increase font size
DairyNZ head of regional teams, Claire Bekhuis.
Dairy farmers are faring well despite data showing above average temperatures for most of the country.
DairyNZ head of regional teams, Claire Bekhuis, says that dairy farmers are doing well although the weather has varied from region to region.
“The Waikato and Bay of Plenty have experienced some summer rain combined with good growth conditions, season to date, meaning there is lots of feed available as well as supplementary feed on hand,” Bekhuis says.
She says that patches in the South Taranaki and Northland regions are experiencing relatively dry conditions, impacting pasture growth and day-to-day operations.
She says these regions are being watched and regularly assessed to see whether or not conditions worsen.
The rest of the lower North Island is experiencing relatively normal summer temperatures and has seen some rain in recent weeks, meaning that while those regions are slightly dry, it is not at a concerning level.
Bekhuis says in the South Island, conditions are similar, with Canterbury experiencing recent rain and Southland seeing consistent grass growth in the past month. However, the latter is still impacted by the extreme wet conditions that hit the region in the spring.
“While conditions are comfortable for most dairy farms right now, we are only halfway through summer, and conditions may change in the coming weeks,” she says.
“It is key for farmers to constantly assess and monitor their situation, and plan on how to handle feed, reduce stress and minimise the impacts on next season.
“This could include JESSICA MARSHALL DairyNZ head of regional teams, Claire Bekhuis. “While conditions are comfortable for most dairy farms right now, we are only halfway through summer, and conditions may change in the coming weeks.” considering different flexible milking options to reduce pressure on cows, demand on feed and people,” she says.
According to recent data from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), 2024 marked New Zealand’s 10th warmest year on record.
According to NIWA’s 2024 Annual Climate Summary, annual temperatures were above average for much of Northland, northern Waikato, Bay of Plenty, coastal Hawke’s Bay, southern Taranaki, Whanganui, eastern and southern Wairarapa, Tasman, inland northern Canterbury, Banks Peninsula, and eastern Otago.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
After 20 years of milking cows, Northland farmer Greg Collins is ready to step into the governance side of dairy.
For some Canterbury teenagers, their career is being shaped by hands-on experience in a sector they are passionate about - dairy farming.
Dairy farmers will be paying a new levy rate of 4.5c/kgMS - an extra 0.9c/kgMS - to industry-good body DairyNZ from June 1 this year.
The 'atmospheric river' of rain that swept down the country last week almost completely avoided one of the worst drought-affected regions in the country – coastal Taranaki.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.
