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Dairy farmers’ wetlands work takes to the skies

No one can say that the owners of a dairy farm near Wairarapa Moana can’t see the wood for the trees. After being knee-deep at ground level over the past few years constructing their large-scale wetland project, they are now taking a bird’s eye view using a drone. The drone is helping to map the wetland area, measure the biomass accumulation to better understand carbon sequestering opportunity, and allow the farmers to clearly see which of the many thousands of different native species they have planted is thriving. One of the six shareholders at Kaiwaiwai Dairies, Aidan Bichan, says planting and maintaining wetland areas is a constant learning curve for anyone, including dairy farmers. “Not all species are created equally resilient – and nor is the soil type, land contours and even the water flow the same on any given farmland,” he says. “Using the drone gives us footage that allows us to readily see what species are doing well, but also see where there’s a problem, such as areas being affected by invasive species like blackberry.” But there have also been other learnings for Mr Bichan and his fellow owners. “For example, we planted the wrong species in the wetland water channel. We planted club rush there a couple of years ago and it grew so well it clogged the channel. We recently brought in a digger to rip out the rush and we’ve now replanted that area with raupo.” The drone filming at the farm has been taking place this week in the lead up to World Wetlands Day on Sunday (February 2), celebrated each year around the globe to draw attention to the importance of looking after wetland areas, both on farms and other locales. DairyNZ’s environment manager Aslan Wright-Stow says a wetland is an area of […]

Alliance Group acquires stake in India partner

Alliance Group has acquired a stake in its India partner QualityNZ as it looks to capture more value from the world’s second most populous nation. The 100 per cent farmer-owned co-operative has purchased 10.4 per cent of QualityNZ, which supplies New Zealand’s products such as red meat, seafood and wine to India. QualityNZ’s other shareholders include New Zealand cricketing legends Sir Richard Hadlee, Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum. “This investment in QualityNZ is consistent with the co-operative’s strategy of moving up the value chain and having an in-market presence in key regions,” said Alliance Group chief executive David Surveyor. “India’s fast-growing middle and upper classes have a real appetite for New Zealand lamb and value the Pure South story of grass-fed red meat produced naturally. “We are targeting the higher socio-economic category, which is represented by more than 200 million people. It is estimated this number is expected to grow strongly within the next decade and India is forecast to soon exceed China’s GDP.” The investment in QualityNZ will ensure Alliance Group is closer to its customers and can better understand their needs and expectations, said Mr Surveyor. “This will provide us with deeper connections to this important market and lift Alliance’s visibility and engagement across all steps of the supply chain. “It will also enable Alliance to effectively get in on the ‘ground floor’ of a country which one day will be the next China. For us, this is an investment for the long-term. As a co-operative, we can take an inter-generational view of investments for the benefit of our farmers. “We are looking forward to bringing our capabilities in sales and marketing and food processing to support the growth of QualityNZ. “Alliance’s world-class reputation for producing the highest quality red meat, combined with QualityNZ’s expertise and […]

Flooding impact severe for 100-plus Southland-South Otago dairy farms

With swollen rivers still rising in some areas, DairyNZ reports that more than 100 dairy farms in Southland and South Otago are being severely impacted by the extensive flooding in the region. While the scale of damage is unknown at this time, DairyNZ’s South Island manager, Tony Finch, says these farms are either under water or cut off with access roads flooded. “We’re in phone contact with many of the farmers. It’s a dire situation for many right now. Their key focus is to get their people and their animals to safety,” he says. “Farmers and their teams are moving their cows to higher ground where they can, and we know of some who have been able to relocate their herd to their neighbour’s farm out of the danger zone.” While flooding ravages Southland-South Otago, dairy farmers in other parts of the country, in particular Northland, are facing drought conditions. Dairy farms in the Southland-South Otago Oreti, Aparima and Clutha river catchments are the most severely impacted with the flooding and many areas are now also without power. With access to the farms cut off, dairy companies are not able to get tankers in to collect milk, which means many farmers will need to dispose of the uncollected milk. “Added to this, the flooding has impacted effluent management systems on many of the farms so farmers now also face the challenge of how to dispose of this in the best way,” says Mr Finch. Farmers in the affected regions are working together to accommodate animals on any dry land there is. “We’re also talking with farmers where the milk tankers can reach them, and many are sharing their milking sheds with neighbours who’re flooded.” As well as farmers helping each other, Mr Finch says impacted farmers can contact DairyNZ for […]

Jewellers gift a diamond to show their love for dairy farmers

Auckland jewellers Mark and Pamela Beckett are showing their love for New Zealand dairy farmers by giving away a two-carat diamond valued at $12,000. They want to show their support for dairy farmers and their appreciation for the work they do every day of the year, and in all weather. And it’s not just any old diamond – it is a rare green diamond, and quite possibly the only one in New Zealand. “Our lives over the past 40-plus years have revolved around precious gems and we believe Kiwi dairy farmers are gems too,” says Mr Beckett, who is London-trained. “We reckon this rare green diamond is the perfect way to celebrate our dairy farmers who are committed to caring for our land and environment, and, we believe, just like diamonds, that they are here forever.” The diamond is the prize in a promotion organised by DairyNZ, the industry good body representing New Zealand dairy farmers. Until March 10, when the promotion closes, anyone can nominate a dairy farmer they feel is worthy of receiving the diamond. The winner will be announced between March 16 and 18. DairyNZ’s general manager farm performance, Vanessa Winning, says she is touched by the Becketts’ appreciation for dairy farmers. “This is such a thoughtful gift – a true surprise and delight for farmers. While we receive praise and recognition for the work our farmers and their teams are doing on-farm and in their surrounding communities, this is the first time anyone has expressed their admiration and thanks in this way.” The Becketts both hail from dairy farming families. Mark was raised on a dairy farm in Matamata in the dairy heartland of the Waikato, while a child Pamela often visited her grandparents’ dairy farm – land that is now part of Auckland Airport. “Even […]

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Red meat exports top $9 billion in 2019

New Zealand sheepmeat and beef exports jumped six per cent to $9.1 billion in 2019, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA). The growth was largely a result of the growth in overall exports to China, which increased by 57 per cent to reach $3.7 billion. Sheepmeat exports to China grew by 40 per cent to $1.6 billion for the year, and beef exports by 113 per cent to $1.7 billion. Meanwhile, the total value of exports to Japan increased by four per cent to $367 million for the year. This was mainly a result of an 11 per cent increase in the value of beef exports to Japan during the year, which grew to $183 million in 2019. There was also an increase in exports of beef offals to Japan, which grew by 37 per cent to reach $48 million for the year. New Zealand meat exporters have benefited significantly from tariff reductions into Japan following the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership agreement coming into force at the beginning of the year. There have been total tariff savings of nearly $25 million on beef and offal exports to Japan over the year. While Australia is a major meat exporter, it is also an important market for the New Zealand red meat sector, including for a number of co-products. Australia was the meat industry’s 10th largest market in 2019 with exports of $170 million, up five per cent from 2018. The major exports to Australia in 2019 were prepared meat products ($80 million), blood products ($30 million) and hides and skins ($22 million). Tim Ritchie, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, says the latest figures reinforce the importance of the sector to the New Zealand economy. “The meat processing industry is New Zealand’s largest manufacturing […]

Food secure products globally compliant with hygiene and food safety regulations

Wefapress food grade plastics conform to all global food and hygiene. regulations. Plastics used in food preparation and processing areas need to conform to a special set of regulations, to ensure that all food they come in contact with remains safe to eat. To optimise food equipment hygiene compliance, engineering plastics leader Cut To Size Plastics is introducing the globally proven Wefapress Beck + Co. GmbH Food Secure Products (FSP) range to Australia and New Zealand. The FSP range has been certified to EU Regulation 10/2011, which is among the strictest standards in the world. EU Regulation 10/2011 covers areas such as starting substances, production aids, migration tests, declaration of conformity, traceability and good manufacturing practice. “Because these plastics meet all the requirements of the EU standards, which are some of the strictest globally, they set a very high standard locally for food safe materials,” said Mr Laurie Green, Managing Director, Cut To Size Plastics, which has been distributing plastics from leading German supplier, Wefapress, for decades. Work in the food industry is subject to strict hygiene standards that also apply in interaction with plastics. Plastics in this segment must be physiologically harmless in order to come in contact with food. This not only protects the health of the consumer, but also the composition of the food and its organoleptic properties. Wefapress has been a leader in food safety for decades. When the latest regulations came out, some of the items considered to be new standards of best-practice had been a matter of course for them for many years already. Key elements of Food Secure compliance Regulations around what materials can be used on food preparation surfaces and equipment centre around five key points: List of starting substances and production aids. Defines the materials to be used for production: Authorised […]

Supporting Rural Youth and Adult Literacy

The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has made a considerable donation to the Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust which provides free tuition to isolated rural adults and teenagers who struggle with reading and writing. The donation of $20,000 was made in recognition of the donated hours that the Society’s members and volunteers give during Fieldays and Equidays and was presented at the Society’s annual dinner and awards evening. Trustees Jo Poland and Barry O’Donnell represented the Trust on the night receiving the cheque from Society CEO Peter Nation. “We are really proud to be supporting such an important cause by presenting this donation to the Rural Literacy Trust,” says Nation. “They provide great opportunities to our rural communities and we’re honoured to be able to help make this easier for them to do so. Without the hard work of our overall team, the Society would not be able to help our community as we do every year.” The Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust were chosen as recipients of this donation by the Society’s staff, members and volunteers who voted on one of three charities who had applied for funding from the Society. Supporting charitable activities has been the New Zealand National Fieldays Society’s vision and each year the Society gives back to a variety of great causes through educational grants, research scholarships, charitable donations and various sponsorships. In 2019 a charitable activities committee was created within the Society to boost the focus and involve the staff and volunteers in the decisions of where to allocate an approved annual budget to support charities that are making a difference in the rural sector. About the New Zealand National Fieldays Society The New Zealand National Fieldays Society was created in 1968 to bring town and country together and to advance agriculture […]

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New chief executive appointed at Meat Industry Association

The Meat Industry Association (MIA) has appointed Sirma Karapeeva as the organisation’s new chief executive. Ms Karapeeva, who is currently MIA’s Trade and Economic Manager, has been with the trade association since 2015. Prior to the MIA, she has held a variety of trade, policy and regulatory roles at the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment and the former Ministry of Economic Development. Ms Karapeeva has a Bachelor of Business Studies, First Class Honours, from Massey University, Palmerston North. She succeeds Tim Ritchie, who is retiring after 12 years in the role. John Loughlin, chairman of MIA, said: “MIA is pleased to be able to appoint someone of Sirma’s calibre. She has built up important relationships across government and the industry and this will be vital as we collaborate with others to advance the interests of the red meat sector and New Zealand’s wider primary sector. “Sirma has a strong understanding of the red meat sector’s priorities and challenges, practical experience and understanding of the international trade environment, negotiations and agreements and expertise in policy development. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tim Ritchie for his service to the meat processing and exporting industry. He has made an outstanding contribution and we wish him well in his retirement.” Ms Karapeeva said: “The red meat sector is operating in an increasingly complex environment and faces a number of challenges both domestically and internationally. “I am looking forward to supporting the sector to capture opportunities and position the industry as an innovative and progressive producer and exporter of safe, high quality food. Meat processing is the country’s largest manufacturing industry and makes a significant contribution to New Zealand.” She begins the new role in April.

The advantages of cold aseptic filling

By Matt Hale, Sales & Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers In recent years, aseptic technology has become well established in the food and drink sector as a filling technique. Yet some businesses are still unaware of its benefits or do not believe that it can be used with their products. As consumers have become more health conscious, the demand for food and drink products without preservatives has increased. However, traditional methods combining sterilisation with hot filling have not been suitable for products which are increasingly sold on their ‘fresh’ and ‘natural’ characteristics, due to the effect on product quality. In most cases, hot filling sterilises the container as the product (which is still hot from cooking or sterilising) is filled. However, the temperatures required often have unwanted effects on the quality of the product, and the heat imposes restrictions on the type of container which can be used: for example, hot filling of lightweight plastic drinks bottles can lead to distortion of the plastic. Consequently, cold aseptic filling has become a common technique with drinks manufacturers for products including UHT milk, fruit juices, and sports and energy drinks. Its flexibility means that it is suitable for a wide range of products from fresh fruit dices and purees to marinades and dairy products. This diversity has also seen the development of a wide range of fillers and packaging types, from pouches and lidded trays through to bulk bags and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). Aseptic filling systems generally combine a number of elements into a single integrated production line. This integrated approach helps to ensure microbiological safety throughout the process from initial treatment through to the sealing of the finished product. The steps included in an integrated aseptic filling line (such as the HRS Asepticblock) typically include: Thermal treatment Although in theory […]

Dairy farmer’s gym is no ordinary bootcamp

Bootcamp farmers – Kane and Nicole Brisco pictured with their son Parker and daughter Ahli. They named their children after boxers Joseph Parker and Muhammad Ali, but in their daughter’s case spelt Ahli to ensure her name was not mispronounced Ali. In the vast swathe of green pastures that make up much of South Taranaki there’s a bootcamp gym on a dairy farm that cares for more than buff bodies. It is where the heavy lifting can involve helping a mate to de-stress, just as much as heft a fence post. Welcome to dairy farmer Kane Brisco’s unique approach to not only keeping himself farming fit, but also helping others in his remote close-knit community of Ohangai to build their fitness – and overall wellbeing. “I’m a believer that you grow in mind and body when you face a few physical challenges and put yourself through a bit of discomfort,” he says. “This means when life throws one at you, you can dig a couple of tools out of the box to deal with the issue.” This 32-year-old sharemilker, husband and father of two knows about physical fitness, having spent his late teens and early 20s in the boxing ring and playing rugby, both for the Taranaki Under 20s and 100-plus senior games for the Border Rugby Club in Waverley. But what about mental wellbeing – something farming strong men and women are today only just learning to talk about? Kane Brisco sees that physical fitness and mental fitness are inextricably intertwined. He realised this during his sporting years when the training and mentoring he received made him feel good, both physically and mentally. Today, the exercise programmes he develops for people attending his bootcamp sessions aim to condition minds as well as bodies. While he had a fair idea […]

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