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TARANAKI IS now a billion dollar milk producer, thanks mostly to small, well-managed farms, says DairyNZ chairman John Luxton.
DairyNZ statistics show Taranaki now has 490,500 cows – 17% of the national herd, though the average herd size in the province is 283, well below the North Island average of 332.
DairyNZ held its annual meeting in Taranaki recently, showcasing the success of dairy farming in the region.
Taranaki has many more smaller herds than are found in traditional dairying regions, but they are merging Luxton says. “And quite a lot of sheep country, particularly in South Taranaki down by Waverley, has been converted to dairying in recent times.”
Small dairy farming operations can monitor and manage more accurately than some larger operations Luxton says. But he notes there are also big farms in Taranaki doing extremely well.
Many young people are farming in the province, as shown by many entries in last year’s dairy awards. “Lots of good young bright people are coming into the sector… [many of them] new farmers with university degrees; that is also upping the ante in the sector.”
Milk production in Taranaki has been good this season; the province is a “star of the dairy sector,” Luxton says. Farmers there have improved their pasture management and overall herd management as reflected in positive statistics.
And the region’s dairy farmers have shown the way with responsible environmental stewardship. About $80 million has been spent on fencing and vegetation to protect waterways. The regional council reports that farmers have completed 2882km of new fencing and 1463km of riparian planting.
With milkings typically taking around 17 to 24 hours a week per worker, many farmers have been focusing on milking smarter to reduce hours and creative ways to shorten the working week - like the 22% who report they are using flexible milking.
It's been a very challenging season for Taranaki dairy farmers, according to local DairyNZ consulting officer, Ashley Primrose.
A major, three-year research project is underway in Taranaki to see what can be done to practically reduce the environmental footprint of dairy farmers and, above all, ensure that farms remain profitable. Reporter Peter Burke looks at the initiative and how it's progressing.
A million native plants have been distributed to Taranaki farmers by Taranaki Regional Council.
More than 600km of Taranaki river and stream banks will be planted with a million native plants next winter as the region’s farmers take advantage of a $5 million government boost.
James and Debbie Stewart from Dairylands in Manawatu impressed judges and took out the 2024 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award.
Manawatu farmers Will Hinton and Kali Rangiawha have scooped the 2024 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year.
More bull breeders are using genetic tools according to the latest research.
Females are dominating the veterinary profession worldwide and many farmers are welcoming this change in the composition of the profession, says Britain's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Professor Christine Middlemiss.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.
