Irish Dilemma
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
In the light of a possible drought due to El Nino - particularly along the East Coast of the North Island - Beef + Lamb NZ is busy running workshops to help farmers in the region to cope with any eventuality.
Global dairy prices are clawing back lost ground and farmers may need to thank the weather gods for this.
The no-show of El Nino has been a boon to farmers supplying Miraka, the Maori owned dairy company located near Taupo.
Heat stressed cows eat less with a consequent drop in milk production, says Jenny Weston, president of the dairy cattle branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
MPI says while recent rains have brought welcome respite from dry weather in much of the country, farmers in drought-affected regions will feel the impact of El Niño for months.
While drought conditions persist in many parts of the country, some irrigating farmers are coping well, says IrrigationNZ.
Although it has been variable across the country, recent rain has brought confidence to many farmers, says DairyNZ general manager extension, Andrew Reid.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
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