THERE’S RARELY a dull moment in dairy these days, and in many ways the past month has been an eventful one. In addition to the finalisation of 2013-14 milk prices and financial results for most processors, the oft-mentioned targeting of ‘high-value markets’ took further shape with deals such as the infant formula joint venture between Fonterra and Beingmate, in which Australian milk and facilities will play a key role. 

IF WE DON'T look after all natural pollinators, particularly the honey bee, we could see economic and social collapse, says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers Bees chairperson and a Christchurch-based exporter of bee products.

Zelam Limited, a New Plymouth-based agrichemical company, has been recognised by Callaghan Innovation.

ABOUT 200 farmers gathered in Central Hawke’s Bay last week to find out more about the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme and its potential to irrigate 25,000ha extra land.

CIRCUS ELEPHANTS are believed to have been indirectly responsible for a large outbreak near Hamilton of the notorious pest plant alligator weed which can quickly take over pasture.

The Waikato Innovation Park has brought $16 million of establishment funding into the region and employee-related benefits from those working at the park have contributed more than $100million to the regional economy.

THE USE of feed additives to improve feed efficiency has been common practice for many years around the world. Due to feed costs being such a large chunk of overall farm costs, improving feed efficiency has a large impact on the bottom line. Feed additives are feed ingredients which do not add direct nutritional value but improve animal performance or health. 

THE LABOUR Party and the Green Party recently announced plans to establish a new agency, New Zealand Power, to act as a single buyer of wholesale electricity.

“SUSTAINABILITY’ IS the dairy industry’s buzzword for 2013.  

New regulations to support compliance with the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme and protect the privacy of NAIT stakeholders came into effect yesterday (January 10).