Wednesday, 21 January 2026 10:55

More cows, less barley

Written by  Milking It

OPINION: Canterbury grows most of the country's wheat, barley and oat crops. But persistently low wheat prices, coupled with a high milk payout, are believed to be driving farmers out of the industry in the hunt for the dairy dollar, according to media reports.

The Canterbury regional council said up to 25,000 more dairy cows could be added to the region's herd this year, following an end to a temporary ban on intensive dairy farm conversions.

Environment Canterbury shows 32 new consents were approved last year, and 15 more in progress.

It said the maximum number of cows that could be milked through the shed was 25,818 cows, among the approved consents.

More like this

ECan circus

OPINION: The Hound wonders, is there some variety of idiot juice in the water in Canterbury? It seems so.

Featured

Penske NZ Appoints Stephen Kelly as General Manager

Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Stephen Kelly as the general manager of its Penske NZ operations, effective immediately In this role he will oversee all NZ branch operations, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine, and rail, while continuing to be based at Penske’s Christchurch branch.

Top Maori Orchard On Show

A large crowd turned out for the last of the field days of the three finalists in this years Ahuwhenua Trophy to determine the top Maori horticulture entity in Aotearoa New Zealand

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Too Lenient

OPINION: Reckless action by Greenpeace in 2024 forced Fonterra to shut down a drying plant for four hours, costing the co-op…

Fossil Fuel Crusade

OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter