Animal feed can affect animal health, milk quality and food safety, and the source of dairy products can be important to buyers and consumers. That’s why it’s important when buying and selling feed, it can be traced to its origin.

Getting the cluster attachment and removal right is crucial during milking. It ensures that the milk is of good quality, prevents harm to the teats, and reduces the risk of mastitis.

With NIWA’s prediction of an El Nino weather pattern and a high likelihood of a drier summer, how are farmers preparing? In this episode, we’re talking to Trevor Hamilton and Kevin McKinley who share their strategies for preparing for a dry summer.

Using plantain has resulted in a 5% reduction in N-loss for the Passey’s so far, as modelled in Overseer and based on an average of 10% plantain in the pasture sward.

Farming in the Lake Rotorua catchment means meeting challenging N-loss targets. Knowing they had to do their bit for the environment, Steve and Paula Holdem began looking at tools to reduce their N-loss from their farm.

DairyNZ is working with farmers to understand milking practices and technology use with a five-yearly survey showing which technologies are being adopted by farmers.

Justin and Melissa Slattery have been on their 100 ha farm at Elstow, between Tahuna and Paeroa for 6 years.  Their approach to farming is to be good stewards of the environment through having simple systems that are resource efficient.

Learn about teat preparation and spraying basics and how washing keeps milk quality high, prevents damage, and reduces mastitis. Discover handy tips like strategic washing, proper drying, and avoiding bulk washing.

White clover is a top-quality feed used widely in New Zealand's dairy pastures. Different types have varying purposes in dairy farming. Italian and Annual ryegrass, and Red clover perform well in summer dry areas, complementing white clover in mixes.

Looking after teats is crucial in dairy farming. Damaged or rough teat skin can lead to bacterial infections, discomfort for the cow, and increased risk of mastitis.

Feed density and storage are crucial for dairy farming. Proper planning optimises storage solutions and maximises feed resources. Use our tables to help calculate storage space requirements when planning new or evaluating current storage.

Getting the pulsation and vacuum systems right is key to efficient and comfortable milkings. This page will cover the benefits of proper pulsation, how it works, and the essential components of a pulsation system.

Designing and installing a new irrigation system for your farm involves making sure it fits your land, business and water regulations. This page emphasises how a well-planned system can boost the efficient use of water, energy, labour, and money.

A risk pathway is a method through which infection or disease can reach or spread from your farm. This page emphasises the importance of being prepared to prevent foot and mouth disease in New Zealand.

The Taits focus on balancing sustainability with profit in their dairy farming practices. Based in Lowcliffe, Ashburton, the Tait Family Trust oversees an intergenerational dairy business that began milking in 2011.

Effective irrigation management benefits your dairy farm by preserving water quality, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with water supply conditions. Find out how to operate within these conditions efficiently.

Dairy exit and entry races refer to the design of the pathways that lead cows in and out of the milking platform. Good exit and entry design can speed up the milking process and reduce cow injuries.

Mastitis management in dairy farming requires constant review and planning to control the condition in your herd.

Alderbrook Farms have focused on continuous improvement over the past 20 years and are always striving to be better.

Doug and Emma McLeod are 50:50 sharemilkers on flat to rolling land next to the Pomahaka River in South Otago. They supply milk to Danone. Up to 160 kg N/ha has typically been applied to pasture each year and effluent application is via a pod system.