From paddock choice to late pregnancy and lactation, proactive management makes all the difference to winter calving.

Through savvy investing, disciplined budgeting and a clear vision, this young couple secured their first farm — proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.

Scientific modelling indicates pasture persistence will decline in parts of the upper North Island as the climate changes.

Structured communication and thoughtful recruitment underpin a strong, collaborative working environment.

Farmers who overhaul their systems in response to payout fluctuations often end up worse off than those who hold steady and act strategically.

Farmers need certainty about the rules they must follow and the clear, measurable outcomes they should be aiming for.

Sharemilkers Sam and Jenna Hodsell are in it for the long haul, and that means building resilient and effective farm systems.

The Low N Systems programme explores how combining strategies can help farmers significantly reduce N losses while maintaining farm viability.

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.

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.

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.

One of the most important decisions will be which cows receive antibiotics, particularly given the rise of antimicrobial resistance awareness.

In farmlet trials and on farms across the country, the grazing herb is demonstrating its value as an N loss reduction tool.

Scientists are delving into the complexities of methane emissions from grazing cows, aiming to develop more precise emission factors and mitigation strategies for our unique pasture-based systems.

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.

One of the most important decisions will be which cows receive antibiotics, particularly given the rise of antimicrobial resistance awareness.

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.

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.

Hamish and Rachel Hammond transitioned from university to contract milking right after graduation, quickly developing a passion for farming that led to their current role as 50:50 sharemilkers on Hamish’s family farm in Wairarapa.