Livestock
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.
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
A century in the making
Monowai Station, Waimatā Valley, Gisborne, has entered its 100th year of being farmed by descendants of the Savage family. This is a farming business where long-held family values and traditional farming practices merge with efficiency, responsiveness to opportunities, and environmental good practice. Words & Photos Louise Savage.
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.