Developments

Expert group supports Landcorp in putting environment first

Landcorp is bringing strong, independent environmental leadership to its management table by establishing an advisory group of environmental experts. The Environmental Reference Group (ERG) will guide Landcorp’s environmental focus, taking a leading role in implementing sustainable agricultural strategies that put environmental best practice first across all of Landcorp’s operations. The group comprises six of the country’s leading primary sector experts across a range of fields – Nelson-based environmental strategy expert Guy Salmon (chairman), sustainable farming adviser and veterinarian Dr Alison Dewes (Cambridge), water quality scientist Dr Mike Joy (Palmerston North), agricultural economist and Maori agribusiness consultant Dr Tanira Kingi (Rotorua), primary sector marketing expert Dave Maslen (Christchurch) and inventor and entrepreneur Angus Robson (Matamata). Landcorp chief executive Steven Carden says the ERG, which had its first meeting in July, is advising senior management on environmental activities with absolute independence. “The members of this group have outstanding credentials in environmental management. That expertise will be invaluable as we continue moving our business to a new model characterised by higher value products, sustainable earnings and environmental best practice. “By bringing independent environmental experts to the management table, we’re giving them the opportunity to challenge us. The ERG is helping us think about how we can drive environmental rejuvenation and future proof our farming activities while enhancing our profitability. ” Mr Carden said the group demonstrated a new model for the primary sector, with environmental leaders collaborating in business decisions. The ERG will directly advise the Landcorp board and Mr Carden, helping Landcorp think about how it can change its farm systems and adopt new technologies in some of the country’s more sensitive farming regions. One project the ERG is assisting with is a review of the Wairakei development on the Central Plateau. “With the right thinking, science and technology, we believe we […]

Liabilities of nutrient management in irrigation – getting it right

“There is growing pressure on the boards of irrigation schemes to understand the liabilities of nutrient management on an individual shareholder and catchment basis,” says IrrigationNZ Chairwoman, Nicky Hyslop. “Irrigation scheme boards have a responsibility to get this right in order to prevent consents being breached,” says Mrs Hyslop. “In response to this, IrrigationNZ, along with the Institute of Directors, will be offering a workshop on these issues in mid-October. “Directors need to understand the importance of assessing their scheme’s nutrient management risk, getting the strategy right, their role and responsibilities and the consequences if things aren’t well thought through and executed. “Managing water and nutrients responsibly is fundamental to all irrigation and it is now expected that irrigation schemes have governance expertise on nutrient management. “We hope that this workshop will help upskill and educate more scheme directors in what needs to be done,” said Mrs Hyslop. Course information The new ‘Risk Essentials and Strategy’ workshop will be launched with the help of the Institute of Directors. The one day course on 14th October will be jointly presented by Andrew Curtis, CEO of IrrigationNZ and Giselle McLachlan, a director and lawyer with significant background and experience in governance. She has served on a number of boards, including the Earthquake Commission, and sat on a number of audit and risk committees (one as Chair) with particular expertise in compliance, HR and project governance. This workshop will focus on irrigation schemes’ directors understanding their role, responsibilities and potential liabilities in this new era of nutrient allocation and management. It will include assessment of risk appetite, alongside the identification and evaluation of risks and a Health & Safety component. More information about this workshop can be found on IrrigationNZ’s website www.irrigationnz.co.nz/training. Or you can contact Chris Coughlan on ph (03) 341 2225.

A big win for Rural Contractors NZ

Agricultural contractors around New Zealand will soon be able to bring in overseas workers much easier than in the past – following a deal struck between its national body and Immigration NZ. Rural Contractors NZ (RCNZ) president Steve Levet says his organisation has been working with Immigration New Zealand for a long time in an effort to resolve the problems around contractors bringing in overseas workers for the harvest season. “After many meetings and a lot of hard work by RCNZ – together with Immigration NZ – we believe have come up with a solution that will solve many of the problems that rural contractors currently experience every year and make it much easier to bring in overseas workers,” Mr Levet says. “Members who are registered with RCNZ will now be able to apply to bring in overseas workers under our umbrella, rather than go through all the hoops and hurdles they currently have to as individuals.” Steve Levet describes the new scheme as great news for the sector and believes it will streamline and simplify the whole process of bringing in overseas workers – rather than the current rigmarole agricultural contractors currently have to endure. The new scheme will see RCNZ applying for an Approval in Principle (AIP) on behalf of all members of the national body and contractors. Contractors will then be able to apply online for a visa for the person being recruited – without having to advertise, go to WINZ or any the other requirements currently causing so much difficulty. “As RCNZ will hold the AIP, there are a number of responsibilities placed on us and it will be important that all those contractors who wish to use this scheme comply with all these conditions and requirements,” Mr Levet explains. “For starters, there will need to […]

Woman on dairy farm (28 yrs) using technology

Business talent scouts looking for next superstar

Business talent scouts are looking for a startup with the potential to be New Zealand’s next global agritech superstar. Sprout, a national agritech business accelerator, is searching the country for eight budding entrepreneurs with embryonic agritech businesses for a new development programme. The chosen eight will receive a cash injection of $20,000 and be placed in a 20-week part time and remotely delivered programme that will see them flown around the country for mentoring from world-class business and technical experts. The programme will culminate in an opportunity to pitch for investment to a hand picked group of potential investors, business leaders and industry experts. Sprout Programme Manager James Bell-Booth says Sprout wants to grow businesses in their hometowns. “We’re looking for new businesses from around New Zealand that have big ideas but would benefit from the network, expertise and funding to grow globally. Those engaging in the programme have no need to move from their home locality. This initiative is about finding the next global stars, and boosting regional economies at the same time,” he says. Sprout is being supported and funded by a mix of public and private sector leaders in agritech and startup investment, including Callaghan Innovation, Massey University, Gallagher Group, Livestock Improvement Corporation, NZTE, Sir Stephen Tindall’s K1W1 fund, Enterprise Angels and Manawatu Investment Group. The Sprout accelerator programme was designed by BCC, a Palmerston North-based business incubator. Over the last two years BCC has helped establish four globally focused agritech startups, BioLumic, CalfSMART, CropX and Polybatics, which have raised in excess of $15 million in growth capital from New Zealand and overseas investors. Bell-Booth says lessons from those companies successful start up journeys have contributed to the Sprout programme. “Our focus is on helping entrepreneurs grow their startups from great ideas into investment-ready early stage companies,” […]

Plant & Food Research joins United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated

One of New Zealand’s largest scientific research organisations has joined United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated, the country’s only pan-produce organisation. Plant & Food Research is now a member of United Fresh, which has 86 members from across the fresh produce value supply chain. United Fresh General Manager, Paula Dudley, says the organisation is looking forward to continuing its work with the highly regarded scientific institute. “United Fresh has worked closely with Plant & Food Research over the years, developing nutritional information and health claims for fresh fruit and vegetables,” she says. “Their expertise and guidance in these areas have been invaluable for United Fresh members and the industry as a whole. Now, as our members look to increase the value and production of the horticultural industry, we believe Plant & Food Research will play an important role in helping us achieve this.” New Zealand’s horticultural sector has steadily grown since the 1970s with production exceeding $7 billion for the first time in the year ending June 2014, according to the latest edition of Fresh Facts, published by Plant & Food Research and Horticulture New Zealand. Exports rose by $300 million to $3.9 billion, an increase of nearly 7 percent on the previous year. The top export destinations are Australia, USA, Japan, UK, Europe and China. Asia receives 30 percent of New Zealand’s horticultural exports. Dudley is confident New Zealand’s horticulture sector will continue to flourish, and having Plant & Food Research as a member will strengthen future growth. “Plant & Food Research aims to add value to the food industry and to food consumers,” says Dr Bruce Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at Plant & Food Research. “As a pan-industry organisation, United Fresh offers a unique insight into the whole fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain. We are looking forward to […]

Tasman Young Farmers focus on development at inaugural event

Tasman regional Young Farmers are gearing up for one of their biggest events of the year. The Tasman Regional Skills Weekend will take place on 26 and 27 September at the Mandeville Sport Grounds. The two day event aims to upskill it’s Young Farmers and TeenAg members across four main areas: Animal Health, Maintenance, Agronomy and Personal Development. New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) Tasman Field Officer Teaghan Lourie says the inaugural event is the first of many events dedicated to development in the region. “The Tasman Region is focused on developing our member’s practical and technical skills. This event is the first step on that journey”. The other unique aspect of the event is the deliberate involvement of TeenAg members, the Secondary School version of Young Farmers. “The inclusion of TeenAg in this event was a no brainer. The transition between TeenAg and Young Farmers can be a bit scary, so this is about bridging that gap between the two levels and continuing to build our talent pipeline”. The Saturday is solely focused on learning new skills from industry experts. The four categories are broken down into 18 different modules: Animal Health – Velvet Grading, Q+A with a Vet, Rousie Skills, use of animal drugs and Breeding. Maintenance – Farm Implements, Motorbikes, Welding, Fencing and Chainsaws. Agronomy – Pasture, Seeds, Irrigation, Soils and Fertiliser. Personal Development – Debating, Interview Skills and Public Speakers. Each module runs for 20 minutes except the Personal Development modules running for 35 minutes. There are 90 participants registered for Saturday activities. On Saturday night the Waimak Young Farmers Club are running a “Traffic Light Dance” at the Mandeville Sports Club while TeenAg members will have a movie night. Most participants are camping onsite. Sunday morning will see some of the skills put into practise for […]

Check importing rules

The Ministry for Primary Industries is reminding plant enthusiasts to check importing rules after a North Canterbury man was sentenced to 180 hours community work for recklessly importing concealed seeds. Richard Paul Watson, of Medbury, had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of recklessly importing unauthorised goods in Christchurch District Court yesterday (17 Sept). He had already started community work to demonstrate his remorse. Mr Watson arranged for heirloom corn seeds to be sent from the United States to a relative in New Zealand concealed in hand-sewn pincushions to deliberately avoid the biosecurity system. MPI Border Clearance Services Manager Andrew Spelman says imports of untreated corn seeds can contain a range of unwanted insects, mites, fungi, bacteria and viruses that could have a negative impact on agriculture and the environment in New Zealand. “We go to great lengths at the border to protect New Zealand’s environment and agricultural economy, and some people go to great lengths to avoid these measures for their own interest. “We have biosecurity checks in place for a very good reason. Those who deliberately avoid these checks put peoples’ livelihoods and our environment at risk. If people are looking to import seeds or plants, have a chat to MPI, we’ll tell you how to do it safely.” The seeds were identified when the package went through an x-ray machine at Auckland Mail Centre. The declaration with the package listed the contents as pincushions with no mention of seeds or plant matter. The package was destined for a relative of Mr Watson’s. The relative told MPI investigators Mr Watson had used this method for importing seeds several times before. MPI’s mail inspection database showed packages to Mr Watson had been intercepted in the past the rules around importing seed had been explained to him. An inspection of […]

Watch your back this spring

Sheep farmers busy with tailing/docking of lambs are being urged to take extra care of their backs. “With spring comes more stock handling,” says Al McCone, WorkSafe’s Agriculture Programme Manager. “Injuries often happen when people do routine tasks like tailing/docking over and over again. Before you or your workers start any job on the farm, stop and consider what you need to watch out for and how to get it done safely.” In September last year, people working on farms made 600 claims qualifying for ACC funding for back injuries. In addition to injuries suffered as a result of tailing/docking work, other back-related injuries came from kicks or crushing by animals, slips, trips and falls, and injuries from vehicles and heavy machinery. Mustering and penning up sheep in preparation for tailing/docking can be physically demanding, and farmers can risk back strains and knee injuries when handling. “Before working with ewes and lambs in the yards, it’s a good idea to leave them to settle. Avoid lifting adult sheep if you can and when you do have to, use your legs, not your back.” Using two-wheel motorbikes and quad-bikes during mustering also has its risks, say Al McCone. “We know when mustering that most of the rider’s attention is on the sheep – so it’s good to remind ourselves that we need to stay focused. “Use the right vehicle for the job. Two-wheel motorbikes and quad-bikes need our full attention to balance and control. In some situations, like difficult terrain or where the rider is inexperienced, it may be safer to use the quad or motorbike to get to the paddock, then get off and muster on foot. In all cases, it is good practice to work your dogs from a stationary two-wheeler or quad.” For more information on staying safe […]

Student leads the field to work on soil health

Lincoln University Honours student Victoria Shaw has recently secured her dream job working for national sustainable fertiliser company Abron, in Canterbury. Victoria was shortlisted from more than 100 applicants, and was delighted to be the top candidate. “It’s the only job I wanted,” she says. From November, the talented student will be working as a regional Soil Nutrition Consultant for Abron. After completing some Abron training, she will be visiting farms in Canterbury, conducting soil tests and working with farmers to help them improve the biological activity of their soils and increase pasture performance. “Abron wants to support farmers in improving not only their profit and production, but their sustainability, meaning that environmental best practice is an important long-term goal,” says Victoria. Abron promotes a holistic approach to soils by combining the best conventional and biological fertiliser inputs to get optimal outcomes for the farm. Victoria’s interest in agriculture was sparked at an early age on the family farm. At Lincoln University, her studies have combined her passions for agriculture, science and the environment. For now, the undergraduate student is busy finishing her Honours research project with Professor Steve Wratten in the Bio-Protection Research Centre at Lincoln University. They are researching techniques to improve growth of the giant grass, miscanthus, which is being trialled as a shelterbelt on dairy farms because it is flexible enough to let centre pivot irrigators pass through it. Miscanthus has already been shown to improve pasture growth, soil quality, and to increase the numbers of beneficial insects on dairy farms. The giant grass can also be used as a source of renewable fuel, animal feed or bedding. She is investigating whether a beneficial fungus can help to enhance growth and performance of the grass under drought conditions. “The greatest thing I’ve learnt from my project […]

Building a talent pipeline with New Zealand Young Farmers

Being part of a TeenAg club at high school kept Northland teenager Sam Moscrip in school longer than he had intended, and it has opened him up to many new possibilities in the primary industries. The TeenAg club format has been developed by New Zealand Young Farmers as a way for younger people to get started with the movement. Young Farmers are taking a “pipeline” approach, explains NZYF chief executive Terry Copeland, developing a format to suit each age group around the Young Farmers set-up. New Zealand Young Farmers has existed for more than 80 years and is for people aged 16 to 31. This work was initially part of the 7-year Transforming the Dairy Value Chain Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programme, which is co-funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries, and is now also being funded by another PGP programme, the Red Meat Profit Partnership. The overall aim is to help more young people understand the potential opportunities in the primary industries. Along with the TeenAg clubs for 13 to 18-year-olds, Young Farmers have set up AgriKids clubs for 8 to 13-year-olds. It has certainly worked for Sam. The Agriculture teacher at Kamo High School, Colleen Rushton, suggested that he and some Year 12 mates take part in a TeenAg regional final – a hands-on competition for teenagers interested in agriculture. They got into the top three and took part in the grand final event in Dunedin, where they placed in the top seven. Through this they found out about the TeenAg clubs and set one up at their school. It took off: “We got a pretty strong membership base pretty quickly: it grew to about 35 members within a month.” They made sure the club was “user friendly” for young people. “We streamlined meetings to keep them short […]

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Developments