Management

Queries linger around water plan

DairyNZ says it is still working through the details of the Government’s Essential Freshwater package announced late last month.

Data-driven irrigation

A web-based technology is now available to help farmers better manage their water resources and improve decision-making around irrigation.

Taranaki welcomes revised water reforms

The Taranaki Regional Council is welcoming the Government’s revised stance on freshwater regulation.

Smelly pond a thing of the past

North Waikato farmers Michael and Rebecca Payne’s investment in a new effluent pond last year turned into a headache when neighbours complained about the smell.

Council demanding better winter grazing practices

Environment Southland expects “clear improvements” this year on winter grazing practices in the region.

Simple actions can reduce winter nutrient losses

Simple actions can reduce winter nutrient loss, explains Bala Tikkisetty, sustainable agriculture advisor at Waikato Regional Council.

The ideal cow for OAD milking

There was a large turnout on a recent DairyNZ webinar discussing once-a-day (OAD) milking, with participants joining in from Northland and Southland and all places in between.

Hardy catch crops may reduce nitrate leaching by 40%

New research is seeking to understand the role hardy catch crops can play in reducing nitrate leaching.

Zero bobby calves

The versatility of Holstein Friesians is being credited with allowing a young South Canterbury couple to produce zero bobby calves.

Consumers want more goat milk products

The dairy landscape in New Zealand is changing, as it is around the world.

Farm therapy lifts pasture cover

Six months after implementing a groundbreaking new farming system, Alan Law’s Whakatane dairy farm is an oasis of green among drought-stricken neighbouring farms.

Owl Farm flying high despite big dry

It’s been a tough summer for most dairy farms including Owl Farm, the St Peter’s School demonstration farm near Cambridge.

Times, they are a-changin’

Pioneer forage specialist, Ian Williams on the many things that won’t change for agriculture through the COVID-19 pandemic.

One robot makes the difference

A small Waikato dairy farm with one Lely Astronaut A4 robot has proven that robotic milking is also effective with a small herd.

Northland herd on track to 500kgMS per cow

The decision to move to overseas genetics has put a Northland farming couple on the track to achieving 500kgMS/cow.

The value of reproduction

Focusing resources on improving reproductive performance can offer economic, social, and legal benefits.

New head for M. bovis campaign positive about eradication

Good strides are being made in the Ministry for Primary Industry’s Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme, according to its new head.

The power of digital systems during crisis

Digital systems will come into their own with COVID-19 restrictions, says James Watson of TracMap.

Tips for milking during COVID-19

Keep yourself and your employees safe at milking during COVID-19 with the following tips.

Don’t be bullied into building large ponds

A Hamilton soil and water consultant is questioning the effectiveness of the dairy effluent storage calculator on Waikato farms.

Award up for grabs for responsible irrigation

Encouraging farmers to share ideas for achieving sustainable freshwater management has motivated the launch of a new award — with a trip to the US up for grabs.