A maize grower is trialling planting clover in between crops to break the cycle of insects overwintering on grass, eliminating the need for an insecticide treatment on maize seed. Words Heather Chalmers.

Irrigation season has started and it’s time for a refresher. Checking the system is working as it was designed to and managing water application by monitoring soil moisture will be well worth it.
Words Anne lee.

Making every drop of water count is important when the resource is limited. Technology is helping one couple do just that. Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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).