Displaying items by tag: Ian Williams

Last month, in response to some pretty scary price rises, I wrote about the need to control costs. 

Farming is becoming increasingly complex. Until recentyl, farmers had relatively few issues to focus on: feeding cows, producing milk and hopefully making enough money to feed their family and pay off their mortgages.

Everywhere I go, whether it be in town or on farm, I hear a similar topic being discussed. It’s the fact prices have risen and as a result farmers and growers have become very focused on controlling on-farm costs.

Over the last decade there has been an increasing national emphasis on measuring and mitigating the environmental impacts of food production systems.

OPINION: We are living in some pretty crazy times.

OPINION: I am a maize tragic. While that may come as a surprise to some, those who have read this column over the last few years will know exactly where I am coming from.

Reports are coming in from across the country indicating the cold and wet spring has meant many farmers and contractors planting crops are behind with their planting schedule.

Maize silage is an essential part of many dairy farm systems. Research shows that yield is king, and for on-farm growers, the most profitable hybrid is almost always the highest yielding one.

By the middle of September, the grass silage making season will be well underway.

New Zealand research and farmer practice shows that pasture-based dairy systems supported by maize silage can be highly profitable. I have written about this topic extensively in the past.