Special Reports

Dairy farmers wishing to phase out bobby calves will need to raise animals that will compete with other land uses. Sheryl Haitana reports.

While some fertiliser costs are softening, global volatility is not going away and neither are the inbuilt costs for the industry to improve its environmental footprint. Words by Sheryl Haitana.

If you measure it, you can manage it and in tighter times managing it well can mean significant savings. When reviewing your fertiliser policy, ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, protecting the environment and highlighting areas where savings are possible.
Words Anne Lee

Despite the rapid downward movements in milk price, and upward movements in onfarm costs, the rules of a successful dairy farming system remain the same, Mark Aitken writes.

An addition to the family is on the horizon for Finja Philips, with a new generation for the family. Her first baby is due in March, luckily the perfect “time” for a spring calving calendar laughs Finja. By Claire Ashton.

Fonterra has seen a significant increase in return and retention rates since implementing its new parental leave policy. By Sheryl Haitana.

Virginia Serra advises on the profitable use of feed.

Eighteen months on a Canadian dairy farm opened south Auckland farmer Andrew Hamilton’s eyes to cows’ potential. Anne Lee reports.

Galatea farms were looking phenomenal leading up to Christmas. However, with the prediction of El Nino hitting later in the summer, Galatea farmers Peter and Tania know what levers they need to pull if it gets dry. Sheryl Haitana reports.

Rex and Sharon Butterworth are focused on running a system that remains profitable regardless of the payout as they make the most of their home-grown feed, which sets their stock up for optimal production. Claire Ashton reports.