Dairy cows that chomped on industrial hemp produced milk that contained the psychoactive compound THC, as well as CBD and other cannabinoids, according to new research published Monday in the journal Nature Food.

Even though it seems unobtainable for many young farmers in today’s dairy industry, there are still some who are set on owning their own farm.

Former Fonterra senior staffer Wendy Paul has been appointed the new chief executive of specialised training provider Growing Future Farmers.

Slow pasture growth over the last couple of months, combined with a wet October and lack of sunshine, could see cows short on crucial energy, fibre and protein as mating gets into full swing across the country.

Among the prize winners in the Environment Southland Community Awards were dairy farming couple Dylan and Sheree Ditchfield, who won the Leadership in Farming Award.

Southland's Mataura Valley Milk has embarked on a major project to fully electrify its plant near Gore onto "100% renewable energy" by November next year.

Taranaki farmer Damien Roper says the move towards a more environmentally friendly way of farming has been a win-win.

China's sway over what New Zealand dairy farmers get paid for their milk has been on display this year.

With NIWA predicting a hot, dry summer, farmers are being encouraged to consider once-a-day (OAD) milking as a low-cost strategy to minimise the impact of dry conditions on next season, while looking after their cows and their team.

Farmer leader Richard McIntyre is the new chair of New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Trustees.