Seaweed wonder
OPINION: Research across the ditch has found that seaweed doesn’t just make a tasty wrap for sushi rolls.
Hundreds of dairy cows were killed and farms across Tasmania severely damaged this month in the worst flooding many farmers have ever experienced.
Major dairy regions around the state's north-west and mid-north coast were among the worst hit.
Merseylea dairy farmer Luke Bloomfield lost 300 cows.
"We've been breeding the cows for quite a while on the farm... it is heartbreaking for me. I've put in a lot of time," he told the ABC.
The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) estimates losses of up to 1000 head of beef and dairy cows in the Latrobe area.
Farms near Meander, Launceston in the north-east and Ouse in the south are also badly damaged. DairyTas says 50-80 dairy farms were severely hit by the flooding, and many more are affected.
TFGA dairy council president Andrew Lester escaped major damage on his Winnaleah farm, but says others have not been as lucky.
"We got out of it with only a few fences buggered but other than that we're good. But when you get out to Latrobe it's a different story: a group of farmers there are seriously devastated; they're milking in different spots. One bloke's dairy -- the water went straight through so it's no longer operational.
"Another fella lost most of his cows; his dairy is still alright but he's only milking what he's got left.
"Another bloke is still watching his cows through binoculars; they're standing on an island out in the middle of nowhere, so that's a bit of a bugger."
Many farmers are preparing for no milk collection for a long spell because about 100 roads were closed soon after the flooding and dozens of bridges were washed away.
Animal health and feed shortages will become major problems, but Mark Smith, DairyTas, says the immediate priority is assessing damage and preparing a case for state and federal government assistance.
The farmers can get help from the Rural Relief Fund through Rural Business Tasmania. Donations can be made at www.ruralbusinesstasmania.org.au/relief-fund
Livestock can be bred for lower methane emissions while also improving productivity at a rate greater than what the industry is currently achieving, research has shown.
OPINION: The New Zealand red meat sector, with support from the Government, has upped the ante to retain and expand its niche in the valuable Chinese market - and the signs are looking positive.
Keratin extracted from New Zealand wool could soon find its way into products used to minimise osteoporosis, promote gut health, and other anti-inflammatories, says Keraplast chief executive Howard Moore.
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.
Every time people from overseas see photographs of cows up to their hocks in mud it's bad for New Zealand.
An eight million dollar, three year campaign to get wealthy Chinese to buy New Zealand beef and lamb is now underway.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.