Special Reports
Measure it? Manage It
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
Margin squeezed but profits possible
Despite the rapid downward movements in milk price, and upward movements in onfarm costs, the rules of a successful dairy farming system remain the same, Mark Aitken writes.
A woman with a farming future
An addition to the family is on the horizon for Finja Philips, with a new generation for the family. Her first baby is due in March, luckily the perfect “time” for a spring calving calendar laughs Finja. By Claire Ashton.
Co-op focuses on the family
Fonterra has seen a significant increase in return and retention rates since implementing its new parental leave policy. By Sheryl Haitana.
Pasture comes first and supplement follows
Virginia Serra advises on the profitable use of feed.
From Canada with a focus on feed
Eighteen months on a Canadian dairy farm opened south Auckland farmer Andrew Hamilton’s eyes to cows’ potential. Anne Lee reports.
Preparing for El Nino impact
Galatea farms were looking phenomenal leading up to Christmas. However, with the prediction of El Nino hitting later in the summer, Galatea farmers Peter and Tania know what levers they need to pull if it gets dry. Sheryl Haitana reports.
Onfarm feed helps offset costs
Rex and Sharon Butterworth are focused on running a system that remains profitable regardless of the payout as they make the most of their home-grown feed, which sets their stock up for optimal production. Claire Ashton reports.
Learning from scratch
Called in from Darwin by her late father to help run a new farming venture near Wānaka, Erynne Fildes has risen to the challenge and inspired other women along the way. Anne Lee reports. Photos: Olivia Turner.