A STRUCTURED approach to time management and its role in maximising farm business capability gets comparatively modest attention in farming. This contrasts with the emphasis on time recording and a measured approach to achieving productivity evident in many other businesses sectors. It’s relevant at this time of year as gearing up for the new season presents physical challenges to farming teams.

THE NEW head of DairyNZ’s policy and advocacy group says with the growth of the dairy industry globally, the challenge for New Zealand is to work out how to harness that opportunity while still looking after our resources and maintaining them into the future.

A NEW dairy shed hot water system running since June on a Bay of Plenty farm is reducing costs and ensuring adequate quantities of hot water are available when needed.

WITH RESEARCH indicating only 12% of teat spray applications are done correctly1 , says GEA Farm Technologies, farmers must choose the right products and perfect their application, to maintain udder health and prevent mastitis.

GETTING THE best bang for your buck spent on fertiliser, while considering economics and the environment, should be a key goal for farmers.

EACH MOUTHFUL a cow eats has 20% more nutrition than is usual at this time of year, says DairyNZ regional team manager Craig McBeth.

CALVING DIFFICULTY (dystocia) is a common cause of economic losses on a farm.

EXPECT MORE animal health issues in animals during prolonged wet weather, says Dairy Australia.

SECOND YEAR Lincoln University PhD student Geoffrey Smith has won a $5000 scholarship from Farmax to advance his research into the strategic use of the drought-tolerant species lucerne as an alternative or complementary forage to ryegrass for Canterbury dairy farms. 

MILK FEVER is a metabolic disease caused by low blood calcium levels. In New Zealand about 2% of cows go down with milk fever each year1 but there is a higher incidence on some properties and in some seasons. This year has been particularly bad in some districts. 

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