Lower North Island farmers “cautiously optimistic” heading into winter – DairyNZ
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
DairyNZ says it is hearing of several cases of nitrate poisoning in the Waikato region, with several cow deaths.
Nitrate poisoning is caused by high nitrate levels in feed and usually occurs in late autumn or winter, particularly during a flush of growth after a dry period.
In an email to Waikato farmers, DairyNZ regional leader Waikato Wilma Foster outlined key factors to reduce of nitrate poisoning in herds.
• Test grass for nitrate levels – you can get kits from your local vet clinic. Test each break.
• Feed supplement first before feeding high nitrate feeds – this reduces the eating speed of cows.
• Feed ‘at risk’ pastures/crops in the afternoon on a sunny day – sunshine helps break down the nitrate levels, avoid these paddocks on cloudy days.
• Check the animals 1-2 hours after you put them on a new break.
• Call a veterinarian at the first signs of trouble.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
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