Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms have collaborated on a programme to drive beef-on-dairy mating decisions for non-replacement calves. But it’s not easy to meet the demands of each party. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

As their tenure as Beef + Lamb New Zealand Monitor Farmers comes to an end, Te Pahu farmers Elliot Kent and Heather Gilbert are seeing that the benefits of their three-year intensification programmes are more than just financial. Words Sandra Taylor.

A four year programme between DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand brings the dairy and beef sectors together in a collaborative effort to improve dairy-beef sustainability and profitability. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Succession is talked about a lot in agriculture and horticulture, yet for many farming families it remains unclear. William Crofskey, a Masters of Agribusiness Management graduate from Lincoln University, and Chris Coughlan, a Succession Consultant for Rural Coach, share how one of the simplest ways to make a complex and lengthy process easier is to have open communication with everyone in the family. Words William Crofskey & Chris Coughlan.

With 40 years of farm consultancy experience, Kerry Dwyer has sat on both sides of many tables. He shares some advice on leasing farms and some basic principles. Words Kerry Dwyer.

Lifting productivity and reducing the dairy sector’s environmental footprint is the focus of a new multi-partner initiative.

Can irrigation schemes transform individual farm environment plans into catchment-wide action? Projects like near-river recharge on the Hekeao/Hinds Plains show how shared water infrastructure can move beyond delivery to drive whole-catchment environmental recovery. IrrigationNZ chief executive Karen Williams says that schemes offer the scale, oversight and tools needed to help farmers manage water responsibly and deliver broader environmental gains. Words Kathryn Healy.

As land and water management policies evolve, Brent Paterson, Chair of Catchment Communities Aotearoa, shares an update on the latest legislative changes and the growing role of farmer-led catchment groups. Words Brent Paterson.

A potential weakness for the lack of advisory boards was highlighted by recent research conducted among farmers. Hayden Dillon, Findex Managing Partner – Accounting & Business Advisory, is concerned that nearly half of the farmers that participated in a recent Findex survey say they don’t have any advisory board or governance group support. Words Hayden Dillon.

When the 3 ‘F’s’ bite – fuel, feed & fertiliser – what sets the top 20% of profitable farmers apart in their decision making as these on farm costs put pressure on margins.Words James Allen.