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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.

Dairy may again be set to bolster New Zealand’s economy with the latest boost to the milk price forecast, so it’s a good time for farmers to consider what tools will help give them an edge onfarm and learn more about global markets.
In this episode we talk to Southland Sharemilker Anieka Templer about equity partnerships and wearable technology; RaboResearch’s Stefan Vogel at the NZIPIM Conference about how global markets are stacking up; and agribusiness consultant James Allen about the role of farm advisors.

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.

Mark Collins sheds some light on the seasonal and industry challenges facing farmers in Ireland.

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.

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.

Pasture management is crucial for optimising dairy production and DairyNZ’s Spring Rotation Planner can help farmers manage pasture after calving.

A Waikato farm is trialling planting maize using no-till and strip-till on clay soil. Words Heather Chalmers.

A balanced use of insecticide without killing beneficial insects is important for managing fall armyworm. Words Heather Chalmers.

Optimising Winter Nutrition for Dairy Cows: Insights from Kale and Fodder Beet Research at the Southern Dairy Hub.

The New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) conference was held at Mystery Creek this week, a celebration of the rural professionals supporting our agriculture industry.
Sheryl Haitana talks to the President and Chief Executive of NZIPIM about how they see themselves as a conduit to growing the industry, and the winner of Rural Professional of the Year about his work educating the next generation at Lincoln University. Also hear from Dr Jenny Webster-Brown about the Our Land & Water project, and what farmers can learn from it now about the role of land use on water quality.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.