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Genetic tools explain biocontrol mystery

Genetic diversity may be key to effective biocontrol, says an author of a paper investigating why a previously successful biocontrol agent has stopped working in parts of New Zealand. And that shows that scientists need to understand as much as possible about the genetics of potential biocontrol agents and their target pests from the outset, says Prof Stephen Goldson, Programme Leader at the Bio-Protection Research Centre. The scientists – including Dr Tom Harrop and Professor Peter Dearden from the Bio-Protection Research Centre and Genomics Aotearoa, and Dr Jeanne Jacobs from AgResearch, Lincoln – have shed light on why Argentine stem weevils have developed resistance to the parasitoid wasp Microtonus hyperodae, introduced in the 1990s to control them. Argentine stem weevils are a major pasture pest on New Zealand farms. Using DNA analysis and genome sequencing tools that were not available until very recently, the scientists measured the genetic variation in weevils collected from 10 locations around New Zealand. This revealed that the weevils are much more genetically diverse than previously thought. “Many scientists had presumed that Argentine stem weevils were probably introduced to New Zealand just once in the early 20th Century,” says Prof Goldson. “But the genetic variation discovered suggests they were probably introduced several times, and in much larger numbers than thought.” This genetic variation has allowed the weevils, which reproduce sexually, to mix their genes and become resistant to M. hyperodae, which reproduces asexually and so cannot easily evolve further. Three years ago, the same scientists presented compelling evidence the weevils were developing resistance to the parasitoid. This was a world first – there had never been a documented case of an agricultural pest out-evolving its introduced predator before. But the BPRC ecologists didn’t know exactly how or why this had happened so quickly. Ongoing study suggests […]

Lincoln students stepping up to help rural contractors

Lincoln students will be able to help ease the pressure on rural contractors struggling to fill the gap a lack of migrant workers is creating in the primary sector due to Covid-19 restrictions. Alongside offering qualifications designed to meet the future employment needs of the food and fibre sector, Lincoln has taken the move to help the sector now, modifying its rules around compulsory practical work requirements to include contracting. The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund is covering course costs for four Lincoln University sub-degree programmes, Diplomas in Horticulture, Agriculture, Farm Management and Organic Agri-Food Production, from July 2020 until December 2022. All have a practical work requirement, as do many other programmes at the land-based university. Contractor work could include hay baling and silage baling, as well as spraying, muck spreading, shearing, ploughing and other tractor operation and bulk supplementary feed production. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bruce McKenzie, said Lincoln was strongly connected to the sector and he had a discussion with Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor about how to help fill this need. Agribusiness lecturer, Dan Smith, said typically a large number of British and Irish workers travel here to complete this work and many contractors would usually be in the United Kingdom recruiting staff now. “Given the current global pandemic it is unlikely these workers will have the freedom to come here which will place a lot of pressure on these businesses, and this was putting pressure on contractors to fill their needs.” He said agricultural degrees and diplomas at Lincoln include a practical work component where students are required to work on farm to gain experience. “This year Lincoln University will extend the parameters of this practical work to allow students to get out and work for rural contractors. We see the value in this experience and […]

Faces of the future, youth making their mark in the Agri-sector

The Fieldays Online, ‘This Working Life – Careers in the Agri-sector’ series, shines a light on six young people making a difference in the primary sector. The series offers a snapshot into their journeys into the industry and why they are passionate about what they do. For Cheyenne Wilson and Sam Waugh, two dairy farmers featured, education, telling our stories better and shifting culture are key to securing a bright future for the Agri-industry. We caught up with them to hear more about their experiences. Cheyenne Wilson’s dream is to see rangatahi move into and thrive in the primary industries. The 27-year-old Southlander worked in the dairy sector full time for seven years, progressing from a calf rearer to farm manager before making the decision to head to Lincoln University and study towards an Agriculture Commerce Degree. She trained through Primary ITO while working in the industry but took the opportunity to broaden and strengthen her knowledge and skillset. Of Ngati Awa and Tuhoe descent, Cheyenne was also a finalist in the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer of the Year Award in 2018. Her vision of the future is about solving two issues, getting young Maori passionate about the industry and into jobs while shifting the culture in and outside of the primary sector. As someone who wasn’t sure about what she wanted to do after high school Cheyenne recognises the need to keep ones’ options open. “I don’t think the answer is saying ok you don’t have a job, just go and milk cows. That only adds to the stigma. If someone isn’t passionate about it then don’t put them in the dairy sector. It’s not a one size fits all job. “There’s also a lack of relatable people, especially for young Maori, this is also a bigger issue for young people […]

Napier-based artist wins $5,000 Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award

Napier-based artist Asaki Kajima has won the $5,000 Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award for 2020 with a Dali-inspired sculptural artwork entitled Space Cow. In announcing the award at Hamilton’s ArtsPost, judge James Wright, said, “I’m very much a hands-on person and in this piece you see the hand of the maker. It’s raw and simplistic, but it’s heartfelt and that comes through. It’s how a farmer sees the animal when it’s hung, but it’s also an artwork you see on three levels with the shadows it throws.” The work was selected by a blind-judging process from 28 finalists, all of which are now on display at ArtsPost in Hamilton until 3 August. Mr Wright said the exhibition provided a wonderful vehicle for a genuinely New Zealand No.8 wire creative mentality. “The ability within our artistic community to turn an agricultural supply material into a compelling creative work is impressive. Everyone who can should take the opportunity to visit this uniquely Kiwi art exhibition.” He said he chose pieces that resonated with him, and spoke to his head and heart, but they were difficult decisions because the quality of all the artworks was very high. Managed by Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato, the annual award challenges artists to create sculptures using No.8 wire and other agricultural materials. Waikato Museum Director Cherie Meecham said, “This award has become a focal point for artists around the country interested in taking up a special challenge to reflect part of our national ethos.“ In presenting the awards, NZ National Fieldays Society President James Allen said, “Despite the challenges of the past few months the Award highlights the resilience and innovation of the rural community in artform. The works are a real credit to the creativity of Kiwi’s even in uncertain times. It’s […]

Fieldays Online

The first ever digital Fieldays was opened by The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister of New Zealand, followed by an address by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. The Prime Minister opened the virtual gates to Fieldays Online with a nod to the efforts of the primary sector, who kept the country moving during the national lockdown. Ardern acknowledged the event is part of the fabric of the rural community and its significance in the local and national economy. The Prince, who is an avid supporter of sustainable agriculture, last visited Fieldays in 1970 when the event was in only its second year. In his message for Fieldays Online, His Royal Highness commended the Society for their decades of hard work and importance to the nation. “The idea behind Fieldays, to which I was first introduced all those years ago, has certainly flourished over these past five decades. All those who have nurtured it and helped it to grow can feel rightly proud of the way in which Fieldays has established its place in New Zealand life. It has come to be an indispensable opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge, to connect different parts of the community, and to celebrate our shared relationships to the land.” New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation was delighted to receive the royal reinforcement. “We don’t do things by halves here and we knew having an online event was a huge undertaking. But given the current circumstances we knew we had to do something, and we’ve worked really hard to bring the event to life in an utterly new and unique way. “Having the Prime Minister and The Prince offer their support is wonderful. We’re really proud of what’s on offer for the community both here in New Zealand and […]

Fonterra revises its 2019/20 and 2020/21 forecast Farmgate Milk Price ranges

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited today revised both its 2019/20 and 2020/21 forecast Farmgate Milk Price ranges. The 2019/20 forecast Farmgate Milk Price range has narrowed from $7.10 – $7.30 per kgMS to $7.10 – $7.20 per kgMS. The mid-point, off which farmers are paid, has reduced to $7.15 per kgMS, down from $7.20 per kgMS The 2020/21 forecast Farmgate Milk Price range has narrowed from $5.40 – $6.90 per kgMS to $5.90 – $6.90 per kgMS. The mid-point, off which farmers are paid, has increased to $6.40 per kgMS, up from $6.15 per kgMS Fonterra Chairman John Monaghan says the narrowing of the 2019/20 milk price toward the lower end of the previous range is the result of a strengthening New Zealand dollar versus the US dollar over the past two months. The Co-operative will announce the final 2019/20 Farmgate Milk Price as part of its Annual Result in September. Commenting on the 2020/21 forecast Farmgate Milk Price range, Mr Monaghan says the lift to the bottom end of the range was being predominantly driven by improved market conditions in China. “After an initial shock due to Covid-19, dairy consumption in China is recovering with more people spending on food. We’re seeing customers ramp up promotional activity as they look to catch up on the sales losses incurred over lockdown. “Elsewhere, the EU and US Governments’ support measures for farmers are holding up milk production and dairy commodity prices despite the disruption they have experienced so far from COVID-19. While we expect these support measures to end at some point, it is likely they will continue through the peak of the New Zealand season. “While there is still a high level of uncertainty in our global markets, we do see a lowering […]

$40 million to support NZ businesses a welcome relief

Minister for Economic Development Phil Twyford and Minister for Small Business Stuart announced a further $40 million will be invested in the Regional Business Partner programme (RBP) today. This is a welcome relief for businesses trying to plot a path back to a thriving business after the COVID-19 pandemic says the EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley. “Financial support via the wage subsidy and small loan scheme helped businesses stay afloat, but what is going to get them back to profitability long term is good advice and mentoring around changing the way they operate,” said Brett. The RBP offers eligible businesses help with HR, health and wellbeing, business continuity, cashflow and finance management, strategy and digital capability. In the announcement today a further $10 million of funding for tourism businesses will also be channeled through the RBP. “One of the sectors that was hit as far back as January by COVID-19 was tourism. They were feeling the effects of dwindling tourist numbers, the China tourist ban and accommodation, hospitality, tourism, and tourism related retail were all on the decline. “Six months later and with border closures still in place they are in desperate need of the type of support the RBP offers.” Brett said. The fund is open to registered New Zealand businesses with fewer than 100 full time equivalent employees and provides access to up to $5000 of expert advice and support. The RBP is a partnership between NZTE and Callaghan Innovation. Businesses looking to register should call the Business Helpline on 0800 500 362 in the North Island or 0800 505 096 in the South Island.

10% decrease in Indonesian coconut milk exports due to Covid-19, reports Tridge

Tridge, a global sourcing and market intelligence hub for food buyers and suppliers, has reported the latest market trends affecting the food and agriculture sector. This week the biggest news relates to a fall in Indonesian coconut milk export volumes due to the impacts of Covid-19. Indonesia has the highest production of coconuts globally. Exports of Indonesian coconut milk currently account for 30% of national production output, which compared to the same period last year is a decrease of 10%. This reduction in exports has been the result of the Covid-19 pandemic as the overall export process suffered a considerable halt due to lockdown restrictions. Increased demand for coconut milk in the local markets due to Ramadhan (April – May 2020) also reduced the quantities of the product available for export. Hoshik Shin, founder and CEO at Tridge, said: “It’s clear that the impacts of Covid-19 have rippled across the food and agricultural industry. However, buyers need to be mindful that there are other factors that may also affect production rates as well as the import and export process. “Using an online platform such as Tridge can help give suppliers and buyers global insight into what’s happening in the market, enabling them to proactively react to trends, and find alternative solutions or routes to market.”

Shipping container serves up delicious kai moana for the community

A shipping container has been modified into a fish filleting station and distribution hub to enable a Mangere marae to dramatically increase its supply of tasty fish heads and frames to feed families in need. Located at Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae, the bespoke 20-foot container was created by leading shipping container provider Royal Wolf for the Kai Ika Project. The project redistributes delicious fish off cuts, which would normally go to waste, out to the local community. Sam Woolford, Project Lead Kai Ika, says the container is the centrepiece of Kai Ika’s operation at the marae and plans are in place to roll out the initiative nationwide. “The container is a practical solution and it’s also elevated the whole project. It’s allowed us to go from 250 kilos a week through to 1,000 kilos a week and service three other marae. “The ability to scale up and have extra capacity has meant we have been able to meet the growing need in the Mangere community and beyond,” he says. Woolford says the benefit of the container and the increased capacity was highlighted during the Covid-19 level 4 lockdown when queues for collecting fish were 400m long. “Kai Ika is all about kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, but it’s also about manaakitanga – support and caring for others. It shows how a simple adjustment in thinking and behaviour is having a positive impact in the community and helping many families as well as the environment. “The container is the centre point for this. It’s a gathering place where people come together to fillet and collect the fish heads, frames and offal,” he says. Lionel Hotene from Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae says the food the marae produces, which also includes kumara and other vegetables, helps address some of the food insecurities that many people in […]

Farming sector pleased visa changes provide certainty

DairyNZ and Federated Farmers are pleased to see the government announcement that it is extending employer assisted temporary work visas due to expire by the end of 2020. DairyNZ people team leader Jane Muir says the six month extension is excellent news for farmers and the estimated 3000 dairy farm employees whose temporary visas are due to expire. “The dairy sector, farm employers and our farm employees on temporary visas have been calling on the government to provide a solution. We are pleased they have listened,” said Ms Muir. “We are about to go into the busiest time of the farming year with calving and urgently sought certainty that farmers would be able to keep their existing staff.” Federated Farmers and DairyNZ have repeatedly highlighted to government the plight of migrant workers needed by the dairy sector, both those already working in the country and those stuck overseas. “We need these people. They are key to our daily business on-farm,” Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson Chris Lewis says. DairyNZ has a GoDairy campaign underway to attract and train Kiwis for the 1000 additional jobs currently up for grabs on dairy farms. “In the medium to long-term we expect to see dairy’s reliance on migrants decrease but it will take time – our migrants have skills we can’t replace quickly, they are highly valued and they can help train Kiwis,” said Ms Muir. Immigration Minister Ian Lees-Galloway announced the government is shifting a stand down period that applies to some migrants by six months to February 2021. Migrant workers who were subject to the 12-month stand-down period and were going to have to leave New Zealand this year, will now be able to stay for the duration of the extension.

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