Farmers are urging banks to take a long term view of their businesses, now under growing pressure to improve their balance sheets.

DairyNZ says farmers will be appalled to hear that a kindergarten was impacted by poor winter grazing practices in Southland.

Many dairy farmers may once have favoured a ROPS tractor for its easy access and dismounting to open gates or take down hot wires.

Successful grazing of crop paddocks is achieved by good management of people, cows and the environment, says DairyNZ.

Mastitis is the most common disease of dairy cattle and is a significant cause of losses on the dairy farm, explains Dr Sean Daly, vet and technical adviser at MSD Animal Health.

DairyNZ Director Ben Allomes says farmers need to change with the times and adopt practices that are good for their animals and the environment.

Once-a-day (OAD) milking could open a whole new labour market for dairy farmers, says a DairyNZ Wairarapa Tararua consulting officer Gray Beagley.

DairyNZ talked to two Canterbury dairy farmers about how they look after their cows and the environment during the challenging winter.

Māori-owned milk processor Miraka says it is experiencing growth in all international markets.

A 139% increase in Livestock Improvement Corporation’s profit to $22.2 million reflects a turnaround in performance and profitability, says chairman Murray King.