Chinese strategy
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
Waikato sharemiker Barry Old doesn’t consider himself a bull breeder. So, when his champion bull Mint Edition was inducted into LIC’s hall of fame this month, the Tatuanui 50/50 sharemilker felt it was surreal.
The drought has gradually broken across most parts of Waikato but many farmers are still in the grips of a ‘green’ drought, with large differences in rainfall and average pasture covers.
LIC subsidiary Dairy Automation Limited (DAL) is a finalist in two categories of the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards.
Do bigger cows mean more milk in the vat? No, says Australian farmer Sue Walton. Sue and husband David proved this when they switched to buying genetics from LIC 10 years ago, chiefly for easier calving.
At last some much needed rain has fallen. But some farms have had less 30 mm, so pastures are still declining quickly and I am seeing large differences in average pasture cover (APC) between farms.
LIC says its new partnership with a global cow health company is growing the business and providing New Zealand farmers more choice.
LIC has recorded a solid performance in the first half of the financial year. In the six months to 30 November 2014, the co-op achieved revenue of $159 million, 17.7% higher than the same period last year.
Five new focus farms will give graziers knowledge and resources to help grow heifers better, and strengthen their relationship with dairy farmer clients.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.