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Dairy sector looks to the future with new workforce plan

The dairy sector has launched a new workforce plan setting out how it will attract, retain and grow the farm workforce in the next decade. The Great Futures in Dairying plan is the sector’s strategy for shaping dairy farming as a competitive career option through a range of workplace and technology advances. “Dairy farms employ 37,000 people on-farm. The success of dairy is critical for those working in the sector and to New Zealand as a whole,” says DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle. “New Zealand is facing significant social changes which will require many businesses to work harder to attract and retain staff. These include an ageing population, increasing urbanisation, wider career options, lower fertility rates and technological change.” Dr Mackle say these trends mean the dairy sector needs to be forward-thinking and develop fresh ideas to attract and keep the right staff. “Farmers are resilient and practical people, and we know they are focused on finding solutions to this challenge.” The Great Futures in Dairying plan is led by DairyNZ in partnership with farmers, Government and farming sector representatives. The plan identifies three key focus areas to make dairy a competitive career option. “As a sector we firstly want to shape up to ensure we are attractive in an increasingly competitive labour market. We are looking at a range of initiatives, including piloting an induction experience for new dairy staff and developing clear career training pathways for people to progress into more senior roles,” says Dr Mackle. The second focus area – change the job – looks at embracing new technology and strategies to improve workplaces. Smart cow collars, milking cup removal technology and flexible milking are some initiatives proposed to provide staff with a better work-life balance. “Lastly, we want to look in new places – […]

Boosting productivity and reducing environmental harm

Dairy Holdings has been on a journey to significantly reduce the amount of water and nitrogen fertiliser it uses as part of a five year strategy to limit environmental impacts – while improving productivity. Precision-ag technology company, CropX, has recently partnered with Dairy Holdings to help it meet those targets. Since implementing its strategy in 2017, Dairy Holdings has reduced water use by one third across its 60 farms spanning 20,000 hectares. This has been achieved by modernising irrigation systems, introducing water meters to measure annual consumption, and installing soil moisture monitors to guide irrigation decisions. Dairy Holdings has also reduced fertliser use to well within the new nitrogen cap regulations of 190 kilograms per hectare (kgN/ha) at an average of 172 kgN/ha for the 2021/22 season. Despite these big cuts in water and nutrient inputs, pasture growth has, in fact, improved. This has resulted in a massive 90% decrease in the quantity of purchased supplementary feed per year. Underlying all of this positive change has been a need for Dairy Holdings to understand, in precise terms, what is happening in the soil of its farms. This allows farm managers to make informed decisions about how much water and nutrients to apply to the land and when, to enable optimal grass growth with minimal inputs. Initially, as part of its irrigation upgrades, Dairy Holdings installed soil sensor tapes below the ground under the irrigators, which farm managers could monitor daily to inform irrigation decisions. But this system required more active management, was very time consuming to use, and often led to inconsistent results. Dairy Holdings needed one, standardised, automated, online, easily accessible, and transparent soil moisture monitoring system with data captured from across all of its irrigated farms. This would guide optimum water […]

South Island dairy farmers embrace a dynamic future

Over 420 dairy farmers gathered in Oamaru on day one of the South Island’s largest dairy sector event – SIDE 2022 – to build their skills and discuss solutions to challenges facing the farming sector. The SIDE theme is dynamic and SIDE chair Anna Wakelin opened the event by saying that farmers across New Zealand are taking control of their futures and standing up for positive change. “We’re on the right track. It’s tough, but we can be proud of our low carbon footprint, our innovation and progress, and our work which supports communities through the bad times and the good. “It’s staggering that just 11,000 dairy farms contribute almost $21 billion to New Zealand’s economy,” she added. The first keynote speakers farmers Geoff and Justine Ross of Lake Hawea Station shared their story of how they became New Zealand’s first carbon positive certified farm. The couple developed 42 Below vodka, then later left their Auckland home to farm in Otago. They applied their knowledge of marketing and branding to their farming businesses and visited their international customers to understand their needs. “We saw an opportunity to create carbon positive wool produced to the highest animal welfare standards, using a new shearing model based on care for the sheep, which fashion brands would be prepared to pay a premium for,” Geoff explains. “Having to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is creating a lot of anxiety amongst farmers, but we can also see this as an opportunity.” The couple are excited about the opportunities to reduce emissions by using voluntary native carbon credits, asparagopsis seaweed, vaccines, selective breeding, changing stock diets, and other emerging technologies. Justine finished with the message that farmers can contribute to finding climate solutions, and that they should be brave and share their stories with the world as […]

McCain heats up on climate targets

The McCain Foods Timaru plant is doubling down on its climate targets by reducing its demand for heating fuel and eliminating its CO2 emissions generated by of the burning of coal. In alignment with McCain’s objective of avoiding coal consumption by 2025, the Timaru plant is converting its boiler to operate from coal to domestically sourced woodchips, which will help McCain reduce its carbon emissions by approximately 30,000 tonnes per year. Successful trials began in May 2021 in line with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) requirements to prove the concept. Final commissioning will be completed by June 2022. McCain Foods Engineering Project Manager Lenard Smythe said this joint initiative was a positive step forward and an opportunity for McCain to continue innovating to reduce its carbon footprint. “It’s important for companies to take initiative and lead the way when it comes to climate action. It’s in our best interest to save our environment and continually improve our practices to reduce our impact in terms of emissions. “The Boiler Conversion project is only one of many initiatives McCain is working on to achieve our sustainability targets,” Mr Smythe said. In recognition of the project achievement in meeting the News Zealand Government’s sustainability objectives, McCain has been awarded GIDI (Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry) funding on a co-investment basis. “Our positive relationship with the New Zealand Government on climate has positioned us well to keep leading in the space,” Mr Smythe said. The New Zealand Government will ban new coal boilers by 2022 and has proposed to phase out existing coal boilers by 2037. McCain Timaru is also focused on recovering waste heat from the fryer for use elsewhere in the facility, which will further reduce total energy consumption by more than 37,000 GJ/year and reducing the fuel. This recovery […]

Farmers continue to deliver, despite the odds

Today’s primary sector report shows New Zealand dairy farmers have overcome the odds – despite rising input costs, labour shortages, fewer cows and less production they have still delivered for our national economy. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said MPI’s Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report projecting the dairy sector will be worth $21.6b this year – trending toward $24b by 2026 – is a significant milestone for farmers. “Farmers really are being challenged right now. Input costs and staff shortages are testing our farmers as we head into the busiest part of the year, when the impacts of stress will be felt the most. Farmers are also delivering on environmental work and implementing policy changes on farms too,” said Dr Mackle. “So to hear that their work is truly delivering for New Zealand – and there’s a bright future for our food products – will buoy farmers as they refine their farm systems to continue delivering product that’s in demand.” The report said farm management and advancing technology will help deliver increased on-farm productivity. “Cow numbers are falling but the work being done by farmers to improve dairy cow genetics and adopt new technologies is expected to pay dividends. It’s a signal that our on-farm productivity can continue to thrive, thanks to advances in farm management practices. “Importantly, this bodes well for work to be done for climate change solutions. We are actively exploring technology solutions and today’s report sends a positive message just how well our sector does that.” More importantly, Dr Mackle said the report is a reminder of the value of New Zealand’s primary industries to our national economy. “The work our farmers do daily to deliver a world-class product that is low carbon footprint continues to be sought-after,” says Dr Mackle. “We know […]

Fonterra provides 2022/23 opening forecast Farmgate milk price and update on business performance

Fonterra has announced its 2022/23 opening forecast Farmgate Milk Price and provided an update on its third-quarter performance. The opening forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2022/23 season is set at $8.25 – $9.75 per kgMS, with a midpoint of $9.00 per kgMS. CEO Miles Hurrell says the strong opening forecast reflects continued demand for dairy coupled with constrained global supply. “The long-term outlook for dairy remains positive, despite recent geopolitical and COVID-19 related events impacting global demand in the short-term. “On the supply side, growth from key milk producing regions is expected to remain constrained as high feed, fertiliser and energy costs continue to impact production volumes. “These demand and supply dynamics are expected to support dairy prices in the medium to long-term. “However, we are operating in an increasingly volatile global environment and are managing a wider range of risks than usual. “This includes the potential for further impacts from COVID-19, financial markets and foreign exchange volatility, global inflationary pressures, a tightening labour market, increasing interest rates, geopolitical events, as well as the possible impact on demand from higher dairy prices. “This is why our 2022/23 forecast range is so wide at this point in the season.” For the 2021/22 season, Fonterra has maintained its 2021/22 forecast Farmgate Milk Price of $9.10 – $9.50 per kgMS. “At a midpoint of $9.30 per kgMS, this would be the highest forecast milk price in the Co-op’s history and would see us contribute almost $14 billion into the New Zealand economy through milk price payments.” Business performance For the nine months ending 30 April 2022, Fonterra’s sales volumes were down as a result of lower milk collections and the timing of sales due to short-term impacts on demand including the lockdowns in China, the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the Russia-Ukraine […]

Plastic-metal hybrid for higher loads in the food sector

Constant relubrication of metallic bearing points in the food industry costs time, money and increases the risk of contamination. Maintenance-free igus igubal spherical bearings from Treotham are an economical and safe alternative. Now, the motion plastics specialist is introducing a new model for higher loads. It is equipped with a stainless-steel housing, a self-lubricating polymer inner ring and a stainless-steel spherical ball. This allows for higher-load applications to be converted to future-proof tribo-technology. Rod ends are an indispensable part of machine and plant engineering for the food industry. They are used everywhere from filling plants to meat-processing machines and packaging systems, where they transmit dynamic forces to pivoting, tilting and rotating movements. In the process, the heads must be relubricated to guarantee low-friction movement between the slide ring and the spherical ball. A job that is not only time-consuming, but also increases the risk of contamination as dirt and dust easily form sticky coatings and solid lumps. “To ease the burden on food-processing plants while improving hygiene in their moving applications, we have expanded our range of igubal rod end bearings”, explains igus Product Manager Thomas Preißner. “The new plastic-metal hybrid consists of a steel housing and spherical ball, and an inner ring made of the high-performance plastic iglidur A160, which meets the requirements of both the FDA and EU 10/2011.” Hygienic dry operation thanks to microscopic solid lubricants As with all iglidur plastics, there is a solid lubricant in iglidur A160, which is released in microscopic amounts over time. It ensures a low-friction dry operation between the inner ring and the stainless-steel spherical ball. The absence of lubrication also significantly speeds up cleaning the rod ends. Without grease, dirt and dust have little chance of settling. To further increase food safety, the high-performance plastic iglidur A160 is designed in blue. This is a […]

Plant Pass biosecurity scheme launched

Plant Pass, the new multisector plant production biosecurity scheme, is being formally launched today (May 16) and already has about 40 nurseries registered with ten fully certified. Watch the Plant Pass launch video. Plant Pass is the plant production sector’s commitment to Ko Tātou This Is Us. Ko Tātou is a Biosecurity New Zealand programme that demonstrates that every New Zealander and sector has an essential role in biosecurity. “On behalf of the Ministry for Primary Industries, Biosecurity New Zealand is proud to be the lead signatory to the Plant Buyers’ Accord and support Plant Pass.” says Stuart Anderson, Biosecurity New Zealand’s Deputy Director General. “It demonstrates our commitment to support New Zealand plant producers and aligns with Biosecurity New Zealand’s role in protecting Aotearoa from the harmful pests and diseases that can cause damage to our environment, economy and culture. “Plant producers play a crucial role in New Zealand’s biosecurity system and we value this opportunity to work in partnership with other agencies, councils and plant industry bodies on this proactive certification programme.” Plant Pass is the result of three years of work. It is one of similar industry certification schemes already operating in Australia, Britain, Europe, and the United States. It is being funded and organised jointly by MPI and primary sector industry bodies through the Government Industry Agreement (GIA). The GIA Operational Agreement partners are MPI, NZ Avocado, Kiwi Vine Health, NZ Winegrowers, Citrus NZ and NZPPI. Auckland Botanic Gardens Nursery is fully Plant Pass certified with the core standard plus the kauri dieback and myrtle rust modules. Auckland Council Biosecurity Principal Advisor Dr Imogen Bassett says commercial plant production and movement is a risk pathway that has not historically been well addressed. “It’s really great to see an industry-led, collaborative approach to manage this risk. This is […]

Government comes to the party on R&D for agriculture emissions

DairyNZ says the Government’s R&D commitment of $339m to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions will help Kiwi dairy farmers remain high-performing. The Government funding announced includes the establishment of the new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions. “Additional funding and the new Centre will add to the significant investment already being made by the sector into R&D – so, collectively, it will accelerate the development of technology and tools to really drive further emissions reductions by the ag sector,” says DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle (pictured). “Because Kiwi dairy farmers are already so efficient, there’s no silver bullet. We need new high-impact technologies and to accelerate their uptake to continue reducing our environmental footprint, while enabling farmers run successful businesses.” DairyNZ has worked consistently with the Government to ensure they understand the scale of the climate change challenge affecting farmers, and the opportunity to remain world-leading sustainable dairy producers. “DairyNZ has advocated strongly for Government to invest significantly more in supporting the sector to play its part to address climate change. So it’s great to see our work on behalf of farmers coming to fruition,” says Dr Mackle. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction to accelerate the development of new technology needed on-farm as soon as possible, and support farmers to adopt these tools. “We’ll continue to advocate for how this R&D funding is invested, as new solutions develop. This will bring the best outcomes for farmers and New Zealand into the future,” said Dr Mackle. Kiwi dairy farmers already have the world’s lowest carbon footprint for on-farm milk production and want to retain that competitive advantage – to continue contributing for their families, the economy and local communities. “We already have a world-leading position with low carbon dairy and a world-first emissions reduction plan […]

Demand surges as KiwiHarvest celebrates a decade of doing good

New Zealand’s largest food rescue organisation, KiwiHarvest, is celebrating 10 years of operation this year, having distributed 7.5 million kgs of food to communities in need (the equivalent to 21.6 million meals) and diverted 20 million kgs C02-equivalent from landfill, since its inception. Across its five branches, it has 276 active food donors, and services 227 recipient organisations, providing food support to over 33,500 individuals per week. Achieving that level of scale and substance has been no easy task. KiwiHarvest was established in Dunedin in 2012, initially as FoodShare by Deborah Manning, when she was inspired by two articles in her local newspaper – one about dumpster diving and the other about food insecurity. “I’m profoundly grateful to everyone who has joined our journey over the last ten years. Our story shows what can be achieved when people share a common goal. We can make people’s lives shine a bit brighter through the power and mana of nutritious kai and treating and respecting our land as taonga,” says Manning. The demand for KiwiHarvest’s services has grown exponentially due to the pandemic. In the past 24 months alone, KiwiHarvest rescued 3.9 million kgs of food, nearly half (47%) of its total 10 year volume. Gavin Findlay, KiwiHarvest CEO, says, “At the start of each lockdown, many food businesses chose to donate food that could no longer be sold. Donations from events companies, caterers and retail organisations provided much-needed support to those struggling in the wake of the pandemic. “Although we saw an increase of food donations in 2020, this has since declined due to supply chain issues and less food in circulation. The demand from our recipient agencies, however, also continues to increase, and we still have a waiting list of organisations wishing to become a recipient. There are still areas […]

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