Dairy Exporter Autumn 2025
Negotiating a contract
There can be a power imbalance when a farm owner and potential contract milker or sharemilker sit down at a table to negotiate their contract, still both parties will benefit more from a fair negotiation. Words Sheryl Haitana.
The AI farmer
AI – not Artificial Insemination … the new buzz is Artificial Intelligence. Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop has adopted the technology in his farming business. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Calculating efficiency
Calculating Feed Conversion Efficiency is a key metric for understanding overall farm efficiency as it reflects how efficiently feed is converted into milksolids, directly influencing productivity, profitability and emissions. Words Sheryl Haitana.
A clearer picture
Having daily information on individual cow health has enabled Taranaki dairy farmers Sarah and Wayne Neilson to turn on the engine of their genetically capable cows and get them back in calf more easily. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Using AI to pinpoint mastitis bacteria
The New Zealand dairy industry has made great progress but still has a fair way to go to get farmers to stop using antibiotics prophylactically and instead use them selectively for a cow with a proven and identified infection, veterinarian and DairySmart Chief Executive Ben Davidson says. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Holding onto pride
There are three guiding mantras at Beaumaris Dairies in Canterbury – pride, cash and simplification. Words & photos Anne Lee.
Passion to maintain pathway
Braden Coates and Hayley Ireland have always strived for excellence in everything that they do and last season they achieved a tick of excellence from their milk processor Miraka earning a 20c/kg MS premium. It’s a nice bit of cream on top for their 2023/24 season payout, but the young couple have overcome a lot more than most to rise to the top. Words Sheryl Haitana, Photos Emma McCarthy.
Challenges of change
With a record milk price in farmers’ sights, the idea of hanging up the clusters and switching off the milking plant in favour of carrying out some other activity on their land seems nonsensical for all but a couple of higher-risk yet high-returning horticultural activities. Words Anne Lee.
A digestible exit industry
Bay of Plenty dairy farmer and kiwifruit orchard owner David Jensen has experienced the ups and downs of both industries and shares some insights for those farmers who are thinking about investing in horticulture. Words David Jensen.
Dairy to apples
Canterbury is known for going it big when it comes to dairy – the same now looks true for apples. Words Anne lee.