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Waste audit eye-opener for NZ’s largest Iwi-owned fisheries company

Finding out what one day’s worth of waste from one of its sites was made up of was an eye opener for Aotearoa Fisheries. This has given the company considerable information about what waste it produces and what and how to divert material from the general waste stream that’s currently going to landfill to better uses. The waste audit, at its Lorne Street Wellington site, included the small offices at the site, as well as the processing and packing operations. Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd Group Manager of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Allyn Glaysher, was the first person to offer to put on personal protective gear and get his hands dirty helping Global Action Plan Oceania sort the waste. Over time all other Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd sites will also undergo waste audits, with specific waste management strategies to be developed for each of them, in line with developing an overall Waste Management and Minimisation Plan that is currently underway for the group. “We’re a large and diverse company with a huge range of processes that do generate waste, and while we’ll also be looking at cutting that down, the priority is making sure what we do generate goes to the best possible place to have the least impact on the environment,” says Mr Glaysher. Cardboard and clean plastic film made up the two largest categories of waste, and as a result of the Wellington site audit, in the office, under desk bins will be removed and larger, mixed recycling bins will be placed centrally to encourage recycling. Outside, recycling cages will also be introduced to reduce the material going into the general waste bin. Clean plastic film can also be recycled, and Mr Glaysher says he is currently looking at services to cater for this waste. In addition, the waste audit […]

Plant & Food Research joins United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated

One of New Zealand’s largest scientific research organisations has joined United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated, the country’s only pan-produce organisation. Plant & Food Research is now a member of United Fresh, which has 86 members from across the fresh produce value supply chain. United Fresh General Manager, Paula Dudley, says the organisation is looking forward to continuing its work with the highly regarded scientific institute. “United Fresh has worked closely with Plant & Food Research over the years, developing nutritional information and health claims for fresh fruit and vegetables,” she says. “Their expertise and guidance in these areas have been invaluable for United Fresh members and the industry as a whole. Now, as our members look to increase the value and production of the horticultural industry, we believe Plant & Food Research will play an important role in helping us achieve this.” New Zealand’s horticultural sector has steadily grown since the 1970s with production exceeding $7 billion for the first time in the year ending June 2014, according to the latest edition of Fresh Facts, published by Plant & Food Research and Horticulture New Zealand. Exports rose by $300 million to $3.9 billion, an increase of nearly 7 percent on the previous year. The top export destinations are Australia, USA, Japan, UK, Europe and China. Asia receives 30 percent of New Zealand’s horticultural exports. Dudley is confident New Zealand’s horticulture sector will continue to flourish, and having Plant & Food Research as a member will strengthen future growth. “Plant & Food Research aims to add value to the food industry and to food consumers,” says Dr Bruce Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at Plant & Food Research. “As a pan-industry organisation, United Fresh offers a unique insight into the whole fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain. We are looking forward to […]

Hot topics in the paddock

Over 200 farmers and rural professionals turned up for a third Farm Focus Day at Owl Farm this week to take part in sessions dealing with topics relevant right now to the struggling dairy industry. Visitors to the St Peter’s School and Lincoln University Demonstration Dairy Farm in Cambridge heard from Demonstration Manager Doug Dibley about the farm’s season-to-date performance, and related ideas for improving performance in a poor payout year. “Like most Waikato Farms,” says Doug, “Owl Farm has felt the impact of a cold and wet July and August, which has led to much lower average pasture growth rates than anticipated. Production for the season is currently three percent down on the previous season.” Doug reported that Owl Farm is currently primed to capitalise on better growing conditions, which are expected to occur sooner rather than later, at which point managing pasture quality will become the number one priority. “The cows have recently just hit an average of 2kgMS/cow/day and we are hoping to hold them at this level longer to re-capture some of the lost production.” Farmers at the Focus Day were surveyed around their priorities in low payout seasons. Sixty percent said they focus attention on cost of production rather than increasing pasture harvested per hectare. When asked about actions undertaken on farm to reduce financial impact, indications were of slightly fewer cows being milked than last season and less spending on capital fertiliser. While half of those surveyed hadn’t reduced costs, others said they will be buying less supplement in than last season. Nearly half indicated that their summer cropping regime would remain the same this year. Others indicated it would increase as a result of less available brought-in feed. Several farm strategies were modelled against Owl Farm’s existing system to understand the financial implications. […]

Tasman Young Farmers focus on development at inaugural event

Tasman regional Young Farmers are gearing up for one of their biggest events of the year. The Tasman Regional Skills Weekend will take place on 26 and 27 September at the Mandeville Sport Grounds. The two day event aims to upskill it’s Young Farmers and TeenAg members across four main areas: Animal Health, Maintenance, Agronomy and Personal Development. New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) Tasman Field Officer Teaghan Lourie says the inaugural event is the first of many events dedicated to development in the region. “The Tasman Region is focused on developing our member’s practical and technical skills. This event is the first step on that journey”. The other unique aspect of the event is the deliberate involvement of TeenAg members, the Secondary School version of Young Farmers. “The inclusion of TeenAg in this event was a no brainer. The transition between TeenAg and Young Farmers can be a bit scary, so this is about bridging that gap between the two levels and continuing to build our talent pipeline”. The Saturday is solely focused on learning new skills from industry experts. The four categories are broken down into 18 different modules: Animal Health – Velvet Grading, Q+A with a Vet, Rousie Skills, use of animal drugs and Breeding. Maintenance – Farm Implements, Motorbikes, Welding, Fencing and Chainsaws. Agronomy – Pasture, Seeds, Irrigation, Soils and Fertiliser. Personal Development – Debating, Interview Skills and Public Speakers. Each module runs for 20 minutes except the Personal Development modules running for 35 minutes. There are 90 participants registered for Saturday activities. On Saturday night the Waimak Young Farmers Club are running a “Traffic Light Dance” at the Mandeville Sports Club while TeenAg members will have a movie night. Most participants are camping onsite. Sunday morning will see some of the skills put into practise for […]

Check importing rules

The Ministry for Primary Industries is reminding plant enthusiasts to check importing rules after a North Canterbury man was sentenced to 180 hours community work for recklessly importing concealed seeds. Richard Paul Watson, of Medbury, had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of recklessly importing unauthorised goods in Christchurch District Court yesterday (17 Sept). He had already started community work to demonstrate his remorse. Mr Watson arranged for heirloom corn seeds to be sent from the United States to a relative in New Zealand concealed in hand-sewn pincushions to deliberately avoid the biosecurity system. MPI Border Clearance Services Manager Andrew Spelman says imports of untreated corn seeds can contain a range of unwanted insects, mites, fungi, bacteria and viruses that could have a negative impact on agriculture and the environment in New Zealand. “We go to great lengths at the border to protect New Zealand’s environment and agricultural economy, and some people go to great lengths to avoid these measures for their own interest. “We have biosecurity checks in place for a very good reason. Those who deliberately avoid these checks put peoples’ livelihoods and our environment at risk. If people are looking to import seeds or plants, have a chat to MPI, we’ll tell you how to do it safely.” The seeds were identified when the package went through an x-ray machine at Auckland Mail Centre. The declaration with the package listed the contents as pincushions with no mention of seeds or plant matter. The package was destined for a relative of Mr Watson’s. The relative told MPI investigators Mr Watson had used this method for importing seeds several times before. MPI’s mail inspection database showed packages to Mr Watson had been intercepted in the past the rules around importing seed had been explained to him. An inspection of […]

Genetic variations identified to enable improved dairy cow fertility

LIC scientists have discovered new genetic variations which can impact a cow’s ability to carry a calf to full term. The variations are known as Fertility2, Fertility3 and Fertility4, and are carried by about 2% of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows and 1% of crossbreds. LIC chief scientist, Dr Richard Spelman, said it follows the 2013 discovery of Fertility1 in the Jersey breed and concludes 18 months of DNA sequencing research which focussed on fertility and calf survival. “All three variations have the same effect on fertility and calf survival, with origins in the New Zealand dairy cow dairy population dating back to sires born in the 1970s. “These are recessive genetic variations which mean an embryo will be non-viable if both the sire and dam have a copy of the variations and pass them on; even if both parents are carriers, only one in four of their progeny will be affected. “When an animal has two copies of the variations the animal will die in utero. Our research shows that the cow carrying this foetus will then be empty, which means it will not lactate the following season. No live animals have been seen with two copies of the variation.” The farmer owned co-operative, which supplies genetics to breed approximately three-quarters of the national dairy herd, has published a list of its artificial breeding (AB) sires that carry the variations on its website (www.lic.co.nz). The information has also been added to the co-op’s Datamate technology, which its AB technicians use before insemination to check inbreeding potential or any lethal gene combinations with a dam and sire. DataMate will issue alerts to reduce the frequency of matings between two carriers of the variation, as it does already with Fertility1 and other undesirable genes including CVM, BLAD and Small Calf Syndrome. “These variations […]

Fine foods fuel industry growth

As a country with a reputation for top quality foods and beverages, New Zealand made products and foodservices are in demand – both nationally and from the rest of the world. It’s no wonder, then, that Fine Food New Zealand – the premier trade event for the foodservice, hospitality and retail industries – is already 60% sold out for its 2016 event. On top of a significant number of returning businesses, there are 35 new companies already on board to attend the event – many which will be hoping to capitalise on the significant growth predicted for the food and beverage industry in coming years. In fact, exports are expected to double in value in the next 15 years – following an increase of 11% per annum for the last decade.* To support current topics of interest to the industry, Fine Food NZ 2016 has launched two new zones: the “Gluten Free and Allergen Friendly Zone” with Nutritious Foods, Angel Food, Venerdi and more; and the “Artisan Alley”, to showcase artisan New Zealand goods, including products from Wangapaka Family Dairy, Creative Food Edge Co and Bees Blessing. The show is home to many key industry association events, and will again support competitions run by the Baking Industry Association of New Zealand and NZ Chefs Association, as well as hosting the show’s own Best New Product Awards – celebrating the latest innovations and developments across the food and hospitality industries. Visitors will also be treated to a high dose of caffeine-injected showmanship with the return of the Restaurant Association’s Barista Smack Down, a knock-out style coffee making competition. Brand new to Fine Food NZ is Top Shelf, a boutique drinks festival dedicated to wine, beer, premium spirits, and craft drinks. It will combine fun, education, mixology, sampling and an unrivalled line-up […]

Watch your back this spring

Sheep farmers busy with tailing/docking of lambs are being urged to take extra care of their backs. “With spring comes more stock handling,” says Al McCone, WorkSafe’s Agriculture Programme Manager. “Injuries often happen when people do routine tasks like tailing/docking over and over again. Before you or your workers start any job on the farm, stop and consider what you need to watch out for and how to get it done safely.” In September last year, people working on farms made 600 claims qualifying for ACC funding for back injuries. In addition to injuries suffered as a result of tailing/docking work, other back-related injuries came from kicks or crushing by animals, slips, trips and falls, and injuries from vehicles and heavy machinery. Mustering and penning up sheep in preparation for tailing/docking can be physically demanding, and farmers can risk back strains and knee injuries when handling. “Before working with ewes and lambs in the yards, it’s a good idea to leave them to settle. Avoid lifting adult sheep if you can and when you do have to, use your legs, not your back.” Using two-wheel motorbikes and quad-bikes during mustering also has its risks, say Al McCone. “We know when mustering that most of the rider’s attention is on the sheep – so it’s good to remind ourselves that we need to stay focused. “Use the right vehicle for the job. Two-wheel motorbikes and quad-bikes need our full attention to balance and control. In some situations, like difficult terrain or where the rider is inexperienced, it may be safer to use the quad or motorbike to get to the paddock, then get off and muster on foot. In all cases, it is good practice to work your dogs from a stationary two-wheeler or quad.” For more information on staying safe […]

Sheep and beef farmers to benefit from weaker NZD

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Economic Service released its New Season Outlook 2015-16 today. It predicts the average sheep and beef farm in New Zealand will see its profit before tax lift to $109,900 this season – 9.6 per cent more than last season, but 3.1 per cent below the five-year average. B+LNZ Chief Economist Andrew Burtt says this is positive news, at a time when the New Zealand economy will benefit from increased farm sector spending. “This season, New Zealand’s 12,300 commercial sheep and beef farmers will spend a total of $4.66 billion on fertiliser, interest, repairs and maintenance and general farm operating costs. This will be welcomed by rural suppliers and communities, particularly at this time.” Much of the extra profit is the result of an 11 per cent lift in cattle revenue, which comes on top of a 12 per cent increase in 2014-15. Meanwhile, sheep revenue is forecast to lift 2.6 per cent, which includes a 4.0 per cent increase in lamb farm-gate prices, to an average of 547 cents per kg. Mr Burtt says international demand is expected to remain strong for beef, while tight sheepmeat supplies in Australia and New Zealand should support prices – although uncertainties remain around China’s demand for sheepmeat. “In this context, the increase in export prices is primarily expected to come from a weaker New Zealand dollar. Over the next 12 months, the New Zealand dollar is expected to weaken against the three major currencies in which New Zealand agricultural products are mostly traded – the US dollar, Euro and British pound. Mr Burtt says extreme weather events last season will affect the production side of the income equation in the new season. “Export lamb production is forecast to decrease by 6.3 per cent in 2015-16. There is a […]

Student leads the field to work on soil health

Lincoln University Honours student Victoria Shaw has recently secured her dream job working for national sustainable fertiliser company Abron, in Canterbury. Victoria was shortlisted from more than 100 applicants, and was delighted to be the top candidate. “It’s the only job I wanted,” she says. From November, the talented student will be working as a regional Soil Nutrition Consultant for Abron. After completing some Abron training, she will be visiting farms in Canterbury, conducting soil tests and working with farmers to help them improve the biological activity of their soils and increase pasture performance. “Abron wants to support farmers in improving not only their profit and production, but their sustainability, meaning that environmental best practice is an important long-term goal,” says Victoria. Abron promotes a holistic approach to soils by combining the best conventional and biological fertiliser inputs to get optimal outcomes for the farm. Victoria’s interest in agriculture was sparked at an early age on the family farm. At Lincoln University, her studies have combined her passions for agriculture, science and the environment. For now, the undergraduate student is busy finishing her Honours research project with Professor Steve Wratten in the Bio-Protection Research Centre at Lincoln University. They are researching techniques to improve growth of the giant grass, miscanthus, which is being trialled as a shelterbelt on dairy farms because it is flexible enough to let centre pivot irrigators pass through it. Miscanthus has already been shown to improve pasture growth, soil quality, and to increase the numbers of beneficial insects on dairy farms. The giant grass can also be used as a source of renewable fuel, animal feed or bedding. She is investigating whether a beneficial fungus can help to enhance growth and performance of the grass under drought conditions. “The greatest thing I’ve learnt from my project […]

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