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New agricultural sciences facility for Lincoln University

Lincoln University has opened the first of two new science buildings, marking a significant milestone along a journey that began more than 10 years ago, following the 2010/2011 Canterbury earthquakes. The Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Hon Dr Megan Woods performed the formalities, cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the building that will be home to over 50 staff and postgraduate students from Lincoln University’s Department of Agricultural Sciences, responsible for teaching and research in the animal sciences. During the opening ceremony, Lincoln also acknowledged its elevated profile as a world-ranked land-based university, underpinned by its substantial growth in domestic student numbers and its expanding influence within New Zealand’s increasingly important food and fibre sector. Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Bruce McKenzie said the new science facility will strengthen Lincoln’s commitment to help drive New Zealand’s transition to a more productive, low-emissions economy. “Lincoln University has always been a chief driver of innovation in agriculture, particularly in the food and fibre sectors, and our new facilities will position us to take an even more prominent role in developing solutions for the most pressing challenges facing the land-based industries. “Our university has been producing primary sector graduates for more than 140 years, and we remain dedicated to attracting and inspiring future generations of tauira; equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to grow a better future. “It’s appropriate and timely that we deliver a new cutting-edge science facility as a base where our people, including our world-leading researchers, can continue their critical contribution to shaping more prosperous and sustainable communities.” Among the new building’s state-of-the-art facilities is a purpose-built gene marker laboratory where Professor Jon Hickford leads a team specialising in the molecular genetics of ruminants, working to identify genetically superior animals. Professor Hickford’s team is internationally recognised, and recently […]

Construction technology on show at Fieldays

Over the course of Fieldays 2021 some of the latest innovations in next generation construction technology was on show. Synergy had plenty of product demos to elevate awareness around these new and exciting solutions in New Zealand. The positive atmosphere around the live demonstrations was encouraging, and showed that Kiwis are curious to learn more about the latest technology that can maximise efficiency in construction and agriculture. Topcon’s X-53x with the LN-150 Robotic Total Station The latest generation X-53x excavator system on display connected to the Yanmar SV100, and focused on demonstrating the capabilities of the new LN-150 self-levelling robotic total station by Topcon. The beauty of the LN-150 is that it doesn’t rely on satellite tracking or base stations. Instead, it uses optical angles and distancing to measure the prism on top of the cab of the excavator, in combination with IMU sensors within the excavator system, which gives the machine it’s heading and position down to the bucket. This opens up the possibilities in regard to the location of your site, where access to satellites and sky view might be obstructed – working under a building, or a thick bush canopy, for instance. And there was Topcon’s additional pre-release of the slew sensor, which allows you to slew an offset boom excavator more accurately, giving the bucket position left and right. This development has been highly anticipated by the market. On that note, Synergy says a huge thank you to their friends at TransDiesel who supplied them with both the Yanmar excavator, and the Volvo 145 to show off the Steelwrist Tiltrotator. The interactive displays wouldn’t be possible without their help. The Steelwrist Tiltrotator Another show-stopper Synergy had on display was the Steelwrist Tiltrotator. With this amazing piece of technology, they could show the audience some of the latest […]

Fonterra agrees sale of China JV farms

Fonterra has agreed the sale of its two joint venture farms in China, with the sale expected to be completed on 30 June. The farms in Shandong province will be sold to Singapore-based AustAsia Investment Holdings for USD 115.5 million. Fonterra, which owns the farms with a joint venture partner, has a 51% stake in the business and will receive NZD 88 million* in total asset sale proceeds, which includes cash on completion. The sale of the JV farms is unconditional and requires no further regulatory approvals. Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the sale is another important milestone for the Co-operative and aligns to its strategy of prioritising New Zealand milk. “The sale of the JV farms allows us to focus even more on our farmer owners’ milk and follows the sale of our two wholly owned China farming hubs earlier this year. “Greater China continues to be one of our most important strategic markets. We remain committed to our China business, bringing the goodness of New Zealand milk to Chinese customers in innovative ways and partnering with local Chinese companies to do so. We are well placed to continue to grow our business in Greater China,” says Mr Hurrell. Fonterra sold its two wholly owned China farming hubs in Shanxi and Hebei provinces to Inner Mongolia Youran Dairy in April for NZD 552 million. * Based on an USD to NZD conversion rate of 0.714 ENDS

Safety profile – It’s so important to take time out

Working in the agri-nutrient sector, Calvin Ball says he has seen a significant change in farmers’ attitudes to health and safety in recent years. Calvin, the Northern 2021 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, grew up on a Northland dairy farm, studied agriscience at Massey and began his career with an agri-nutrient company in 2013. After his OE in London, he returned to the company and is now Northern North Island Regional Sales Manager, heading a team of nutrient specialists. “Going out on farms, I have seen farmers’ attitudes change significantly since 2013,” he says. “Back then, many could be pretty dismissive in their response to conversations about health and safety, but now they are much more on board with the requirements and attitudes are very different.” For Calvin, a strong awareness around farmers managing fatigue and the importance of looking after their mental health and wellbeing and that of their people is a critical part of any health and safety plan. “I’m a strong advocate of being aware and noticing if someone doesn’t seem well. I try to encourage them to talk and to seek help.” Calvin is also a volunteer with Surfing for Farmers in Whangarei. The voluntary organisation started in Gisborne and has spread countrywide. “We help organise it. All the gear is provided, and farmers come along and get free lessons. It gets them off farm and provides the opportunity to learn something new and to catch up with other farmers. We’ve had 100-150 farmers in the water – and we have a barbecue afterwards.” Calvin grew up as one of five children. Like many farm kids, they worked alongside their parents on the farm, learning how to do jobs safely. His father would always supervise them until he was confident they could do a […]

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NZ apiculture industry names top producers and honours outstanding achievements

New Zealand’s best honey producers have been named at the Apiculture New Zealand National Honey Competition held at the industry’s annual Conference recently. The Conference hosted more than 1000 delegates from the apiculture industry at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre from Thursday 24 June to Saturday 26 June. The National Honey Competition was one of the highlights of the event honouring producers across a range of honey categories and naming the top overall producer at a gala dinner on Saturday evening. The 2021 Supreme Award winner was Jarved Allan of 100% Pure New Zealand Honey based in Timaru. Jarved received four gold medals and four silver medals for a variety of honeys including liquid honey, naturally granulated honey, creamed honey, honeydew and cut comb. The runner-up was Rotorua-based, non-commercial beekeeper Kim Poynter who received three gold medals, one silver and a bronze. In third place were Jody and Ralph Mitchell of Kaimai Range Honey from Tauranga who received one gold, two silvers and a bronze medal. Head judge Maureen Conquer said that the judging panel had been extremely impressed with the quality and taste of the honeys entered. “It was an absolute pleasure to sample these honeys over the past day and a half and extremely difficult to determine the winners. The number and quality of entries is continuing to increase each year, showing the true wealth of talent in our industry,” she told those present at the award ceremony. All entries were blind tasted, and an international scale of points was used to determine the winners across 12 main categories. Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos said the awards were highly contested amongst beekeepers and honey producers. “Our industry knows that a medal in the ApiNZ National Honey Awards indicates the highest quality of honey. We have so […]

New plantain research a turning point for dairy

A new $22 million research initiative is underway to help dairy farmers improve freshwater quality – through using plantain pastures. The Plantain Potency and Practice programme is designed to help dairy farmers meet environmental goals, government regulations and market expectations. Modelling by DairyNZ forecasts a potential reduction of 15,000 tonnes per year of nitrate-nitrogen leached on 4200 New Zealand dairy farms in nitrogen-sensitive catchments per year by 2035. This is a 37 percent reduction from current levels. Plantain use is predicted to lead to flow-on benefits to national and regional economies. This is due to farmers spending less on other nitrate leaching solutions, therefore having more money to spend on goods and services. Plantain use is expected to save farmers more than $1 billion per decade. The work will focus on proving plantain’s effectiveness at reducing nitrate leaching, investigating regional effects and protecting the supply chain. The programme will use PGG Wrightson Seeds’ Ecotain environmental plantain, because it already has proven effectiveness. The work aims to give farmers confidence to invest in growing plantain as an animal feed on their farms throughout New Zealand. An evaluation system will be developed to assess the environmental benefits of other plantain cultivars. “This programme is very exciting and is geared at delivering many positive outcomes for farmers, the environment and New Zealand’s economy,” said DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle. “Plantain offers the sector real potential to deliver a new, effective option for farmers. This research is a platform to see what it can really do for farming and our waterways. Dairy farmers have a long history of innovation on-farm. This is a great example of Government, farmers and organisations working together to refine our practices and technologies.” Associate Agriculture Minister Hon Meka Whaitiri […]

DairyNZ pleased to see funding for flood-affected farmers

Dairy industry body DairyNZ is reassured to see additional funding delivered today for flood-affected farmers in Canterbury. DairyNZ has been part of the cross-sector effort, including Federated Farmers and others, to assess the seriousness of the flood impact and understands its scale and impact on individual farmers. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said the $4m government funding will certainly deliver greater support for farmers who’ve been significantly impacted by this month’s flood event. “Farmers in Canterbury have had a huge job on their hands cleaning up after the floods earlier this month – many have had paddocks and infrastructure with significant flood damage,” said Dr Mackle. “This has left farmers with parts of their farm businesses unable to function or with huge, manual and costly work to be done to clean up and get back to productive capacity. “Additional funding to support the clean-up is very welcome and we encourage farmers to seek it out. We value the government’s assistance to the sector.” In Canterbury, dairy farming delivers around $1.9b to the local economy and the sector employs around 17,000 people regionally. Feed continues to be the most significant issue for most farmers, as they consider how to get through winter well. “We do know feed is in short supply, but there have been offers to help fill the gap from other regions.” DairyNZ hopes government will continue to monitor the situation to ensure those communities continue to be appropriately supported. MPI has a Feed Coordination and Feed Planning Service for farmers, ph 0800 327 646. Additional flood recovery information is available online at www.dairynz.co.nz

Reduced lactose product launched

IFF announced today the launch of Nurica in North America, providing dairy producers a new way to meet consumer health needs with a premium product. Nurica harnesses the lactose present in milk to naturally generate the highest yield of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) fibers in situ, resulting in significantly reduced sugar and lactose levels while bringing balanced sweetness and natural milk clean notes. Nurica is a breakthrough innovation for the dairy industry and is marketed under the Danisco range of food solutions that is now part of the IFF family. Health and wellness are more important to consumers than ever, and food and beverages – including dairy – are a core part of their health journeys. Today’s consumers have placed an exceptional focus on their digestive health, including managing lactose intolerance and optimising fiber intake, weight management and sugar/carbohydrate reduction. Until now, it has been difficult for dairy producers to accommodate all these needs while maintaining product quality and profitability. With Nurica, dairy manufacturers now have the ability to solve these consumer challenges in fluid milk products and other neutral dairy applications. In these applications, there is no need for major process changes or additional equipment. Nurica is a simple, one-step solution that can be added directly into milk processing and ensures consistent product because the GOS fibers created remain stable throughout shelf life. “Nurica is an enzymatic solution that enables manufacturers to naturally produce dietary fibers in the form of GOS by transforming lactose that is present in dairy products,” said Collette Lentz, regional industry leader, Dairy Enzymes, North America, IFF. “GOS fibers have shown to increase the population of health-promoting gut bacteria species. With an array of opportunities, the Nurica enzyme has potential for unique innovations related to prebiotics and improving digestive health. For many years, GOS has been […]

From the ‘Should Have Seen it Coming File’…

Australia has just competed a new trade deal with the UK including agricultural products, which includes a removal of all tariffs. The UK will export to Australia cars, Scotch whisky, biscuits and ceramics. The deal makes up for EU imports lost (due to Brexit) being made up by Australia. Its a decent win for Australia and was settled after keeping the British meat producer in mind. It is also a deal keeping in mind the UK’s aim of joining a wider Asia-Pacific free trade agreement. This on top of the pressure Australia has been under by standing up to China (for the world!), losing billions of dollars of product exports – including wine – being blocked by that country. So well done Australia! Then – almost predictably – the NZ prime minister at Mystery Creek Fieldays, Hamilton had a say about all this. She said ( words to the effect) that her government was taking negotiations with the UK slower, so that we get a proper deal? Is she saying Australia hurried theirs by coming up with an Agreement with zero tariffs? These are the words of a person who worked in a fish and chip shop in Morrinsville. These are the words of someone who continues to confirm the inferiority complex that NZ has with Australia. Did she want to be invited to the G7? Damien O’Connor has just arrived in London to talk trade deals with his UK couterparts – let’s hope they come up with something similar.

Government recognises dairy workforce shortfall

Federated Farmers and DairyNZ are extremely relieved the government has recognised the crippling shortage of workers in the dairy industry by approving 200 skilled people to cross the border. This exception process will help some of the workers stuck overseas to return to their jobs on Kiwi farms. Federated Farmer immigration spokesperson Chris Lewis says now the job of working through the details with DairyNZ, Immigration NZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries will begin, to see how these 200 spaces can be fairly allocated across the country. Since the closure of the border, farmers have been crying out for dairy farm staff, with almost 50 percent of farmers surveyed reporting vacancies on farms. “I have taken many, many calls from people who are struggling to cope without their farm managers and skilled staff. It has been a desperate time for many dairy farming families,” says Chris. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said this is a step in the right direction. “This is positive news for farmers who will be encouraged that government have heard our concerns and responded,” said Dr Mackle. “We will be ensuring farmers understand the detail of the class exception to be able to make an informed decision.” It has also proved very challenging to get Kiwis interested in dairy farming careers, but both Federated Farmers and DairyNZ continue to run programmes designed to encourage people to give farming a go. This includes the relaunch of GoDairy. A recent DairyNZ and Federated Farmers survey showed that 87 percent of farmers surveyed had made changes to make their business more attractive to staff. These changes included improved rosters to give more time off (42 percent), reduced hours of work (34 percent), flexible milking schedule (23 percent), increased salaries and wages (65 percent) and upskilling and training […]

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