increase font size
Sharon Morrell
DairyNZ says it is encouraged by reports of good winter grazing practices this year, with farmers nudging other farmers to deliver on good practice too.
“Most farmers are focused on delivering and we are largely seeing good practices as we head through winter,” says Sharon Morrell, DairyNZ farm performance general manager.
She says farmers expect a team effort and to see assistance delivered for any farmers who need it. “As a sector, we are committed to delivering winter grazing that protects our animals and environment – this motivation is really evident this season, and farmers are taking action and adopting new practices.”
Morrell says managing wet weather is challenging for any farm system but there are options for farmers facing difficult conditions, such as shifting stock off the crop during adverse weather or to shelter under trees or hedges.
“We’re encouraging farmers to have a plan written down and to discuss it with the team – keep reviewing it each and every wet weather event. Keep sharpening the system each time rain or snow is forecast.”
Morrell says DairyNZ is encouraging farmers to use the Winter Grazing Hotline which farmers can do by calling 0800 FARMING.
The advice comes after Environment Southland performed an aerial inspection of farms in the region which saw a good level of compliance across the areas covered.
However, Environment Southland says intensive winter grazing is a high-risk activity.
In data released last month, Environment Southland said it had investigated 18 incidents and/or properties related to intensive winter grazing, while 14 were reviewed and confirmed as having no breaches.
A further three were found as needing investigation during the inspection flight.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
OPINION: The stats speak for themselves.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
Ravensdown shareholders have elected Jane Montgomery and Kate Acland to the Ravensdown Board for three-year terms, following a closely contested director election.
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
