At last some much needed rain has fallen.  But some farms have had less 30 mm, so pastures are still declining quickly and I am seeing large differences in average pasture cover (APC) between farms.

New Zealand and the Netherlands are world leaders in dairying. New Zealand has developed a unique system with a low cost price. The Netherlands has developed highly productive and efficient dairy farming using the latest technologies. 

The drought is forcing dairy farmers in South Canterbury and Marlborough to consider drying off their herds in the coming weeks.

Northland farm consultant Kim Robinson believes dairy farmers can achieve high fertility targets without CIDRs (controlled intra-uterine drug release), but they must have a plan.

The hot dry summer and a strategic move to use less nitrogen is taking its toll on the Lincoln University Dairy Farm.

A 'localised drought' has been declared in Wairarapa as the southern and eastern parts of the region start to feel the impact of the dry conditions.

Has your herd got Johne’s? Whether you’re talking dairy or beef, chances are it has, and if you run sheep there’s a good chance some will be carrying the disease too, albeit probably a different strain.

Noted animal geneticist Dr Jock Allison is full of praise for the initiative to build a larger sheep milking industry.

Sheep milk products will sell only if the consumer likes the taste.

The numbers are almost frightening – 59 farms, 55,000 cows and 20 million kg milksolids a year. That’s the contribution Landcorp makes to New Zealand’s dairy industry and the nation’s economy.