THE GLOOM which has enveloped some parts of the Australian dairy industry appears to be lifting and is being replaced by a cautiously optimistic outlook as milk prices rise and seasonal conditions become more favourable.

NOW THAT the hype over the Fonterra whey contamination has died down and the mainstream media have flown off to another ‘dramatic event’, we begin the serious business of finding out exactly what happened at Hautapu and within Fonterra.

IF AN abatement notice from the council arrives in the mail, what should you do? Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. If you ignore it, things could get unpleasant. 

INLAND REVENUE (IRD) has announced it will make fundamental changes to the national standard cost (NSC) valuation method for dairy cattle that will increase livestock values from the 2014 income year. 

A STRUCTURED approach to time management and its role in maximising farm business capability gets comparatively modest attention in farming. This contrasts with the emphasis on time recording and a measured approach to achieving productivity evident in many other businesses sectors. It’s relevant at this time of year as gearing up for the new season presents physical challenges to farming teams.

THE NEW head of DairyNZ’s policy and advocacy group says with the growth of the dairy industry globally, the challenge for New Zealand is to work out how to harness that opportunity while still looking after our resources and maintaining them into the future.

A NEW dairy shed hot water system running since June on a Bay of Plenty farm is reducing costs and ensuring adequate quantities of hot water are available when needed.

WITH RESEARCH indicating only 12% of teat spray applications are done correctly1 , says GEA Farm Technologies, farmers must choose the right products and perfect their application, to maintain udder health and prevent mastitis.

GETTING THE best bang for your buck spent on fertiliser, while considering economics and the environment, should be a key goal for farmers.

EACH MOUTHFUL a cow eats has 20% more nutrition than is usual at this time of year, says DairyNZ regional team manager Craig McBeth.

Page 709 of 787

Milking It

Dreams aren't plans

OPINION: Milking It reckons if you're National, looking at recent polls, the dream scenario is that the elusive economic recovery…

Fatberg

OPINION: Sydney has a $12 million milk disposal problem.

» Connect with Dairy News

Popular Reads