2024/25 Dairy Statistics: NZ dairy farmers boost production with fewer cows
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.
Golden Bay farmer Corrigan Sowman was recently elected as LIC's third South Island director.
Sowman runs Uruwhenua Farms, a 400ha family owned dairy farm, and is a member of the Fonterra Sustainability Advisory Panel, a group providing independent advice to the Fonterra senior management team and board.
Sowman says it's a privilege to be elected to the LIC board.
"Dairy farmers are enjoying record milk prices and have a truly exciting opportunity to provide grass fed nutrition that the world wants."
"But it comes with new responsibilities and challenges, and I look forward to contributing to LIC as it supports farmers with science, innovation and services that meet these head on."
His election means LIC has three directors each for North Island and South Island, as voted by farmer shareholders in 2020.
A Taranaki farmer and livestock agent who illegally swapped NAIT tags from cows infected with a bovine disease in an attempt to sell the cows has been fined $15,000.
Bill and Michelle Burgess had an eye-opening realisation when they produced the same with fewer cows.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying. Decades later, it's her passion for the industry keeping her there, supporting, and inspiring farmers across the region.
Rangitikei Rivers Catchment Collective (RRCC) chairperson Roger Dalrymple says farmers in his region are taking a national lead in water quality awareness and monitoring.
One young couple is proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.