SIDE

This episode showcases some of the highlights from the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2025, held in Timaru in April. Jason Archer of Beef + Lamb NZ explains how beef genetics boost the value and sustainability of dairy-origin calves. Rebecca Furzeland shares insights from her large-scale calf rearing business focused on quality, health, and teamwork. Ryan Luckman draws on data from cow wearables on 100,000+ cows to share learnings you can apply to your farm system. Rosanne Megaw shares her and husband Eldon’s journey from contract milking to equity partnership and Glenn Jones wraps with reflections on SIDE 2025 and shares what’s coming for next year.

The Low N farmlet trial carried out at Lincoln University is looking at all the tools in the box when it comes to lowering nitrogen loss and is also looking at a milk-based indicator tool for farmers to track and manage their herd’s dietary N surplus during the season.
Words Racheal Bryant