Substitute for cow's milk?
OPINION: Scientists claim to have found a new way to make a substitute for cow's milk that could have a radical effect on the dairy industry.
Scientists at Massey University have confirmed what farmers have known for years: cows do not like to walk uphill.
Their research, funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, investigates more sustainable farming practices for managing beef cows on hill country and around waterways.
Angus, Angus cross-Friesian and Angus cross-Jersey cows were monitored over two consecutive winters at the university’s Tuapaka farm to get baseline measurements of how the beef cows used the 8-12ha paddocks.
The research found that even in extensive hill country paddocks cows avoided walking uphill. Of the 3km they walked each day, less than 300m was uphill. Instead the cows followed the contours of the hills and concentrated their grazing on the flatter areas. The cows’ movements were largely unaffected by cold, wet weather.
Researchers say this confirms what farmers already know about feed requirements and grazing habits but gives them a baseline measure.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
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