Country-Wide Winter 2025
Meticulous planning key to winter forage crop management
Winter forage crops are a critical part of Robert Young’s Southland farming operation. Sandra Taylor showcases the plans he puts in place to protect animal welfare and soil and water resources while these crops are being grazed. Words Sandra Taylor.
Management rethink has worms thriving
By prioritising soil health, Mid-Canterbury arable farm managers Matt and Heidi Hart are making environmental as well as crop yield gains. Words Heather Chalmers.
Olsen P test underestimates accessibility alreadyin soil
New research from AgResearch and Lincoln University shows rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are altering phosphorus (P) available for plant growth, potentially leading to costly and unnecessary fertiliser application by farmers. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
TB-free milestone for Molesworth Station
A major milestone has been achieved after four decades of managing TB at Molesworth Station, marking one of New Zealand’s most determined and complex biosecurity challenges. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Kara Tait.
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
NZ Deer Farmers celebrate 50 years
A reflection on half a century of development of New Zealand’s youngest agriculture industry. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.