DairyNZ Farmers Forum returns with events in Waikato, Canterbury & Southland
The DairyNZ Farmers Forum is back with three events - in Waikato, Canterbury and Southland.
Animal healthcare specialist Purtec says it will showcase a range of innovative products at the CD Fieldays.
Products including the No Mate teaser harness designed for use with sheep and goats.
These allow entire males to be placed with females – without the risk of mating. The merits of the device have been praised by Massey Vet School, not least because it removes the need for vasectomies on teaser stock.
The company will also show the Bearin prolapse harness, which achieved great results during the last lambing season. These are described as robust, easy to use and prevent the ewe from lifting its back and straining, which can cause prolapsed bearings. Adjustable fixing straps make the device suitable for ewes or hoggets, making it fit well and keep the bearing profile in place.
According to Spring Valley Farms, which is running a triplet lambing trial: "If a ewe is carrying triplets, saving her and the lambs is a small price to pay for the $25 invested in the harness."
On the dairy side, Purtec's Heatmark ERO heat detectors will be on display.
These also have a loyal following. Users rate the new adhesive applicator, as getting the glue right down to the skin and outperforming self-adhesive detectors. This superior adhesion is said to result in better detection and mating results in all types of stock.
The company will also display a range of animal health applicators including a new needle-free vaccinator which ensures the dose gets to the animal for effective uptake of the administered product. And it removes the risk of site lesions which might become infected after the process if conventional equipment is used.
New Zealand milk production is off to a strong start, with the first month of the 2025/26 dairy season recording a whopping 17.8% jump in milk production, compared to the previous season.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Keep up with innovation and e-commerce in China or risk losing market share. That was the message delivered at the China Business Summit in Auckland this month.
Meat Industry Association (MIA) independent chair Nathan Guy says getting meat processors involved has been a shot in the arm for the sector's key marketing initiative into China, Taste Pure Nature.
Listed carpet manufacturer, Bremworth is undertaking a $6 million expansion at its Napier plant more than two years after the site was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Federated Farmers is vowing to keep the big banks accountable for their actions and to continue pushing for meaningful change in the rural lending sector.