Beef + Lamb NZ has released its New Season Outlook 2015-16, which predicts a lift in before-tax profits for the average New Zealand sheep and beef farm.

Fonterra has maintained its milk volume forecast for the 2015-16 season at 1,589m kgMS, about 2-3% lower than the amount collected last season.

Fonterra has maintained its milk volume forecast for the 2015-16 season at 1,589m kgMS, about 2-3% lower than the amount collected last season.

Recent results from AgResearch trials in South Otago as part of the Pastoral 21 project have shown that grazed winter forage crops contribute significantly to the risk of nutrient losses to water.

In times of low milk payout, the maintenance of all equipment should be a priority.

A SlurryQuip umbilical effluent system on a South Canterbury farm has the thumbs-up from the owner, says the supplier, Webbline.

Good effluent management requires a well-designed effluent system and processes for people that make sure the effluent the system collects is applied to pasture in the right amount at the right time, says DairyNZ.

Genetics companies are reporting an increase in demand from dairy farmers for proven beef genetics.

DairyNZ says the results of analysis of Southland swede plants collected last season backs up its advice to farmers that feeding maturing swede crops increases the risk of ill-health in cows.

Mating more dairy cows to beef sires and rearing more dairy-beef calves are attractive options for some dairy farmers as they look for ways to supplement their income.