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Our Vision is Clear: let’s all improve our waterways, without destroying rural communities

Today’s Essential Freshwater Package shows healthy and swimmable waterways are important to all New Zealanders, including dairy farmers, who share the same aspirations to protect our streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said the dairy sector and our farmers share the same vision communities, Maori and Government have to protect and improve our freshwater resources. “The Essential Freshwater Package announced today provides a real opportunity for everyone to have their say in this important conversation. We know we can’t farm without healthy water and land, and we reflect this in our Dairy Tomorrow sector strategy, and we need to acknowledge the work that’s already taken place,” said Dr Mackle. “Our dairy sector is already on the journey to improve and protect water quality and our farmers have been working towards this for more than a decade.” Dr Mackle said at the same time it is acknowledged that, in some catchments, community expectations for water quality has not yet been met. Here, further action is required by all land users, including dairy, to halt a decline and longer-term solutions put in place to restore the health of these waterways. “This policy package focuses not only on dairy but all land use activities, including sheep and beef, horticulture and urban activities, reflecting that we all have a part to play in improving our waterways,” said Dr Mackle. “We agree with a focus on ecosystem health and alongside this, options to better track the impact of improvements farmers are making to work towards this. However, we have serious concerns that the proposed approach of reducing nitrogen and phosphorus may not achieve improved ecosystem health and could have a significant impact on the viability of farm businesses and rural communities. We need to understand this better and what it […]

How global exporters are keeping up with demand

Regardless of whether Venetian explorer Marco Polo really was the first to introduce pasta to Italy in the thirteenth century, food has been exported for thousands of years. For example, the UK has become heavily reliant on imported goods. In the first half of 2018, it imported £23 billion worth of food, with a proportion of five billion pounds of imported meat. In most towns, there is a corner shop that sells imported foods and supermarkets now have ‘world’ food aisles. With a rise in demand for globally imported foods, how do food manufacturers keep up with the demand for exported produce? Here, Darcy Simonis, industry network leader for ABB’s food and beverage segment, explains. Attitudes to cultures and foods has changed. More than fifteen years ago, global foods were not as widely accessible as they are now. From Asia and eastern Europe, to Africa and the Caribbean, it is now as easy to buy foods from these parts of the world as it is to buy domestic products from the country you live in. Merging travel with cultures Travel has developed significantly, opening more opportunities to experience different cultures and food, and as a result, cultures are merging. The convenience and appeal of being able to explore more places around the world quicker than ever, means that we are subject to a variety of different cuisines that we want to be able to enjoy at home. As we have become more accepting and adventurous to try foods from different countries, it’s become fashionable to embrace other cultures and experience their food, increasing the demand for exported food. Automating your plant With these factors influencing the desire for foods from around the world, companies need to increase production and enable efficient processing to meet the demand. For instance, Hungarian company, […]

Agricultural nanotechnology project wins million dollar research grant

Applying nanotechnology to agriculture to increase productivity and reduce environmental impacts has secured a Lincoln University team a million dollar grant from MBIE’s Endeavour Fund. Lincoln University Associate Professor, Craig Bunt, said his team would develop a groundbreaking nano-coating which could be applied to fertiliser to control its rate of release into soil, and to seeds to control their timing of germination. “Controlling fertiliser rate of release is important because release that is too rapid can result in excessive nitrogen being lost into soil and waterways, causing significant pollution and other negative environmental impacts. “When nitrogen is lost to the soil, waterways, or atmosphere, farmers must apply more fertiliser to achieve desired results, which increases farming costs.” He said they would initially focus on understanding the science of the new polyester nano-coating and its biodegradation, then apply the technology for controlled release fertilisers and delayed seed germination in partnership with companies and organisations such as Ravensdown and the Foundation for Arable Research. He added that while controlled-release fertilisers are currently available, they have significant limitations, including lack of robustness (reducing their effectiveness) and a high coating-to-fertiliser ratio. “Our technology, using a novel, revolutionary coating, will solve these limitations.” He said it could also be applied to seeds to control the timing of germination. “The benefits of delayed germination are manifold. For example, farmers could sow crops traditionally sown in autumn several months earlier, when weather conditions are more conducive to sowing. “They could also sow two crops at once: one with uncoated seeds, and the other with coated seeds, to delay germination until after the first crop has matured or been harvested. “Delayed germination could also allow farmers to control weeds that grow after sowing, so that the coated seeds germinate after weeds have been sprayed. This will increase crop […]

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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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