Dairy
Smaller herds group SMASH now holds field days nationwide
An equity partnership with a former manager gave one 200-cow farm a clear succession path.
Dairy farmers produce a record 2 billion kg of milk solids
A record 83% of the national dairy herd was herd tested last season.
Farm trials test pasture mixes that last past two years
Longer rotations in the first year are being tested to see if they help new pastures establish.
What Synlait’s new chief executive will need to fix
Last season Synlait’s revenue did not cover its cost of milk and manufacturing.
Dairy graduate programme puts up to eight graduates on farms
Up to 70 unpaid presenters take part each year, with Rabobank as gold sponsor.
What 24 seasons have taught this calf rearer about feed transitions
24 seasons in, calf rearer David Fairhall is still putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to transitioning calves off milk onto meal.
Addressing nutritional gaps early for herd mating success
SealesWinslow Nutrition Extension Specialist Simon Butler says improved mating results from good cow nutrition can see gains reach beyond the vat.
The calf decision that pays out in the vat two years on
An extra 100 grams of pre-weaning growth in a dairy replacement calf could translate to about 20kg of milk solids in her first lactation.
Hill’s Lab expands forage protein testing
Hill Laboratories is introducing a new protein testing capability for forage samples this year.
Seales Winslow on lifting peak milk after a record season
Managing more cows and driving more efficiency requires a higher-level look through ration formulation and diet evaluation.