Wintering decisions shape the success of early lactation.

The dairy sector is in a strong position, with high milk prices, declining interest rates, and renewed confidence.

With a higher forecast payout, falling interest rates, and renewed confidence in the dairy industry, farmers can move beyond day-to-day survival and plan how they can improve their herd long term.

Success in calf rearing is often measured by minimising health issues, reducing mortality rates, and achieving high growth rates.

Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.

Last month we talked about why dry cow management is critical, though often overlooked. This month I wanted to dive further into the dry period’s importance to udder health.

Now is not the time to stop incorporating plantain into dairy pasture systems to reduce nitrogen (N) loss, says Agricom Australasia brand manager Mark Brown.

As spring calving farmers around the country enter in the final stage of lactation, the incentive to keep the milk flowing is certainly there. A strong milk price and kind first half of the season has left cows in good nick and milking well.

Breeding cows without a farm may sound a little unorthodox to some - but for Isaac and Emma Kelsen, it means they get to experience the best of both worlds.

Reducing nitrogen inputs does not necessarily mean reducing profits, says DairyNZ principal scientist Ina Pinxterhuis.