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Fonterra chairman Peter McBride will address one of the webinars, giving a global outlook for New Zealand farmers.
The annual Northland Dairy Development Trust (NDDT) conference will now be run as a series of webinars.
The day-long confererence normally has a keynote address delivered by Fonterra's chairman and is well attended by Northland farmers.
However, due to Covid, this year's conference will run as four evening sessions via Zoom later this month.
Fonterra chairman Peter McBride will address one of the webinars, giving a global outlook for New Zealand farmers.
Another session will see Ministry for Primary Industries chief science advisor John Roche look at the future of dairy farming both overseas and in NZ, particularly in the changing climate and greenhouse gas regulatory environment. Some of the questions he will address are:
Agriculture economist Susan Kilsby will talk on how NZ agriculture fits in with the rest of the world.
Topics she will cover include political pressure, interest rates and inflation.
The fourth webinar will be a science session looking at NDDT's Future Farm Systems trial updates and other scientific topics.
The current project commenced June 2021 and compares the productivity, profitability and impact on people and the environment on three farms:
According to the latest NDDT farm trial update, dry conditions and 10cm soil temperatures in the range of 22-30 degrees have dropped grass growth rates and cover further.
Palm kernel expeller (PKE) is being fed to milk within fat evaluation index (FEI) limits on the Current and Alternative Pasture farms. Baleage is also being fed now as pasture intakes are dropping.
The Low Emissions farm is feeding home grown baleage but this will reduce or halt if kikuyu growth lifts as residuals will rise quickly.
"Alternative Pasture cows continue to milk better than the other farms due to significantly higher ME and crude protein content compared to kikuyu pastures."
New Zealand has a wealth of design and manufacturing ability, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Northland-based Hansen Products, catching up with managing director Steve Sharpe.
Kverneland distributor Power Farming says its KultiStrip System will help farmers to cultivate environmentally, while improving yields and profitability.
Palmerston North's McIntosh has a reputation for building feed equipment that’s of robust construction, features clever engineering and a has long working life.
Manawatu dairy farmers Wendy and Richard Ridd consider the environment extensively when making decisions on their farm that runs to 260 hectares, with a milking platform of 196 cows.
A record milk price this season would be a huge psychological boost for Northland farmers, says the region's Federated Farmers dairy chair Matt Long.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
