Using DNA to identify the unique make-up of a dairy cow will become an increasingly powerful tool for dairy farmers as they look to fast-track the genetic gain of their herds, says new CRV myDNA product manager Anna Morrow.

With pressure growing on the farming industry to minimise wastage, reduce omissions and develop sustainable practices, many dairy farmers are now proactively looking for opportunities to optimise their herd and derive complementary income through involvement in a dairy beef value chain, says First Light Wagyu.

Otorohanga dairy farmer Mark Sanson admits he gets cow envy when he drives past the Waikato farm of a fellow Holstein Friesian breeder - but it won't be long until his own herd is the subject of many in admiring glance.

IHC national fundraising manager Greg Millar says the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme gives IHC an important connection to the rural sector and has evolved along with changes to the sector over 40 years, particularly as smaller farms and local relationships have given way to larger dairy units.

Dairy farmers are keeping a dream alive for Karen Chapman, who grew up on a dairy farm in the small Waikato settlement of Otaua and has only ever wanted to milk cows.

There are concerns that some Southland dairy farmers are yielding to the temptation of this season's high pay out by milking on despite the fact that the region is in the midst of a major drought.

Specialty butter made from New Zealand grass-fed milk is now available locally after sales success in the US over the past two years.

With the first calves born into the Informing New Zealand Beef Programmes now on the ground on Pamu's Kepler Farm near Te Anau, attention has turned to finding a North Island farm to expand the project.

The sale of a line of elite, high BW, young Jersey cows and heifers is attracting interest from farmers across the country.

Farmers claim the Government is dragging its feet in approving a feed additive with potential to slash methane emissions by up to 30%.