LIC reports 18% increase in beef straws used in dairy cows this spring
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.
LIC’s new satellite technology (called SPACE) that measures pasture cover will be a new feature on the Fieldays site.
It went on limited release last December and is now available in part of Canterbury and a large area in Waikato.
The co-op and its automation business, LIC Automation, will be side by side at E76 and E78.
LIC general manager NZ markets Malcolm Ellis says that as a farmer he always visits Fieldays “looking for ways to improve our business”.
“At both the LIC and LIC Automation sites we’re going to be showcasing ways we can help farmers do this. There’s always room for improvement and will embrace this theme.
“Improvement is at the heart of LIC… doing the best we can for our farmers striving to improve their farm’s efficiency, productivity and prosperity.”
The main LIC stand will cover genetics, GeneMark, Minda and herd testing and LIC Automation will show its integrated and innovative automation systems.
The LIC stand will as usual host a café for its farmers and their families, says Ellis.
“Fieldays is the time to talk with farmers and answer their questions… always a great opportunity and an event we are proud to be part of.”
This year marks two years since LIC launched Minda Live, the online herd management system that is gaining extra functionality.
“Farmers can see the improvements we’ve made and learn how they can use the system to make more informed herd management decisions,” Ellis says.
Also on show will be the new Protrack modular system. Farmers can now build a system to suit their farming operation, and existing customers can upgrade their current systems with more features and improved functionality via mobility from farm to office.
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.

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