SIX EUROPEAN nations’ dairy farms and research bodies have launched a €3.1m (NZ$4.8m), three-year project to develop technology integrating robotic milking of cows with grazing.

ONCE UPON a time the New Zealand Dairy Board – the forerunner of  Fonterra – was a model of great public relations. 

NUFFIELD IRELAND has released a report ‘Dairy Cooperatives for the 21st Century’ written by County Waterford dairy farmer David Murphy, reports ICOS, the Irish Cooperative Organisation Society.

IN A career beginning in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, working as a stock agent then starting his own stock buying/selling business, Hugh Chisholm and wife Sue now own and run a large-scale dairy farm at Puketurua, near Putaruru. Along the way he has been a top auctioneer and has refereed rugby to first class level.

FENCING WATERWAYS on-farm has many benefits. It helps stabilise banks by preventing treading and erosion, and reduces the risk of stock bogging or drowning.

CUTTING MILKING time by up to an hour could be a big reward for the 160-190 people who turned up to the MilkSmart seminar held at Morrinsville last Tuesday.

DRY SUMMER conditions have led to pasture shortages in many dairy districts and we have had a number of inquiries from farmers who are considering early harvesting a portion of their maize crops.

NEXT TIME you’re advised on cow nutrition, ask where the data used to support the advice comes from, because if it’s not New Zealand, it probably isn’t relevant to your farm.

A PRODUCT shown to reduce nitrate leaching and boost pasture growth also cuts odour from effluent, the supplier says. 

FINE weather and large crowds blessed the 2013 Northland Field Days in Dargaville from February 21 and 23.