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Johne’s disease: The hidden threat in your dairy herd
Johne’s disease is a hidden yet widespread threat to dairy herds, silently reducing productivity and profitability, but proactive testing, culling, and biosecurity measures can help farmers take control. Words Kara Dawson.
Rearing heifers
Many dairy calves who have just been weaned will be heading off to grazing blocks soon. How can we support these calves to thrive during their first summer? Words DairyNZ.
Testing opens the window for reduced drenching
Taking the guesswork out of when to drench calves, via better testing and monitoring of worms, is one way farmers can help reduce the issue of drench resistance. Words Sheryl Haitana, Photos Emma McCarthy.
Laying it on the table
Staff retention is not a new issue and was the reason behind the Sharemilking Agreements Act of 1937. But a signed agreement is only the beginning – farmers need to communicate better to ensure good ongoing relationships with their sharemilker or contract milker. Words Louise Gibson.
What’s happening with these Worms?
Headlines about triple drench resistance in the sheep industry are sending waves through the rest of the primary sector. So what about our dairy industry? Words Ginny Dodunski.
Breaking the Worm Cycle
Implementing a good feed strategy for calves is half the equation when it comes to worm control. Owl Farm has found using chicory to increase protein for their calves has ultimately had the added benefit of reduced exposure to worms. Words Sheryl Haitana.
The power of stakeholder engagement
The following article, on dairy’s social licence to operate – perspectives from dairy technologies – is based on the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme report by Esther Donkersloot. Esther is a 2024 Kellogg scholar and an LIC scientist (quantitative genetics).
Transitioning agriculture towards sustainability – A global call to action
The following article is based on the Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship report by Kylie Leonard. Kylie is a 2023 Nuffield scholar, and Taupō District dairy farmer.
Bullish start to the season
With a rosy start to the global milk picture for NZ farmers, and downward pressure on some key onfarm costs, farmers could be in line for a better margin profit this season. Words Rosalind Crickett.
Bespoke insurance
With more significant weather events occurring, insurance companies globally are applying a new policy for farmers to insure against events rather than insuring assets. Words Sheryl Haitana