FONTERRA IS facing a new reality in Australia.

SUPPLIERS TO Synlait Milk can earn 6c/kgMS more for their milk next season, and possibly 12c/kgMS after that, if they achieve new, internationally accredited assurance standards.

HIGH FARM production and heavy stocking rates need not burden the environment, say brother and sister Shayne and Charmaine O’Shea, this year’s supreme winners of the Ballance Northland Farm Environmental Awards.

A LARGE crowd turned out this month to a field day to see how a young couple won the Manawatu/Horowhenua/ Rangitikei  Farm Manager of the Year Award.

DAIRY FARM use of chicory is increasing considerably because the plant’s tap root makes it particularly suitable for dry conditions. But using the ryegrass standard formula for plate meter readings will not give an accurate estimate of chicory mass, the recent DairyNZ Farmers Forum heard.  

FARMERS ARE invited to learn how they could make more money from every cow in their herd at events from this week in Southland, Otago, Canterbury and the West Coast. 

A THREE-YEAR experiment with mixed pastures could have big implications for future management of environmental impacts.

WHEN IRRIGATING effluent, consistent pressure and volume over greater distances are crucial – a case for progressing cavity (PC) pumps, says noted pump maker NOV Mono.

A recent study has found using the plant hormone gibberellic acid as an alternative to nitrogen fertiliser in late winter and early spring can significantly improve pasture growth at a time when dairy farmers start grazing stock more heavily after calving.

Taranaki's flagship riparian management programme, which has "gone the extra mile" in developing relationships with dairy farmers, has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to protecting the environment.