Four-Year Trial Confirms Plantain Cuts N Losses 33%
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.
DairyNZ has announced the date for its upcoming Milksolids Levy vote.
The vote, which takes place every six years, will be held from Monday, 16 February to Friday, 13 March 2026.
Tracy Brown, chair of DairyNZ, says the levy underpins sector science, research, on-farm support, and advocacy to ensure a positive future for dairy.
“Voting ‘yes’ in the Milksolids Levy vote ensures we can continue to invest in the activities that matter most to farmers – both now and into the future,” Brown says.
She says that in the second half of 2025 and into 2026, the DairyNZ board and management team will be meeting with farmers to discuss the levy and answer questions.
“We value the opportunity to share the progress we’re making at a pivotal time for dairy,” she says.
“It’s important we continue to work with farmers and partners to secure the continued success of our sector.”
DairyNZ says that further details about the voting process and regional engagement events will be shared closer to the voting period.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.
Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.
Fonterra has opened its upgraded Chengdu Application Centre, bringing New Zealand dairy expertise closer to customers in one of China's fastest-growing regions.
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