Livestock
Advice is mostly farm-specific
Farmers frequently complain of getting conflicting advice, writes vet Trevor Cook.
Cancelling the cost creep
Keeping it simple is paying off for the Bartons in West Otago, Lynda Gray reports. Photos by Chris Sullivan.
Long-acting pre-lamb drench peril
Wormwise programme manager Ginny Dodunski cautions against the blanket use of long-acting drench products as a pre-lamb treatment.
Vertical integration pays dividends
Over five generations the Tylee family has bought blocks of farmland in Northern Wairarapa. These blocks are the cornerstone of a successful vertically integrated livestock business. By Russell Priest. Photos by Brad Hanson.
Measuring ewe BCS is important
As we move into full winter mode, now is a good opportunity to prioritise feed to ewes based on body condition score. Laura McQuillan-Reese writes.
Deer Aunty Thistledown
Don’t you get sick of all the busybodies and politicians casually discussing the demise of the meat industry? New Zealand’s livestock numbers are trending downward, the national ewe flock is being decimated, and still they clutch their pearls and ask “when will something be done about the farmers”?
Gimme shelter
Poplars and willows give umbrella-like shelter for the lambs on Tom Mandeno’s north Waikato farm, writes Glenys Christian.
Plan and monitor for control
Vet Trevor Cook gets confirmation of the value of being in control and minimising risks.
Top feed, top cattle
The challenge for beef farmers is to meet animal feed requirements as much as possible from seasonally available pasture, Dr Ken Geenty writes.