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Native plants may be weapon against soil contamination

New Zealand’s native plants may help to reduce bacterial contamination caused by dairy effluent, a new study suggests. Researchers from the Bio-Protection Research Centre, ESR, and the University of Canterbury have shown northern rātā (Metrosideros robusta) and swamp mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) can reduce the amount of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in soil by 90%, compared with ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and in less than one-third of the time. They worked in partnership with Ngaa Muka Development Trust and Matahuru Marae in Waikato. The research, published in Applied Soil Ecology, aimed to investigate the antimicrobial properties of New Zealand native plant extracts and test if they were effective in soil. First they tested leaf extracts of 12 plants, chosen because they were either medicinal plants, poisonous, or had a strong scent. These included harakeke (Phormium tenax), golden ake ake (Olearia paniculata), mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium), kawakawa (Piper excelsum), koromiko (Veronica stricta), ngaio (Myporum laetum), golden Spaniard (Aciphylla aurea), Spaniard (Aciphylla sublabellata), and horopito (Pseudowintera colorata), as well as swamp mānuka and northern rātā. Swamp mānuka, northern rātā, and horopito showed antimicrobial properties, and so they were tested to see if they reduced bacterial contamination in soil. The scientists grew seedlings in pots, and, once the seedlings were large enough, added equal amounts of dairy shed effluent to each pot. They watered the pots to simulate rainfall, and then tested for E. coli on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21. Results indicated the amount of E. coli in the soil would reduce by 90% by day 14 in the pots containing swamp mānuka and northern rātā. “Extrapolation from L. perenne data indicated that this reduction would happen by day 45.” The roots of swamp mānuka and northern rātā both increase soil acidity, which researchers suggest may have caused the faster E. coli die-off. […]

Record numbers celebrate World Bee Day

New Zealand’s sizeable and growing population of bee lovers honoured the humble, hardworking bee on World Bee Day, Thursday 20 May. World Bee Day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the critical importance of bees, and other pollinators to the health of our planet and its people. “The world over, people are becoming more aware of the value of bees and the vital role they play in keeping us fed and our environment thriving. This is particularly true in New Zealand.” says Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos. The most recent figures show that New Zealand has 10,340 registered beekeepers in New Zealand. In comparison, figures for the UK show the number of beekeepers there is close to 38,000, with a population 14 times that of New Zealand’s. Of the registered beekeepers in New Zealand, 75% are considered hobbyist beekeepers operating 10 hives or less. This group of beekeepers has grown significantly over the past five years, up 45%, while the number of registered beekeepers with 11 to 50 hives has increased by 50%. Ms Kos says this growth has been driven by a variety of factors. “For many people, it comes from a desire to grow their own food, and a heightened interest in health and well-being prompted by Covid-19. For others it’s about doing something good for the environment, and then many others are just fascinated by bees and want to learn more about them.” “While beekeeping is a wonderful hobby, it is a lot more complex than putting a hive in your garden and letting the bees go for it. You need to know how to identify and treat for disease and pests. Bees can travel up to 5km so if you don’t look after your bees’ properly, they can quickly spread […]

Survey of Cereal Areas and Volumes, 1 April 2021

The objective of this AIMI survey of New Zealand (NZ) cereal growers was to determine, as at April 1, 2021: The size of the 2021 NZ harvest of wheat, barley and oats. The sales channels, storage status and unsold amount of the 2021 NZ harvest. The tonnages of carry-over stocks on farms from the 2020 NZ harvest. NZ sowings and sowing intentions of wheat, barley and oats (both milling/malting and feed) for the autumn and winter of 2021. Key points: Rainfall for the 2020-21 season was below average across many regions in New Zealand. Overall, yields were down 3% compared to last season (averaged over all six crops). Also, less hectares were harvested than last season (3% down), and the net result was a 6% decrease in total tonnage compared to last season. On the survey farms, the 2021 harvests of milling wheat and malting barley were 100% completed by 1 April, with feed wheat harvest 99.9% complete and feed barley harvest 95% complete. The harvests of milling oats and feed oats were 71% and 73% complete, respectively, by 1 April. Carry-over stocks (both sold and unsold) of feed wheat and feed barley are low. Unsold stocks on hand of last year’s feed wheat and feed barley crops were 1.6% and 0.3% of the 2020 harvest tonnages, respectively. Stocks of unsold feed wheat from the current harvest are down 26% on unsold stocks at this time last year. Unsold stocks of feed barley are down 24% as compared to this time last year, and unsold stocks of milling wheat are down 18%. Soil moisture levels remain low heading into winter and growers are hoping for rain to improve soil levels and recharge aquifers for the season ahead. Autumn/winter sowings of feed wheat are predicted to be similar (down by […]

Farmers encouraged to tick off new wintering checklist

Farmers preparing to graze livestock on fodder crops this winter are being encouraged to use a new checklist and other practical resources now available sector-wide. The farming sector is focused on improving winter grazing and eliminating practices that impact on the environment and animal welfare. A new wintering checklist and winter grazing plans designed to help farmers make practical written plans for winter are now available from industry good bodies DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Federated Farmers. A comprehensive winter grazing plan is also available through Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Plans are recommended to support good management and farmers can utilise an industry or MPI plan. DairyNZ farm performance general manager Sharon Morrell encourages farmers to make use of the new resources, as it helps take the right steps to continuing to lift winter grazing standards. “Planning for winter and wet weather now is important to deliver good outcomes when adverse weather arrives,” said Sharon. “Farmers will begin moving stock onto crops in the next few weeks, so now is the critical time to ensure all plans are in place for the months ahead. “We are all committed to lifting winter grazing performance and using a wintering checklist and practical plan helps farmers and graziers to do that.” The new wintering checklist helps farmers assess whether they are prepared for winter and highlight any potential gaps. The checklist is supported by other new initiatives, such as webinars, workshops and regular information from industry bodies collaborating on advice to farmers to ensure it is coordinated and consistent. The advice is in line with new guidelines released by MPI recently. “We all want to see the sector perform well this winter, with farmers and graziers making good calls during each phase […]

Synlait Milk Limited (Synlait) resets emissions reduction targets

The targets, covering greenhouse gas emissions from Synlait’s operations (scope 1 and 2), are an upgrade of the company’s inaugural sustainability targets launched in 2018. The reset targets, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), align with the New Zealand Government’s commitment to keep warming to 1.5°C, and will reduce: • Absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% between FY20 and FY28; and• Scope 3 GHG emissions from on-farm purchased goods and services by 30% per kgMS between FY20 and FY28. Synlait’s target for on-farm (scope 3) emissions is unchanged as it already meets the SBTi’s criteria for ambitious value chain goals. Synlait Director Sustainability and Brand Hamish Reid commented: “This is another big step for Synlait, further boosting our sustainability programme and commitment to people and planet. The upgraded targets ensure that our pledge to lower Synlait’s impact on Papatūānuku is backed by climate science, giving us increased clarity on what action we need to take.” Synlait has had a decarbonisation plan in place since 2018. The programme started with the commissioning of New Zealand’s first large-scale electrode boiler at Synlait Dunsandel. About SBTI:The SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies’ targets. You can learn more here https://sciencebasedtargets.org/. About Synlait’s sustainability strategy:To learn more about Synlait’s sustainability strategy you can read the 2020 Sustainability Report or visit https://www.synlait.com/sustainability/.

Agricultural machinery demand continues to be buoyant

Growing demand for agricultural machinery and equipment has kicked 2021 off to fantastic start, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association of New Zealand (TAMA). The momentum began to build during spring and summer of 2020 as the result of increasing customer confidence, said TAMA president Kyle Baxter. Mr Baxter said he was seeing first-hand how strengthened commodity prices were giving farmers and rural contractors the confidence to invest in new equipment. Overall tractor sales were up more than 19 percent for the first quarter (to March 31) compared to 2020. There had been increases across every horsepower sector, with some stand out results in certain sectors such as a 30% increase in the sub 40HP sector plus a nearly 60% increase in the predominantly cropping and contracting segments of 150HP-plus. Investment in the 40Hp-150HP sector, which represents mainly horticulture and dairy, experienced a more modest growth of 8%, but this could increase quickly as new equipment arrived in the country, Mr Baxter said. Border control issues were a continuing challenge, however, affecting both the supply of staff and of equipment. “The current border restrictions have left many TAMA members short-staffed and this is extremely stressful for individual members, staff and customers. We know of course we are not alone in this problem as it’s affecting most industries. As we look to the second half of 2021, with vaccinations and digital travel passports becoming more prevalent, we are hopeful of border control relaxations to assist with the flow of skilled staff for our members.” Continued inbound and outbound supply chain challenges were also impacting members but conditions were on the improve. “Global manufacturing constraints are still very much a reality, as plants continue to work through Covid restrictions in their respective countries, but the flow of equipment into New Zealand is increasing steadily. This will offer much welcome relief for customers who are requiring new pieces of equipment to be put to work straight away. “TAMA members who manufacture in New Zealand are enjoying continued growth in customer confidence and […]

Dairy challenged to keep building momentum

Dairy farmers at DairyNZ’s Farmers’ Forum have been challenged to take their world-leading farm systems and continue toward an increasingly sustainable future. The forum in Waikato and Southland opened on Thursday, April 29, with keynote speaker Climate Change Minister Hon. James Shaw, who acknowledged the sector’s success and where dairy is heading. “We know that New Zealand’s dairy farmers have amongst the lowest carbon footprint per unit of production in the world. That is something for us to build on, to bend the curve on our total emissions output, because it is our total emissions that cause climate change,” said Mr Shaw. “There have been things happening in the sector over the past few years that are changing the way things are done. These are making significant impacts for the farmers adopting them, reducing their emissions whilst at the same time increasing their profitability. Our task now is to roll these innovations and changes in farm practice out right across the country.” “The same thing is true in every sector of the economy. There is a lot of work to be done, but if we get it right, what we’ll see is a cleaner and more productive country.” Leading New Zealand economist Cameron Bagrie also emphasised challenges facing the sector, including climate change and the labour issues, but suggests the farming sector’s sentiment in the next 10 to 20 years should be a glass half full. “Our country’s world leading agricultural sector has made big advances over the past few years, including tidying up balance sheets, and improvements can and should continue,” said Mr Bagrie. “Disruption is here, and coming thick and fast, but the dairy sector knows what it needs to do. We are going to get there.” DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel also said we can be […]

New grain fed beef site set to tantalise

New website grainfedbeef.com.au showcases the attributes of grain fed beef production in Australia and aims to provide consumers with information that covers topics including animal welfare, environment, and nutrition. Queensland-based lot feeder, Barb Madden of Smithfield Cattle Company (pictured), is excited about the launch of grainfedbeef.com.au and said it was a project brought on by curious consumers and those involved in producing and supplying the highly sought-after product. “To date, there has been a lack of readily accessible, credible information available on the production of grain fed beef in Australia. This central source of verified information will prove to be a valuable resource for those seeking out this information,” Barb explained. The site and Instagram account @grainfedbeef promises to deliver tantalising stories on how grain fed beef is produced and how people like to enjoy the tender, juicy flavours that is consistent with grain fed beef. “Australian grain fed beef is an exceptional product, underpinned by a quality assurance system that is considered the world’s best practice. Consumers might be surprised by the quality, care and pride that goes into every step, from production to product, welfare and environment.” “The site allows consumers to connect with where their food comes from in a direct and engaging way.” “As grain fed beef producers, we are committed to meeting the high standards we set for ourselves, and that are set within our independently audited quality assurance scheme. For us, it is about communicating this to our consumers and the progress we’re continually making in line with community expectations,” Barb said. Anyone seeking out information on grain fed beef will find value in the site, whether you have it on your restaurant menu, stocked in your butchery, or served up on the family dinner table. Peak industry body, the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, […]

Climate change to be discussed at Apiculture Conference

Rotorua will be abuzz with beekeepers and honey producers this June, as the apiculture industry gathers for the annual Apiculture New Zealand Conference and Trade Exhibition. Held from 24-26 June at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, the theme of Conference 2021 is ‘Healthy Bees, Healthy Industry, Healthy Future’. Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos says Conference is a great chance for the apiculture industry to tackle some of the big issues facing the sector. “We have a packed schedule with presentations, panel discussions and practical seminars covering some of the important challenges facing our industry. These include the effect of climate change on pollinators, new research around managing pests like varroa, and the state of the global honey market.” The annual Apiculture New Zealand Conference is highly anticipated by beekeepers, bee scientists, apicultural suppliers and wider industry says Karin. “As always, there will be plenty to learn and share, and lots of opportunities to catch up with beekeepers from across the country. We are particularly aware this year of the importance of the social side of Conference, after COVID-19 meant last year’s event had to cancelled. People are really keen to get together.” As uncertainties around COVID-19 remain, the organising committee are also preparing ‘Plan Bee’, a fully online digital conference, should this be necessary. “We are committed to having Conference this year one way or another,” says Karin. “Our preference, of course, would be the fully on-site face-to-face event, but we know that online events can work really well and allow for lots of interaction between attendees and presenters if this is what needs to happen.” A highlight of Conference is always the National Honey Competition, where honey producers from across the country vie for medals across a range of categories. Karin says beekeepers are already preparing […]

Fooditive’s sweetener a revolution in the food industry?

The words ‘healthy’ and ‘natural’ are not often linked to sugar substitutes, but Fooditive BV wants to change that. Over the past decade, the Netherlands-based food ingredient manufacturer has been pear-suing sustain-apple solutions to combat global sugar intake. In 2018, this became a reality with its plant-based and chemical-free sweetener. Since then, Fooditive has focussed on improving the health status of products that use sugar replacements by providing an affordable alternative to other options on the market. As put by Fooditive’s Product Development Manager, Niki Karatza, “developing a sweetener that could successfully replace sugar in food products required us to first understand the true essence of sugar. We managed that by diving into the science behind sucrose, its taste and its unique functionalities.” This was achieved through an innovative process: the reverse engineering of sucrose. By starting with the end product and working backwards, it allowed Fooditive to analyse the ingredients’ properties and therefore understand how it could mimic the characteristics of sugar in its sweetener. Combining this knowledge with apple and pear waste led to the creation of Fooditive Sweetener, which is 70% as sweet as sugar and does not raise insulin or blood glucose levels. With sustainability and transitioning to a circular economy as Fooditive’s core principles, it obtains the raw materials for its sweetener in two ways. Firstly, it collaborates with Dutch farmers to salvage both organic and non-organic unwanted apples and pears, and secondly, it collects the side streams of these fruits from other production processes. Once gathered, a continuous fermentation process, which means that more sweetener can be yielded in a shorter amount of time, is used to extract fructose and convert it into keto-fructose; this end product is the sweetener. For 2021, founder and food scientist Moayad Abushokhedim has set a weekly goal to produce around 30 […]

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