke milks 330 cows on a 190ha dairy farm on volcanic soil-based rolling hill country 40 minutes north of Dargaville.

the heavy soil can be difficult to farm in winter and often comes into spring with a degree of soil compaction, especially as Burke’s herd and replace-ments are all wintered on the property.

Burke uses cropping to aerate the heavily com-pacted soil and puts 15HA of the property into bras-sica and turnips every year.

“once you get into maize you need to a lot of other people, with turnips and brassica you can just jump on the tractor your-self.”

Burke previously used discs, a rotary hoe and a

spring tine to prepare pad-docks for seed, but two seasons ago he bought a 9-tine Fieldline ripper from glenbrook machin-ery in Pukekohe (now sold by Fieldmaster) because he felt the discs were not resolving soil compac-tion issues enough. He has been able to slash the time spent on the tractor pre-paring soil.

“i had to double over-lap with the discs and then do a run back the other way. With the ripper i just go over the paddocks once, i think the ripper would cut down the time i needed to spend on the tractor by 60-80 hours per year.”

Burke has used just the ripper and spring tine cul-tivators to prepare soil for a very late crop of turnips with a good crop, but says he has got a better follow-up grass growth after also using a rotary hoe.

While the Jumbo Buster ripper can work

soil with all nine tines, Burke says it was easy to remove two of the tines to allow it to be more feasible for his 90HP case cx-80 to tow it through the heavier volcanic soil.

“the guys at glen-brook thought i would probably need to take off four tines for the tractor, but if the soil is right and you don’t have too much matted kikuyu then my 90HP tractor doesn’t have too many problems with it. Seven tines actually provide a good spacing for this type of soil. it rips it all open while letting it get worked over really good.”

the machine’s versatil-ity is further expanded by its mount for a hydraulic toplink, which according to Burke, allows for better fine tuning while working.

“if the soil is thicker you can raise-up the ripper without too much effort, it makes the implement really versatile. if you run over a mat of kikuyu then

you just need to lift it up, there’s no need to back the tractor up and start again.”

Burke plans to retro-fit a crumbler-roller to the deep ripper to further speed up the cultivation process.

“i think the crumbler-roller could replace the rotary hoe and i could just use the deep rippers and a spring tine to prepare ground.”tel: 09 237 1500

GaretH GILLatt

Northland dairy farmer sam Burke estimates the 9-tine, Jumbo Buster rip-per has cut his cultivation

time by 60-90 hours a year.

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Mg fertiliserFor a delivered price call...

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TOP DOG BOX

Phone 0800 625 826www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

❱❱ Accomodates up to 4 dogs❱❱ 6 individual air vents❱❱ Removable centre board❱❱ 2 lockable galvanised gates❱❱ In-house drainage❱❱ Fits all wellside & flatdeck utes

(2 models)❱❱ Raised floor for

insulation❱❱ Tie down lugs on

each side.

$699NORTH ISLAND PRICE ONLY

inclGST

MID SUMMER CLEARANCE!Massive Savings on Sterns Easy to Install Pools

Pool Package includes:Quality Waterco Sand-filter, Pump, Vacuum, Leaf Scoop,

Test Kit, Large Skimmer Box & Eyeball

Other sizes available in all models All Stern’s pools can be installed either in ground or above ground

January/February SpecialFree Auto tablet feeder with all non-salt pool packages value $200

STANDARD DEPTH POOL PACKAGE9.3m x 4.5m x 1.2m was $7,400 Now $5,99011.5m x 4.5m x 1.2m was $8,400 Now $6,790

TRUE DEEP END POOL PACKAGE9.3m x 4.5m x 1.2-1.8m was $9,200 Now $7,490

KEYHOLE DEEP END PACKAGE7.6m x 4.9m x 1.2-1.8m was $8,500 Now $6,70010.0m x 4.9m x 1.2-1.8m was $10,200 Now $8,400

SALT WATER POOL PACKAGE11.5m x 4.5m x 1.37m was $10,800 Now $8,990

TROPICAL DEEP END POOL PACKAGE8.2m x 4.5m x 1.2-1.8m was $9,300 Now $7,8009.3m x 4.5m x 1.2-1.8m was $10,200 Now $8,70011.5m x 4.5m x 1.2-1.8m was $11,200 Now $9,700

ONE STOP WATER SHOP

Culvert Pipes Phone 0800 625 826

for your nearest stockistNew Zealand’s CHEAPEST Culvert Pipes!

FREE joiners supplied on request.

• Lightweight, easy to install

• Made from polyethylene

McKee Plastics, Mahinui Street, Feilding Phone 06 323 4181 Fax 06 323 4183

McKee Plastics, 231 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton. Ph 07 847 [email protected] www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

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

Joinerssupplied FREE with culvert

pipes

ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.

TUSSOCK SOFT TOE TRIPLE/SINGLE HOB NAIL, REVERSE KIP This boot is designed for

heavy duty use on high country farms and over alpine terrain. This boot will handle tough environments. With an upper

constructed from reverse kip leather, a tough heel counter for better ankle support and a full bellows tongue for

greater water tightness. A leather insole and triple bend leather runners, with a stitched

and screwed construction and heel and toe plates. Triple or single Hob nails. Tricounis available with tungsten tipped

teeth. Tussock made to order only. Sizes 4-15 including half sizes.

48 JOHN STREET, WHANGAREI0800 4 BOOTS (26687) or 09 438 8907

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

FOOTWEAR LTD FARM BOOTS KIWI MADE

FOR 3 GENERATIONS

YARDMATE SOFT TOE This is designed for heavy duty uses and is perfect for fencers, high country farmers and

hunters walking through tough, rugged, country. With an upper constructed from thick full grain leather, a leather insole and

mid-sole, which is stitched and screwed to a cleated rubber repairable sole. A tough heel counter for

better ankle support and a full bellows tongue for greater water tightness, this boot will handle the tough environment. Yardmate also available in Steel toe. Sizes 4-15 including half sizes.

Visit us at Central Districts

Field Days site 086

ALL PRODUCTS HAVE 3YR WARRANTY

Phone: 04 384 7683 • Fax: 04 384 7689Email: [email protected]

5 Swan Lane (off Cuba Street)PO Box 9254, Wellington 6141

www.metshop.co.nz

WE’RE ONLINE

The Met Shop

Weatherstations, unusual gifts and science support for over 40 years...

• The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989• Quality construction and options• Get the contractors choice• Direct from the manufacturer• Efficient application and unequalled cost savings

FLY OR LICE PROBLEM?

Phone 07 573 8512 • www.electrodip.com

Unique self adjusting

sides

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET

P 06 835 6863 - www.craigcojetters.com

DEAL TO FLY AND LICE

• Cost Effective

• Complete Package

• Unbeatable pricing

• Performance Guaranteed

BREAKING NEWS

MANAGEMENT STORIES

MARKETS & TRENDS

MACHINERY REVIEWS

COMPETITIONS

AND MUCH MORE...

LATEST STORIES ONwww.ruralnews.co.nz

An excellent opportunity for the person who knows the Agricultural machinery market and;

• Has proven sales experience • Wants to work with some of the most innovative products in

our market • Relishes the prospect of joining an outstanding company • Has high levels of drive, motivation and a positive attitude

Fieldmaster AG is one of New Zealand’s leading manufacturers and distributors of Agricultural and grass control products. We have a well recognised brand and lead through technical innovation and customer service.We are seeking an individual who will focus on maintaining and growing profitable sales revenue. The successful applicant will sell directly to our Dealer Network providing knowledgeable solutions, quality customer service and demonstrations when required.Achieving superior results, unit volume forecasting and the continued contribution towards successful business relationships with customers at all levels are key elements of the role. The successful applicant will need to keep abreast of wider market trends by liaising with Local farming groups, key dealers and farm consultants/influencers.You will need to be a strong communicator, negotiator and influencer. Well developed organisational skills and the ability to understand the end user’s requirements are also essential.

To apply please email your relevant details to [email protected] or call Myles Cooper on 09 237 1500

for more information

PART TIME SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED

Lower North Island & Otago/ Southland regions – two positions

$595+GST delivered

BE SAFE... FIT A QUADBAR

For a Quadbar, call me, Stuart Davidson, owner of Quadbar NZ, on 021-182 8115.

Email [email protected] or for more info

go to

www.quadbar.co.nz

The award winning Australian Quadbar is now on over 250 farms

in NZ and is saving lives and preventing injury daily. It is now

made here and is a well proven crush protection device for quad bikes.

The choice you can count on!

ORAL DRENCH FOR SHEEP

Pfizer Animal Health New Zealand Limited; Level 3, Pfizer House, 14 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand. Tel: 0800 650 277, Fax: 0800 628 629. Cydectin® is a registered trade mark of Pfizer Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 No A6204 & A7388.

Available from your nearest Cydectin Oral stockist www.cydectin.co.nz

With persistent activity for

35 days against Barber’s Pole

and 21 days against Ostertagia

it’s easy to see why farmers in

New Zealand trust in the

performance and reliability of

CYDECTIN ORAL Drench for Sheep.

If it doesn’t have CYDECTIN ORAL

on the box, it’s pretty much not

CYDECTIN ORAL.

PAH

104

3

CYDECTIN ORAL®

fARmERs TRusT ALL OVER THE COuNTRY!THE ORIgINAL fORmuLATION

PAH1043 Cydectin Oral Press Ad 390x265_ƒ.indd 1 12/20/12 1:20 PM

rural news 22 jan 2013

Documents

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