Herd production performance soars
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
The 2011-12 year was one of strong performance for dairy farmer owned LIC.
LIC chairman, Murray King says the volatility of the dairy industry saw an increasing number of farmers invest in innovations that make it easier and more efficient to farm.
"LIC's Protrack farm automation range and GeneMark DNA parentage verification products, for example, enjoyed record sales," he says.
"Our web based software products, MINDA Milk, MINDA Weights and MINDA Land & Feed, also gained significant customer uptake reflecting the value that farmers place on dairy cow performance and being able to make better, more informed decisions on farm."
King says the price freeze which LIC applied to all products in the 2009-10 season, in recognition of the tough financial conditions being experienced on farm, remained in place for Premier Sires in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 with only a slight increase in the price of MINDA and herd testing.
"These increases were, however, offset by the launch of innovative free products like MINDA Milk, MINDA Weights and Land & Feed."
LIC revenue for 2011-12 was $177 million 7% ahead of the $166 million achieved during 2010-11.
All profit is returned to LIC's 10,500 New Zealand dairy farmer owners/shareholders in products, research and development or dividends.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: In recent years farmers have been crying foul of unworkable and expensive regulations.
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.