Early Calf Nutrition Linked To Better Growth And Future Milk Production
Giving calves the best possible start to life has been shown to boost growth and resilience.
THE HEAVY snow showers falling in Southland and Otago have come at a bad time with most dairy farmers well into calving.
"There are a lot of people in Otago and Southland that are in the thick of calving, which will prove challenging with temperatures dropping to zero degrees," says Russell MacPherson.
"Whilst the snow is blanketing pastures it's the wind chill that is really going to test us. The bitter chill cuts through you and new born calves won't be able to cope for long in these conditions.
"Farmers know what they are doing and they will be busy feeding out to stock and pushing them to shelter to get them through. Whilst the wind chill has died down in the past hour the main focus will be rushing the new born calves to the calving shed to keep them warm.
"Sheep farmers will be reasonably thankful that they are not lambing just yet and still on winter rotation," MacPherson concluded.
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.