Green light for acquisition
The merger of two of the country’s largest animal nutrition companies won’t lessen competition, the Commerce Commission has ruled.
In this calm before the calving season a bit of planning now will help herds get through without the risk of metabolic disorders, such as milk fever, says ruminant feed company SealesWinslow.
It cautions that milk fever can lead to downer cows or affect future milk production.
The disorders are prevalent just before or after calving, triggered by an inability to mobilise enough calcium. Subclinical cases of milk fever can be hard to pick up, and industry data indicates that for every downer cow it is likely that 10-15 others in a herd will have early-stage milk fever symptoms.
“It’s estimated that the cost of a clinical case of milk fever can reach up to $1500 per cow – including lost milk production, reduced fertility and increased likelihood of culling due to other diseases such as mastitis. Not only is the risk a costly one, it’s also unnecessary,” says the company’s product development manager, Jackie Aveling.
Aveling explains there is a clear link between nutrients and vitamins, and reproduction and lactation in dairy herds.
“Using supplements pre- and post-calving is a good preventative strategy for metabolic diseases and sets up cows well for lactation post-calving. What’s important is ensuring supplements are readily available well before the calving picks up from July.”
Dehydrated molasses blocks, such as Crystalyx Dry Cow can be used as a sole source supplement, and need to be available to stock for 60 days prior to calving and then throughout the colostrum period. The dehydrated molasses helps to ensure cows get the right intake, and the minerals and vitamins help to improve the general immunity of the cow.
Other options include SealesWinslow’s Cattle High Magnesium Block or the Cattle Winter Crop Block. Both are suitable for farmers who want cost-effective pre-calving magnesium supplementation as part of a programmed approach, and will help ensure stock receive the minerals and trace elements they need.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.