Read BEEF Country 2026 online here.

Farmers across the beef sector want practical tools and clear direction to lift productivity, profitability and resilience, says Chief Executive of Beef + Lamb NZ, Alan Thomson. Words Alan Thomson.

For many sheep and beef hill country farmers, rising cartage costs and sluggish soil responses make traditional agricultural lime (ag lime) a blunt tool for a rapid response when you need it. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Efficiency is the clear, unwavering focus for Mahuta Herefords, right across their breeding programme. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

At Glenaray Station, planning is the key to successfully mating yearling heifers. Having implemented the practice on three properties he has managed, General Manager, Simon Lee, knows exactly what it takes to ensure heifers calve without issues and get back in calf at their second mating. Words Sandra Taylor. Photos Stan McDowall.

LIC is bringing years of dairy genetics expertise into the dairy-beef arena with two purpose-bred programmes – KiwiPrime and Synergizer – designed to work for both the dairy farmer and the rearer/finisher. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

A recent land purchase means the oldest Angus stud in Australasia is expanding into the future in scale – land, herd size and technology. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Beef cows are making a slow but steady comeback to the hill country of Limestone Downs. Massey University modelling shows that decreasing sheep and increasing cattle numbers is more profitable, and is likely a win-win for both stock classes. Words & Photos Tony Leggett.

Northland farmer, Geoff Crawford, asks why farmers are not benefitting from an increase in export value for beef co-products within livestock prices. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

In this episode, Curtis Pannett, farming in Central Otago, explains how yard weaning gives calves a better start to life and improves long-term growth and temperament. Drawing on experience from his own farm and large Australian cattle operations, he shares his advice on how calves are kept in the yards, getting them used to people and dogs helps them settle quickly, mustering and better management with moving winter feed breaks.