NZ Dairy Exporter is NZ’s premier dairy farming subscription magazine. Every month our writers cover the latest issues, science, research and technology applied inside the farm gate and developments that have a positive impact on profits.
Our magazine tagline says it all: Learn, Grow, Excel.
Data driving decisions
Science, data, modelling and software will be pivotal to meeting the challenges New Zealand faces in order to keep producing the best food in the world.
Facing the squeeze
Despite recent market recoveries, many farmers could benefit from more independent scrutiny of their plans, Phil Edmonds writes.
Dairy season showing resurgence
After August’s fall has come the recovery of the dairy market. By Rosalind Crickett.
Whole milk powder slumps
With extra volumes on the auction and excess supply in the global market, it was unsurprising that a decline in demand for whole milk powder occurred. By Alex Winning-Brown.
Visions of youth
A common interest in food and fibre is the catalyst for a group of young primary sector advocates. Anne Lee reports.
Programme helps Canterbury farmers meet N loss targets
A programme covering the Selwyn/Hinds districts of Canterbury has helped farmers meet nitrogen loss targets, writes Virginia Serra, DairyNZ senior manager, solutions and development.
Taking Dipton to carbon neutrality
Dipton’s catchment group has looked at possible ways to reduce farm greenhouse gas emissions, questioned existing farm practices, and helped gain more knowledge about carbon sequestration. By Anne Lee.
Unloading the weight
A Southland-based farmers’ group is tackling farming challenges within the region’s catchments. Anne Lee reports.
Progression through the system
A Hawke’s Bay couple have built an extensive dairy operation, planted thousands of trees and taken out the region’s top environmental award. By Jackie Harrigan.
Solar leasing: Making money while the sun shines
Farmers are linking with solar power companies to cash in on the demand for energy. By Delwyn Dickey.
Keeping staff morale over calving
Happy, healthy calves have made for a happy Jess Lea, the calf-rearer.
A holistic approach to monitoring water quality
Checking the eDNA of water in the river crossing through their farm has had a positive impact, Penelope Drysdale writes.
But, what does it cost?
A group of 15 farms across the country are focusing on lower ‘per-unit’ cost of production with a view to helping identify where farmers may minimise impacts of lower payouts, Anne-Marie Wells writes.
Where’s the sun?
t satisfied with a dull, wet spring, the weather gods delivered more than 100mm of rain in 24 hours, Anieka Templer writes.
Are biting flies a nuisance on your farm?
There’s a fly that hangs around cows at milking and it’s irritating to both humans and bovines, writes vet Lisa Whitfield.
Applying science to suckling
Keeping calves with mum until weaning is part of a study of alternative rearing systems. By Anne Lee.
Calves bounce back faster
Twenty years ago understanding of cow comfort was very different – there were virtually no scientific standards to measure well-being in farm animals. This encouraged Boehringer Ingelheim to study the impact of their long-acting anti-inflammatory pain relief Metacam® on reducing the pain associated with these essential farming procedures.
Counting their chickens
Experience with organic free-range poultry has led a former Hawke’s Bay share-milking couple to breeding pedigree Jersey cows. Words and photos Anne Hardie.
Is your calf sick?
Manawatu vet Lisa Whitfield outlines the ways to check whether your calves are sick.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Keep the finisher in mind
Dairy farmers wishing to phase out bobby calves will need to raise animals that will compete with other land uses. Sheryl Haitana reports.
Breeding beef in the dairy
Pamu is now rearing more than 50% of its calves born on the dairy farms, with a target to get to 75% in the next three years, and 100% by 2030.
Purposeful lives for calves
Calving ease and the animal’s value through the chain to end market are major considerations in the drive to reduce bobby calf numbers for Waikato’s Owl Farm. Louise Hanlon reports.
Why dairy farmers should pick proven beef sires
Using proven beef sires over dairy cows adds value to surplus calves, AgFirst Agribusiness Consultant Bob Thomson writes.
Putting on the veal
A Mid-Canterbury dairy farm, with connections to Synlait, is tackling the bobby calf issue with a beef twist. Anne Lee reports.
MORE
Top agribusiness talents shine as Zanda McDonald Award shortlist unveiled
The Zanda McDonald Award, has revealed their shortlist of 10 young professionals from Australia and New Zealand for the 2024 award.
Hazards highlighted with drought forecast tool
A new drought forecasting tool will help farmers make timely decisions which could bring financial and emotional benefits. Elaine Fisher reports.
Saving peat with a barn
A barn housing 1000 Holstein Friesian cows won the 2023 Waikato Regional Supreme Award at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, for its commitment to productive genetic gain and precision effluent management. Sheryl Haitana visited the three siblings who are the fifth generation of the Singh family dairy farming in New Zealand.
Data and insights farmers can afford
Available in ear tag and collar options, Tru-Test Active Tag delivers improved farm efficiency and maximises labour savings, reducing stress for you and your cows.
Protecting against a new strain of leptospirosis
A new strain of leptospirosis has significant health implications for anyone working closely with dairy cows.
