Dairy Country is New Zealand’s premium dairy media with the latest issues, science, research and technology applied inside the farm gate. We connect farmers with knowledge to have a positive impact on profit, people and the environment.
Episode 83 – Fonterra’s focus shift
Peter McBride sees Fonterra’s proposed sale of its consumer business as a pivotal step in refocusing the co-operative’s strategy and strengthening long-term farmer returns.
In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with the Fonterra Chairman about the rationale behind the sale to Lactalis, what’s included in the deal, and how it aligns with the co-op’s vision to concentrate on ingredients and foodservice. He explains how the move will help sharpen Fonterra’s focus, unlock value for farmer shareholders, and position the business to compete more effectively in global markets.
Young beef protein solution
Mīti smokey kānuka and honey beef bites were a hit at the Fieldays, a protein snack that could be one of the solutions to the dairy industry’s non-replacement calves. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Awaking the sleepy beef-on-dairy giant
Pāmu’s beef-on-dairy strategy is maturing from concept to large-scale operational reality, with the state-owned enterprise on track for its aspirational target of rearing all non-replacement dairy calves by 2030. Words Kara Tait.
Paddock to plate productivity
Taranaki dairy farmer LeAnne Blakelock has launched a Rose Gold Veal brand in an attempt to reduce bobby calves and connect her dairy business closer to the beef value chain. Words Sheryl Haitana, Photos Natalie Waugh.
Growing the beef pie
Advancing beef-on-dairy will create win–win opportunities for dairy and beef farmers to improve returns and make emissions savings for the pastoral sector. Words Anne Lee.
Berf-on-Dairy Progeny sire list
A sire list for the Dairy–Beef Progeny Test 2025 mating will be published on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s website in October. Words Sandra Taylor.
LATEST ARTICLES
Realities of dairy tariffs
The big players are no longer playing by trade rules, so what does that mean for New Zealand? Words Sheryl Haitana.
Pouring From an Empty Cup
In an open letter to New Zealand farmers, Aro Hā Wellness Retreat Co-Founder Damian Chaparro says it’s good to be hardworking, but not privately exhausted. Words Damian Chaparro.
Collars deliver on ROI
Putting collars on 3,000 cows in the Wairarapa has improved health, for both the cows and the staff managing them. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Unleash the Power of Weed Control
Seaward Downs is a small Southland farming community on the banks of the Mataura River some 8kms Southwest of Edendale and half an hour from Invercargill.
Dairy growth
With new dairy conversions being signed off in the Canterbury region, it’s a good opportunity to reflect and ensure future growth is done within environmental limits in all catchments says DairyNZ. Words Sheryl Haitana.
The numbers over time
DairyNZ is marking 60 years of the Economic Survey, reflecting on the evolution of New Zealand’s dairy sector over this time. Words Jacob Quinn.
key policy reforms
A focus on outcomes rather than inputs is what DairyNZ will be aiming for with new government regulation and policy. Words Jacob Quinn.
How healthy soil affects more milk in the vat
How one Canterbury dairy farmer improved his soil health which led to an increase in pasture productivity and a decrease in nutrient leaching. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Mastering mastitis
A disastrous season for somatic cell count prompted a full rethink of processes for a North Canterbury couple. They’re now consistently winning awards for milk quality and averaging close to 50,000 cells/ml somatic cell count (SCC) for the past five years. Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.
Gains grow in the detail
Simple, repeatable systems are proving to be a winning formula for North Otago couple Peter and Emma Smit. They spoke at a recent Pasture Summit field days to find out just what those systems entail and how the Smits achieve top-performing financial returns. Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.
Is your feed plan ready?
The scramble for supplementary feed last season is a good forewarning for farmers to do their budgets and plan early for maize silage feed reserves this season. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Bridging Research and Reality
The Southern Dairy Hub (SDH) is carrying out comparative demonstration at scale, looking at a Standard Herd and a Future Herd, which is focused on greater individual cow performance. Words Southern Dairy Hub.
Resilient Pastures get funding
A new programme has been approved to research more resilient pastures and farm systems to help address the issue of declining pasture harvested in the Upper North Island. Words Jacob Quinn.
Building on a supportive base
The Dairy Women’s Network has given Waikato dairy farmer Aimee Wilson an opportunity for personal growth. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Breeding Excellence for the Dairy Industry
Te Mania Angus is utilising cutting-edge technology to select the best breeding stock suitable for the beef and dairy industries. Words Sarah Horrocks.
Win–Win Attitude
Make sure sharemilking conversations are robust and include a chat about cow numbers vs per-cow production. Words Louise Gibson.
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