DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ wrap up M. bovis compensation support after $161M in claims
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
DairyNZ developer Jane Kay says the term ‘mammary memory’ is being bandied around the industry, causing farmers to question their drying off decisions and continue milking when this might not be the best option.
“This statement is based on the premise that the cow’s mammary cells have a memory for low production and short lactation lengths. There is no truth behind this statement,” says Kay.
“Don’t worry about when the mammary cells go on holiday as most of them won’t be coming back.”
Kay says the cells in the mammary gland (or udder) are continuously changing.
“During the lactation, old, inactive cells die and new cells are formed. These two processes -- cell death and cell formation -- are constantly occurring and the rate at which they occur depends on factors such as stage of lactation and milking frequency.
“The balance between cell death and cell formation determines the number of cells in the udder and this affects milk production.”
After a pregnant dairy cow is dried off, the udder resets itself during the dry period. Old inactive cells continue to die and new cells form.
Profitability issues facing arable farmers are the same across the world, says New Zealand's special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr.
Over 85% of Fonterra farmer suppliers will be eligible for customer funding up to $1,500 for solutions designed to drive on-farm efficiency gains and reduce emissions intensity.
Tighter beef and lamb production globally have worked to the advantage of NZ, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
Groundswell is ramping up its 'Quit Paris' campaign with signs going up all over the country.
Some farmers in the Nelson region are facing up to five years of hard work to repair their damaged properties caused by the recent devastating floods.
Federated Farmers is joining major industry-good bodies in not advocating for the Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
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