Lanaco and Blueair Launch World-First NZ Wool Air Filter
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
In a bid to help dairy farmers in tight times, GrainCorp Feeds is giving 150 clients nationwide free access to a feed forecasting, tracking and monitoring service.
The company is working with technical specialists DairyClub to provide additional on-farm assessment, monitoring and technical support alongside Tracker™. The online tool measures current milk production and shows how the farmer can use supplementary feed to achieve maximum return.
“We recognise that it is a challenging time for the dairy industry, so it’s important that we demonstrate the return our customers are getting on their investment into feed, rather than seeing it purely as a cost,” says GrainCorp Feeds general manager Daniel Calcinai.
“Our priority is on investing in tools and systems to support our customers, focusing on the return on their feed investment.”
Calcinai says to increase income from milk production, farmers have to feed strategically, which means the right feed at the right time. Tracker™ will enable farmers to identify areas where short, medium and long-term efficiency and production gains can be made.
“Rather than cutting out all supplementary feed or simply using the lowest cost option, it may be more beneficial to feed good quality feeds at certain periods during lactation. This will help to maximise pasture utilisation, improve short-term milk flows and protect the future productivity of the herd while increasing overall profitability,” says Calcinai.
Vaughan Parker and Paul Smith are 50/50-equity partner farmers in Whakamaru, who have taken up the free service.
The pair have a crossbred herd of 285 cows on their 105 ha system 3 farm. They are currently producing 428kgs of milk solids per cow and hope the tool will help them increase that to 457 – 472kgs/cow.
“This service will give us the ability to unlock the true potential of our grass through strategically managing the use of supplements,” says Parker.
GrainCorp’s support package will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
OPINION: There could hardly be a more appropriate theme for a conference than the one chosen by the red meat sector - Navigating Volatility.
When Northland leather worker Vernon Suckling started making horse saddles 50 years ago, quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles were unheard of.
Alliance Group has confirmed that eligible farmer-shareholders who supply and continue to back the business will receive up to $20 million later this year, following the strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats.
With a general election under five weeks away, Rural News is asking major political parties about their policies and positions on key issues facing the primary sector. We will run their responses to each question over the next four weeks. The ACT Party and the Greens didn't respond in time.
The red meat sector is in great heart.
Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.