Premium Articles
NZ Beef Shorthorn leading the way
March 27, 2026
New Zealand Beef Shorthorn has reached a pivotal milestone, recording positive results at the completion of the first cycle of their Beef Recording Programme. Words Russell Profit.
Episode 106 – The true cost of cheap
March 27, 2026
In this episode, Stephen McNally, Principal Technical Advisor at Irrigation New Zealand, explains why choosing the cheapest irrigation system upfront can lead to higher long-term costs and reduced performance. He outlines how key design decisions, such as pipe sizing and pump selection, directly influence energy use, efficiency and the overall lifespan of an irrigation system.
Treat Wearables as a tool, not a system
March 26, 2026
As virtual fencing and cattle wearables move from buzzwords to real tools being used across sheep and beef breeding and finishing operations on New Zealand farms, one message comes through clearly from Tom Chisholm of AgDesign: the technology is not a silver bullet. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
The beef crystal ball
March 26, 2026
The fundamentals of global supply and demand are underpinning tight supply and strong demand to continue, says the latest RaboResearch report into the global beef trade signals. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Beef with a side of strawberries
March 26, 2026
Central Otago couple, Ben and Rebecca Trotter, have set up an intensive bull beef finishing operation along with a commercial strawberry enterprise on the outskirts of Wānaka. It is a busy, diverse and highly productive and rewarding farming business making the best use of their land and skills. Words Sandra Taylor, Photos Elle Perriam.
Fertility and feed efficiency drive profitability
March 26, 2026
With their inherent fertility, feed efficiency, longevity and excellent temperament, combined with ongoing genetic progress, Herefords are the breed of choice for purebred programmes and a vital component of any crossbreeding system. Words Robert Peacock.
The benefits of recording
March 26, 2026
Not only has Andrew Law’s participation in the Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef Commercial Herd Programme confirmed that he is on the right track with his genetic selections, it has fired his enthusiasm for data collection. Words Sandra Taylor.
Realising genetic potential
March 26, 2026
Simon Parks gets great satisfaction from growing his Charolais cross weaner steers, heifers and bulls out to heavy weights as quickly as possible. This is made even more satisfying knowing that the calves he is finishing were born on a farm in which he and his wife Emma are equity partners. Words & Photos Sandra Taylor.
The mature body condition EBV advantage
March 26, 2026
AngusPRO has unlocked the genetic potential for feed efficiency and reproductive success with the introduction of the Mature Body Condition (MBC) EBV. Words Sarah Horrocks.









