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Genetics help give cows good udders, nice rumps

Mathew Karl says good genetics has paid off.

Mathew Karl left his job as a bricklayer to become a dairy farmer seven years ago, and it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.

Remember the good old days of 4% empty rates?

Thinking back over the last 15 seasons or so, the average dairy herd in New Zealand had a targeted empty rate about the 4% mark. Today, 4% seems unachievable.

Synlait retains forecast milk price

Synlait say its forecast is dependent on commodity prices continuing to firm for the rest of the season.

Synlait Milk has reaffirmed its milk price forecast of $6.50/kgMS for the 2017-18 season.

Production worth is more than just kgMS

A cow's production worth is more than just the milksolids it produces.

There's more to production worth (PW) than milk solids, explains Rachel Bloxham, Animal Evaluation Manager, LIC.

Using water efficiently

Making sure water systems are working efficiently can save water, time and money.

Water supply is a vital component of a farm and making sure systems are working efficiently can save water, time and money.

Wireless fert spreader keeps farmer on track

West Coast farmer Murray Coates with the Bogballe M2W fert spreader.

A West Coast dairy farmer believes his new Bogballe M2W spreader will help him do two things all farmers want to do – save money and protect the environment.

No feeding hassles with Hustler X

Feeding round balage over fences can save labour costs.

Feeder manufacturer Hustler is marketing two new self-loading bale feeders said to be more versatile and easier to use by livestock farmers.

Malone makes a move in NZ

Malone machinery from Ireland is coming to NZ.

Over the years, Irish farm machinery makers have made a serious impact on the New Zealand agricultural scene.

Sorting good effluent from bad

David Law near the pond with a 1m-thick crust. The image, right, shows the same pond clear and crust-free after Law increased the pH and introduced aerobic bacteria.

Is your farm effluent ‘good’ or ‘bad’, and what makes it so in the first place? asks David Law, Forward Farming Biological Consultancy.

No regrets after going robotic

While robotic (voluntary) milking systems appear to be gaining in popularity, the Fisher Farm, between Cambridge and Te Awamutu, has a head start on today’s converts.