Dairy outlook, science to feature at forums

Either DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle or the general manager R&D David McCall will describe the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

Rabobank’s director of dairy research New Zealand and Asia, Hayley Moynihan, will discuss the global environment and the implications for the New Zealand industry and farmers’ businesses. She will look at how farmers globally are reacting to the tough market and discuss how market changes, particularly in Europe and the US, will impact this country. 

Moynihan will also present an economic outlook for China.

DairyNZ developer Dana Carver will lead a session on farmer wellbeing and the importance of managing stress and avoiding burnout. 

In the ‘Hot Science’ sessions different topics are being tailored to each forum.

In Kerikeri and Balclutha, Managing for Tight Times will see DairyNZ senior scientist Kevin Macdonald and farms systems specialist Chris Glassey emphasise how with a lower milk price and dry conditions, farmers need to rely on the basic principles of science established in recent decades. They will outline appropriate body condition score, adequate calf feeding and production at high levels.

Does feeding grain to cows lead to better in-calf rates? In Stratford and Balclutha, DairyNZ team leader- reproduction Chris Burke will explain the results of a field trial last spring and whether they support an earlier experiment showing that cows fed on maize or grain barley in early lactation cycled earlier and had better in-calf rates. 

Also, in Stratford and Balclutha, the popularity of wintering barns will be discussed by DairyNZ project manager people and business, Geoff Taylor. He will look at the latest research and examine the issues in investing in one of these structures.

Senior scientist Pierre Beukes will speak at Kerikeri and Balclutha on reducing footprint while maintaining profit, analysing lessons learnt a three-season trial comparing a low nitrogen-input farm with a control farm.

In Kerikeri and Balclutha, DairyNZ scientist Cathal Wims will examine how much gain has been achieved from perennial ryegrass breeding over the years and look at the connection between sowing rate and pasture performance.

A session in Stratford by DairyNZ forage value manager Cameron Ludemann will discuss the DairyNZ Forage Value Index and its development, including the incorporation of pasture quality and persistence traits into the evaluation.

What do the public really think of farmers and what issues about farming are most important to them? In sessions in Kerikeri and Stratford, DairyNZ brand manager Andrew Fraser will reveal findings of the latest research on this topic.

Register with DairyNZ online or tel. 0800 4 324 7969.