Inside Dairy February-April 2025
The February-April edition of Inside Dairy is out now.
Featuring news and insights in the dairy sector, DairyNZ science and research, and inspiring stories, like our cover story farmers - Bill and Michelle Burgess from Te Poi. They share their breeding strategies and how they’re achieving genetic gain for greater efficiencies on their farm.
Also covered in this edition of Inside Dairy, you'll find:
- Smart strategies for on-farm this autumn
- Updates on our advocacy work on key policy issues to ensure they address the needs of dairy farmers
- Science and research update on plantain’s performance as a tool for reducing N loss
- Five strategies to boost your herd’s Breeding Worth (BW)
- Tips for decoding rumination data, and much more.
Inside Dairy stories
Quality over quantity
With a breeding strategy that focuses on genetics and efficiency, Bill and Michelle Burgess of Te Poi are building a herd that’s raising the bar for performance.
Read the full story
Your on-farm early-warning system
Comparing your operation with similar farms through DairyBase will help to identify necessary system tweaks before they show up on the bottom line. That was the experience of Horsham Downs sharemilkers Danielle and Bevan Cornelius.
Read the full story
Average per-cow milk production hits magic 400kgMS
The 2023/24 New Zealand Dairy Statistics report reveals trends in the dairy sector. Mark Storey, DairyNZ’s head of economics, offers insight into the numbers.
Read the full story
Genetics driving Jersey power
Managing a herd of 620 Jersey cows, Mike Robinson and Sheree Irwin have focused on breeding for greater efficiencies, achieving impressive results in the process.
Read the full story
Tools and tactics for a successful dry-off
One of the most important decisions will be which cows receive antibiotics, particularly given the rise of antimicrobial resistance awareness.
Read the full story
Is focusing on low-heritability traits valuable when making breeding decisions?
Although some traits have low heritability, genetics still drive valuable improvements over time. NZ Animal Evaluation scientist Rhiannon Handcock explains.
Read the full story
Plantain is proving its potency
In farmlet trials and on farms across the country, the grazing herb is demonstrating its value as an N loss reduction tool.
Read the full story
Waterway health is taking root
Contaminant reduction is central to improving water quality, but we also need to take a more holistic approach to better address the overall health of waterways, including things like riparian planting.
Read the full story
Decoding rumination data
Wearables such as collars and ear tags can provide valuable insights into your cows’ wellbeing, but they work best alongside visual monitoring and physical examinations.
Read the full story
Wintering well is becoming the norm
Dairy farmers have made great strides in winter management, though there’s still room for improvement – particularly when it comes to portable troughs and back fencing.
Read the full story
Plan now for a better winter
A successful farm system depends on having the right wintering system in place. It minimises animal, environmental and compliance risks while supporting your investment decisions.
Read the full story
Learning the language of contracts
Matt Hoets has a strong enthusiasm for learning and has completed several Dairy Training courses, which he finds incredibly beneficial.
Read the full story
Finding your farming family
The future of dairy farming doesn’t exist without young people entering and engaging with the sector. Recognising this, DairyNZ collaborates with New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) to run various initiatives.
Read the full story