News
A toxo disaster – despite vaccination

When you go to the trouble of vaccinating your two-tooths against toxoplasmosis you expect these animals will be protected. Trudi Baird tells of the dreadful lambing that resulted when this was not the case.
Best practice to be recognised by Fonterra

Fonterra farmers were told today of the Co-op’s plans to provide them with more meaningful recognition and rewards in season 2019/2020 for producing high quality, safe, sustainable dairy. Farm Source and Global Operations Chief Operating Officer Robert Spurway said Fonterra farmers have long led the way when it comes to milk quality, animal welfare and […]
Time to be weighing lambs…

The scales have been dragged out of the dusty corner, the lambs are lined up, their mothers are roaring and it’s about now that the debate starts: “What did we do last year? 32kg. No, I’m sure that’s not right.” The table below is the same one we first printed in the on-paper version of […]
Higher lagoon levels will cause issues

Lindsay Paddon knows what it’s like down at Waituna when the lagoon reaches high levels. The photos below show him firstly in June 1994 with the lagoon at 2.35m. And then in recent times at a low lagoon level (in the same place). The Invercargill fisherman and hunter is pictured beside his hut near the […]
Forget the ear tags … buy the animals …

For sale: Five ear tags – animals attached and thrown in…. Yeah Right!! Farmers sick of the hassle of avoiding social media rules need look no further than the newest online nationwide “free classified website.” Dungpile.co.nz gives farmers the opportunity to list their livestock and other associated farming paraphernalia at no cost and either through […]
New dairy factory gets closer

Southland’ newest dairy factory edges closer to completion and draws much interest from would-be shareholders.
Farmer well-being is important

While farmers’ well-being at work is not directly visible to the consumer, it forms an important part of responsible food production.
Employment rules need shake-up now

It’s not a job for the faint-hearted and you can see why contractors don’t want to have just anyone in control of such a set-up.
Slow release, sensed irrigation a huge breakthrough

The device has been complemented by a piece of software which takes into account the local context, such as plant properties and soil characteristics. This means, the system is also…
Conventional milk has more minerals

Milk from organic farms has a lower concentration of elements like zinc, iodine and selenium than milk produced by conventional farming methods.