Herd production performance soars
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
Southland farmers Yvonne and Steven Dennis are LIC Sire Proving Scheme farmers of the year.
They milk 780 cows and have always used LIC products; they have been part of LIC’s sire proving scheme for 10 years.
Steven Dennis says the award is a result of a team effort of their farm staff, led by manager Barry Andrew. He thanked LIC farm solutions manager Meagan Colling for nominating them and LIC staff for their passion.
“We were blown away by the enthusiasm of LIC staff; everyone is passionate about their division,” he told Dairy News. “It’s nice to see people so motivated.”
LIC bull acquisition manager (Jersey and short gestation) Malcolm Ellis says the Dennis’s are successful, driven, passionate and have a real interest in herd improvement and recording.
“They have outstanding record keeping and attention to detail. With six weeks HF over the cows and KX over the yearlings, they regularly rear 25% replacements and select down to milk in the order of 22%.”
Ellis says the 50 year old sire proving scheme is the real gold. “Outstanding in its design, the scheme is also outstanding in its participation,” says Ellis.
Last year LIC sire proved 220 bulls in 273 herds; this year that number of herds will go over 300 to prove 250 bulls.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.