Business

Training vital through the ups and downs

Michael and Susie Woodward, runners up in the Share Farmer of the Year category in the 2016 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), know that riding the ups and downs of the dairy sector is part and parcel of the industry but the key is knowing what’s truly adding value to your business. “This is not the time to take shortcuts,” Michael says. The award-winning 50/50 Share Farmers are strong believers in constantly upskilling – both themselves and their staff. The Woodward’s have four full-time staff on board at the farm in Leeston on the Canterbury Plains completing a range of qualifications through Primary ITO, the industry training organisation for the dairy sector. “We’re firm believers in continuing education. Training is crucial to ensure you don’t fall behind the times. We actively encourage our team to train, and we’re constantly upskilling ourselves,” Susie says. “The most important thing is that the right decision is made the first time. There is a cost to training but without it, it could come at a large expense to the business,” Michael says. “I believe it’s easy to get the money back and for every dollar you invest in a person’s training – you receive a whole lot more in return.” In terms of how the couple split their farm roles, Michael holds responsibility for staff engagement on farm, ensuring everything gets done. He also looks after staff training. Susie heads up accounts, payroll, HR and office admin, recruitment, legal requirements and on top of that health and safety requirements. Hailing from the USA, Susie built up her skills through Primary ITO training. “I’ve competed Rural Staff Management through the ITO,” Susie says. “It gave me better information about how to make our recruitment and employment process fluid and fail safe. I gained the […]

The world needs carbon-in not carbon-out

If we stopped releasing carbon from the soil into the atmosphere and captured it instead then the serious problem of global warming could be solved. International soil scientist, Dr John Baker, says, in relation to soil, there’s more “carbon going out than coming in” and the world has reached a stage where the process must be reversed. When it is, there won’t be a problem with climate change. Dr Baker points out we recycle bottles and plastics but not carbon and the time to start recycling carbon is long overdue. “There’s more CO2 in the atmosphere and less in the soil than ever before,” he says. “While the first crucial step is to grow more plants, it’s even more important to ensure the carbon that existing plants absorb from the atmosphere through photosynthesis remains in the soil.” At the moment carbon is squandered. About 50 percent is lost when food is harvested but Dr Baker says that’s acceptable because it’s why we grow food in the first place. But as much carbon again remains as straw, stubble and roots after harvest and, if this is removed, burnt or incorporated, then most of it gets back into the atmosphere where it contributes to global warming. “Instead we must retain the crop residue after harvest and offer the carbon to the soil microbes. They decompose it and earthworms and other fauna take it into the soil which enriches it,” he says. “The future of mankind depends on harnessing the biology in the soil and making it work for us. The impact would be massive if the uneaten carbon that food crops gather globally was transferred into the soil and stayed there.” The good news is that the world doesn’t need to invent new technologies to make it happen. New Zealand already has […]

Food Safety Concerns Driving Kiwis to Buy Local

Kiwi consumers are seeking out locally made food, as concerns about product safety and levels of additives in consumer goods manufactured offshore drive purchasing behaviour – according to the findings of a new survey. The Munchkin study which investigated the attitudes and habits of Kiwi shoppers showed that more than two thirds (69%) of Kiwi consumers said country of origin for food products they ate was important to them. Interestingly, this figure jumped to 86% for parents who had children who were of school age or younger, with almost nine in 10 of this group saying it was an important factor in deciding whether or not to give the product to their children. The regional sales director for Munchkin Gary Hunter says the survey provides insights for food policy makers in this market. “The one clear message from the research is that Kiwi’s care where their food is made. It provides consumers with an important level of reassurance of quality as well as allowing them to proactively support local suppliers,” he says. More than half (54%) of Kiwis believe products sold on our supermarket shelves do not label their products adequately with enough country of origin details. The research showed the majority two thirds, (65%) of New Zealand shoppers try to buy food or beverage products made in NZ from NZ ingredients as often as possible. A fifth (19%) said they always purchase food or beverage products that are made in New Zealand with locally sourced ingredients. Respondents were also asked to provide the most important reason for knowing the country of origin of their food products, the most common response was a desire to support locally made wherever possible with more than a third (35%) giving this answer. This was closely followed by concerns over food safety standards with […]

If you buy health and safety advice, make sure it’s the right advice

Good health and safety practice is not something you can just buy off the shelf, and farmers need to build health and safety into everyday activity on farm. WorkSafe’s Agriculture Programme Manager, Al McCone, says while many farmers will want to get consultants in to give them expert advice, there is no single product or document that is a silver bullet for farm safety. Farmers should only employ competent and qualified professional health and safety advisors. “When selecting a new contractor or buying stock, farmers do their homework,” says Mr McCone. “They shop around, look online, ask other farmers and make a decision based on sound information. The same should apply to buying health and safety advice and resources. “Farmers should make sure that they’re not simply going to get a folder or piles of forms someone else has done for them. That won’t make their farm any safer. What they actually need is a way of building a health and safety culture into farm activities and constructing a really effective culture of involving everyone.” There’s no substitute for the unique knowledge the farmer, family and workers have of the land, its terrain, its facilities and day-to-day operation, says Mr McCone. “What’s most important is everyone on farm thinking about the risks and managing them so everyone stays healthy and safe. When everyone is involved there is a positive impact on other parts of the business.” Mr McCone says while there are good health and safety consultants out there, they are not all of the same quality and effectiveness. “Farmers need to make sure they are working with a competent and qualified professional safety advisor – that may not be the first health and safety advisor they get talking to at the local field day.” To help farmers buy the […]

Young fruit growers compete to be Hawke’s Bay’s best

Eight young fruit growers from orchards across the Hawke’s Bay are sharpening their secateurs in preparation for next week’s Hawke’s Bay Young Fruitgrower of the Year competition. The competitors will battle it out on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 July in a series of theoretical, practical and public speaking challenges to take out the title of Hawke’s Bay Young Fruitgrower 2016. The champion will go on to represent Hawke’s Bay at the national Young Grower of the Year competition, hosted by Horticulture New Zealand, on 19-20 July in Auckland. “The Hawke’s Bay Young Fruitgrower competition showcases and celebrates our industry’s top young talent each year. We’re very proud to be supporting the development of our industry’s future leaders and see them putting their knowledge and skills to the test,” said Lesley Wilson, President of Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association, which runs the local competition. Contestants complete a range of exercises including general knowledge and orchard husbandry, health and safety, pest control and equipment assembly. The tests are designed around the fundamental skills needed to run a successful export-focused horticulture business of the likes that operate in the Hawke’s Bay. Competitors include: • Anthony Taueki, 26, Leading Hand, Mr Apple, Napier • Balwinder Singh, 29, Senior Leading hand, T&G, Napier • Cherokee Hancox Kiri-Kiri, 23, Export Dispatch Supervisor, Mr Apple, Takapau • Adam Fulford, Orchard Hand, T&G, Mangateretere • Harry Fraser, 23, Foreman, Provident/Freshmax, Hastings • Jordan James, 25, Senior Supervisor, Mr Apple, Haumoana • Pauly Douglas, 30, Manager, Orchard Investments, Havelock North • Ryan May, 30, Senior Leading Hand, T&G, Napier The event is part of the National Horticultural Field Day which also includes the Pick a Career in Horticulture expo. More than 200 high school students from around the region will be introduced to the exciting career opportunities within the […]

Strong growth across most primary sectors

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says the outlook for New Zealand primary industries is positive with strong growth forecast across most sectors and dairy prices expected to gradually increase over the next 2 years. MPI Director of Sector Policy, Jarred Mair, says the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) shows that, overall, exports have returned to growth this year – providing a clear signal of the strength of our primary industries. “New Zealand primary industry export revenue is estimated to reach over $36.7 billion in the year ending June 2016, supported by strong growth in horticulture and other primary sector exports and foods,” says Mr Mair. Recent years have provided challenges for a number of our sectors, and underlined the highly competitive and dynamic markets we trade in. For some sectors a drop in the New Zealand dollar has softened the impact of lower US dollar prices. Meanwhile on-farm, production across the primary sector has been relatively stable as El Niño conditions did not result in widespread drought. “The dairy industry has responded decisively to the subdued outlook through consolidation of their businesses to improve productivity and manage their costs,” says Mr Mair. “Dairy prices have remained weak as global supply is still abundant. New Zealand production is down marginally but export volumes are up. Production is still high in the EU [European Union], which is keeping downward pressure on prices. “Overall there has been a 6 percent decline in the value of dairy exports in the past year, but an expected gradual price recovery should lead to increasing dairy export values looking out 2 to 3 years. Overall our forecasts show 34 percent growth out to 2020.” Mr Mair says horticulture exports are expected to continue their run of impressive growth over the medium term. Horticulture […]

New Regulations to Strengthen Bobby Calf Welfare

Details announced today for new regulations for the management and treatment of young calves are part of a wider programme of work by farmers, industry and government to strengthen bobby calf welfare. The eight organisations that formed the Bobby Calf Action Group at the end of 2015 have accelerated and added to existing measures aimed at ensuring everyone involved with bobby calves applies best practice in their handling and care. The Bobby Calf Action Group is made up of DairyNZ, Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, Meat Industry Association, Federated Farmers, New Zealand Petfood Manufacturers Association, Road Transport Forum, New Zealand Veterinary Association and the Ministry for Primary Industries. “There has been a significant amount of commitment and work by the Group to advance initiatives that will impact on farms and during the transportation and processing of bobby calves,” says MPI’s Deputy Director General, Scott Gallacher. “Farmers, industry and government have been working for some years on lifting the standard of care for bobby calves and that has been effective.” “Last year’s footage of bobby calf mistreatment provided an impetus to accelerate the work programme,” says Mr Gallacher. DairyNZ’s Chief Executive Tim Mackle says the issues go beyond the farm gate. “There are many players in the value chain and it was important that we got together to solve these issues,” says Mr Mackle. “We saw some unacceptable behaviour last year and we are committed to eliminating it from the industry,” added Mr Mackle. Mr Gallacher noted that MPI’s investigation into potential animal mistreatment following the release of the bobby calf footage is ongoing. A processing worker pleaded guilty to all 10 charges over alleged bobby calf offences when he appeared in court early June. MPI also laid a further four representative charges against a company and an individual last month […]

The economics of butterfly farming

Karl Rich has been helping to farm an altogether more delicate animal than those usually associated with agribusiness. The Lincoln University Agribusiness and International Development Associate Professor was recently part of a multi-disciplinary, international group of researchers looking to develop an innovative approach to conservation in India — butterfly farming. The group wants to aid conservation of butterflies in Western Ghats, “an area with some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world and one threatened by unsustainable agricultural and land use patterns,” Associate Professor Rich says. He says in developing countries conservation efforts can be very challenging. “It can be more financially lucrative to engage in activities that are harmful to the environment and biodiversity. A crucial need is to develop and promote conservation programs that take place as part of the wider socio-economic system, balancing environmental considerations with those of stakeholders.” They looked at exporting the butterflies but strict regulations prevent the export of India’s flora and fauna. “Global markets for butterflies are largely saturated as well,” he adds. So the team explored ways of integrating butterfly farming into farming itself. “Our research found that butterfly gardens can be integrated at low cost in many farming systems, such as coffee, as a source of income diversification through ecotourism or environmental branding. They also designed a model butterfly garden as an education tool for biodiversity and environmental protection. “By housing this garden at a school for the disabled (Swastha), such a site could further provide vocational skills, rehabilitation, and therapy for students, while promoting social awareness at a community level.” “Our approach represents a low-cost, scalable means to mainstream conservation efforts into everyday activities, and promote social awareness of the plight of disadvantaged groups,” he says. An expected outcome of this project will be to highlight Kodagu, the […]

Is your food product really made here?

A recent High Court case shows companies need to take extra care when claiming their products are New Zealand made, an intellectual property expert says. In the case, health products business New Zealand Nutritionals (NZ Nutritionals) was ruled to have breached the Fair Trading Act with misleading and deceptive labelling and marketing of goat’s milk products, including statements they were ‘100% NZ made’. James & Wells Partner Gus Hazel says the case highlights that country of origin claims such as ‘NZ made’ can be a tricky area. “While the products were manufactured in Christchurch, the majority of the ingredients, including goat’s milk powder, were imported from overseas. The Commerce Commission alleged consumers would be led to believe the goat’s milk was sourced from goats milked in New Zealand,” he says. “NZ Nutritionals argued that producing and packaging the products within New Zealand, meant that the ‘100% NZ made’ claims were not misleading or deceptive. However, Justice Venning ruled that the goat’s milk powder was such a significant part of the product that where it was produced was important.” Hazel says the case offers some useful commentary on the issue of product labelling, with particular reference to food or nutritional products. “For producers of food and nutritional products there are important lessons here. Firstly, it would be prudent for producers to undertake an audit of the source of ingredients in their products. “Secondly, producers also need to consider the importance of the ingredients in relation to the nature and characteristics of the products. They need to get into the heads of consumers, because the NZ Nutritionals case shows consumer perception is a key factor to consider.” These considerations are important in relation to the Fair Trading Act, but that is not the only piece of legislation natural product producers may need […]

Most farmers still satisfied with banks but pressure building for some

Farmers overall remain satisfied with their banks, but pressure is building and sharemilkers are feeling it most a Federated Farmers survey has revealed. The Federated Farmers Banking Survey, which is undertaken quarterly to gauge the relationship farmers hold with their banks, has indicated that perceptions about ‘undue pressure’ have gradually built. Federated Farmers Dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard says that it comes at no surprise considering the current environment. “Despite sharemilkers being particularly exposed at present bank satisfaction remains strong overall.” The survey shows 81 percent of all farmers and 79 percent of dairy farmers were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with their banks. However, 9.7 percent of all farmers felt they were coming under ‘undue pressure’ regarding their mortgage, up from February’s 8.5 percent. For dairy farmers this was up to 12.9 percent from 10.9 percent last quarter. Mr Hoggard said it was important to recognise that to date other farming types, like sheep and beef and arable, are not reporting nearly the extent of bank pressure and numbers have hardly shifted since the survey started. New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Karen Scott-Howman says that banks are still working closely with farmers to help them plan and manage through the tough times, and the survey results are positive given the current environment for farmers. “Banks remain committed to supporting their farming customers, and they will continue working closely with dairy farmers and sharemilkers to help support the viability of their businesses,” Ms Scott-Howman said. “The survey shows the vast majority of farmers remain happy with the quality of communication with their banks. Regular two-way communication is vital in times of financial pressure. We encourage farmers to continue talking with their banks early and often about budget planning, managing cashflow and the assistance that may be available to them,” she added. […]

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