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Price slump pressures $6.75 payout
The Global Dairy Trade had its eighth consecutive fall last week putting more downward pressure on Fonterra’s $6.75/kgMS milk price forecast, says BNZ senior economist Doug Steel.
Evolving dairy industry now more professional
Overall the dairy industry is more professional and in a good space, but volatility will continue, says James Allen, retiring AgFirst chairman.
Rewards for best practice
Corporate farmer Trevor Hamilton is full of praise for the incentive scheme Te Ara Miraka run by the Taupo dairy processor Miraka.
Synlait’s final payout
Synlait's final average total milk price for FY18 has been announced as $6.78/kgMS.
Time to put things right at Fonterra
Federated Farmers Waikato president Andrew McGiven says it’s up to Fonterra’s leadership to reverse its awful financial result.
National
Farmers urged to plant more trees
If farmers want to offset their emissions under the likely Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), then it is rational to plant forestry and get the carbon credits for that, says Farm Foresters Association president Neil Cullen.
Only two regions disease-free
37 farms have been confirmed as infected with Mycoplasma bovis by the Ministry for Primary Industries — eight in the North Island and 29 in the South.
NZ needs to get bolder
New Zealand companies aren’t bold enough when taking innovation overseas, says Callaghan agritech innovation expert Nicky Molloy.
Long, slow return for M. bovis farmer
Southland beef farmer Ben Walling is suing Southern Centre Dairies owner, Alfons Zeestraten over the spread of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis.
World
Call for Brexit revote
Britain should hold a second referendum on Brexit to make sure the British people fully understand what they will be…
An A$9/kgMS forecast for Oz in 2030?
As you read this, the factors affecting the outlook for global commodity markets are finely balanced, with much swinging on…
Oz farmer forced to sell stock
With feed costs almost doubling, one drought-stricken Australian dairy farmer has been deciding to regularly sell livestock. He would like…
Britain could crash out of EU
There is now a 50:50 chance Britain will crash out of the European Union without any sort of deal concluded,…
Drought top priority for new PM
New Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s first trip in the top job was to a drought-stricken farm in Queensland.
Opinion
Start with the board — Editorial
Why is Fonterra in a pickle? Is the death of democracy and a blob of arrogance in Fonterra to blame…
Science the answer to debate
The previous government issued a call-to-action to New Zealand: double primary production export earnings while maintaining or improving water quality.
Beware of all the forests from these trees
OPINION: Beware the snag in the incentivised pushing by central and local government to get hill country into trees.
Ag sector ready to tackle challenges
OPINION: Two important pieces of work released in the last couple of weeks bring into clear focus the challenge New…
Debate heating up — Editorial
We've had lately an abundance of reports on how New Zealand should tackle its carbon emissions profile – especially regarding…
Agribusiness
Australia looks at agricultural visa
Australian farmers are throwing their support behind a proposed agricultural visa, which the Government could soon introduce to ease the…
Could ammonia be the new motion lotion?
Hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) makers had better mind their backs: the hydrogen fuel cell could still be in contention.
First woman head for NZ Young Farmers
Agribusiness leader Lynda Coppersmith has been appointed the first woman chief executive of NZ Young Farmers, from October 1.
Onfarm processing now a reality
A Dutch farm can now process and sell its own milk to consumers, thanks to a Lely Orbiter.
Local rich-lister to help scheme
Waimate contractor – and rich-lister – Gary Rooney will back a South Canterbury irrigation scheme that was left gasping by…
Management
Vets worry about muddy cows
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is very concerned about the animal welfare consequences of poor practices during winter grazing, says chief veterinary officer Helen Beattie.
The show will go on!
The country’s biggest annual A&P show will go ahead with cattle classes this year despite the threat of spreading Mycoplasma bovis.
A good plan for sheep, beef farmers
Environmental compliance is already a common business practice in dairying and horticulture, and now sheep and beef farmers must devise farm environmental plans (FEP) — a daunting prospect for some.
Experienced farmers inspire winner on health and safety
2018 East Coast Young Farmer of the Year Patrick Crawshaw learned early in his career from ‘early-adopting’ farmers how to identify and manage risk.
Immense crop farms amaze Kiwis
Four kiwi arable farmers were amazed recently to see the immensity of the cropping industries in western Europe and Ukraine.
Farm Health
Decoding your milk urea
Several years back, milk processors provided new information on Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN). While some farmers understand the test, the implications of the test and how to manipulate it, there are still many who don’t.
New welfare rules: best to check
With new animal welfare regulations coming into effect on October 1, even if you already think you are doing the right thing it’s best to check.
Trial indicates gains using injectable trade mineral supplement
West Australian cattle producer Ryan Willing has revealed the latest findings from a 12-month trial run by animal health company Virbac Australia.
Trial will track calves’ growth
A trial is underway to measure the growth rates of Angus/Jersey beef calves from birth to finished product.
Helping to detect cows on heat
Gain insight into which cows should be cycling once mating starts with pre-mating heat detection.
Machinery & Products
Communication key to on-farm safety
Warmer weather and longer days mark the signs of spring approaching and – with it – the promise of more grass and increased production.
Cruiser offers an all-in package
The nebula blue ute parked on the drive looks the part, but is it up to the undertaking the rigours of a week in cow-country Waikato?
Is Zetor staging a comeback?
The Zetor tractor is not a common sight on New Zealand’s farms, but Dairy News suspects there may still be a few out there earning their keep.
Lemken buys an eye to the future
The German cultivation and seeding specialist Lemken has bought the Dutch company Skeketee – part of its plan to promote mechanical weeding, given the pressure growing on the use of weedkillers.
Fencing keeps noses apart
The problem of Mycoplasma bovis points up the need for better farm biosecurity measures, helped admirably by Strainrite Fencing Systems’ new M-Stop 1 metre outrigger system.
Motoring
Touring around in comfort
Okay Holden, you’re not fooling anyone with your raised ride height and plastic wheel arches; the Calais-V Tourer is no…
Forester comes out of the woods
Given that the Subaru Forester virtually started the trend to SUVs years ago, the New Zealand motoring public’s assigning to…
Never lose your car
A new entry-level Range Rover Velar is set to be the model Kiwi motorists can better afford.
Holden goes easy on fuel
Holden has released details of the first-ever diesel Commodore, launching it alongside the first diesel-powered version of the new medium-size…
Baby Ram no toddler!
The Ram 2500 and 3500 utes have a name for big load-carrying and towing capability but come with a hefty…
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The Hound
Forgetful?
Speaking of M. bovis, the Hound understands the latest outburst by a farmer hit early on by the cattle disease…
Fatally flawed?
A mate of the Hound – a former technician and founder of an electronics business – reckons the NAIT system…
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Popular Reads
M. bovis hits beef feedlot
New Zealand's only large-scale beef feedlot has confirmed a Mycoplasma bovis infection.
Mycoplasma bovis farm faces court
The farm suspected of being the likely source of the country’s Mycoplasma bovis outbreak is facing charges related to the…
‘Lucky to have co-op’
Corporate farmer and former Fonterra director Mark Townshend is urging shareholders to support Fonterra and its new leadership.
Rural Life
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Drones versus birds
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Boss woman has earned her stripes
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