This season of belt tightening demands a close eye on production costs, whether stock are fed grass only, or supplements to keep production up and revenue rising.

Recent results from AgResearch trials in South Otago as part of the Pastoral 21 project have shown that grazed winter forage crops contribute significantly to the risk of nutrient losses to water.

In times of low milk payout, the maintenance of all equipment should be a priority.

A nutrient budget must be prepared for the area where effluent is to be applied. 

New Zealand must better ‘leverage’ its use of water for our national wellbeing and to protect us from the effects of climate change, says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.

While wholesale milk prices may be on their way up, we need to be aware of “retailers’ revenge” says a food marketing specialist.

DairyNZ says the results of analysis of Southland swede plants collected last season backs up its advice to farmers that feeding maturing swede crops increases the risk of ill-health in cows.

Mating more dairy cows to beef sires and rearing more dairy-beef calves are attractive options for some dairy farmers as they look for ways to supplement their income. 

Palm Kernel expeller (PKE) is now being imported directly to Wellington from this month.

A major Irish supplier of milk collection and metering systems has Transport Hydraulic Systems (THS) as its New Zealand distributor.