Monday, 27 March 2017 11:32

DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums are back

Written by 

The latest DairyNZ science and innovation will be revealed at Farmers’ Forum events across the country in May.

A selection of science topics will feature at the regional forums, free to farmers, with DairyNZ staff summarising key research.

Session one, ‘Are you making money from milk or milk from money?’ will look at the results of DairyNZ’s farm systems research into the profitability of marginal milk (the milk produced after fixed costs are paid). In response to debate around which farming system is most profitable, DairyNZ has assessed the cost of marginal milk from data analyses and farm systems research. The findings will be presented to help farmers consider marginal milk in their decision making.

The second session will look at how farmers can achieve better in-calf rates, look for cows that are the most efficient feed convertors, and ensure they have healthier, longer, more productive lives. Efficiency gains in herd fertility, health, and feed conversion, could see farmers collectively make more than $1 billion a year in additional profit.

Session three will focus on feed, drawing on research findings from the past five years. It will cover the story of genetic gain through ryegrass breeding; what is (or is not) behind problems with pasture persistence; the value of clover; and simple rules for successful pasture renewal. AgResearch staff will be on hand to explore exciting new grasses and legumes being developed using novel plant breeding techniques.

The final session on nutrients will outline how dairy farming is changing to maintain or improve the quality of ground and surface water. It will look at how farmers can prevent sediment, phosphorus and E. coli from entering waterways, and

the opportunities to reduce nitrate leaching from grazing animals. How reducing nutrient loss affects farm profit will also be discussed.

At the end of each forum, DairyNZ regional leaders will talk about the latest regional issues and news.

For more information and to register visit dairynz.co.nz/farmersforum.

DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums timetable

Each event will run from 9.30am-3pm

May 4 – Southland, Wallacetown Community Centre, 57 Dunlop Street, Waikiwi, Wallacetown (followed by an opportunity to visit the Southern Dairy Hub).

May 11 – Manawatu, Massey University No 4 dairy farm, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North.

May 16 – Lincoln, Ashley Dene Research & Development Station, 736 Bethels Road, Springston.

May 19 – Taranaki, Stratford War Memorial Hall, 55 Miranda St, Stratford.

May 25 – Waikato, Lye Farm, 219 Vaile Road, Newstead, Hamilton.

More like this

Strong uptake of good wintering practices

DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.

Better animal genetic gain system

A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of a major software project.

Musical chairs

OPINION: DairyNZ's director elections has seen scientist Jacqueline Rowarth re-elected for another three-year term.

Featured

Massey Research Field Day attracts huge interest

More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.

Expo set to wow again

Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.

A year of global challenges

As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.

National

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of…

Machinery & Products

BA Pumps expand

Cambridge based BA Pumps & Sprayers, specialists in New Zealand-made spraying equipment, has acquired Tokoroa Engineering’s product range, including the…

Entries open for innovation award

Fieldays and its renowned Innovation Awards are celebrating their 57th year, marking a longstanding tradition in the agricultural calendar, with…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Chinese strategy

OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.

Not fair

OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter