DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ wrap up M. bovis compensation support after $161M in claims
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.
This year, 86% of wintering survey respondents implemented at least five good management practices, to support their cows and manage winter conditions, an increase from 74% in 2023.
DairyNZ senior environment specialist Justin Kitto says this improvement is the result of an intense five-year focus on optimising animal wellbeing and productivity, while protecting the environment.
"It's not a simple task, but one that farmers are clearly focused on achieving," says Kitto.
"The work involved in improving wintering practices include providing comfortable lying surfaces, excluding stock from waterways, and protecting critical source areas."
Kitto says the findings emphasise the expanding range of tools in the toolbox.
"DairyNZ's role is to support that depth of options for farmers to run their businesses sustainably and profitably. A range of farm-specific tactics is the best bet to ensure the best outcomes for both cows and environment."
Other strategies used to minimise mud and improve lying conditions include temporary fences to protect previously grazed areas), portable troughs, providing extra straw as a dry bedding material and moving the break fence multiple times a day.
The number of farmers who had written plans remained stable at 80%, which is significantly higher than earlier years, and important because farmers with wintering plans implement more good wintering practices than those without one.
Use of contingency plans for bad weather also increased to 74%, which was substantially higher than the year before.
"This is crucial to ensure the whole farm team knows what to do when bad weather hits," says Kitto.
"Winter weather is always an unknown, but the certain thing is that in rain or shine, New Zealand dairy farmers know they need to care for their animals and land, right through to the end of winter, and that is what we have seen."
Additionally, the results showed that 99% of respondents had their stock excluded from waterways, while 100% had buffers around waterways to filter contaminants before they reach a waterway.
"Farmers should be proud of the work they have done to improve winter management practice over the past few years, and especially the continued dedication this past season. This work is being recognised."
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…