increase font size
A nationwide shortage of zinc – the preferred treatment for facial eczema -- is causing concern to dairy farmers in the North Island, especially in Waikato.
DairyNZ general manager extension Andrew Reid says the wet warm weather in Waikato and potentially in Taranaki and the Lower North Island has seen FE spore counts rise. Farmers are being urged to monitor this closely.
Reid says if farmers can’t get zinc they should talk to their vets about alternative products and check the effectiveness of such products.
Last season FE seriously hampered dairy and sheep and beef farmers.
The other area of concern, says Reid, is the West Coast of the South Island.
“They still have ongoing wet; there's no significant relief from the rain. Farmers have a watching brief from a wellness perspective, and they are frustrated at not being able to get on pastures because of the wet."
He notes that Northland and Hawkes Bay have been dry, but elsewhere farmers are poised for a reasonable autumn and are generally optimistic.
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.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.
