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New partnership to provide enhanced pasture management for farmers

In the picture:L-R: Brendon Cane (Precision Farming) and Wayne McNee (LIC) signing the agreement at the National Fieldays yesterday. Farmer-owned co-operative LIC has entered into a partnership with Precision Farming Ltd, supplier of GIS-based systems that manage the application of farm nutrients to optimise pasture growth including fertiliser and effluent. The two companies have signed an agreement whereby Precision will share its nutrient management functionality for integration with the co-op’s MINDA farm management system used by more than 90 per cent of NZ dairy farmers. LIC chief executive Wayne McNee said it would provide enhanced information for farmers about their pasture and feed availability. “LIC is committed to helping our farmers improve their prosperity and productivity, and with a predominantly grass-based industry we recognise that pasture management and feed optimisation is an important part of that equation. “Seamless integration of farm information like fertiliser, effluent, water, and irrigation will complement our existing pasture management tools in MINDA, providing farmers with enhanced information to improve decision making and enable superior livestock performance, and deliver the benefits of precision agriculture.” Precision Farming’s system records spreading and nutrient activity on more than 4,500 farms, based on data generated by 720 of the country’s estimated 800 commercial fertiliser spreading trucks. Precision Farming also provide fertiliser monitoring GPS equipment direct to farmers, for use on self-spreading equipment and for GPS guidance and control of tractors, sprayers and harvesters. Brendon Cane, MD of Precision Farming, said they are proud to partner with LIC and make it easier, faster and more profitable for more farmers to use integrated farm management information to support better decisions. As a contractor himself, he appreciates the benefits of reducing the time and cost, and often the guesswork, associated with improving pasture performance as part of overall farm profitability. “With the […]

World demand for food processing machinery to reach $73 billion in 2019

Global demand for food processing machinery is projected to advance 7.6 percent per annum to $73 billion in 2019. Growth will be driven by industrializing nations, where strong consumer demand for processed foods is emerging. These and other trends are presented in World Food Processing Machinery, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm. In developing economies, rising personal incomes will result in a dietary shift to more processed foods which will generate related processing machinery demand. In response to the demand for more processed foods, numerous food and beverage firms in developing areas will transition from manual to mechanical food processing in order to increase output and develop new products. China alone is projected to account for nearly 40 percent of all new food processing machinery demand through 2019. Although Western Europe’s food processing machinery market is forecast to advance at a below-average pace through 2019, the region is still expected to post significant gains. According to analyst Gleb Mytko, “sales of processing equipment are expected to rebound in several West European countries, including France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The replacement of older equipment will be a major driver of growth.” In addition, changing consumer preferences in Western Europe will encourage food and beverage firms to develop new products and invest in new processing equipment. North America is projected to record weak food processing machinery sales growth through 2019. After a period of rapid gains, product demand in the US is expected to advance only 2.2 percent per year between 2014 and 2019. A significant portion of older equipment in use in the US was replaced in recent years. Food processing machinery sales growth in Canada and Mexico, on the other hand, is expected to accelerate.

PGG Wrightson lifts annual earnings outlook for a second time, warns of weak farmer confidence

PGG Wrightson, the rural services firm controlled by China’s Agria Corp, lifted its annual earnings outlook as second half trading comes in ahead of expectations, but warned weak farmer confidence may weigh on future sales. The Christchurch based company expects annual operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation to be between $66 million and $69 million in the year ending June 30, above the February forecast for earnings between $62 million and $68 million. That in itself was an upgrade from previous guidance to beat last year’s earnings of $58.7 million. Wrightson is trading ahead of expectations, with strong seed sales across New Zealand and Australia, despite “challenging conditions” in the domestic market, it said in a statement. Still, dairy prices have dropped, hitting New Zealand’s largest export commodity and denting farmer confidence, while a dry summer had also been felt in some regions. “The improving PGW results we are seeing are a direct result of the hard work we’ve put into our business over recent years,” chief executive Mark Dewdney said. “Looking ahead, reduced farmer confidence in dairy and lamb is creating more uncertainty than usual regarding spending intentions for next season. This may result in farmers reducing expenditure which will potentially impact our financial performance.” The Reserve Bank yesterday cut interest rates as falling dairy prices dragged down the nation’s terms of trade more than expected, and has previously cited the sector as a key risk to the nation’s financial stability given the industry’s concentration of high indebtedness. In February, Wrightson reported a 47 percent gain in first half profit to $19.7 million in the six months ended Dec. 30, beating analysts’ expectations. Operating Ebitda climbed 51 percent to $33.6 million and revenue from continuing operation increased 3.1 percent to $654.7 million. Agria first invested in Wrightson […]

Organic Grower Forks Out to Hundreds of Staff to Encourage Healthy Eating

New Zealand’s largest organic apple grower is going the extra mile to educate employees about healthy eating, serving up daily organic meals for hundreds of staff. Bostock New Zealand has significantly invested in a new purpose built organic kitchen where staff can enjoy premium organic meals. Bostock New Zealand owner, John Bostock says he has always had a vision to teach his employees about healthy eating and show them that tasty, wholesome food is better for them and just as affordable as processed, fast food. “We are strongly committed to the well-being of all our staff. We are a country that has major issues with poor diet, obesity and sugar, but we can change this giving people opportunities to learn new, exciting and interesting ways to eat healthily. “By taking away the cost barrier, we hope we will start changing eating habits,” says Mr Bostock. “We grow our own organic, premium produce and we are now using this in our organic kitchen. We need to ‘walk the walk’ and create a healthy ethos inside our company so everyone who works at Bostock New Zealand in Hastings can take this home to their families and show that ‘we are what we eat’ – that nutritious food creates a healthier lifestyle.” Bostock New Zealand employs up to 600 people in the height of the season and staff are welcome to dine at the Bostock Organic Kitchen, where a top chef has been employed to dish up wholesome cooked meals for the masses – all of which are subsidised and on occasions free. Bostock New Zealand grows, packs and markets high quality squash, onions, grain and organic apples and also partly owns Bostock Organic Free Range Chicken – all produce, which is staple on the Organic Kitchen’s daily menu. Bostock Organic Kitchen Chef, […]

GrainCorp takes on New Zealand dairy feed industry

GrainCorp Feeds is set to make headway in the New Zealand dairy industry, thanks to the company’s long history supporting New Zealand dairy farmers combined with the strength and reputation of a major international company. GrainCorp Feeds, formerly BLM Feeds, officially unveils its new-look at this year’s New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek in Hamilton. The liquid feed and dry feed import and distribution company is one of four businesses that will fall under the GrainCorp umbrella of companies, including GrainCorp Foods, GrainCorp Liquid Terminals and GrainCorp Commodities. GrainCorp Feeds general manager Daniel Calcinai says the support and international presence of its parent company, GrainCorp, enables the New Zealand feeds business to offer farmers greater flexibility and choice of feeds. “We know that the next 12-18 months will be challenging for New Zealand dairy farmers, so it’s important that we help them get the best return on their feed investment,” Mr Calcinai said. “By tapping into GrainCorp’s global networks, we can now offer a wider range of unique products that will increase production and profitability on the farm.” In addition to the name change, GrainCorp’s head office has relocated from New Plymouth to Hamilton and its Waikato store has increased in size to cater for future growth, an expanded product range and ongoing improvements in quality control. “In light of challenging times in the sector, GrainCorp Feeds is focusing on investing in quality systems, technical support for farming customers and sourcing the best feed from within New Zealand and overseas to fulfil farmer requirements. “We have the backing of our strong parent company, who support our innovative approach to bring new products and services to New Zealand to support New Zealand farmers,” he said. GrainCorp is Australia’s largest listed agribusiness. It operates a range of integrated businesses including […]

Export revenue predicted to grow says MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries is predicting steady export growth over the next four years in its latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries, released today. MPI Director of Sector Policy, Jarred Mair, says the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries highlights the resilience of New Zealand’s primary industries and their growth prospects, and provides a positive outlook through to 2019. “For the year ending June 2015, we expect primary industries total export revenue to be $35.2 billion, down 8 percent from 2013/14. This is despite substantial expected declines in export revenue for dairy (22 percent decrease) and forestry products (10 percent decrease). We then expect a return to growth with a 1.5 percent increase in export earnings for 2015/16, to $35.7 billion. “Longer-term the outlook is for steady growth across all sectors. Total export revenues by June 2019 are expected to be $41.3 billion – a 17 percent increase on this year. “This growth will be underpinned by income and population growth in China and Southeast Asia. Steady growth in other key markets will further bolster growth. For example – expectations of sustained recovery in the US housing market bodesw well for higher-value forestry exports.” “The last 12 months have been an example of the benefits of having a diversified production base and highly adaptable export companies. It was a tough year, with volatility in overseas markets for some of our key export commodities, and challenges to production from climatic events such as drought, storms and floods. “China remains our most important market for primary industry exports. Demand drove dairy prices high heading into 2014, and its construction boom helped lift forestry export earnings. However, excessive inventories and slowing construction have reversed these price gains for the 2015 year. Volatility in dairy markets has been further exacerbated by […]

Partnership reaches ‘important milestone’

In the picture: Yili Group Chairman Mr Gang Pan and Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Dr Andrew West. A Chinese dairy company and its New Zealand subsidiary have established a new research and development centre at Lincoln University following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing last year. Lincoln University and the Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group (Yili) signed the MoU in November in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinpeng and Prime Minister John Key. To build on this partnership, Dr Philip Wescombe – the newly-recruited Research and Development Manager of Yili and its New Zealand subsidiary, Oceania Dairy – is now based on the Lincoln University campus, some 11,000km from Yili’s headquarters in Hohhot City, China. “This is an important milestone for the partnership between Yili and Lincoln, and is very much in synchronisation with the objectives of the MoU,” says Lincoln University Business Development Manager Dr Samuel Yu. “Yili and Lincoln share similar interests, with Yili investing in areas such as food safety and production, as well as on-farm issues like effluent management, improving pasture production and sustainability.” Dr Yu says Dr Wescombe is a specialist in microbes and probiotics development, making him an excellent guest speaker at Lincoln, as he can offer students a global perspective from an international company. “Lincoln-Yili are in a unique position, as some of the research discoveries that we are embarking on will have an ability to materialise at the nearby Yili-Oceania Dairy production facilities at Glenavy in South Canterbury,” says Dr Yu. Yili also unveiled plans last year to invest around $400m in upgrading its Oceania Dairy plant at Glenavy, with extra capabilities in milk processing, powder manufacturing and packaging. Since the MoU signing, senior management from both sides have been actively engaged in discussions, with Yili Innovation Centre Deputy Director Dr […]

Hastings young fruit grower wins regional competition

Andrew Kearney has won the Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower 2015 competition, defeating eight other contenders from around the region. Andrew, 26, who works at T&G Pipfruit as Senior Leading Hand, has won the Horticentre $1,000 cash prize, a T&G Pipfruit NZ sponsored prize package trip to Nelson, including accommodation and airfares, PickMee Education Prize and Fruitfed Supplies wheelbarrow of merchandise. As a Young Grower of the Year finalist, he also wins a one-day media and presentation course in Auckland and an all-expenses paid trip to Christchurch to compete for the national 2015 National Young Grower of the Year title, run by Horticulture New Zealand, in August. “The competition was a real test of the experience I have gained throughout my career so far. The other guys put up some real stiff competition and really knew what they were doing so I had to be on the front foot during every challenge,” said Andrew. Nine young fruit growers battled it out over a two day event. On Friday 5 June contestants went head-to-head in a series of theoretical and practical challenges at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society Showground in Hastings, which tested the skills required to run a successful fruit growing business. On Saturday 6 June they were challenged to give a speech on a unique, fruit-growing related, current affairs topic in front of an audience of 190 guests at the Awards Evening at the Mission Estate Winery. “It’s a really great feeling to have taken the top prize today against a bunch of really talented guys,” said Andrew. “These competitions are a brilliant opportunity for any young grower in New Zealand to both test their skills and prove their capabilities to the industry. I would definitely recommend it to anyone serious about progressing their career in fruit growing.” “We […]

Vitafoods Asia 2015: Asia’s Definitive Nutraceutical Event

Fifth Edition to be Held from 2 – 3 September 2015 in Hong Kong Singapore – The fifth edition of Vitafoods Asia, the only event dedicated to the nutraceutical, functional food and beverages, and dietary supplement industries in Asia, returns to Hong Kong from 2 – 3 September 2015 at the AsiaWorld-Expo. Pre-registration is now open at www.vitafoodsasia.com/register, and entrance is free for industry professionals. The global nutraceutical market has to-date enjoyed steady growth for more than a decade, and factors widely recognised as drivers include an increasing consumer interest and awareness in diet-disease relationships, rising healthcare costs, and a growing ageing population. According to Euromonitor International, the retail value of fortified (or functional) food and beverages across Asia Pacific is expected to grow by 50.0% from 2014 – 2019, amounting to US$153.7 billion by the end of that period. Within the region, the top five performing markets are China, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Hong Kong respectively, with China accounting for nearly 60% of the territory’s total sales.VFA PIC Catering to the varied needs of manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, scientists, R&D personnel, and marketing professionals, Vitafoods Asia features over 170 international exhibiting companies, who will present their latest ingredients and raw materials to upwards of 3,000 visitors from across Asia. Mr Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Vitafoods Events, said, “Building upon the success of our last event, the team is working to enhance some of the best-loved visitor attractions of the show, as well as introduce fresh elements that will improve the experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. Ultimately, we aim to create a platform that promotes knowledge-sharing and networking, both of which facilitate business deals for the industry.” A Showcase of the Finest & Hottest Innovations Since its inception, Vitafoods Asia has been lauded by industry experts as a professional […]

Young fruit grower from Cromwell wins first Central Otago Young Fruit Grower of the Year competition

A young fruit grower from Cromwell has secured first place at the inaugural Central Otago Young Fruit Grower of the Year 2015 competition on Wednesday 27 May. James Huffadine, who works as a site manager for Parkburn Management, battled it out against five other young fruit growers from Cromwell, Roxburgh and Alexandra for the title. “Competing against five other growers, who are at the top of their game, was tough. The tests were challenging and diverse and really put our skills to the test,” says James. James (23) won a $1,500 cash prize, and as a Young Grower of the Year finalist, he has also won a one-day media and presentation course, as well as an all-expenses paid trip to Christchurch to compete for the national 2015 Young Grower of the Year title in August. “It’s been a real privilege to win the first Central Otago Young Fruit Grower competition and I’m looking forward to stepping up to compete with the other finalists in the national competition in August,” says James. The competition put contestants through a range of challenges designed to test their core skills of running a fruit growing business. These included identifying biosecurity pests and diseases, tractor skills and irrigation. Grant McKay, competition co-ordinator, said the competition was a great opportunity for young growers in the Central Otago region to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of the industry. “We’re excited to bring the competition to the region and to showcase and help foster the talent we have here. I’m impressed with the contestants and the energy and time they’ve put in preparing for the competition. All of them should be proud of their performances today,” said Mr McKay. Jack Gilchrist from Willowbrook in Roxburgh took second place and won $1,000 cash, and Jonathan Bates from CAJ Van der […]

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