Management

Cows need to produce their liveweight in milk solids

The job description for cows in Lyn and Deborah Baggott’s herd is simple – the cows need to produce their liveweight in milk solids.

New crops offer opportunities

Six ‘star’ crops – soy, hemp, chickpeas, oats, buckwheat and quinoa – could represent new opportunities for New Zealand farmers.

Corporate farmer sees value in Overseer

After 13 years of use, a New Zealand corporate farmer has a lot of praise for Overseer.

Monitoring trace elements key to sheep health

Assessing the trace element status of a flock should be part of your animal health programme.

Maize stubble fills feed gap

In a normal season, maize stubble wouldn’t be required as a feed on dairy farms.

Northland farmers count the costs

Northland farmers are starting to count the cost of one of the most severe droughts to hit the region as the cost of feed and lower prices for stock are the order of the day.

History of dairy goats in NZ

Goats have been used for milk production for at least 9,000 years, but in New Zealand dairy goats are a relatively recent introduction.

Former All Black backs down-to-earth rural internet provider

With the COVID-19 lockdown placing even greater emphasis on the need for reliable internet networks, a former All Black is working to keep New Zealand’s rural folk connected.

Eyes open to different ways of farm ownership

Farmer Jane Smith was “blown away” by the group dynamic and drive when she and husband Blair hosted the North Otago-based Growth and Development in Farming Action Group at Newhaven Farms in Oamaru.

Aquaculture – an opportunity to diversify

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing animal production sector, experiencing global annual growth rates of 6% over the past 15 years.

Fertiliser reduced, production holds

State-owned farmer Pāmu has been able to reduce nitrogen input on its Waimakariri dairy farm while maintaining milk and grass production, by using fertigation – the application of fertiliser through irrigation.

Energy farm to trial zero carbon solutions

Lincoln University has unveiled plans for what is expected to be a globally-unique Energy Demonstration Farm to help the primary sector meet its future zero-carbon obligations.

Portion control key when it comes to fodder beet

Fodder beet can be a key part of your farm’s feed regime, but restrict its usage, says DairyNZ.

Demand for better water quality grows

Public attitudes on environmental issues are driving policy, according to the director of the Farmed Landscapes Research Centre (FLRC) at Massey University.

Biocontrol options explored for nassella tussock

Scientists are calling on farmers to help in the quest for the biological control of the noxious weed, nassella tussock.

Records kept up-to-date — Interview

Marlborough deer farmer Justin Stevens has the records of all his deer dating back to 2016.

DINZ ups on-farm support

Deer Industry NZ says it has beefed-up its farmer services by appointing Phil McKenzie as its new manager of farm performance.

Fodder beet yields unaffected by reduced fertiliser use

New research shows that it is possible to reduce traditional fertiliser recommendations for growing fodder beet – sometimes by more than half the usual amount – with no effect on crop yield or quality.

Overseer in action at Lanercost

Overseer is proving valuable as a resource management and decision-making tool on Lanercost, Beef + Lamb NZ’s new farm in North Canterbury.

The law changes that will impact farming

Jane Argyle-Reed, partner in Ashburton law firm Argyle Welsh Finnigan, and her team, outline some of the recent changes in legislation that will be of interest to the rural and farming sectors.