BCS Targets: Why Body Condition Score Matters at Calving
Body Condition Score (BCS) is a critical element in managing the health and reproduction of the dairy herd.
New Zealand's primary sector is being called on to help shape the future of the country's industry by sharing views and insights about the availability and use of genetic tools.
The Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme has launched its fourth annual industry survey aimed at farmers, beef breeders and rural professionals, including agricultural consultants and facilitators, stock agents and vets. The survey closes on Monday, December 9, 5pm.
INZB programme lead Dr Gemma Jenkins says findings from the previous surveys had already been incorporated into programme activities.
The seven-year programme aims to boost the sector's profits by $460m over the next 25 years. It is developing a beef genetic evaluation system that includes traits that are important to New Zealand beef farmers, supporting a sustainable beef farming industry.
"We really encourage farmers and others involved in the sector to complete this year's survey, even if they have already taken part in previous years. This enables us to measure changes in views and the uptake of genetic tools over time," says Jenkins.
OPINION: The time has come for the Government to back the organic sector.
Plan ahead and be patient. That’s the message to farmers and horticulturalists from the chairman of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association, Kent Weir.
The industry is crying out for graduates with agricultural related degrees.
While GPS and guidance have become the norm and yield mapping and variable application continues to gain traction, most agricultural machinery manufacturers continue to expand their technology offerings, amalgamating the vast amounts of data being collected to streamline real-time and ongoing management decisions.
Supply chain problems, growing protectionism and a move to greater food security are some of the key challenges facing New Zealand exporters, according to our top trade negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis.
A spat within the ranks of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association has resulted in the suspension of outspoken North Canterbury farmer Barry Cuttance.