LIC reports 18% increase in beef straws used in dairy cows this spring
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.
Herd improvement company LIC says some of its services are deemed essential and will continue during the Level 4 lockdown.
In a statement, LIC has informed farmers that the following services will continue under strict safety protocols:
All staff working in these areas will be operating under strict safety protocols – this includes wearing masks, heightened hygiene measures and physical distancing.
LIC’s customer experience centre phones are closed, but farmers can contact via email.
For urgent enquiries, a portion of the team will be available via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. during the hours 8am-4pm for the remainder of the week.
“Please understand there may be delays in response, but the team will be working to get back to you as soon as they can. Any non-urgent remedial work may need to wait until next week so the reduced team can prioritise and resolve urgent queries.”
LIC says during the initial lockdown period, there will be no farm visits from agri managers, FarmWise consultants, Wagyu calf pick-ups or field assist service.
“In line with lockdown requirements, a large proportion of our people are now working from home in their bubble.
“If you have any questions about LIC services during this lockdown, please don’t hesitate to contact your agri manager.”
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.
Next month, wool training will reach one of New Zealand's most remote communities, the Chatham Islands - bringing hands-on skills and industry connection to locals eager to step into the wool harvesting sector.
Farmers' health and wellbeing will take centre stage with a new hub at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.

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