Forestry group challenges claims in meatworks closure debate, aerial AI brings precision to Kiwi farms, and top young horticulturists gear up for national final.

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Forestry group challenges claims in meatworks closure debate

The New Zealand Forest Owners Association has challenged claims that forestry expansion is a main factor behind the proposed closure of the Smithfield meatworks in Timaru. This comes as the agricultural sector grapples with changing land use patterns and economic pressures.

Alliance Group recently announced plans to shut down its Timaru meat processing plant, putting about 600 jobs at risk. Federated Farmers pointed to land use change as a key issue, citing farms being turned into carbon forests at concerning rates.

However, Brendan Gould, acting chief executive of the Forest Owners Association, says that the area of production forestry across New Zealand has actually decreased over the past two decades.

Government data supports this claim. The total forested area in New Zealand peaked in 2003 at over 1.8 million hectares but has since declined. Canterbury follows a similar trend.

Gould acknowledges that land use change is having an impact but argues it's not solely due to forestry. He points out that dairy farming in Canterbury has expanded significantly in recent years.

The proposed Smithfield closure highlights broader challenges in the primary sector. Recent shutdowns of pulp and paper mills underscore the difficulties facing New Zealand's food and fiber industries.

Kate Acland, chairwoman of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, offers a contrasting view. She cites an analysis showing nearly 300,000 hectares of sheep and beef farms sold for forestry conversion since 2017.

She argues that while forestry area may have decreased since 2003, this land is unlikely to return to sheep and beef farming. Acland also highlights the impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme on land use decisions.

Gas uncertainty threatens maize grain supply

North Island dairy farmers may need to look for feed alternatives next season, as uncertainty grows over maize grain availability for 2025. The issue revolves around gas availability for drying grain.

Federated Farmers dairy chair and Horowhenua farmer Richard McIntyre underscores the gravity of the situation. He explains that farmers depend on a reliable supply of supplementary feed, and finding alternatives isn't straightforward in many areas. McIntyre, currently feeding maize grain to his cows, warns this issue carries significant consequences, including cost implications for dairy farmers.

The heart of the problem lies in the North Island's maize grain production. After harvest, the grain needs drying to about 14% moisture at large off-farm facilities. These operations rely on gas, and there's growing uncertainty about future availability and costs.

Typically, North Island maize grain is harvested between April and June. Companies usually factor drying costs into contract prices offered before planting. However, few, if any, contracts have been extended so far this year.

Dairy farmers like McIntyre are now considering alternative such as wheat, barley or tapioca. McIntyre also notes that pig and poultry farmers could face similar challenges.

Aerial AI brings precision to Kiwi farms

A groundbreaking Kiwi innovation is set to transform livestock tallying on farms up and down the country. PGG Wrightson and Inde Technology have joined forces to develop SkyCount, a cutting-edge application combining drone technology with Microsoft's artificial intelligence.

This new system dramatically reduces the time needed for stock counts. What once took weeks, especially on larger properties with multiple herds, can now be accomplished in minutes. The technology utilises drones to capture aerial footage while artificial intelligence identifies and counts specific animal species on the ground, from high country terrain to flat plains.

PGG Wrightson's team ensures accuracy by reviewing the AI-generated data, making minor adjustments when necessary. The system's precision has reached impressive levels, often achieving 99% accuracy in ideal conditions.

Animal welfare was a key consideration in SkyCount's development. The drones operate at 120 metres altitude to minimise disturbance to livestock. Inde Technology even modified the drone propellers to reduce noise, ensuring the counting process remains non-invasive and stress-free for animals.

While the current focus is on beef, dairy, and sheep, PGG Wrightson sees potential for broader applications. Future uses could include tracking wild animals like pigs or assessing crop areas and health.

Craigmore takes larger bite of apple industry with orchard acquisitions

Craigmore Sustainables is taking a bigger bite out of New Zealand's apple industry, acquiring two orchards from Scales Corporation's Mr Apple New Zealand Limited. 

The deal includes Te Papa orchard in Central Hawke's Bay and Blyth orchard in the Heretaunga Plains, totaling 234 hectares. Once fully developed, this acquisition will boost Craigmore's apple portfolio to nearly 700 canopy hectares, cementing its position as a major player in the industry.

Craigmore's leadership views this expansion as a strategic move to revitalise rural economies and communities. They're targeting sectors where New Zealand holds a long-term competitive edge, and apples fit squarely into that strategy.

However, the apple industry isn't without its challenges. Many orchards are decades old, requiring substantial capital to modernise. This includes increasing tree density and introducing new, premium apple varieties to meet changing market demands.

Blyth orchard will be leased back to Mr Apple until 2027, while Mr Apple will provide management services for Te Papa orchard during the transition period. Both orchards will continue to supply fruit to Mr Apple for packing, storage, and marketing under a long-term agreement.

Top young horticulturists gear up for national final.

Six talented young growers are preparing to compete for the national Young Grower of the Year title. The event, set to take place in Hastings next week, will bring together regional winners from across the country to showcase their skills and knowledge.

The competition, held at the Tomoana Showgrounds, will challenge contestants in a variety of areas crucial to modern horticulture. Competitors will face tests in excavator operation, nutrition and fertigation, innovation, integrated pest management, and agrichemical stewardship. They'll also tackle tasks related to horticulture biosecurity, fencing, and repairs.

This year's finalists represent a diverse range of horticultural specialties and regions. They include Lilah Rosenfeldt, a trial specialist from Zespri in the Bay of Plenty; Pip Terekia, a trainee orchard manager with Apata Group in Gisborne; and Grace Fulford, who manages quality and compliance for T&G in Hawke's Bay. Nelson's Farrah Richards from Fairfield Orchards, Luke St John, a packhouse manager from Central Otago's Fortune Fruit Company, and Jamie Wells, an agronomist with Balle Brothers in Pukekohe, round out the field.

The competition culminates with a gala dinner at Toitoi: Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre on October 10. Here, finalists will participate in the Ballance Leadership panel and the FMG speech competition before the overall winner is announced.