Bumper crops boost feeding
Many farmers in the lower North Island and Taranaki are a bit embarrassed by the oversupply of feed they have…
Recent
All signs point to M. bovis eradication
A report due to be officially released in a few weeks from MPI’s Mycoplasma bovis technical advisory group (TAG) is…
Brexit chaos no surprise
No surprise really: that’s the reaction of NZ’s agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen to the rejection last week by the…
Milk powder sell-off behind price hike
A big reduction in European stocks of skim milk powder (SMP) was behind its whopping 10.3% rise in price at…
$6-plus payout looking likely
A farmgate milk price at the upper end of Fonterra’s forecast is now on the cards.
National
John Nicholls elected to Fonterra board
Fonterra farmers have elected Canterbury farmer John Nicholls to the board.
Synlait signs up first Waikato-based milk suppliers
Independent milk processor Synlait has signed up its first Waikato dairy farmers.
27 NAIT compliance officers graduate
A cohort of 27 new NAIT compliance officers have graduated and will begin working with farmers.
Mike Cronin to head Farm Source
Fonterra has appointed Mike Cronin as managing director cooperative affairs.
The big cheese in South Korea
It's been three years since the free trade agreement (FTA) was signed with South Korea and New Zealand cheese is…
World
Ireland assembles its agrifood units
With the UK’s Brexit scheduled for April 1, 2019, discussions in Ireland are centred on tariffs, with a general call for a ‘soft’ Brexit that would allow present cross-border agreements to apply in the foreseeable future.
Mandatory code for Oz processors
Milk processors in Australia, including Fonterra, could soon be slapped with a mandatory code of practice.
Oz processor tipped to be broken up
A large Australian dairy processor may soon be broken up and sold.
An A$9/kgMS forecast for Oz in 2030?
As you read this, the factors affecting the outlook for global commodity markets are finely balanced, with much swinging on the weather – so there’s nothing new.
Oz farmer forced to sell stock
With feed costs almost doubling, one drought-stricken Australian dairy farmer has been deciding to regularly sell livestock. He would like the government to provide rate relief for farmers affected by drought.
Opinion
How to feed those extra mouths around the world
New Zealand, a country of 4.7 million, produces enough food for 50 million people. But with 9 billion mouths to…
Time to let Tip Top go? — Editorial
OPINON: Fonterra doesn't have the capital to take Tip Top to its next phase, so selling it now may be…
Credit where it’s due for Fonterra — Editorial
Fonterra, take a bow.
Let’s make sure antibiotics continue life-saving work
Right now antibiotics are treating serious diseases worldwide, but resistance threatens the future of this essential form of defence.
Fonterra farmers vote strategically — Editorial
OPINION: Fonterra farmers have delivered a stinging rebuke to the co-op leaders: don’t expect us to rubber stamp your director…
Agribusiness
Owl Farm flying high
Owl Farm uses proven research and good practice and, importantly, encourages young people into the dairy industry.
Dairy Industry Awards entries thrill organisers
A total of 393 entries are in for the 2019 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.
OZ/NZ share many common problems
New Zealand and Australia share many problems in common in their dairy industries, says Professor Yani Garcia from Sydney University.
Orders surge for robotic milker
Milking technology company DeLaval says demand for the new DeLaval VMS milking system V300 is exceeding expectations.
Ethics matter most at Oz creamery
Innovative Western Australian dairy farmers Mat and Sue Daubney have added another feather to their cap.
Management
Traditional path to farm ownership
Mike and Debi Fichtl, of South Waikato, believe farm ownership is still an admirable, and achievable aim.
Pasteuriser unit holds off disease
A large calf rearer bought an $80,000 pasteurisation unit this year to protect his business from Mycoplasma bovis.
Let’s not create new issues with on-farm solutions
An Irish farm systems researcher says any solutions that scientists come up with to solve problems must be simple and…
Water – an important nutrient
Don't underestimate how much water your cows need.
Breeding success with a Jersey herd
Otorohanga farmers Michael and Claire Newson have a passion for the quintessential New Zealand farm and family lifestyle.
Farm Health
Bull movements need close watch
If you're selling or leasing bulls this spring, understand the risks and know the animal’s history of movement and health.
Don’t treat pests as a problem
Farmers should stop treating agricultural pests as a problem, and instead realise they are a symptom of an unsustainable farming…
Time to put Johne’s on the map
Johne's disease (JD) is a major production-limiting disease of farmed ruminants worldwide and, after CAE, it is the biggest animal…
Time to change milking liners?
Filling the vat with the best milk you can produce is a financial advantage, says milking liner maker Skellerup.
Keeping M. bovis at bay during mating
Dairy farmers are using a range of tactics to keep their cows and farms safe from Mycoplasma bovis this mating season.
Machinery & Products
A guide to the right tyre choice
Grassland, cultivation and seeding specialist Pottinger has updated its guide to tyre choice and use for agricultural implements, including its…
Revamped Jimny takes on UTVs
The UTV is a workhorse on many rural properties, but the asking prices — $15,000 to $30,000 — cause some…
Triple success for New Holland
New Holland Agriculture last month won three awards in the technical innovation contest at the 2018 EIMA International farm machinery…
Camera picks out clover
A new sward scanner soon to be launched by Agrointelli (a spin-off from Kongskilde) produces data usable in variable-rate fertiliser…
Dual-up with ease!
Arguments about whether tracks or duals are the best option for getting power to the ground in farming will go…
Motoring
Hilux marks milestone with attitude injection
Toyota has restyled the 14 wide-bodied variants of its 21-model Hilux ute range, as the maker celebrates the iconic workhorse’s…
Tried and tested Triton
Performance, safety upgrades and a new look for the 2019 Mitsubishi Triton have the manufacturer suggesting it expects its sales…
Making a line for the Sportline
After test driving the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline, we think getting one may be a clever choice.
Golden eagle soars
The Jeep legend was born in WWII but it came of age in the 1970s with a Golden Eagle version…
Holden goes easy on fuel
Holden has released details of the first-ever diesel Commodore, launching it alongside the first diesel-powered version of the new medium-size…
» Latest Print Issues Online
Milking It
Proper cows!
Maternal aggression may be behind many attacks on humans by cows, say two overseas animal experts.
Now it’s tiger nuts
A UK man has invented a vegan milk he hopes will be a best seller.
» eNewsletter
Popular Reads
Extra production does not necessarily mean extra dollars
The extra and hidden costs of bringing in feed can often mean increased milk production, but not increased operating profit.
Farming systems will need to change
Farmers will have to look at their fundamental farming systems if they are to meet future nitrogen leaching limits, claims…
It’s time to look at soil health
Spare a thought for soil — arguably our most underappreciated natural resource.
Rural Life
Ozone in the vineyard
The word ozone conjures up images of big holes in the atmosphere, stronger UV light, the risk of severe sunburn…
Drones versus birds
Drones may soon be joining the armoury of weapons used to scare birds away from ripening grapes after a trial…
Boss woman has earned her stripes
Nicky Hutchinson “never dreamed” of becoming ‘The Boss’.