Wednesday, 21 January 2026 10:55

More cows, less barley

Written by  Milking It

OPINION: Canterbury grows most of the country's wheat, barley and oat crops. But persistently low wheat prices, coupled with a high milk payout, are believed to be driving farmers out of the industry in the hunt for the dairy dollar, according to media reports.

The Canterbury regional council said up to 25,000 more dairy cows could be added to the region's herd this year, following an end to a temporary ban on intensive dairy farm conversions.

Environment Canterbury shows 32 new consents were approved last year, and 15 more in progress.

It said the maximum number of cows that could be milked through the shed was 25,818 cows, among the approved consents.

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