Livestock
Improving premiums from improving land health
From heavy lambs for Atkins Ranch, to yearling sire bulls for the dairy market, Michael and Jane Cammock at Kouratahi farm in the Wairarapa focus on added value and knowing where their end product is destined for. Words Rebecca Greaves. Photos Brad Hanson.
Rearing at scale
Strengths in the softer skills of building long term relationships, coupled with the collection of robust data, are at the heart of an impressive calf rearing operation in Canterbury that’s home to 3500 calves annually. Words Anne Lee, Photo Holly Lee.
Weaning check impacts lamb cheque
Weaning is a critical period for lamb growth rates. They can easily falter if not timed correctly. Andrew Dowling, Technical Expert – Animal Health at PGG Wrightson, offers practical solutions to help avoid a weaning check that doesn’t bounce in your back pocket. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Restoring Mana
The transformation of a once-neglected property on the coastal hills on Northland’s Whangaruru Harbour was recognised on the national stage when Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust was awarded the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Lifting Feed Efficiency
The Turnwald family in Waikato have invested in composting barns and a feedpad to lift feed efficiency by reducing feed waste and ultimately helping cows hold condition year-round. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Farming the Individual Cow, Not the Herd
A Taranaki farmer has embraced all of MSD Animal Health’s SenseHub Dairy Technologies to allow his high-producing cows to continue being milked beyond a typical dry-off date based on accurate, real-time information from wearables, sensors and drafting tools. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Brad Hanson.
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.