New pasture guide launched to support farmers in a changing climate
A new publication has been launched that offers a comprehensive and up-to-date resource on commercially available grazing pasture species in New Zealand.
Milk and dairy products need ongoing promotion in New Zealand, says a nutritional physiology professor at Massey University.
Marlena Kruger, who specialises in bone growth, has just completed a study of the effects of milk on children in the Fonterra milk-for-schools programme, and those who do not. The milk drinkers had significantly better bone health than those who did not.
The year-long research involved children aged five to ten. As the children’s diets were not controlled during the study, the data could indicate that the children drinking milk at school are also milk drinkers at home, so getting the full benefit of milk and dairy.
In general terms, Kruger says, drinking milk which supplies calcium, other minerals and protein is critical in life’s two big growth spurts – from birth to age five and later in adolescence to about 18; by this age a human has reached up to 80% of their adult skeleton, although bone accrual will continue for about 10 more years.
“In females bone mineral remains stable between ages 25-45 depending on lifestyle, until they reach menopause at about 55, then they can become susceptible to osteoporosis. In males this doesn’t happen until 70 plus years depending on lifestyle.”
Kruger stresses milk is important during adolescence; at about the age 13 - 14 girls may become self-conscious about their bodies, worrying that milk and dairy products will make them fat. The irony is that those who turn to soft drinks will likely suffer more harm.
While not drinking milk can affect a child’s health, other factors are also emerging, Kruger says. With NZ children being so protected from the sun, they may not get enough vitamin D, a major problem also in Asia.
Studies show that children not playing outside, not getting enough physical exercise and not drinking milk are more susceptible to bone fractures.
“It is useful to promote milk as a health drink, perhaps broadening it to include dairy, Kruger says.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.