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As we come to a close on the 2023/2024 NZ season we look to review market performance and forecasts for the season ahead. This episode talks to three experts who are focused on the markets every day, including commentary on avian flu in the US, dairy production in China and how we can negotiate our way through Europe's protectionism measures against dairy.

El Niño didn’t hit like expected which has seen NZ milk production stay steady with strong demand for our product.
Words Rosalind Crickett

While some fertiliser costs are softening, global volatility is not going away and neither are the inbuilt costs for the industry to improve its environmental footprint. Words by Sheryl Haitana.

If you measure it, you can manage it and in tighter times managing it well can mean significant savings. When reviewing your fertiliser policy, ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, protecting the environment and highlighting areas where savings are possible.
Words Anne Lee

14 dairy farmers have been tasked with moving the freshwater quality status of Te Waikoropupu Springs in Golden Bay from ‘excellent’ to ‘absolutely amazing’ by 2038. Find out how these farmers are de-risking their farming business in the face of huge uncertainty, the power of having a collective voice in your catchment and how virtual fencing technology is supporting the challenge.

Maize is pretty amazing for dairy farmers with both environmental and animal feed benefits that align with Fonterra’s target of 80% home-grown feed. Hear about Nestle’s recent presentation at a FAR maize field day, how maize is expanding into Southland with short maturing hybrids and how a Waikato dairy farmer is hitting $9,000/ha operating profit regardless of the payout.

Now’s the time to stay on top of animal health.

The Te Waikoropupū Springs has some of the clearest water ever measured and steps are being taken to protect it even further; yet little is known about how the aquifer system feeding it works. Meaning for those making improvements and refining practices to reduce nitrate, there is no scientific method to produce data that proves they are achieving the right results.

The rewards for good preparation leading into calf rearing won’t just be felt this spring, they’ll go on for years as well-grown heifers become productive, long-time members of the herd.

Maize is pretty amazing for dairy farmers with both environmental and animal feed benefits that align with Fonterra’s target of 80% home-grown feed. Hear about Nestle’s recent presentation at a FAR maize field day, how maize is expanding into Southland with short maturing hybrids and how a Waikato dairy farmer is hitting $9,000/ha operating profit regardless of the payout.

Investors in major global funds are demanding that their investment is made into the reversal of the depletion of natural capital around the world. How can New Zealand farmers, who have higher levels of soil fertility and soil carbon stocks than other countries, cash in on this trend? By Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Two farmers and an agri-tech innovator share their pasture philosophy and learnings from top performing dairy farmers in how they focus on pasture utilisation that leads to better outcomes from people, profitability and the environment. 

Connecting farmers with workers has never been easier thanks to Canterbury dairy farmer turned app developer, Tony Dodunski and his online platform Ag Assist. Words by Sheryl Haitana.

Journalist Anne Hardie, along with Sheryl Haitana and Sarah Perriam-Lampp, talk with Reefton dairy farmer, Tom Oats, Lely Waikato sales manager, Tristan McLean and Rob McBeth of Peak Agricultural Consultants about how composting cow barns (‘mootels’) can make a real difference in high-rainfall climates.

Looking an excuse to get out and have some fun while raising funds for a good cause? Why not dust off your ball gown or tuxedo and head along to The Big Ball at Lincoln in June and support rural mental health.

Journalist Anne Hardie, along with Sheryl Haitana and Sarah Perriam-Lampp, talk with Reefton dairy farmer, Tom Oats, Lely Waikato sales manager, Tristan McLean and Rob McBeth of Peak Agricultural Consultants about how composting cow barns (‘mootels’) can make a real difference in high-rainfall climates.