NZ Dairy Exporter is NZ’s premier dairy farming subscription magazine. Our writers cover the latest issues, science, research and technology applied inside the farm gate and developments that have a positive impact on profits.
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Episode 34 – How can farmers keep up with farm efficiency demands?
Farmers are increasingly being asked to be as efficient as possible in order to meet emissions and environmental obligations - but what tools are out there to get started, and maintain, efficiency goals?
In this episode we look at how dedicated farm reporting can improve efficiency onfarm, and put the tools in farmers hands. Also we get an update on the changes to the Fonterra Farm Insights reports. Hear from Fonterra’s Laura Cookson, Trev CEO & Founder Scott Townshend, and Dairy Farmer Jason Christensen.
Unlocking the Future
The world around us is rapidly evolving, and New Zealand can no longer afford to shy away from the transformative potential of cutting-edge genetic technologies. Words Dr Alec Foster, Scion.
Outdated GM regulations don’t cover new technologies
New Zealand’s regulations around genetic modification are more than two decades old. The technology has changed and thus the regulations are outdated. Words Anne Lee.
New regulations will unlock potential
The Government is working through industry feedback for consultation on new policy to allow greater use of gene technology, with a bill due to be introduced this year. Words Anne Lee.
Explaining the technologies
Gene technology has leaped ahead in recent decades with more targeted techniques. But how do the different technologies work? Words Anne Lee.
LATEST ARTICLES
Less spraying. Better looking crops.
Hamish Blackmore grows beet for winter feed, however had been struggling with a severe wild turnip issue over the years, which was affecting the beet yield. In 2023, on advice from their local PGG technical field rep, they decided to trial the Conviso ® Smart System, to control the wild turnip and reduce the number of sprays.
Acknowledge your pain, respond with kindness
Studies show that if you are kind to yourself you’re likely to do better in life. So why do we find it so hard to show ourselves self-compassion? Words Kathryn Wright.
Rain-sodden farms under pressure
Mark Collins sheds some light on the seasonal and industry challenges facing farmers in Ireland.
Investing in all the right places
An out-of-the-box summer and an investment in collars led to more milk in the vat this season and healthier cows, writes Anieka Templer.
We can breathe
Penelope Drysdale is achieving goals of organic certification and feeling great and now she feels like she can finally breathe at Te Miro, near Norsewood.
Set the pace getting your pasture rotations right
Pasture management is crucial for optimising dairy production and DairyNZ’s Spring Rotation Planner can help farmers manage pasture after calving.
Maize establishment trial tackles difficult soil type
A Waikato farm is trialling planting maize using no-till and strip-till on clay soil. Words Heather Chalmers.
Maize pest settles in
A balanced use of insecticide without killing beneficial insects is important for managing fall armyworm. Words Heather Chalmers.
Crop monitoring key to nutritional balance
Optimising Winter Nutrition for Dairy Cows: Insights from Kale and Fodder Beet Research at the Southern Dairy Hub.
Pinching pennies proves profitable
Isaac Algar and Jordyn Crouch highlight the opportunities that still exist in the dairy sector. Buying their own farm in their twenties has been an accomplishment born out of sacrifice, hard work and making the most out of their opportunities. Words & Photos Sheryl Haitana.
Eradicating complacency in the long-term control of Bovine tuberculosis
A recent Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme report by Tessa Appleby builds a clear picture of farmer and industry understanding of Bovine tuberculosis and what, if any, complacency might exist surrounding the disease. Tessa’s mission to eradicate the disease is not only forged by her work with OSPRI, but by personal experience of TB in the Hawke’s Bay region. The 2021 TB outbreak was eventually brought under control, but could this lead to a potentially dangerous complacency amongst farmers and industry? Words Tessa Appleby.
An evolution of efficiency
The substantial expansion of the dairy industry and the reality of stubborn reproductive performance has resulted in farmers not having as much selection pressure within arm’s reach, but there is now a huge opportunity for farmers to further focus on improving the efficiency of their herd and reduce emissions intensity. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Succession – it’s a big nut to crack!
At this year’s SIDE event, several farmers shared their experiences, something that is unusual in the industry. In amongst the good, the bad and the ugly, the biggest takeaway for a successful succession is to start early. Words Chris Coughlan.
Supporting your people amid tight times
Valuing people even in tight times can cost you less in the long run. DairyNZ has some ways to improve efficiency onfarm to help get further value out of your staff, and has tips for how best to rearrange labour costs if necessary without losing people from your business. Words Jane Muir.
Viewing people with a value lens
It’s time dairy farmers hold up the mirror, look at themselves and ask what they can do better to retain employees onfarm. Because the industry is performing below par and it’s about to get a whole lot tougher to attract employees to the sector. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Improving efficiency in your team
People are the biggest asset to your farm business, and getting more value out of them can come down to taking out inefficiencies in daily farm jobs. Words Jana Hocken.