Special Reports

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.

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.

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.

Cow wearables can provide a treasure trove of information, and for South Canterbury farmer Tom Lambie, the technology has delivered some real gems that have led to big gains in productivity and performance.
Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.

As more and more farmers adopt wearables, new research aims to assess how they affect reproductive performance. Words Paul Edwards, DairyNZ Senior Scientist.

With wearable technology able to show us more information about rumination habits of our cows, what are we able to find out? Words Ian Lean, MD Scibus and Adjunct Professor, University of Sydney.

With a record milk price in farmers’ sights, the idea of hanging up the clusters and switching off the milking plant in favour of carrying out some other activity on their land seems nonsensical for all but a couple of higher-risk yet high-returning horticultural activities. Words Anne Lee.

Bay of Plenty dairy farmer and kiwifruit orchard owner David Jensen has experienced the ups and downs of both industries and shares some insights for those farmers who are thinking about investing in horticulture. Words David Jensen.

Canterbury is known for going it big when it comes to dairy – the same now looks true for apples. Words Anne lee.

Canterbury and Otago are on the radar for horticulture companies with access to water and flat land along with the right climate and soil characteristics making the regions attractive. Word Anne lee.