Plantain is a low-cost option for Rotorua dairy farmers to reduce nitrogen leaching and help meet environmental targets. Adding it into pastures through annual broadcasting can significantly lower nitrogen losses while maintaining profitability.

A Rotorua dairy farm demonstrates that profitability and environmental performance can go together. Since taking over in 2019/20, Richard and Amy have operated a low-input system designed to meet nitrogen limits while remaining financially strong.

Flooding on a dairy farm can be devastating, but the page you're reading provides essential guidelines to mitigate its effects.

The dairy effluent system design accreditation programme recognises companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and recognised codes of practice.

Bulk milk urea concentration is a near real-time indicator of the dietary crude protein status of dairy herds and their nitrogen use efficiency, helping to support feed and nitrogen management decisions in pasture-based systems.

Heat stress in cows happens when they can't dissipate the heat they generate, leading to discomfort and lower milk yields. Unlike humans, cows can start feeling the stress at temperatures below 20°C.

The Coalition Government is making changes to the Resource Management system. DairyNZ made an extensive submission to this process and will continue to engage with ministers and officials. This webpage outlines information on the process ahead.

Extreme weather puts pressure on daily farm operations, so you'll find guidance below on getting back to a normal milking schedule, managing feed, and keeping your cows healthy.

Are you looking to hire a new employee? Having a well-planned recruitment and selection process is the first step towards finding the right person to fit into your team.

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is a practical tool you can use to inform decision-making, easily access information, save time and lighten your mental load. Many farmers are using simple, low-cost GenAI tools on their phones or computers.

Reducing nitrogen losses from your farm can help improve efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality, meet regulatory requirements, and strengthen your bottom line. There are 10 main actions to consider.

Good effluent management on your dairy farm combines a well-designed system with proper processes to ensure the right amount of effluent gets applied to pasture at the right time.

Wearable technologies (such as cow collars) are becoming a popular tool for assisting with reproductive management. In 2025, around 1 in 5 dairy farms are using wearables , mostly to help with heat detection, a factor in getting cows in calf.

How to interpret rumination data and use daily rumination time for day-to-day decision-making.