Livestock
Dealing with shearing wounds
Nobody tries to cut a sheep, but when we do, what’s best practice? Vet Sara Sutherland says it’s not as simple as saying ‘slow down’ but highlights best practice for dealing with shearing wounds.
Wool Classers call for industry action on animal welfare
The wool industry continues to reckon with footage released by animal rights group PETA late last year that captured several New Zealand shearing sheds in serious breach of animal welfare standards – workers standing on sheep’s necks, dragging animals across floors, and stitching wounds without pain relief. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp
Breakthrough in facial eczema research
A major step forward in understanding facial eczema (FE) in livestock could help reduce the devastating impact this disease has on New Zealand farmers, animals, and rural communities. Words Sandra Taylor.
Newly released tools make bull buying easier
Bigger isn’t necessarily better with commercial beef breeding, especially in hill-country environments. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s new bull-buying tool, nProve Beef allows for more considered selection. Words Sandra Taylor, Photo Storth Oaks Angus.
Taking hogget performance to the next level
A Southland group of farmers aim to be lambing 150% in their hoggets without compromising the ewes’ two-tooth performance or longevity. Words Sandra Taylor
It takes technology and talent to finish 2,000 cattle
A South Taranaki property finishes thousands of prime cattle annually on challenging sandy soils with a great balance of technology and stockmanship. Words Tony Leggett, Photos Brad Hanson.
Unlock cashflow to keep growing
For farmers, managing cashflow while keeping stock numbers up can be a constant challenge. Words PGG Wrightson
Tackling drench resistance in cattle
Drench resistance is a critical issue for New Zealand farmers and state-owned Pāmu is facing the challenge head-on. At Rangitāiki Station in the Central North Island, feeding and growing young cattle has been the key to continuing their dairy beef programme, while protecting the lucrative bull beef finishing component of the operation. Words Rebecca Greaves.
North Otago dairy farmers hosting Dairy Beef Progeny Test
Eager to add value to their non-replacement dairy calves, Hayden and Robyn Williams have put their hands up to host Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Dairy Beef Progeny Test. Words Sandra Taylor.
Farm technician’s dream job
Bella Taylor is living her dream. Based in Manapouri, Bella works as a farm technician for Pāmu, collecting data from the stud breeding and research programmes under way on four of the 13 Pāmu farms in Southland’s Te Anau Basin. Words Sandra Taylor.