Contributed by: New Zealand Walking Access Commission Summer can be a busy time for farm managers. Among the pressures they face are more people who may want permission to cross their land. Many families and tourists head into the outdoors over the holidays. So farmers and landholders have more people walking and cycling in their […]
Reducing trouble from stubble burning
Contributed by: Environment Canterbury It’s around this time of year that you may start to notice smoke from stubble burning in rural areas. Zone Lead Brian Reeves reminds us about the things we should do before lighting up to ensure better and safer outcomes for all. Last year more than 850 smoke-related complaints were lodged […]
Mark your days by helping Retired Working Dogs
The October FEDSNEWS showcased the work that Natalie Smith and the Retired Working Dogs charity have been doing to help man’s best friend find loving homes. Now we’re introducing Helen and Hoon, the formidable pair who help sell the charity’s calendars. Helen Sheard is one of the vets at the Fielding branch of Totally Vets. […]
Regenerative agriculture research receives Government boost
The Government continues to invest in farm sustainability, this time backing two new research projects to investigate the impacts of regenerative farming practices, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. Soil health and regenerative agriculture “We’re contributing $2.8 million to a $3.85 million five-year project with co-investment by Synlait Milk and Danone that aims to understand […]
‘More milk from fewer cows’ trend continues in a record year for NZ dairy industry
Kiwi dairy farmers hit a new high for milk production last season with fewer cows, showing that a focus on breeding higher performing cows is paying off. The annual New Zealand Dairy Statistics report, released today by DairyNZ and Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), shows that total milk volume, total milksolids and per cow production were the highest on record in the 2020-21 season. New Zealand has 4.9 million […]
Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Silver Fern Farms Collaboration Increases Sales in U.S. Market
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Silver Fern Farms are celebrating another year of successful joint marketing efforts in the United States. The partnership, which included a series of seasonal marketing campaigns, outdoor advertisements and creative brand programs, resulted in significant sales growth and increased awareness. American appetite for grass-fed sustainably raised New Zealand […]
Honey production and yields fall while export volumes remain buoyant for the 2020/21 year
New Zealand’s national honey production in the 2020/2021 season was down 24% on the previous season and the average honey yield per hive fell 18%, according to the 2021 Apiculture Monitoring Report released by the Ministry of Primary Industries this week. Beekeeping for the season ended June 2021 proved to be more challenging than recent […]
OSPRI on track for a TBfree future in Hawke’s Bay
OSPRI is getting Hawke’s Bay back on track to a TBfree future after delivering multiple aerial operations in the past six months. OSPRI’s Disease Control GM Simon Andrew says that it is essential to reduce the possum population in these problem areas to a low level and to maintain this long enough to break the […]
DSM receives positive EFSA opinion for methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer
Royal DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company, today announces that it has received a positive European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinion for the use of its novel methane-reducing feed additive for ruminants, Bovaer®, in the European Union. The EFSA opinion confirms that the feed additive reduces enteric methane emissions from dairy cows and is safe for […]
Environmental gains as farmers reduce nitrogen loss
Dairy farmers in Canterbury’s Selwyn catchment are actively reducing their footprint, with data indicating many have reduced nitrogen loss by 30 percent. “Selwyn farmers have been working hard to achieve this milestone, taking steps on their farms to look after the environment,” says DairyNZ solutions and development lead advisor Virginia Serra. “Preliminary information shows 70 […]