increase font size
DairyNZ will be running a series of workshops in November aimed at helping Canterbury dairy farmers decide on whether they should invest in off-paddock cow shelters such as barns.
DairyNZ regional leader for Canterbury/North Otago Virginia Serra says farmers need to assess a range of factors when considering off-paddock cow shelters.
"The decision to invest usually involves a big capital cost and can be driven by a range of different reasons so it needs to be based on sound analysis of the farm business," said Serra.
The aim is to help farmers understand how to use physical and financial modelling tools to investigate the impact of different options for their farms.
By pulling together the factors a farmer should consider in their decision-making, the workshops will focus on helping farmers to work through key questions such as:
• what are the main drivers behind the decision to build?
• what are the right tools to evaluate this decision?
• what research has been done and how does that help with analysing options?
The workshops will run from 10.30 to 1.30 on the Monday 17 November at the Hinds Community Hall, Hinds and on Tuesday 18 November at the Dunsandel Sports Centre, Dunsandel. Lunch is provided.
Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers arable chair, Bevan Lill, said Beef + Lamb NZ data indicated that for the last six years, the average arable return on investment was about 0.8% while inflation ran about 4% - so the average arable farm was going backwards at about 3% a year.
A warning for New Zealand seed and grain companies – be prepared for an exodus of farmers from the arable sector.
Gareth Hale is the current custodian of a 160-year legacy that saw his great grandfather dairying in Taranaki since the mid-1850s and grandfather dairying in the Waikato from the early 1900s.
A spat within the ranks of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association has resulted in the suspension of outspoken North Canterbury farmer Barry Cuttance.
Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.
Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.
