Country-Wide is New Zealand’s only dedicated pastoral and arable farming magazine. It is a trusted farm management publication, delivering content on red meat, wool and arable farming topics.
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Episode 27 – Utilising genetic tools on our farms
It’s bull and sheep buying season, and advancements in the genetics space are continuing to develop, to provide sheep and beef breeders with better New Zealand specific data. But how do farmers make the most of this information?
We talk to genetics specialists, Dr Shannon Clarke from AgResearch, Genetics Specialist and Gemma Jenkins from Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef programme, about projects running at the moment, what data they already have available, and how farmers can start using it in their systems.
For the love of soil
A shared passion for soil health – and how we can harness that and turn it into our next value opportunity for New Zealand sheep and beef farmers – was the focus of a two-day workshop held at Canterbury’s Craigmore Station in November 2023. Sarah Perriam-Lampp went along. Photos by Camilla Rutherford.
Guilt forests invade
Emissions offsets allow polluters to do bad things to the planet, as long as they plant a tree to remove the guilt. By Peter Andrew.
Nitrogen management in vegetable production
New Zealand was late to the action of management of nitrogen in water, writes Dan Bloomer of LandWISE.
Proposal not cautious enough
The Government has released its proposals for agricultural emissions charges as part of climate change mitigations. Joanna Grigg reports on the proposals and their conflicts with the industry’s He Waka Eke Noa suggestions.
Planting brings multiple benefits
Poplar poles and native plants are making their mark on a North Canterbury farm. By Sandra Taylor.
Breeding wool off the sheep’s back
Moving to a self-shedding sheep flock could significantly cut onfarm costs and labour, as the strong wool price remains stubbornly low, but there are always things to consider when changing your farm system. Massey University is three years into a trial to transition a base Romney flock to a fully shedding flock of Wiltshires. Rebecca Greaves attended the latest field day.
Composite sheep advantage is not huge
Tom Ward looks at the advantages and disadvantages of composite sheep.
MPI and the OIA process
The OIA to MPI is back and it lacks basic information on the Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme. Dr Nicola Dennis explores the OIA process and the unanswered questions.
West Otago’s ‘brilliant’ sheep
A West Otago couple’s farm is limited by a lack of finishing country, but they are using good sheep genetics and feed strategically. By Terry Brosnahan.
More questions than answers
Kerry Dwyer writes about the frustration he and many other farmers experienced with the Ministry for Primary Industries as it struggled to deal with Mycoplasma bovis. He’s still wanting answers.
All quiet around the Beehive
Relishing the lack of politics in the void after the election, Carterton farmer Mark Guscott has enjoyed a good lambing, and reveals his regenerative move.
Elections, predictions, and near-convictions
Reflecting on life in the real world, Mark Chamberlain gets prepared for 2023.
More like traders than farmers
In England’s Hertfordshire, Robert Hodgkins is farming through crazy times.
Working the good life
Micha Johansen is floating between the Eketahuna farm and an orchard at Waipukurau.
Planning for tough times
Hill country farmers face the prospect of potential losses in the coming year. By Rebecca Greaves.
Where are all the leaders?
New Zealand lacks good leaders, and while leadership courses are plentiful, Jacqueline Rowarth finds they are not created equal.
Trio of awards for Dairy Industry Share Farmers of the Year
The theme of the farming community supporting each other was one echoed by many of the finalists at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Award in Auckland on Saturday, May 13. By Claire Ashton.
Selecting genes to reduce methane
Massey University’s Dorian Garrick says genetics could play a part in reducing methane emissions in livestock, but it’s a complex and pricey process.
America’s beef colossus
Editor and publisher of Cattle Buyers Weekly Steve Kay examines the state of the United States beef market.
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Change-Makers
Since returning home to his family’s farming operation on Banks Peninsula eight years ago, George Masefield along with his wife Emma, have made some significant changes. The couple, with the support of George’s parents John and Carol, bought a tractor and have not looked back. Sandra Taylor talks to them about the development programme which has transformed their business and enabled them to finish all of their lambs on their dryland hill country and buy in trading stock.
Photos Kelly Shakespeare
Milestones reached in Informing New Zealand Beef programme
Data from commercial herds contribute to beef evaluation programme. Words Sandra Taylor, Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Highlights of 2023 USA & Canada Study Tour
A group of New Zealand breeders and industry representatives learn more about genetic research and new technologies in the Northern Hemisphere. Words Sandra Taylor, Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Shorthorn breeders get first taste
Shorthorn seedstock producers are close to seeing the first weaned calves born in their own large scale progeny test. Words Tony Leggett.
Next Generation Herds fast-forward genetic gain
For Alan and Natasha Cave joining Informing New Zealand Beef’s commercial herd programme was a natural progression in their on-going work to improve the performance of their commercial beef herd. Words Sandra Taylor, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Photos Laura Adams, Little Valley Photography.
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