Milking longer with maize silage
This season's dry conditions have made one thing clear: not having enough feed on hand can bring your season to an early close.
OPINION: Staying on climate change, forget fair-trade coffee beans and cows' milk substitutes, low-emission lattes could be the next big thing to land at your local cafe.
A new study in Australia has paved the way for the dairy industry to dramatically slash its methane emissions by feeding cattle with an unlikely additive - a native red seaweed called asparagopsis armata. While the study provides a possible opportunity for dairy farmers to reduce their carbon footprints, it may also kick-start a profitable new "low emissions" marketing avenue for the industry. Published in the March edition of the international journal Animal Feed Science and Technology, the study found that pouring seaweed-infused canola oil over feedlots slashed their methane emissions without impacting the quality or quantity of milk produced.
The species of seaweed added to cattle feed can drastically reduce cows' burping. Cows consume the seaweed in dried pieces sprinkled on their food or as an oil.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.