Editorial: Fewer herds, more milk
OPINION: The latest New Zealand Dairy Statistics report paints a picture of an industry trending towards fewer but larger herds.
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.”
The Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey found farmers' expectations for their own business operations had also improved, with the net reading on this measure lifting to +37% from +19% previously.
Confidence is flowing back into the farming sector on the back of higher dairy and meat prices, easing interest rates and a more farmer-friendly regulatory environment.
Ham has edged out lamb to become Kiwis’ top choice for their Christmas tables this year.
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) has announced real estate company Bayleys will be the naming partner for its 2025 conference.
As New Zealand enters the summer months, rural insurer FMG is reminding farmers and growers to take extra care with a new campaign.
Hato Hone St John is urging Kiwis to have a safe summer this year.
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