Dairy Country Spring 2025

Putting collars on 3,000 cows in the Wairarapa has improved health, for both the cows and the staff managing them. Words Sheryl Haitana.

In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Beef + Lamb NZ Head of Genetics Dr Jason Archer about the opportunities and challenges of using beef genetics over dairy cows.

Jason explains the importance of the bull not the breed when it comes to using beef genetics over dairy. A focus on traceability throughout the supply chain will improve outcomes for dairy farmers, rearers and finishers, he says. Jason also explains the Dairy Beef Progeny Test programme.

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 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.

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.