From December, Kiwi dairy farmers will benefit from enhancements to the national animal genetic evaluation system when they select dairy bulls. The changes are part of the third stage of updates to NZAEL, the genetic evaluation system which helps farmers make better breeding decisions for their herds. As part of the change, a new functional survival breeding value (BV) trait will replace the existing residual survival and total longevity traits in the system. The functional survival trait will better account for a cow’s ability to survive in the herd across different stages of life. The fertility trait used […]
dairy
‘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 […]
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 […]
Economic Week – November 5
Commodity prices set new record. Commodity prices hit new a record high in October, according to ANZ World Commodity Price Index. The World Price Index lifted 2.1% in October compared to September. Dairy prices jumped 3.7%, mainly on the back of tight global milk supply with demand steady. Meat and fibre prices were up 1.6%, […]
Economic Week – October 29
Fonterra milk price good news for farmers and for New Zealand. With the 2021/22 season well underway, Fonterra has increased and narrowed its forecast farmgate milk price to $7.90-$8.90 per kgMS, up from its previous forecast $7.25. The mid-point is up from $8.00 to $8.40. Fonterra observed that the $8.40 would equal the highest farmgate […]
Primary sector returns strengthen export-led recovery
Farmers’ hard work in leading New Zealand’s export-led recovery from COVID-19 is being rewarded with high prices forecast for milk and very strong returns for meat, says Trade and Export Growth and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. Fonterra announced today a record predicted milk price of $7.90 to $8.90 for the coming season. The mid-point of […]
Farmers elect representative to DairyNZ board
Dairy farmer representative Jacqueline Rowarth was re-elected to DairyNZ’s board at its livestreamed Annual General Meeting (AGM) today. DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says the board is looking forward to Jacqueline re-joining them for the next three years, during an exciting phase as the board oversees the delivery of the new DairyNZ strategy for […]
OSPRI reduces TB slaughter levy rates for dairy and beef farmers
OSPRI who manages the TBfree programme is to reduce the TB slaughter levy rates for cattle farmers from 1 October. The Differential Slaughter Levy (DSL) is reviewed each year to ensure that industry funding aligns with that agreed under the 2016 TB Plan Funders’ Agreement, this is subject to a 15-year period. The slaughter levies […]
Sustainability score card shows good progress for Fonterra
Fonterra has released its sustainability score card summarising progress towards its people and environmental targets. Fonterra COO Fraser Whineray says “transparently reporting across a range of sustainability metrics is very important for our Co-operative. At the time of our annual results release next week we will also publish our fifth Sustainability Report. This covers in […]
Miraka announces strategic partnerships with Pāmu and Waiū Dairy
Taupō dairy processor Miraka has recently announced two new strategic partnerships as part of its focus on specialty dairy products. The partnerships are with State-Owned Enterprise Pāmu and Māori-owned dairy processor Waiū Dairy. “At Miraka we make decisions for the long-term. Partnering with Pāmu and Waiū Dairy, who both share our values around kaitiakitanga and […]