Aerial soil testing technology and GPS-controlled automated variable-rate spreading are on trial on a well-known hill country station in the North Island.

Maize silage harvest is running two-three weeks late in most areas because of later planting and cooler-than-average early summer temperatures.

More precise aerial fertiliser spreading has already proven to give greater environmental gains than blanket topdressing, says fertiliser company Ravensdown.

As a result of the last two seasons’ historically low payouts many farmers have become very cost focussed.

A pilot's perspective on the latest aerial spreading research from Ravensdown.

South Auckland farmer Tony Walters is not a computer buff, instead relying on his teenage children to help him navigate the internet.

Since the introduction of Pioneer's New Zealand silage trial programme in 1991, silage yields have increased by an average of 310 kgDM/ha/year.

Forty years of genetic progress and a large recorded breeding database gives the Wairarapa Romney Improvement Group (WRIG) an edge, the group claims.

One of the highlights of this year’s Bragato conference, was the Future Leader’s presentation. Four young members of the wine industry were asked to give their views on the future for New Zealand wine.

YOUNG STOCK represent the future of a dairy farm. They are also a significant investment with the cost of rearing a heifer to her first lactation estimated to be $1200. Optimal weight gain and health during rearing are essential to ensure the newly calved heifer produces milk to her genetic potential, gets back in calf quickly and has good health so she stays in the herd long-term.