Gongs for Fonterra's top sites
When it comes to processing milk, three Fonterra manufacturing sites stood out last season.
» Featured
Profitable season, with lower margins
Dairy farmers are set for another profitable season but profit margins will shrink compared to last season, says Rabobank senior analyst Emma Higgins.
WoolWorks commits $2.4 million to support Wool Impact
New Zealand wool scourer WoolWorks will contribute $2.4 million over the next three years to support the new industry good organisation Wool Impact Ltd.
The Minions and Rockit collaborate to say 'Bello' to vitality
Snack-sized apple company Rockit Global Limited is saying ‘bello’ (‘hello’) to vitality in its biggest collaboration to date with Universal Pictures’ Minions.
AWDT chair steps down
Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) chair Linda Cooper has stepped down after three years serving the charitable trust.
Yili tops tally
Chinese dairy giant Yili topped the tally at the World Dairy Innovation Awards held recently in France.
National
Youngsters urged to give dairy farming a go
With a third of dairy farms seeking to fill vacancies ahead of calving season, Kiwis are being encouraged to give dairy farming a chance.
Plan against rising costs
After a good 2021 season, rising costs are now starting to hit farmers. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki rural advisor Amanda Burling says it's time to start planning because the 2023 season could be bumpy.
Power plant to close
Energy company Contact is closing its 44-megawatt Te Rapa power station in June next year.
M. bovis outbreak 'under control'
The Government says it's got a high degree of confidence that Mycoplasma bovis found on a Mid-Canterbury dairy farm isn't widespread.
World
New Aussie ag minister
Australian farmers hope that the new Labor Government will help ease chronic worker shortages crippling the agriculture sector.
FAO distributes seed potatoes to Ukrainian rural families
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has distributed seed potato kits to 17,740 Ukrainian households from…Arla joins trials to reduce emissions
European dairy co-operative Arla Foods has become the second global milk processor to trial the methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer.EU co-op to trial methane reducing feed additive
European dairy co-operative FrieslandCampina is trialling a feed additive that is said to reduce methane emissions from cows by 30%.Arla beats Covid, posts solid result
European co-operative Arla Food reported a solid performance in 2021 despite continued disruptions from the pandemic and high inflation.Opinion
Calling for fairer methane reporting and targets
OPINION: DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ are calling on the Government to give farmers a fair deal by using…
Editorial: Europe, can you hear us?
OPINION: Once again there's a flurry of activity as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Minister of Trade Damien O'Connor and a…Beware of politicians and their plans!
OPINION: Back in the early '90s, I felt privileged to be invited to visit the Republic of Nauru. With a…Editorial: Hobson's choice!
OPINION: One of the most recognised lines from the classic TV show Hill Street Blues was the send out by…My inconvenient truth - don't let it be yours!
OPINION: I felt great about turning 50.Agribusiness
Gongs for Fonterra's top sites
When it comes to processing milk, three Fonterra manufacturing sites stood out last season.
Profitable season, with lower margins
Dairy farmers are set for another profitable season but profit margins will shrink compared to last season, says Rabobank senior…O'Connor attends WTO meeting
Trade Minister Damien O'Connor is currently in Geneva for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 12th Ministerial Conference.New chair for Fonterra Shareholders Fund
The independent chair of Fonterra Shareholders Fund John Shewan is stepping down later this year.Fonterra's strategy spooks investors
Fonterra's weak share price highlights market concerns around the co-op's investment plans, says Jarden head of research, Arie Dekker.Management
Young Ahu farmer finalists found
The finalists in the 2022 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award for sheep and beef were recently announced.
Research project provides valuable hill country farm data
A multi-site study on hill country farms around New Zealand is providing a wealth of information and research findings to help guide farmers around pasture forage decisions.
Knowing your colostrum powder
Providing a newbown calf with colostrum within 12 hours of birth is vital, we know that. And if maternal colostrum is unavailable or poor quality, a colostrum replacer can provide an essential alternative.
Smart ways to lower working hours
With milkings typically taking around 17 to 24 hours a week per worker, many farmers have been focusing on milking smarter to reduce hours and creative ways to shorten the working week - like the 22% who report they are using flexible milking.
Grow another paddock
Farming is becoming increasingly complex. Until recentyl, farmers had relatively few issues to focus on: feeding cows, producing milk and hopefully making enough money to feed their family and pay off their mortgages.
Farm Health
Make use of ewe scanning data
Having the ability to target feed ewes that will offer the best return on investmnt is one of the main benefits of pregnancy scanning - but there are others.
Benchmark in teat spraying
Automatic teat spraying is no longer just about labour savings, says dairy automation company GEA.
Uni farms variable plan delivers mixed result
The first full season of ten-in-seven variable milking on the Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) started well but the "then wheels fell off," the farm administrator, Jeremy Savage, revealed at the recent farm focus day.
His bark could be worse than his bite
With canine cough having a resurgence around the country the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) is reminding dog owners to keep an eye out for symptoms.
Toxoplasmosis a major cause of abortion in ewes
Toxoplasmosis is the second most common cause of abortion in sheep.
Machinery & Products
Making life easier
Many temporary sheep fencing systems can be troublesome, with reels jamming or breaking and the bugbear of silly hooks on the chains, which continuously catch on everything.
Krone adds VariPack to its baler range
The Krone VariPack Plus is a high-density, high-performance round baler comprising of four models – the VariPack V 165, V 165 XC, VariPack V 190 and V 190 XC.
Valtra's following grows
With the release of its N5 and T5 series of tractors, Valtra continues to expand its presence in the Australia-New Zealand region.
Manufacturer hustling to double NZ production
Hawke's Bay farming equipment manufacturer Hustler Equipment has announced the recent acquisition of the production facilities of McLaren Stainless.
Remote-controlled slurry hose trailer
UK manufacturer Tramspread has launched the first contractor trailer to feature its Teletram GSM remote control system.
Motoring
LDV electric ute breaks cover
While there seems to be a feeding frenzy for hybrid or electric cars of late, there’s no such madness for…
New-look 'Step-Thru'
Remarkably there are still many of the venerable Honda step-throughs operating on rural properties throughout New Zealand.Safari on a Trek to NZ
Exclusive to the New Zealand market and available in limited supply, the Suzuki Jimny Safari adds to an already versatile…A price saving proposition
A bit like Vegemite, the first impression raised when you encounter a Mahindra Pik Up is love or hate –…Updated Navara ute bolder and more refined
The most obvious change to the updated Nissan Navara is the bold, almost American, styling.» The RNG Weather Report
» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
No free ride!
OPINION: This old mutt is getting somewhat tired of multi-national, tax-dodging, fund-raising group Greenpeace always given front and centre mainstream…
How come?
OPINION: A mate of yours truly is questioning exactly why the Māori ag sector have been given special budget funding by…
Milking It
Tinder for cows!
OPINION: Irish farmers can now swipe right on a tinder type dating app for cows!
Cow and cars
OPINION: Cows are the favourite target of vegans, Greenpeace, the Green Party and plant-based food advocates.
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BNZ offers loan incentives for 'green' farmers
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New milk plant on track for 2023-24 season opening
Waikato's newest milk processing plant is on track to start operating in July next year.
Milk production, animal health top priorities when picking bulls
Ron and Amy Baker are a busy couple. They are not only the owners of a 60ha dairy farm on…