As owner of Otago’s Delaware Holstein Friesian stud, Ian is the caretaker of not only a farm business, but a name that has spanned two centuries - with three generations of the Bryant family to have bred Holstein Friesian cattle on the Taieri Plains.

Before Delaware was established by Ian’s father EJP (Eric) Bryant in 1948, Eric’s father William Bryant had a pedigree Holstein Friesian stud, Tamahine.

These animals were later to form the foundation of Delaware, which became well known for bulls, show animals and the careful selection of overseas genetics.

Ian recalls that Eric was known foremost as a bull breeder, holding annual sales for many years that were a major part of the early Delaware story. He sold surplus heifers as well.

Eric sourced genetics from some of the most notable studs in New Zealand, buying bulls from Rosevale, Lesdale, Pinevale, Pukeroro and Turepo - “big name studs”, Ian says.

The logistics of cattle transport back then are a vivid memory for Ian.

“I remember Dad buying bulls from the North Island, and they came down to the South Island in Bristol freighters in cages,” he says. “We picked them up from the airport. Dad even sold one bull, Delaware Skokie Prince, to a stud in Australia, and he was taken by train to Christchurch and flew to Australia by plane.

“When AI became established the bull market did dry up a bit. Our last sale was in 1984.”

“Showing was a big part of our lives growing up,” Ian says. “We attended two local shows - the Taieri A&P Show and the South Otago A&P Show - and competed against Peter Robertson (Rannoch) and Don Bathgate (Kinfalloch) and later, Denis Aitken of Broomfield.

“Then, at the end of January we would go to the Otago A&P Show, held over two days in Dunedin.

“It was a little more competitive than the local shows, and breeders came from further afield such as Glenstuart, Middlevale and Deloraine.”

Eric, who was also an NZHFA Councillor for some years, showed Delaware Linmack Cushla at the Royal Show in Invercargill in the late 1970s and she did well, winning several South Island Championship titles.

After Eric passed away, his wife Isabel continued farming. She farmed the home farm while Ian farmed a second herd on a property next door, both with the Delaware prefix. After Isabel passed away, the home farm was continued by Ian and Denise’s daughter Keryn and husband Matt Luke, while Ian continued with the Delaware prefix.

Ian’s brother, Murray Bryant, re-started the Tamahine prefix, later selling the herd.

Ian says today, the business has modernised its structure. A contract milker is employed to milk the 360 mainly pedigree Holstein Friesian cows and after many years winter-milking, they are now seasonal.

Today, Ian and Denise’s breeding focus is on practicality and production.

“We use a lot of bulls from Maire, Meander and Busybrook, and they have produced good progeny for our commercial herd,” Ian says. “We haven’t been overly focused on creating cow families as such.”

Breeding Easy-Care Cows

Ian Bryant says they aim to breed easy-care cows that get in calf easily, aren’t too big, and have good udders and high components.

“Commercially, we would rather have these kinds of cows, with one or two show cows,” he says.

Genetic selection continues to evolve too.

“We are trying to breed more polled animals now,” Ian says. “We’re not going all out, but it’s one less job to do. And we’re wondering if it will become an animal welfare issue going forward, like it has in Europe.

“We also avoid using A1A1 bulls, leaning toward the A2A2 gene where possible.”

Ian says a few things have changed since his father was at the helm.

“Dad was milking 120 cows, and we have three times that number,” he says. “Our infrastructure has also upgraded: Dad used to have a walk-through cowshed, and I installed a herringbone and later, a rotary.”

This expansion reflects a shift from the smaller, show-focused herd of Eric’s era to a modern commercial-scale dairy operation. However, the emphasis on good genetics remains in the Bryant family’s quest for excellence.

“Both Dad and I used a bit of overseas bloodlines to get the type we wanted,” Ian says.

While Delaware is no longer running big bull sales or heading to multiple shows every summer, the heart of the stud remains unchanged: a commitment to breeding robust, productive Holstein Friesian cattle with longevity and balance.

The Delaware story is one of adaptation without losing sight of its roots; a hallmark of true longevity in New Zealand dairying.

Fast establishment means less downtime between sowing and grazing.

For farmers wanting to follow up with a bumper summer crop in a few months, there’s another advantage too – strong weed competition.

Pasture specialist Graham Kerr, Barenbrug, says using an annual ryegrass like Racer is a common first step in preparing weedy, poor-producing paddocks for break crops like maize silage and ultimately full pasture renewal.

“Racer’s aggressive enough to help suppress weeds at the start of this process. It’s ready to eat sooner, and because it’s a high energy tetraploid, your cows will appreciate it as well.”

Racer takes over from Hogan annual ryegrass, which has been a market favourite in recent years.

It brings increased winter yield to compensate for slower daily growth from existing pastures during dry-off and in the lead up to calving.

It is unbeaten for winter yield of annual ryegrasses in the latest National Forage Variety Trial industry results for all New Zealand.

Cool season pasture is increasingly the most valuable feed farmers can generate at home, benefiting both farm profitability and emissions intensity.

“Overall, Racer produces 4% more dry matter yield than Hogan, or an extra 190 kg dry matter/ha,” Kerr says.

As well as setting the stage for successful pasture renewal next autumn, Racer is ideal for planting between maize crops, especially where the aim is to maximise the tonnage of high quality feed grown per hectare over 12 months.

In either scenario, sowing Racer gives a great opportunity to start remedying any underlying issues with soil fertility, pH and grass weeds that need time to fix, and can significantly influence the performance of subsequent crops and pasture.

Racer is late heading (+15 days); suits both grazing and high-quality silage and is available for sowing now.

Article supplied by Barenbrug.

Jamie’s farm at Pahiatua sits between two rivers, so the soil is good, silt loam, and hardly a stone gets overturned when he’s ploughing a field, but they do get quite a bit of rain and not so much sun as other parts of New Zealand. They are using a System 3, but the goal is to get back to no brought in feeds. To do that they need more crops.

Taking control of costs

Jamie’s way of thinking is that he can’t control the payout each year on his milksolids; that’s out of his hands. But what he can take control of are his costs. Rein in his costs, and he can get back onto firmer ground.

That is the plan, to make dairy farming more cost-effective by reducing his dependence on artificial fertiliser and boosting his crop production by spreading effluent.

Enough effluent to cover the farm

Jamie has put in place a simple effluent management system. With his system, he only needs to use one pump. He has a 40-a-side cowshed with a 1,100-square-metre feed pad. He dry scrapes into a bunker at the end of the feed pad once the cows come out.

That bunker is connected to a sump, which in turn is connected to a 500,000L holding tank via an effluent pump. Gravity can send effluent back to either the sump or bunker that Jamie uses to fill his Nevada slurry tanker. You’d think that 500,000 litres is a lot of storage, but not when it rains all the time. It was a headache, but now all of that effluent is being used efficiently and spread across the whole farm for nine or ten months of the year.

Unproductive land transformed

They had leased some land that had been very unproductive for a dry stock farm. The paddock wasn’t growing a lot of grass, so they decided to grow a winter crop and make better use of the land. For fertiliser, they thought the most costeffective choice would be effluent. That has been a very wise choice.

20% increase in crops

They have always grown maize and like to have about a tonne of maize per cow. Since using effluent, they have been able to grow four tonnes more per hectare than they did before. This is a fantastic result for them. A crop that gave marginal returns is now producing a good profit. The soil is great here but they don’t get the sun that other farms would enjoy. They have gone from producing 20 tonnes per hectare to 24 tonnes per hectare and they have done that two years in a row and that growth is down to the effluent.

Slurry Tanker Covers 100% of Farm

Before the farm had a slurry tanker, Jamie Harris says they could just cover 12 hectares with buried and fixed effluent lines and covered a further five- or six-hectares using drag hoses. Now they cover 100% of the farm, all 190 hectares. Using the slurry tanker to spread the effluent, even the furthest paddocks are growing at the same pace as the nearest paddocks to the cowshed.

The slurry tanker helps spread the effluent to all 190ha.

Jamie did his research and opted for the Nevada 14,750L slurry tanker with a lease-to-buy arrangement that he was very happy with. It has tandem axles and big flotation tyres that protect the ground from getting churned up. He can just sit in the cab and operate it in comfort from there, simple and clean. The auto-fill arm drops into the bunker, fills up the tanker in minutes, and he can be off spreading while his staff is washing down the cowshed. It is simple, efficient and saved him a considerable amount of money on artificial fertiliser costs.

For him the biggest benefit is that he has been able to get nutrients to all parts of the farm. His soil health has improved, and crop production has been his biggest surprise. He has saved thousands in artificial fertiliser costs, and his plan to become self-sufficient is well underway. His recommendation is, do your research, and it will quickly point you to a Nevada.

The company provides equipment, servicing and data management to ensure best use of water.

Watermetrics gathers a large amount of data from many sensors such as water meters and soil moisture probes, right throughout New Zealand.

"If you want to monitor it, we can customise a solution," the company says.

"A range of sensors for a range of solutions. From grain to rain, wind and weather, if you want to monitor it, we have the solutions to measure it.

"We have clean water solutions, as well as effluent monitoring, and easy to use data for farm environmental planning to keep you compliant."

Watermetrics now offers the new Axioma meters for stock water and other smaller pipe flow measurement. These fit 15mm to 50mm piping, can be self-installed and can transfer the data to internet portal and phone app. Standard meters on this size piping have been till now very expensive and the company says the Axioma range makes a first to the market, cost effective solution.

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The company says these meters are effective for supplies to houses and apartments but also play a significant role on farm: Assisting with leak management.

"Water meters are a valuable tool for monitoring stock water use on farms and rural properties.

"By accurately measuring the volume of water flowing through a pipeline or supply system, they allow farmers to understand how much water livestock are consuming and help identify potential losses within the system."

One major advantage of using water meters is improved water management, the company says.

Livestock such as cattle and sheep require access to clean water, and consumption levels often change depending on temperature, feed quality, and stocking rates. A water meter provides precise data on daily water use, enabling farmers to track patterns and ensure that supply systems are meeting the needs of their animals. If consumption suddenly drops, it may indicate troughs are empty, blocked, or that animals are not accessing water properly.

Water meters are also useful for detecting leaks and infrastructure failures.

Watermetrics says stock water systems often include long pipelines, tanks, valves, and troughs that may be spread across large areas. Small leaks in these systems can go unnoticed for extended periods, wasting significant amounts of water and having a significant financial impact.

By monitoring meter readings, farmers can quickly detect unusual increases in water flow that may signal a broken pipe, faulty float valve, or leaking trough. Early detection helps reduce water loss and prevents unnecessary pumping or storage costs.

Another advantage is improved cost control and resource efficiency. Pumping and storing water requires energy and maintenance. When water use is accurately measured, farmers can identify inefficiencies and make better decisions about system upgrades or repairs. In areas where water supply is limited or regulated, meters also help ensure compliance with allocation limits.

Water meters provide useful records for longterm farm planning. Historical water use data can help determine whether current infrastructure is adequate for future stocking levels or seasonal conditions.

Overall, installing water meters in stock water systems improves monitoring, reduces water losses, and supports more efficient and sustainable farm management.

Kilday is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University and has recently completed her second year of study. She will begin her third and final year in 2026, where she plans to tailor her degree towards the dairy sector.

"The Bachelor of Agriculture has been a great degree so far, as it's allowed me to study across a wide range of agricultural disciplines," says Kilday. "I've gained exposure to animal husbandry, soil management, plant sciences and farm systems management, which has really helped shape where I want to head next."

With her final year largely made up of elective papers, Kilday is focusing on courses that will strengthen her knowledge and practical understanding of dairy farming systems. She intends to enrol in Dairy Production Science and Pasture Agronomy, which he believes will best prepare her for a career in the dairy industry.

"I want to build a degree that gives me a strong foundation for working within the New Zealand dairy industry," she says.

"These courses will help me better understand both animal performance and pasture-based systems, which are so critical to our farming model."

The BrightSIDE Scholarship has been established as part of the BrightSIDE programme to extend its impact beyond the one-day BrightSIDE event. It reflects SIDE commitment to investing in the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders.

The BrightSIDE Scholarship is open to past BrightSIDE attendees pursuing further education or training in agriculture, including those entering university-level agricultural study, beginning a career in the dairy industry through a recognised training provider, or upskilling as a working farmer through a high-level course. Successful applicants may receive funding of up to $3,000 to support their education or training. Applications open later in the year.

This year, BrightSIDE will be held on 1 April 2026 at Ashley Dene Research Development Staton near Lincoln, and is targeted at those considering a career in the dairy industry - particularly Year 11-13 students, school leavers, university students, and anyone looking for a change in career.

BrightSIDE registrations are now open - visit www.side.org.nz for more information or to register.

With the theme "Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders to Turn Knowledge into Value", the three-day event will be held from 13-15 April.

Organisers say SIDE continues its proud tradition as New Zealand's leading dairy conference, run by farmers, for farmers.

Over three energising days, attendees will take part in 10 interactive workshops designed to spark conversation, challenge thinking and drive innovation. The programme also includes a dedicated field trip visiting an apple orchard and a new dairy conversion, alongside three keynote speaker sessions.

A highlight of the event will be the Legends and Leaders of Dairy keynote speakers, bringing together respected dairy farmers Colin Glass, Leonie Guiney, and Will Grayling. All at different stages of their wealth journey, they will share what's worked, what's changed, and what still holds true, while challenging the idea that "it was easier back then". Attendees will gain practical, relevant insights for every age and stage, along with alternative thinking and enduring principles of wealth creation.

"The power of SIDE lies in its authenticity," says Tom Chapman, event committee chair.

"Farmers speaking directly to farmers in our interactive workshops creates a dynamic where theory translates into practice right before your eyes."

The 2026 event further highlights SIDE's focus on developing leadership within the dairy sector. The event is organised entirely by an event committee of industry leaders who are actively progressing through roles such as equity partnerships, contract milking and farm management, bringing real-world experience and fresh perspective to the programme.

"They're very goal driven and a really exciting group to be around. I've certainly learned a lot from them already. It's going to be a conference that will really appeal to their colleagues or others in a similar position," says SIDE governance group chair, Glenn Jones.

"It is very much an event for our future generation and future leaders, organised by our future leaders."

Fresh Approach

This year, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) has taken a fresh approach, stepping away from the traditional trade stand format to instead partner with organisations that genuinely support and invest in the future of the dairy industry. As part of an updated strategy, SIDE has also refreshed its mission to "inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in the South Island dairy industry".

Event partners including Fonterra, LIC, BNZ and DairyNZ will play a key role in the 2026 event, bringing their expertise, insight and commitment to farmers to the forefront.

Glenn Jones, chair of the SIDE governance group, says he is excited to have these organisations on board and looks forward to working closely with partners who share SIDE's values and have both SIDE and the long-term success of the dairy sector firmly in their sights.

Registrations for SIDE 2026 are now available at www.side.org.nz, along with full details of the programme and workshops.

The Robinson, Stalker and Tull families were the successful bidders at the auction held at the Choral Hall, Christchurch where the Coldstream Estate - described in the newspaper as "undoubtedly one of the finest blocks of dairying and cropping land in New Zealand" - went under the hammer.

However, two years later in 1923 Arthur and Janet Stewart became the owners of 49 acres (19.8ha) of this fertile land, just south of the Ashley River.

Arthur tried his hand at growing crops, but they kept getting washed out. Janet tried her hand at milking cows, with much greater success; the farm started supporting a herd of black and white cows in 1929.

Although they weren’t pedigree Holstein Friesians at that point, they did well to turn a profit. Arthur was even the first farmer in the district to put in spray irrigation, in the 1930s.

Arthur’s grandson and current farm owner Graham Stewart says irrigation has been key to the success of the farm.

“The land is very good at growing grass in the summer,” he says.

Arthur’s son Gordon founded the Cresslands stud in 1953, with the purchase of his first pedigree Holstein Friesians: from the Royal Oak herd of DB Robinson of Waikuku, the animals carried strong Rosevale and Elmwood bloodlines. Foundation cattle also came from DB Mehrten’s Weir Bank herd at Oxford, also carrying Elmwood genetics. Gordon had been encouraged into pedigree stock by Cecil Humm, from whom he purchased a part of the Glenhope property 20 years later.

Gordon also used Supplementary Register females to build up his herd.

Gordon was passionate about dairy industry matters and was considered a key contributor in the overhaul of the classification system.

At the time of his HFNZ Council presidency in 1989-1990, negotiations were underway with the dairy breeds and Livestock Improvement Council to emphasise the importance of animal conformation when it came to sound, long-producing stock.

Gordon, Brian Knutson and Brian (Buster) Burton worked with these organisations and from their discussions, the TOP system - now largely accepted by the dairy industry and breed societies - evolved.

After slowly becoming increasingly responsible for the day-to-day running of the farm, Gordon’s son Graham took over the farm in around 1988 – and it has grown exponentially in the time he has been at the helm.

Today, Graham and wife Nicky milk 500 cows on a 140ha milking platform, having increased cow numbers by 20% with the addition of part of the neighbour’s farm last season.

The herd is split calved, with 300 milking in the winter and 500 over summer.

The day-to-day running of the dairy side of the business is split between Graham, son Andrew and the farm’s manager. Andrew spends most of his time managing tasks such as feeding out, fertiliser, the run-off block, maize, crops, re-grassing and irrigation.

Graham uses all North American genetics over the herd, focusing on breeding a complete cow that is good looking and efficient; a true-type quality that has been at the front of the family’s breeding strategy since Gordon established the stud.

While the ‘T’ and ‘P’ families are an established part of the herd, none have flourished quite so much as the ‘D’ family, which can be traced back to the first Herd Book, with a cow named Milkmaid of Brundee.

Andrew also enjoys taking stock to local and major shows, including the Holstein Friesian South Island Championships, gaining much pleasure and satisfaction in the showring.

Many Changes Over The Years

Graham Stewart says the farm and business have seen many changes over the years.

“Technologically, things have changed dramatically – we now have collars and drafting that help pick up sick cows and draft them for mating,” he says.

“And the tasks we used to do by hand – cutting hay, forking silage – we just couldn’t do now, with 500 cows. Isn’t technology a wonderful thing!”

Farm infrastructure has changed. In addition to irrigation upgrades – the farm now utilises three centre pivots, as opposed to hard pipes – they are on the third milking shed in 100 years, a herringbone.

But Graham says the biggest change has been in cow numbers.

“When I started working on the farm we had 120-150 cows, and that was a big herd,” he remembers. “Now, a 500-cow herd is an average herd.”

“We’ve probably had access to worldwide genetics for 30-plus years, but it’s so easy now,”

Anything else risks dead endophyte and weak pasture, it says.

Scientists stored perennial ryegrass seed containing two common endophytes - AR37 and NEA2 - in six bag types under different conditions for 12 months.

The results for both were almost identical.

Only cool storage (4°C, 30% relative humidity) held endophyte viability at 83-92%, matching pre-storage levels.

Ambient storage (15-25°C, 65% relative humidity) dropped it to 54-68%, with most loss in the final three months.

Bag type made almost no difference, researchers concluded.

The study was led by Lincoln University and the Seed Industry Research Centre to find out how storage conditions and packaging affect seed quality and endophyte viability.

"The results are pretty sobering," says Barenbrug sales manager Jason Gardner.

"Buying seed without knowing its storage history is a gamble, and jeopardises what should be a highly profitable, multi-year return on investment."

Elevating the risk is the fact that most seed sold for autumn pasture renewal is at least 12 months old, as the window between harvest and sowing is too brief to process it all.

The findings challenge the industry assumption that ambient storage works fine for a year in New Zealand, Gardner says.

"It doesn't - not if you want reliable endophyte protection against pests and better pasture persistence."

Over 90% of perennial ryegrass seed in NZ contains endophyte.

"The research backs up the care and effort we've made for many years to cool store seed with endophyte in both the North and South Island and continually test and check its quality. Anything other than correct cool storage puts endophyte at risk."

Farmers can protect their investment in autumn pasture renewal simply by asking about the stewardship of their intended seed purchase and making an informed decision.

Latest National Forage Variety Trials again show Forge NEA ahead of its nearest competitor, especially in winter and spring, he adds.

With the median calving date for NZ seasonal dairy herds now two or three weeks earlier than it was 20 years ago, this pattern of seasonal growth is only going to become more valuable.

Kerr has spent 40 years in the industry with Barenbrug, the company behind Forge NEA.

"Cool season home grown feed is immensely profitable in today's dairy systems, not to mention highly emissions-efficient," he says.

"Through the North Island and upper South summers are more erratic; late autumn, winter and spring are the most reliable seasons for farmers. These are the time when you pay the bills, and I can't see that changing.

"Anything that performas as consistently as Forge in the cooler months of the year offers farmers a practical, cost-effective adaptation to emerging climatic trends."

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Utilising more pasture, of higher quality, at home is good for both the bottom line and the environment because it reduces emissions intensity, Graham says.

"If a three-to-five-year hybrid fits your system, why would you opt for something less than the best?"

Forge NEA's yield advantage comes from a step-change in ryegrass genetic gain that has yet to be beaten.

In the five years since it debuted in the NFVT, two old hybrid ryegrass cultivars have left the market, and three new ones have been released.

Runner-up in the latest NFVT results is Forge's cousin Shogun NEA12, which offers high yield and quality for those wanting a shorter-term hybrid and for summer dry areas is a great 1-2 year pasture fit.

"We're very proud of both of them," Kerr says.

"But the biggest endorsement comes from the farmers who have captured the significant benefits of their cool season growth, and continue to sow them."

This year’s summer rains have kept pastures growing well in most regions, providing a better-than-average opportunity to hold milksolids at good levels into autumn. At the same time, many herds are about to transition onto crops or increase crop and supplement as farms head into the autumn.

Both situations put pressure on the rumen for the same reason. The cow’s performance depends on fibre digestion. Optimum fibre digestion depends on a consistent diet, providing energy and fibre intake for good rumen microbe populations.

Fibre digestion matters

Fibre is not just ‘fill’. When rumen microbes break down pasture and conserved forages they produce volatile fatty acids that supply a large share of the cow’s energy. If fibre digestion slips, energy supply drops, even if the cow appears to be eating similar amounts. You may see milksolids flatten, patchy appetite, loose manure, or unsettled cows in the shed.

Fibre digestion is sensitive to change. Rumen microbes that digest fibre need time and stable conditions to attach to feed particles and do their work. Microbes can slow or die back when rumen pH drops or feed type changes quickly, making the whole system less reliable.

Conditions that affect cows

Diets often become more variable from day to day in autumn.

If summer rain has driven strong grass growth, pasture can be highly fermentable. Lush pasture can move through the rumen quickly and ferment fast, which can lower rumen pH, particularly when cows eat large meals after long gaps. Even with good grass, the rumen still needs enough effective fibre and consistent intake patterns in order to maintain rumen stability.

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At the same time, many farms begin increasing supplements or preparing for crop feeding. That can include maize silage, grains, palm kernel, fodder beet, kale, or other brassicas, depending on region and system. These feeds can be valuable, but they change the balance of sugars, starch, and fibre, and they can change rumination patterns. Those shifts can increase the risk of a drop in rumen pH and reduce fibre digestion if the transition is rushed.

What is live yeast?

Live yeast supplements contain living yeast cells. Yeasts are key to feeding the rumen environment, breaking down cellulose, maintaining a healthy anaerobic environment, and balancing the pH of the rumen. Live yeast cells support rumen conditions and microbial activity, increasing fibre digestion and smoothing out dietary changes.

How live yeast supports fibre digestion

Research points to a few consistent mechanisms.

• A steadier rumen environment: Fibre-digesting microbes do not cope well with sharp pH drops. Studies suggest live yeast can support rumen stability by influencing fermentation patterns and supporting microbial pathways that reduce the chance of lactic acid build-up. This can help pH stay in a range that suits fibre digestion, especially when the ration includes more rapidly fermentable feed.
• Faster colonisation of fibre: For fibre to be digested well, microbes must attach to plant particles quickly after eating. Research in dairy cows has shown live yeast can increase colonisation of plant material by fibre-digesting bacteria and fungi. Better colonisation is linked with improved fibre breakdown, which supports rumen function and energy supply.
• More consistency through change: On farm, the most noticeable value often comes during transition periods rather than on a perfectly stable ration. When cows move from pasture-dominant diets onto higher levels of crop or supplement, rumen conditions can swing. Supporting microbial stability can help reduce the size of those swings, though responses vary between farms.

Moving onto crops?

Crop transitions are a common point where rumen function can become less stable. Speed of change matters, as does how the new ration affects rumen pH and rumination patterns.

Live yeast supplements contain living yeast cells.

Fodder beet, brassicas, maize silage, and grain-based feeds can alter fermentation rate and the balance of fibre and starch. If cows step up too quickly, they may experience lower rumen pH, reduced rumination, and poorer fibre digestion. That can show up as loose manure, reduced appetite, uneven intakes across the mob, and a drop in milk solids.

Live yeast can fit into a transition plan when it sits alongside gradual feed changes, consistent feeding times, and enough effective fibre. It should not be treated as a fix for a ration that is pushing cows into subacute ruminal acidosis risk.

Focus on Consistency

If you want to protect fibre digestion through early autumn, focus on consistency.

• Step cows onto crops and higher-starch supplements gradually.
• Keep feeding times predictable. Long gaps tend to create large meals and bigger pH swings.
• Maintain effective fibre in the diet. Watch silage chop length, pasture residuals, and whether cows are actually spending time ruminating.
• Monitor manure and rumination across the mob, not just a few cows. Unevenness often appears before a clear production drop.
• If summer rain has kept grass growth strong, take advantage of it, but do not assume good pasture automatically means a stable rumen. Highly fermentable pasture can cause notable rumen pH swings if fibre digestion is not adequate.

Early March is often the bridge between sustained late-summer production and the next feed phase. Keeping fibre
digestion stable helps cows use that grass well and transition onto crops with fewer setbacks.

On dairy farms, refrigerants play a critical role in everyday operations. They are essential in milk cooling systems that protect milk quality and are also increasingly being used in heat pump technologies that provide hot water for plant, silo and equipment wash-downs.

According to refrigeration engineer and Eco2Energy founder Nick Papa, most existing dairy refrigeration systems were installed when 400- series refrigerants were the industry standard.

“Currently, around 70 per cent of dairy farm refrigeration systems are running on 400-series refrigerants, with a further 20 per cent using high GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and the remaining 10 per cent made up of lower GWP refrigerants, particularly for milk cooling,” says Nick. “That’s what the industry has relied on for years, but the landscape is changing.”

New Zealand is committed to an international phase-down of high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. This international agreement requires participating countries, including New Zealand, to gradually reduce the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - the category of gases that includes many commonly used 400-series refrigerants.

Nick says the key issue for farmers is not an overnight ban, but long-term certainty.

“The biggest risk for farmers is investing in equipment that becomes harder or more expensive to service over time as refrigerant availability tightens and costs increase.”

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This is particularly relevant when farmers are upgrading or replacing infrastructure that is expected to last 15 to 20 years or more.

“Milk cooling and hot water systems aren’t short-term investments,” says Nick. “They’re core pieces of farm infrastructure, so refrigerant choice is becoming part of future-proofing an operation.”

As farmers think more strategically about long-term certainty, some are beginning to explore alternatives to high-GWP refrigerants. One option gaining increasing attention is carbon dioxide (CO₂), also known in the refrigeration industry as R744.

“Global warming potential is basically a way of measuring how much damage a refrigerant does if it escapes,” says Nick. “CO₂ is the baseline, so it scores a one. Some of the gases commonly used in dairy refrigeration today score in the thousands, which is why they’re being phased down.”

Nick says CO₂ is a versatile refrigerant that can be used in different ways on farm, depending on how a system is designed. At Eco2Energy, CO₂ is used specifically in heat pump technology to produce high-temperature hot water for dairy shed cleaning and hygiene.

“Modern CO₂ heat pump systems are very efficient at recovering and upgrading heat,” he says. “That means farmers can produce consistent, high-temperature hot water using significantly less electricity. The flow-on benefits can include lower power bills, reduced emissions associated with water heating, and more reliable wash performance.”

Reliable hot water remains critical for milk quality and compliance, especially during busy periods such as calving.

“If wash temperatures aren’t consistently met, there’s a higher risk of residues or bacteria being left behind,” says Nick. “Having reliable hot water takes one more variable out of the system.”

Nick encourages dairy farmers to plan proactively.

“Understanding how refrigerants are used on farm, and where things are heading, helps avoid surprises and supports confident, long-term decision-making.”

In the mid-December, the Gilbert family probably wondered what they had signed up for in terms of workload. The family’s show campaign was shared between Luke Gilbert (Showcase Boarding, based out of Hamilton) and his brothers, Mike and Nick (Gilbert family), who milk 650 and 630 cows respectively at Ashburton. They prepared some of their team in the South Island while the balance was with Luke.

When they brought the team together, it involved transporting 18 head across the Cook Strait from the South to the North Island. It was the biggest collective team they had put together to date (21 in-milk and 22 heifers).

However, with the value of hindsight they delivered in spades for their clients, friends, and family when the results were washed out. Because within those numbers was the Supreme All Breeds Exhibit of this year’s show, the Supreme All Breeds Intermediate Champion, the Grand Champion Holstein, Reserve Champion Holstein, Intermediate Champion Holstein, and the Junior Champion in the Combined Breeds.

The Supreme All Breeds Exhibit of the show (and Senior, Grand Champion of the Ayrshire Show), Kiteroa Cream Bubbette (owned by Zane and Marie Kite who milk 180 Ayrshires at Ohaupo) had been boarding with Luke for six weeks before the show on behalf of her owners.

The Supreme All Breeds Intermediate was also an Ayrshire – Glenalla Reynolds Dawn – giving the Ayrshires a majority presence in the heavy-hitter awards. Dawn is owned and bred by the Gilbert family. The Gilberts also exhibited (and bred and owned) the Grand Champion Holstein (Glenalla Unix Maple-ET), they owned the Intermediate Champion Holstein (Joyclas Bullseye Moo-ET), and they prepared the Reserve Champion Holstein (Charbelle Tatoo Pix) with her owners, Charbelle Holsteins (Morrinsville).

Zane Kite said without staff on their farm, getting Luke to prepare Bubbette professionally made sense. He has also been grateful to the Fullerton family for their help in earlier campaigns. This win follows Kiteroa’s successful annual sale of 42-head (mostly calves) which grossed $120,000 in November.

Read More:

• 14-year-old winner
• Expat judges blown away
• Second time's a charm for judging star

Bubbette was the 2021 NZ DairyEvent’s Intermediate Champion Ayrshire and while the eight-year-old was pushed hard by Glenalla’s Intermediate for Supreme All Breeds this year, the judges from Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand came together to give her the ultimate award.

Zane described it as a “wicked Ayrshire” show, and while he was thrilled on the day it’s now business as usual for their Champion.

“Well, I was blown away at the time and of course it’s a massive buzz, but now it’s back to reality, I guess,” Zane said.

“I will say though that the achievement will live on for a fair while, and we’ll acknowledge it, accept it, and be really proud of it.”

Courting Offers

For Michael Gilbert – speaking on behalf of the Gilbert family – the campaign was a success on more than one level.

“The thing we were the happiest with is that of the 43 animals we prepared, we bought everything out as good as we possibly could,” Michael said. “Particularly the milkers. To get 21 milkers out in one day was something we’d never done before, and it’s pretty hard to get that right. Not to mention that we were obviously looking after other people’s animals, so there’s always that added pressure too. We tied in with Charbelle Holsteins for the week and we couldn’t have done it without their help.”

They are now courting buying offers on both their Supreme All Breeds Intermediate Ayrshire and Grand Champion Holstein. They only milk 30 Ayrshires themselves (within their combined herd numbers of 1280 cows).

It’s worth noting they have now owned two Ayrshires that have achieved Supreme Champion titles at the NZ DairyEvent, including Pukekaraka Elle Delilah, who was Supreme in 2021 and Grand Champion Ayrshire in 2025. Both of those cows go back to modest-priced buys Michael made from the Pukekaraka stud. He shared that he bought the dam of this year’s Supreme All Breeds Intermediate for $2400.

“Dawn’s dam [Pukekaraka Burdete Rose] was an older cow when we bought her, but she had been a successful show cow herself,” Michael said. “We’ve got a couple of daughters out of her now, and Dawn happened to be one of them. So, buying those Ayrshire cows at that particular sale is getting better and better for us, results wise.”

In the last decade Holsteins have found their way into their mostly Jersey herds and now number around 400 split between the two herds.

To breed and exhibit Grand Champion Holstein is another milestone they will savour for some time to come.

From Taranaki to Waikato, System 3 to System 5, year-round milking to spring calving, they've all gained more home grown grass and stronger businesses as a result.

Now in his fourth year with Array perennial ryegrass, Hawera's Hayden Lawrence says persistence is looking good, too, even after severe drought in 2024/25.

"We didn't have to do any undersowing with Array last season like we had to do in other paddocks."

Hayden and wife Alecia split calve 400 cows on 153ha (eff) for average annual production of 200,000 kg milksolids.

This is a System 3 farm; 15ha of home grown maize silage, annual ryegrass and 700 kg/cow imported feed supplement perennial pasture as needed throughout the year.

Hayden first tried Array as a hardier alternative to tetraploid perennials, and combined with a 'game changing' shift in pasture establishment technique, is very happy with the outcome.

Read More:

• Barenbrug upgrades Maxsyn Ryegrass to lift persistence and summer yield
• Turning data into dollars
• Project takes aim at pasture persistence problem

"It's ticked those boxes in terms of production, heading date and longevity. We wanted something that would hold on - we were having issues with pasture pulling, partly because of how we were establishing our new grass."

Strip tilling maize, then mulching the stubble instead of power harrowing, followed by direct drilling new pasture, has now improved both soil quality and rooting depth.

The other thing he's noticed? "Array's quite a dense, bunched pasture. When cows take a mouthful, they're taking in a lot of feed!"

In Waikato, three years of measuring pasture at least fortnightly proved Array consistently outgrew other pasture by 100-200 kg dry matter per ha every grazing, Logan Dawson says.

He and his wife Sian split calve 600 cows on a System 5 at Taupiri. Array did so well on their previous farm, when they got the chanced to select new grass cultivars before starting here in June 2025, they picked it again.

Like Hayden, Logan notes Array's persistence, plus feed quality.

"In our previous system, we found because of its erect nature, we were able to graze at the fourth leaf without losing the first leaf onto the ground. We could put the cows in at a pre-graze cover of 4000 kg, pre-mown; the quality was really good and they milked very well on it."

Further south, Pirongia sharemilkers Sean and Katrina Gibson went all in on Array for the first time last autumn, sowing 12ha.

By November, it was all on an 18 day round, vs 25-26 days for the rest of the System 3 farm, where they spring calve 340 cows.

"Array is a different beast! The way it grows - you have to graze it early," Sean says.

A plate meter is essential, too. "You cannot tell how much is in there by eye. It's only when you get in there and measure it you see how dense it is. Array has forced everybody to change how they identify when a paddock is ready for grazing."

Article: Barenbrug

Take heart, one of the highest yielding perennial ryegrasses you can buy, Maxsyn, has just had a major upgrade so it lasts even longer, according to Barenbrug.

It claims New Zealand's top-selling perennial for the past four years, sown on more than 200,000ha since its debut in 2020.

Combining it with the new NEA12 endophyte raises the bar further, increasing yield, summer growth, and staying power, the company says.

"Pasture persistence is a huge priority for most farmers," says Barenbrug pasture specialist Graham Kerr.

"That has made it a key ryegrass breeding objective for us. Maxsyn's persistence has stood out since day one, and we know farmers will be excited to hear it’s now even better.”

Likewise, lifting what was high yield to begin with is another win for farmers, Kerr says, especially as most of the gain comes during a critical time of the season.

“Maxsyn has always shone in summer. With NEA12, it produces 4% more dry matter during both summer and autumn than the original cultivar.

“Given the average rate of genetic gain in ryegrass breeding is about 1% a year, 4% is pretty significant!”

Stronger persistence comes in part from NEA12’s extra insect control, particularly valuable in areas of the country where industry research has noted falling pasture performance in a changing climate.

DairyNZ last year began investigating the issue, prompted by DairyBase data showing a greater trend of declining pasture harvest, by about 1 tonne dry matter/ha in Northland, and 500 kg dry matter/ha in Waikato.

Grass that lasts saves money, time, diesel, supplements, and disappointment, Graham says.

“We’re chasing resilient, reliable and highly profitable pasture, which pumps tonnes of home grown feed into your farm system year after year.”

While cultivar choice helps persistence, it is not a silver bullet.

“Many things help pastures last longer, including careful establishment, correct soil fertility and avoiding overgrazing.

“But picking a tough, densely tillered ryegrass like Maxsyn is an important part of the process,” he says.

The real proof of its value comes from farmers themselves. Industry sales data show more Maxsyn seed is sold every year than any other perennial ryegrass.

Barenbrug says that’s why it has become the standard against which all other diploid perennials are measured each year in the independent National Forage Variety Trials.

“Several new perennials have entered the market since Maxsyn made its debut in 2020, so we are very proud that Maxsyn NEA12 has topped the latest industry yield trial ratings,” says Kerr.

“It’s a credit to our research team, who work so hard to deliver the pastures farmers need for now and in the future.”

It’s a time-consuming process – Barenbrug researchers have been testing Maxsyn with a range of different endophytes for the past 11 years.

“Maxsyn with NEA12 simply grows better, has more tillers and is even slightly darker green.”

Seed for Maxsyn with the new NEA12 endophyte is available now. Talk to your retailer for more details.

Article - Barenbrug

Held at the Stratford A&P Showgrounds from January 3-6, the Youth Camp was the largest yet, with 24 young people - including one from Australia - coming together to upskill in the areas of showing and handling dairy cattle.

Open to young people aged 10-21, the youth camp, run by Holstein Friesian NZ, encourages participants to make friends, complete educational modules and take part in team building activities and a mini show.

Each year, six awards are presented at the conclusion of the young camp. In 2026, Most Improved Clipper (Dennis Terry Memorial Trophy) was awarded to Phoebe Calvert (15, Tasmania); Best Presented Heifer (McDonald Trophy) and Senior Young Handler to Sienna Bourke (13, Opunake); and Junio Young Handler to Adam Watson (11, Te Awamutu). The Muritai Holsteins team won Best Team.

Holstein Friesian NZ field officer and youth camp co-ordinator Amelia Griffin said 15-year-old Holly Williams, from Palmerston North, was a worthy recipient of the coveted Paramount Cup, awarded to the camp's best all-rounder.

"Holly showed great teamwork and leadership during the camp while working with a difficult heifer," Griffin said.

"She showed great maturity in the face of the challenge, staying calm and demonstrating resilience to the younger participants.

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"Holly has demonstrated a lot of growth and gained leadership skills since her last youth camp in 2024.

"As part of the winning Muritai Holsteins team, she made sure that not only did the team work well together, but that everyone was taking part."

In 2025, Holly's sister Zara won the Paramount Cup and Top Senior Handler.

Griffin said the 2026 youth camp was a fantastic event. On day one, participants were allocated their heifers and on day two, participants did a bulk clip, and showmanship and nutrition modules.

On day three, participants got down to cutting their toplines and belly hairs, in addition to learning how to read three generation pedigree reports and bull proofs. They also had a bit of fun with the crew from the Inglewood Young Farmers Club and visited Nairuo Farms. Day four concluded the camp with a mini show, judged by Ron Baker (Fusion Genetics Ltd).

"There was a large proportion of younger participants, with only six in the 15+ age bracket," Griffin said.

"There were lots of new attendees: first timers and those new to showing. The participants all did an amazing job with their animals."

With recent legislative changes in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, these innovations are now legal in all six dairying states, marking a major milestone for the industry.

So, what if virtual fencing? In simple terms, it's a system that creates invisible boundaries using GPS-enabled collars or ear tags. Instead of physical fences, livestock are guided by audio and vibrational cues when they approach a virtual boundary, followed by electrical cues if they cross the virtual boundary.

Very quickly, animals learn to respond to the audio and vibrational signals, reducing the need for manual herding or temporary fencing. Importantly, these systems are designed to avoid adverse welfare impacts, and safeguards are built into the technology and legislation.

Globally, several virtual fencing solutions exist, but currently in Australian dairy herds, Halter is the most broadly adopted. The technology is already well established in New Zealand, with around 200,000 cattle on the system, and approximately 20,000 in Tasmania. With legalisation now in NSW, South Australia and Victoria, we can expect broader adoption and new market entrants.

Until recently, virtual fencing was prohibited in NSW, South Australia and Victoria, due to animal welfare laws restricting electronic devices. That changed in December 2025r when NSW amended the prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation to allow virtual fencing for cattle under strict conditions. Victoria and South Australia have subsequently passed similar reforms, ensuring responsible use and clear welfare guidelines.

These changes mean dairy farmers can now explore virtual fencing as a practical tool to improve operations. Whilst farmers should adopt systems which suit their specific farm, some of the potential benefits include:

• Improved pasture management: Precise grazing control for optimal feed utilisation.
• Labour savings: Less time spent setting up fences or moving herds.
• Increased safety: Fewer quad bikes and vehicles, reducing accident risks.
• Animal health and welfare: Real-time data for early disease detection and reduction in lameness (due to the fact that cows are allowed to walk at a steady pace).
• Environmental protection: Safeguards sensitive area and reduces wildlife entanglement.
• Emergency management: Rapid and remote boundary adjustments during floods, fires or emergency animal disease outbreaks.

Read More:

• Another Aussie market opens for Halter
• Green light for virtual fencing, herding in Victoria
• Virtual fencing boosts grazing efficiency at Rotorua's Stokman Angus

Like any new technology, it is important that virtual fencing is introduced in a considered way that does not cause unintended consequences. Animal welfare remains the top priority, and the newly developed legislation includes criteria for device approval, training requirements, and property-based use*. Farmers should choose reputable providers and stay informed about best practice guidelines.

Looking ahead, virtual fencing is more than a convenience - it's a strategic tool for modern dairy farming. By reducing labour pressures, improving productivity and safety, and supporting sustainability, it aligns with the industry's long-term goals. With legal barriers removed, now is the time for farmers to explore how this technology could potentially fit into their systems.

Dr Andy Hancock is sustainable animal care manager - Dairy Australia

While much of the focus is above ground, the real secret to success starts beneath our feet.

Healthy soil powers every paddock and supports resilient pastures, efficient nutrient use, and sustainable farm systems.

Why soil health matters

Soil does much more than grow out pastures. It cycles nutrients, filters water, stores carbon and supports a vast array of life - from microbes to plant roots.

Think of soil as a finely tuned system: taking in fertiliser nutrients, transforming them through biological and chemical processes, and supplying them to plants in the right form and at the right time. Soil is also the first line of defence against heavy rain, absorbing and holding water to reduce runoff and erosion.

Worldwide, productive soils are rare. They take centuries to form so it is vital to protect what we have. Only about 10% of the world's land has the right qualities for growing crops and pasture. In New Zealand, we're fortunate to farm on some of the most productive and versatile soils, but it can take hundreds of years to form just a single centimetre of quality topsoil.

When soil is healthy, pastures thrive. Lush, green swards signal that the soil beneath is supplying adequate nutrients, retaining moisture, and supporting a vibrant biological community. Patchy, weed-infested or drought-prone pasture often points to underlying soil issues - compaction, nutrient deficiencies, or poor biological activity.

What makes soil and pasture healthy?

On the ground, healthy soil means strong, even pasture growth, fewer bare patches, and better resilience in wet and dry conditions.

Soil health is shaped by three main factors:

1. Physical structure - well-structured soil allows roots to grow deep, and water and air to move freely
2. Chemical composition - balanced soil chemistry ensures plants get the nutrients they need
3. Biological activity - a thriving biological community - microbes, earthworms, and other organisms - drives nutrient cycling and supports soil structure.

By looking after your soil, you’re investing in the longterm productivity and resilience of your entire farm.

Testing is Essential

Regular soil testing is essential for understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. Most farmers test for fertility every two to three years, and for broader soil health indicators every three to five years. Consistency is key: take samples from the same locations, at the same time of year, and avoid sampling during extreme wet or dry conditions or within three months of fertiliser application.

When you receive your results, you’ll see measures like pH, Olsen P (plant-available phosphorus), potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, and sodium. These numbers tell you about the chemical balance of your soil. Biological indicators, such as anaerobically mineralisable nitrogen and organic matter percentage, reveal how active and healthy your soil’s living community is.

These indicators should be complemented with visual soil (and pasture) assessment (VSA). Picking up a spade and undertaking a VSA can tell you a lot about the physical and biological health of the soil, which is extremely important to pair with the fertility and biological indicators provided by soil test analysis. Soil structure and macroporosity can tell you a lot about the drainage and aeration characteristics of a soil. These properties can give you strong clues on how to improve production and efficiency of the soil’s nutrient cycling.

A Living Investment

When soils are in good shape, pastures make better use of available nutrients and water, meaning less wastage and more return from every dollar spent on fertiliser and feed. They’re also more resilient to extremes, whether it’s a dry summer or a downpour that tests our drainage systems. Healthy soils act as a reservoir for water during dry periods retaining moisture and nutrients.

Farmers who adopt rotational grazing and increase pasture diversity often observe improvements in soil structure, organic matter, and pasture resilience, especially during challenging seasons.

At this point in the farming season, it’s an ideal time to pause and check in on soil and pasture management plans. With the critical winter and spring setup behind us, farmers are starting to find the capacity to focus on the fundamentals that drive long-term success.

Healthy soil underpins productive pastures, efficient nutrient use, and resilient dairy systems. By monitoring soil condition and making informed adjustments, you’ll keep your farm performing well through the rest of the season.

Katie Aitkenhead is science extension leader at Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

They had reduced the herd by almost 14% in the 2014/15 season to save money on feed when the payout was low – and that was when “our cows really surprised us”, Michelle says. 

“We’d expected we were going to lose production.” 

But they didn’t, and it helped them understand the true power of genetics and efficiency – that having good quality cows, fed well, leads to good production and more isn’t necessarily better. 

These days their cows produce 700kgMS, with an average liveweight of 550kg. By focusing on cost control, pasture management and strong herd performance, the Burgesses consistently rank in DairyBase’s top 20% for operating profit per hectare among farm owner-operators. 

“We haven’t been chasing high production. We just think if we get all the animal health and nutrition right, the rest should fall into place,” Michelle says. 

She has been interested in genetics since she was young. Her parents, John and Maria Numan, were dairy farmers too and they had one of the first crossbreed bulls marketed by LIC – Numans Lord Nelson. 

Michelle is on the external affairs committee for the New Zealand Holstein Friesian Association (NZHFA) and has been a member of the farmer advisory panel for NZ Animal Evaluation (NZAEL) for several years. She is also the founder of the Facebook group The NZ Dairy Genetics Network. 

Their herd’s BW sits in the top 10% for the country. Everything is DNA tested and parent verified and they register some cow families with the NZHFA. 

They started with a crossbreed herd but they have been working towards a full F16 animal to match their goal of lower stocking rates with high per-cow efficiency. 

They also find a Friesian herd gives them more options with their calves, especially as they are using more sexed semen on their top cows and beef semen on any cows they don’t want replacements from. 

Bill and Michelle began building their herd in 2008 by buying 250 empty cows and sending them to grazing while contract milking for Peter and Tracey Thompson in Te Awamutu. 

The empty cows got pregnant at grazing and the following season the couple began leasing a farm in Ruakura. They purchased more cows to reach 480 total. 

“I’m pretty fussy so we bought good cows with good breeding, mostly from people retiring from farming,” Michelle says. 

After their first season, they increased cow numbers to 600 before increasing to over 700 two seasons later. 

Since then, they have purchased their farm in Te Poi, near the Kaimai ranges, kept their top 320 cows and transitioned to autumn calving. They changed to balance their lifestyle and to reduce stress dealing with pugging in winter and heat-stressed cows in summer. 

Bill and Michelle aim for capacious, easy-care cows that don’t have many health troubles and have strong udders and good fertility. After challenges with udder longevity due to the high production, they looked to a wider gene pool. 

"Even though we'd spent years nominating bulls with good udder traits, we were still finding a lot of cows were blowing their centre udder ligaments after two to four calvings, and their udders were no good after that,” Michelle says. 

“So it was a big waste factor in our system. In 2020 we decided to try using some overseas Holstein genetics in our breeding programme.” 

They took a conservative approach initially, as Michelle was aware of the challenges of having overseas bulls recognised in the New Zealand genetic evaluation system. As they don’t typically have many daughters milking in NZ, there hasn’t been robust data to verify their breeding values (BVs) and accurately determine their breeding worth (BW). 

She spent time learning to read international genetic data and translating it to NZ BVs and BW. However, NZAEL’s continuous improvements have led to better genetic information conversions for overseas bulls. Michelle has been impressed with the options available. 

“The genetics companies now seem to be selecting bulls that are well suited to New Zealand farms. They’re moderately sized, not too big, efficient grazers and cope with our seasonal calving systems.” 

Michelle enjoys exploring the range of bulls available to pick her team of four of five for the season.   

“I’m very passionate. I can spend hours reading bull catalogues and playing with spreadsheets,” she laughs. 

“Bill and I work together for any strategic decisions, but he leaves me to deal with the details when it comes to picking bulls.” 

They lease a neighbouring support block to graze their youngstock, keeping up to 110 heifers each year. And they have a good market for surplus heifers and beef calves. 

On the farm, pasture is their key focus. They keep a close eye on round lengths and residuals to ensure optimal use. The cows are on 24-hour grazing, going into a fresh paddock at night. After the morning milking, Michelle or their 2IC, Phillip Boshoff, checks the paddock to assess feed availability and coordinates with Bill to adjust the supplements as needed. They use the feedpad daily. 

“Pasture comes first, and then, depending on pasture availability, we adjust what’s fed on the feedpad accordingly.” 

“Early in our farming career, we would measure and analyse as much as possible, adjusting feed, changing stocking rates, drying off at different times, and as we’ve built our knowledge and skill.” 

Towards the end of lactation and over the dry period when they don’t need as much grass, 20 hectares of the farm is planted in maize. They also grow 4.4ha of lucerne. 

Bill spent years refining the herd’s diet, balancing cost and availability with the herd’s nutrient requirements. Now he has a simple process, using a base of maize with palm kernel expeller (PKE), molasses and, depending on the time of year, some soy hull, and lucerne in winter. 

They also feed a couple of kilograms of dried distiller’s grains (DDG) through in-shed feeding, which helps cow flow. 

“We use an automatic gate release so the herd come in before milking to the feedpad,” Bill says. 

“They’ll have their feed then get milked and back to their paddock. It doesn’t take long to clean up afterwards too. We like to keep it simple,” Bill says. 

“We never have problems with body condition in our cows,” Michelle laughs. 

The love of cows seems to be flowing into their children Sophie and Alex, who are excited about Calf Club.  

Bill and Michelle are proud of their herd and what they are achieving. 

“I think it’s exciting times for the Friesian breed in New Zealand and look forward to seeing the evolution over the next wee while. Genetics is a continual process, always analysing the herd’s performance to see what’s working best.” 

This is a pivotal moment because the growth of these animals will directly influence their future milk production, reproductive performance, and herd longevity. With a continued push for greater on-farm efficiency gains, achieving heifer liveweight targets is essential for highly productive herds.

Cost vs Investment?

We typically associate the word “cost” with producing heifer replacements, e.g. grazing, mating, animal health etc. Undoubtedly, rearing replacements is a major cost in terms of money and labour, but they represent the future of your dairy herd, so they should be looked upon as an investment. How well they are grown and their body condition at first calving has a big impact on the return on that investment.

Heifers that reach their target liveweight at first calving, typically 90% of their mature weight, are far more likely to conceive early, enter the herd sooner, and stay productive for longer. Research indicates that a 10% increase in target liveweight contributes an extra 20 kgMS/heifer in their first lactation and delivers a 5% higher 6-week in-calf rate and a 1.5% lower empty rate (Graph 1) compared to their underweight counterparts.

Graph 1: Effects of liveweight gap on first calvers' reproductive performance.

When reviewing heifer grazing, the value of grazing needs to be compared with the cost. Low-cost grazing is not necessarily good value, just as paying “top dollar” for grazing does not guarantee top results. The two examples in Table 1 demonstrate cost versus value. In this example, paying a higher weekly grazing rate represents better value when assessed on a $/kg liveweight (LWT) gain basis. The ideal is a win-win situation where the dairy farmer receives back from grazing a quality heifer that has met all industry liveweight targets. The grazier has been well compensated for the heifers they have grown, allowing them to generate a satisfactory margin.

So, what can help deliver a ‘win-win’ outcome?

Table 1: Cost vs. value comparison between grazing

1. Start with clear communication

Successful grazing arrangements are built on trust and clarity. Farmers should provide graziers with written targets for key liveweight milestones, based on the mature liveweight of their herd. Without these, it’s difficult to assess progress or agree on what success looks like.

2. Know your herd's mature liveweight

Many farmers are unsure of their herd’s mature liveweight, making it difficult to set realistic targets. This requires weighing 20-50 mature cows (6-8 years old) in condition score 4.5 at 100-200 days in milk. Alternatively, you can reference breed averages or the liveweight breeding value for your herd.

3. Match expectations to feed supply

Graziers are often tasked with delivering steady growth despite highly variable pasture growth, particularly over summer. When dry spells hit, gains can stall unless there’s a plan in place. Farmers and graziers should work together to ensure a feed budget is in place and supplement options are lined up in advance. Maize silage is an excellent option for putting weight on heifers and can be fed in the paddock along a fenceline when ground conditions are dry.

4. Monitor regularly and intervene early

Regular weighing (every eight weeks) allows graziers to track whether heifers are on target. This enables proactive adjustments, such as increasing feed allocation or destocking another stock class to reduce demand. A one-off weigh-in at mating is too late to fix a growth deficit that’s been developing all year.

5. Send well-grown calves

Graziers can only build on what they receive. Heifers sent to grazing at or above their target weaning weights (typically 90–110kg at 12 weeks) and in good health have the best chance of reaching puberty on time and calving at 24 months.

6. Build contingency into the plan

Good graziers don’t wait for a drought to hit before acting. Having flexibility in your grazing system, whether it’s stored supplements or an ability to adjust stocking rate by destocking other stock classes, is key to buffering seasonal volatility.

Growing better heifers is one of the most effective ways to drive greater on-farm productivity, and success is underpinned by proactive communication between farmers and graziers. Clear expectations, documented growth targets, and regular weight checks can keep both parties accountable. Having a contingency plan for poor pasture growth, whether it’s stored supplement, imported feed or alternative grazing, can prevent setbacks.

Wade Bell is Genetic Technologies farm systems manager. Contact him at wbell@genetic.co.nz

Ngatimaru Jerseys, located near the Canterbury coastline, represents a blend of heritage, family commitment and forward-thinking dairy farming. 

The Russell family has established a Jersey herd that balances production efficiency with animal care, environmental awareness and innovation. Their approach reflects broader changes in New Zealand dairying and highlights the enduring value of the Jersey breed in a competitive and sustainability-focused industry.

The farm traces its Jersey heritage back to the 1960s when the stud name was first registered by Sara Russell’s grandfather in Taranaki. In the mid-1990s, the family moved south to convert a Hawarden property to dairy, bringing their Jerseys with them. After selling that farm, Sara’s parents purchased their current property in 2000. Originally a deer farm with flat, fertile soils and solid irrigation potential, it became the foundation of today’s Jersey-focused business.

Stuart and Sara returned from dairy farming in Ireland in 2007 and assisted with the conversion of the property to a full dairy platform. Their goal was to build a predominantly Jersey herd, and today around 85% of their 935-cow herd are pure Jerseys, with registrations actively maintained. A small number of crossbreds, along with a few Guernseys and Brown Swiss, remain, but Jerseys form the backbone of the system.

The farm covers 283 effective hectares and is part of the Eiffelton Community Irrigation Scheme. Five centre pivots and well-managed irrigation infrastructure provide near full coverage. Annual rainfall is close to 1200mm, and irrigation runs from November to March most seasons. Though close to the Hinds River and at risk of flooding, strategic drainage and elevated infrastructure help protect cows and equipment. The proximity to the coast helps maintain relatively mild conditions year-round.

Production targets sit around 440,000 kgMS per season. Cows average 500 kgMS from a liveweight of just 420kg, highlighting the impressive feed conversion efficiency of Jerseys. Around 800kg of supplementary feed per cow is provided annually, including grain blends fed through a DeLaval 54-bale rotary shed installed in 2007. Pasture performance averages 17 tonnes DM/ha annually. The herd is predominantly A2, and while they currently supply Synlait, market conditions for A2 milk are closely monitored. With the purchase of an additional runoff block, the family has recently increased cow numbers and retained more heifers to bolster growth.

Read More:

• Embracing Jerseys with no regret
• From Sky Tower to cowshed
• A game-changer for Jersey breed

Animal health at Ngatimaru Jerseys is supported by a combination of stockmanship and technology. The introduction of automatic calf feeders has improved calf welfare and reduced health challenges after weaning. Contrary to some perceptions, Jersey calves are not fragile but benefit from attentive care and warmth during colder conditions.

Calves are reared with careful attention to mineral status, genetics and environmental comfort. The use of sexed semen in Jersey matings has increased the value of bull calves, which are now in strong demand from rearers. The additional runoff land has enabled young stock to graze off-farm before returning as in-calf heifers, reducing pressure on the milking platform.

Herd health is also monitored through the Smaxtec bolus system, which tracks internal temperature to detect early signs of illness, metabolic changes or infection. This technology has significantly reduced mastitis incidence and labour requirements, with cell counts averaging around 75,000. The boluses, with a five-year lifespan, are fitted to cows as they enter the herd or earlier and can be used alongside grazing management technology such as Halter.

Breeding decisions at Ngatimaru Jerseys balance heritage and progress. While the Russell family values long-lived cows with strong type and temperament, they also place emphasis on fertility, functionality and health traits. Breeding Worth (BW) is considered but not used in isolation; instead, individual breeding values are evaluated to build a balanced herd.

Overseas genetics, predominantly through Semex, are used to introduce durability, type and health traits. Many of the early imported Jerseys have remained productive in the herd for more than a decade. Polled genetics are becoming more prevalent, with around a quarter of calves naturally polled. Bull calves from high-performing cows are DNA tested, registered and retained for use over heifers. Artificial breeding is carried out by Stuart, often twice daily during mating to maximise precision and conception rates.

A Team Effort

Beyond the farm gate, the Russell family contributes to the Jersey and wider dairy community.

They are involved in the revival of the Canterbury Jersey Club, helping rebuild connections between breeders and encouraging knowledge-sharing. At a national level, Sara Russell has recently been elected as a director of JerseyNZ after previously serving as associate director and completing governance development programmes.

Her involvement reflects the importance of breed organisations in advocacy, youth engagement and industry leadership.

The next generation is already embedded in Ngatimaru Jerseys. Richard works locally and assists on the farm when possible, while Margaret, at 15, has developed a strong commitment to Jerseys. She has competed on the New Zealand youth team, gained experience overseas and remains active in the local show ring. Whether her future lies in farming or veterinary science, the Jersey breed is firmly part of her journey.

Pam Goodin is general manager of JerseyNZ.

Classified as an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act, the invasive weed can produce up to 30,000 seeds that can survive for 50 years, while statistics note that, uncontrolled, it has the potential to reduce yields by up to 70%.

With the current maize planting regime under way in the North Island, disturbed soils offered an ideal environment for what may have been long dormant seeds to germinate.

North Island velvetleaf co-ordinator Sally Linton reminded growers that given the weed's potential to decimate the New Zealand cropping sector, the economic "ripple effect" could affect the dairy, food production and export sectors.

"Fighting velvetleaf is a shared responsibility, that everyone needs to be involved with, including the grower, their neighbours, contractors and seed merchants," said Linton.

An annual weed that is typically active between October and April, the invasive broad-leaved weed has been identified in over 100 North Island properties, largely in the maize crops of Auckland and the Waikato. Of particular interest to the assembled growers were 13 known incursions in the Horizons region, likely occurring on the arrival of fodder beet to the area following the wider 2016-17 fodder beet incursion in the South Island.

That general incursion occurred in Southland, Otago and Canterbury, traced back to Italian fodder beet seed, imported to feed the growing interest in fodder beet as a winter feed crop.

Emerging as a seedling, the weed quickly matures by aroun 100 days, identified by large heart-shaped leaves, buttery yellow flowers of about 3cm across and the eventual arrival of distinctive black seed pods of 2.5cm diameter, made up of 12-15 segments. Of particular concern is the fact that a single mature plant, that might grow to 1.2 to 1.5 metres high, can produce up to 30,000 seeds that can survive for up to 50 years.

Linton said, "Looking at maize crops taken for silage, the seeds are not killed during the heating process of ensiling. Indeed, the use of feed pads, that in turn lead to feed waste and effluent washing, means that viable seeds can easily be spread over a wide area of a property, without realising."

Linton suggested that anyone buying-in silage, should be inspecting source crops ahead of harvesting and confirm with suppliers that the property was velvetleaf-free. They should also confirm from harvesting contractors whether they had worked at infected properties, and if this was the case, were up to speed with appropriate hygiene practices, before moving to the next job.

As part of the monitoring programme, regional councils are funding inspections, undertaken by Linton in the North Island, while also being assisted by a highly trained detector dog. The detector dog, Wink, was generally used to inspect properties in Nov/Dec after emergence again in Jan/Feb, before harvesting commences.

"However, inspections by councils and with the dog are only to known incursions and where a suspected incursion maybe through tracing of machinery and crop movements," said Linton.

"You cannot insure against a biosecurity risk, so it's in all our interests to be proactive in getting on top of this problem. You also need to realise you cannot sell a crop from a property where seeding velvetleaf is present. If you do suspect an incursion, photography the suspected plant, mark its location and contact MPI via 0800-80-99-66, or your regional council."

By ratcheting up the consequences for improper financial dealings between employer and employee, the Government is signalling that exploitation won't be tolerated.

Welcoming the change, financial services provider Findex describes the development as a call for scrupulous compliance for farmers and rural employers relying on salaried staff and seasonal migrant workers.

"It's fair to say the law change won't affect the vast majority of farmers and rural business owners, who reward their staff in accordance with both the lettter and spirit of all employment laws, and in return for the value created by their employees," says Lou Baines, HR consultant at Findex.

"However, we know isolated cases of exploitation do occur and for these operators, harsher penalties and more serious consequences should contribute to stamping out inappropriate practices."

She adds that the rural sector is known for tough jobs, with long hours and demanding work, often relying on migrant labour. Exploitation has cast a shadow over agriculture, with a recent example being a 2024 Employment Relations Authority case that saw a Southland dairy farm ordered to pay $215,000 in penalties for breaches against three Indonesian workers.

Under the new amendment, such cases could now trigger criminal charges, underscoring the need for proactive payroll reviews to protect both businesses and vulnerable employees, says Baines.

The change is the result of New Zealand's Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill, recently passed into law. In criminalising wage theft, the amendment makes intentional underpayment of staff a form of theft under the Crimes Act. This change introduces potential penalties of up to one year imprisonment and a $5,000 fine for individuals or fines of up to $30,000 for businesses.

Wage theft is defined as the intentional withholding of wages by employers, with liability requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt of deliberate non-payment. While administrative errors and honest mistakes are excluded, unintentional underpayments remain a financial risk, as employees can claim unpaid wages from the last six years regardless of cause.

Baines says the amendment addresses a previous gap in the law, where intentional underpayment carried no criminal repercussions. "That left affected workers to seek remedies only through employment dispute resolution," she notes. "In itself, that is a lengthy process, with the Southland case initiated in 2020 and only seeing resolution by 2024; criminalisation, one hopes,  may help accelerate the process, which can be crucial for under-resourced complainants."

Migrant Workers At Risk

Migrant workers, a key at-risk group, are particularly vulnerable due to a limited understanding of their employment rights. According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) statistics, approximately 176,000 work visas were issued in the 2024 calendar year, with many recipients finding employment in agriculture - a sector historically plagued by exploitation issues.

To stay compliant and mitigate risks, HR consultant at Findex Lou Baines recommends that farmers and rural businesses:

• Keep abreast of the current minimum wage and maintain written, up-to-date employment agreements clearly outlining staff entitlements.
• Ensure payments for availability provisions and overtime as required and seek advice before withholding or deducting wages.
• Maintain accurate records of all payments, including wage and time records, as well as holiday and leave records, for six years - even after an employee departs.
• Regularly review salaries against actual hours worked, as a common pitfall for salaried staff in farming is exceeding minimum wage thresholds due to extended hours inherent to the industry.

"Payroll can be tricky, but this amendment is a clear signal: intentional wage theft will no longer be tolerated," Baines says.

"By embedding robust HR practices, rural employers can not only avoid criminal liability but also foster a fairer workplace that supports New Zealand's vital agricultural workforce."

Power is restored on almost all farms. But Southland Federated Farmers vice president Kass Rauber says in the few days following the windstorm on Thursday, October 23, there was mayhem.

Rauber, whose family dairy farm is at Hedgehope, about 25km northeast of Invercargill, says there was a scramble for generators as about 500 farms were left without power.

“Now Southland has a very reliable power grid,” he told Dairy News.

“In our family cowshed, in 25 years we haven’t missed a milking due to power outage,” he says. “Another farmer told me this is the first time since 1994 that he lost power in the cow shed.”

Rauber says the practice among many Southland dairy farmers is to share generators between family and friends.

“And a lot of people own generators also in a partnership or a group, where generators might be owned by four people who have pitched in together to buy the generator.

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“Or in some cases even five people and people with bigger farming operations might have one or two generators to go through their farming operation.”

Rauber says with so many cow sheds without power, suddenly there weren’t enough generators to keep all cow sheds milking.

On his farm, he switched to milking once-a-day for three days.

“So, there are some big learnings from this event: mother nature is unpredictable,” he says.

“We bought a generator straight away for our farm and so did many other farmers. That’s one of the big learnings from this event.”

Rauber says no one expected a natural disaster of this scale.

“Who would have ever thought of 500 farms losing power at once?

“Normally we would have an idiot driver ram into a power pole, but the pole and power are up before the morning milking. This time things were very different,” he says.

“The milk tankers were arriving on farm but there was no milk to pick up because people were unable to milk. Also, keeping milk chilled in the vats within industry regulations was a major issue.”

Rauber believes many farmers now have generators on their farms.

“Farmers like to be resilient and that means having a generator on each farm.”

Cook spoke at the recent Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) spring focus day, where she outlined the Emissions and Profitability Project, a collaboration between Fonterra, DairyNZ's Dairybase and LIC.

The project analysed financials, physical farm characteristics and animal information data from 8000 farms over the last four seasons, combined into an anonymised database "of unprecedented scale".

While the analysis concentrated on Waikato and Canterbury because of the wealth of data from those provinces, it found similar results elsewhere.

Cook said one of the most interesting findings was that there's no relationship between emissions and profitability, so a high profitability farm could have low emissions intensity.

"But what we did find is when we looked at the data was that high profitability and low emissions intensity - that 'Golden Circle' - occurs when farmers have the majority of their feed coming from low footprint feed sources."

Cook said low footprint feed was first and foremost homegrown feed, grown and eaten on the dairy platform, but it also included comparably-produced feeds bought in or winter grazed off farm.

All other feeds would be considered high or very high footprint category, she said.

"What we saw is that farms that were low emissions intensity and high profitability, they had low footprint feeds as the majority of their diet."

Those farms were also doing well in productivity as measured in milksolids per cow or per kilo of live weight, although not necessarily exceptionally well.

The study divided farms into four quadrants, depending on whether they were high or low profitability, and high or low emissions intensity.

Comparing the high-profit/low-emissions farms (Q1) with high-profit/high-emissions farms (Q2) showed that Q1 farms achieved equal, and in some cases, slightly higher profitability.

The specific figures for the Canterbury farms in the study showed Q1 with emissions intensity of 9.31kg CO2/kg MS - 12% lower than Q2's 10.58kg.

There were no significant differences between Q1 and Q2 on most other metrics, including absolute emissions, operating profit, total feed eaten, stocking rates and production.

But there were significant differences between them in homegrown feed eaten, which came to 15.7 tDM/ha for Q2 compared with 16.3 tDM/ha for Q1; and in purchased N surplus - 130 kgN/ha for Q2 compared with 112 for Q1.

"What's interesting is in these Q1 farms, 1.8% of all feed eaten is high emissions footprint. In Q2, 8% of all feed eaten is high emissions footprint," said Cook.

"So, there's a really big difference there. Not only in the amount of supplement but also the type of supplement being brought in.”

Another finding was that the high profit low emissions intensity farms could be anywhere, and Cook presented a map of Canterbury showing quadrant 1 farms spread evenly across the whole province. She said she had met Culverden farmers who were firmly convinced those farms could only be in mid-central Canterbury because it had more growing days and more reliable irrigation, but the study showed that was not the case.

Russ Young, speaking at the LUDF Focus Day as part of a panel discussion of farmers with a record of high homegrown feed use.

“So, whilst we talk about homegrown feed being vital, you don’t have to have the highest homegrown feed, you just have to be a farm that’s making sure all of the feed you’re bringing in is actually really converting itself through into milk and product, and there’s a huge range in what we see there.”

Cook said the study arose out of Fonterra’s ambitions to lower emissions.

She said while there was “a whole bunch of stuff” known to reduce emissions intensity by increasing milksolids per cow – such as simply buying in more feed – farmers questioned whether that could risk their profitability.

However, Fonterra did not have a good link through to that financial information.

Homegrown Feed

The Focus Day also heard from a panel of three Canterbury farmers each with a record of higher reliance on homegrown feed.

Panellist Russ Young, the regional manager for Southern Pastures with responsibility for the group’s nine Canterbury farms, said that being asked to speak about homegrown feed was “no surprise”.

“It’s something we measure every year.”

Young said they measure all the feed that comes into the farms and the milk that goes out, also calculating and monitoring how much grass is grown, down to individual paddock level.

The panellists agreed on the use of custom spreadsheets to help keep track of all farm data, and good communication with all team members to keep farm goals in sight.

From collars to boluses, apps and dashboards, farmers are promised real-time insights on rumination, activity and heat detection. All of this is useful, but data alone doesn't increase farm performance. We are now pairing this data with solid science to help farmers make more targeted mineral supplementation decisions.

Connecting the dots

Farmers can now monitor almost everything with various technologies. Wearables track eating minutes, rumination and movement. Boluses add temperature, water intake, and monitor rumen pH. On top of this, milk meters can now add fat and protein, total volume and conductivity per cow. While individual data can hint at cow health problems, we get a much fuller picture when we link these data sources together, giving us insights into group trends.

Let's say milk fat is dropping. We might normally add fibre for a quick fix. However, if rumination and eating minutes are also decreasing, the issue may be around energy intake or mineral imbalance. By bringing together our cow sensor data and using it alongside our milk data, we can help identify the cause - not just the symptoms. This saves us time, head scratching, and wasted feed inputs. A broader view helps us see if cows are hitting the milestones that matter: quick recovery post-calving, strong peak milk, and consistent cycling heading into mating. Tech can flag issues in real time, and nutrition often gives us the levers to correct them.

Where farmers can get led astray

Many farmers have invested in collars or boluses but have seen less increase than they had hoped, and the gap is often in the interpretation of complementing milk and other farm data. For instance, wearables may show improved rumination, but if milk production and composition are not tracked alongside this, the cow can quickly fall out of balance, costing cow/farm performance.

I always advise farmers to seek independent advice on how well a certain technology may or may not fit their system, as relying on the neighbour's opinion can be risky and lead to disappointment.

It's like choosing a golf driver. Just because your mate can hit it long and straight doesn't mean it will hit straight in your hands. Is the tech simple and easy to use? Does it provide solutions for the most pressing issues on your farm? Try before you buy and choose a system that makes sense to you.

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Minerals and metabolism still matter

As nice as it would be, no device can make up for a cow being short on minerals. The rumen and liver are the key engines driving performance, with both relying on the right balance of trace and macro minerals.

There is not mineral to "see you right". Trace elements like copper, selenium and zinc affect enzyme activity, immune strength and hormone function. Macro minerals like magnesium, calcium and sodium influence energy balance, muscle function and feed metabolism.

It's a delicate balance, and when it's off, the cows will alert you quickly - heat expression weakens, conception rates slip, fat-to-protein ratios drift. Wearables used correctly will help you spot these warning signs, and alongside good interpretation, will help you balance your herd's feed and mineral nutrition.

When cows are well supported nutritionally, technology is better at flagging the smaller issues, as the larger ones have already been solved.

Advice turns data into action

With so much technology on hand these days, it can feel like we’re slaves to notifications. What farmers really need are clear steps to take today, tomorrow, next week and next month. That’s where expert advice really pays off. A stream of numbers is only useful if you’re able to read it in the context of cow health, feed supply and the farm budget. With good advice, we can cut down on noise, focus our efforts, and build more profitable and resilient farm businesses.

A simple plan

Write down your five biggest pain points on farm, e.g. time, feed waste, weak heats, slow recovery or staff issues.

Map which tools speak to those problems. Avoid anything that adds data without solving a real issue.

Connect nutrition and tech. Always review milk and farm data alongside rumination and activity when making decisions.

Get advice on setting alert thresholds that match your farm system.

Review results monthly and reset. Keep what pays and discard what doesn’t.

Key Takeaways

Data is powerful when linked with sound feed and mineral nutrition.

Cow sensor tech can show us what is happening in the cow, but it’s important to link this with daily milk and farm data to validate the impact of changes made. With technology, we now have the potential to have amazing visibility of our cows’ performance, health, and efficiency.

However, choosing the right technology that works for you, your team, and your farm system is critical to maximising the benefit it can provide.

Chris Balemi is Agvance Nutrition founder and managing director.

To answer these questions, we used energy data from the farm, along with models of solar power, wind power, load management and battery storage to create an energy simulation. We also included costs and different electricity pricing structures.

An important concept when considering renewable energy is to, whenever possible, align your load with times when generation is high. Make hay when the sun is shining!

Different plans

Farmers have options when trading with electricity retailers. A fixed price plan means that the electricity price is constant, whereas a time of use plan means that there are different prices depending on the time of day. The price paid to a farmer for selling electricity to the grid (exporting) is generally less than the price for purchasing electricity (importing).

Solar generation

Solar panels are a practical way to address rising electricity prices. For example, on our case study farm, the installation of a 126kW (kilowatt, a measure of electric power) solar array resulted in an annual electricity cost saving of $26,000. Furthermore, when the sun is shining and demand is low, extra electricity is sold back to the grid.

On most dairy farms, highest electricity demands occur in the morning and afternoon milkings. To suit this demand, an east–west facing rooftop solar array was explored, as this configuration captures the morning and afternoon sun. North facing panels will generate the most electricity, but the time of generation does not necessarily match when demand occurs.

Overall, we found that a north-facing groundmounted array suited the demand profile of the case study farm, but this could come at a cost associated with lost pasture. Because the timing of solar generation often doesn’t match the peaks in farm demand, farmers need strategies to make the most of their solar generation. Two key options are load management, such as shifting activities like water heating to midday, and energy storage, where batteries store excess power for later use.

You’ll save the most money when your solar is covering your own daytime loads – things like water heating, milk chilling, and effluent pumping.

Wind generation

New Zealand is a windy place, so why not take advantage of that with wind power? Wind can complement other renewable energy power sources (e.g. solar); when it’s not sunny, it might be windy. However, there are a few problems with wind power. Smallscale wind power isn’t cheap to install, and wind conditions must be optimal. Windspeed increases with height above the ground. As a result, small-scale installations wouldn’t get as much wind as large, utility scale turbines, that can be over 100 metres tall.

If you’ve noticed strong winds that send your hats flying or your trees that grow at an angle, it might be worth checking out. A great way you can see for yourself is by going to globalwindatlas.info and looking into the projected wind resource at your farm's location. If the numbers say you are getting into average wind speeds of around 9 m/s (~30 km/h) and you are interested in how renewable energy could support your farm, then wind generation could be worth considering.

However, for the dairy farms we modelled, wind power generally did not stack up financially, with payback periods on some turbines being greater than 20 years.

While wind isn’t the right fit for every farm, in the right location it can be a powerful addition towards a sustainable farm.

Key Points

The dairy farm we focused on is in Matamata, with 600 cows and a 54-bale rotary shed. Our client wanted to investigate on-farm electricity generation, storage, and usage. Rooftop solar was installed in in 2024 and the farm changed from gas to electric hot water heating in 2025.

We wanted to answer:

1. What orientation and arrangement of solar panels will best match the timing of dairy farm electricity demand?
2. Should the case study farmer install a wind turbine to complement their solar system?
3. How can farmers change when they use power to match the cheapest electricity?
4. Under what circumstances is on-farm energy storage, such as batteries, financially viable?

Conclusion

Any investment in on-farm renewable energy is a long-term investment. If a system is designed around a large net export of energy to the grid, it is important to understand that it is difficult to predict the electricity pricing plan over the lifetime of the asset. Designing a smaller system and targeting higher self-consumption means that the farm will be more independent from the grid. This makes the return on investment less susceptible to a changing energy market.

The process extends the shelf life of the pasture beyond what it would have if exposed to open air. To produce high-quality silage, both the quality of the original pasture and the fermentation process are crucial. Ensuring optimal dry matter content, rapid wilting, proper compaction, and effective sealing can help retain the nutrients and feeding value of the silage. It’s essential to feed out silage quickly once exposed to air to prevent spoilage.

It is impossible to produce high quality silage from low quality pasture, no matter how good the fermentation is. Both the quality of the ensiled pasture and the quality of the fermentation must be considered.

When pasture is ensiled, its sugars are converted into lactic acid by bacteria. It is the lactic acid which pickles the pasture, allowing it to be preserved for a lot longer than it would have been if left in the open air.

With well-preserved silage, losses in feeding value during fermentation will be small, and the final silage will be only slightly lower in feeding value than the original pasture.

Good quality pasture silage is a good source of energy and protein for a milking cow and can be used as a fibre source when feeding high sugar or starch feeds. However, a poor-quality pasture silage (made from low quality pasture, or ensiled with low quality fermentation, or both) will not support high milk yield and will only be suitable for dry cows, or as a fibre source to reduce risk of acidosis.

Losses when making pasture silage

Losses occur as sugars and protein in the grass is broken down by enzymes, and bacteria. This process starts as soon as the grass is cut. Losses decrease quality as well as quantity, because it is the highly digestible components which are most rapidly broken down.

Losses during harvesting

Losses depend on the dry matter (DM) of the pasture. The optimum DM for silage is 25-30% because total DM loss is minimised.

• Cut in the morning of a sunny day, for rapid wilting. Cutting after 1-2 days' sunny weather will result in good sugar levels in the pasture, even when cut in the morning.
• Avoid wilting for any more than 24 hours.
• Compact the silage well. In a stack or pit, use the heaviest wheeled vehicle available.
• Tractor wheels should not sink into the pile of pasture any further than the depth of rubber.
• For baled silage make sure that a high density baler is used.
• Seal the stack completely with a weighted, airtight cover. Wash old polythene before use to avoid contamination with the wrong bacteria.

As part of the sponsorship, the Ministry will present the Biodiversity Award, which recognises the biological diversity of farming and growing businesses.

Andrew Hoggard, Associate Minister for the Environment (Biodiversity) says the award is a chance to acknowledge the leadership farmers are showing across New Zealand.

"The fantastic work that farmers are doing to protect nature on their land needs to be celebrated. Every day I see examples of landowners stepping up on their own initiative, investing their own time and resources because they care about the land.

"I'm looking forward to honouring those who are the best at this for next year's awards."

Farmers who protect nature on their land could have new income opportunities from the expansion of a New Zealand voluntary nature credits market.

The Government's vision is to expand the nature credit market to help build investor confidence and connect them with landowners who want to protect and enhance nature.

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New Zealand Farm Environment Trust general manager Sarah Harris says the Ministry's involvement strengthens the programme's recognition of the critical role biodiversity plays in sustainable farming.

"We're really excited to have the Ministry for the Environment joining with the Trust and the BFEA as a national sponsor. Their forward-thinking approach around biodiversity and nature credits will be a great addition to our sustainability story as we travel through our regions in 2026."

Meanwhile, WaterForce has also joined the awards as a regional sponsor in four regions - East Coast, Horizons, Canterbury, and Southland. They will sponsor the new Safe Water Recognition Award, celebrating farmers who demonstrate leadership in providing safe, clean drinking water on-farm through thoughtful system design, proactive testing, and responsible water management.

Paul Fairbrother, manager at WaterForce, says the sponsorship demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainable water management on farms.

"WaterForce is proud to sponsor the Safe Water Recognition Award at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. We are committed to ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water for all New Zealanders, and this sponsorship reflects our dedication to supporting sustainable practices that protect our precious water resources."

Harris says it is wonderful to welcome WaterForce back to the sponsor team.

"It's great to have WaterForce back in the sponsor family. The new award focuses on drinking water, which closely aligns with our social sustainability pillar."

He says these new sponsorships reinforce the awards' role in celebrating the full spectrum of sustainability, from biodiversity and ecosystem health through to water quality and community wellbeing.

Entries and nominations for the 2026 farm environment awards programme are open now.

It says that every farm is different, so farmers are urged to take time to consider their options and find out what works best for their business.

Managing fertiliser and feed use can help minimise losses to waterways and improve the efficiency of pasture and crop production. These efficiency improvements may also reduce greenhouse gas emissions if the total feed eaten on-farm is decreased or production is increased from the same inputs.

• Prepare an animal nutrient budget based on regular soil tests with your trusted farm consultant or fertiliser representative.
• Minimise surplus nitrogen through reduced use of nitrogen fertiliser and supplementary feed.
• Use urease-coated fertilisers which reduce losses of ammonia from urea use and maximise the nitrogen available for plant uptake. This means less nitrogen needs to be used and less nitrous oxide is emitted.
• Manage the timing and placement of nitrogen fertiliser to reduce the amount of nitrogen applied while still increasing pasture growth.
• Consider the use of plantain in your pasture sward. Research has shown it can help reduce nitrogen surplus.
• Monitor and maintain soil phosphorus levels below or within the target ranges for the soil-type and crop.
• Match feed demand with pasture growth and utilisation. Balancing pasture growth and utilisation is key to optimising stocking rates that result in the same or higher profit with lower inputs.
• Manage pasture and crop husbandry to optimise production through fertility, rotation, and inputs, while minimising damage from compaction, diseases, and pests
• Store fertiliser in a contained system to minimise losses and calibrate and maintain fertiliser spreading equipment.

It requires the assistance of experts who are qualified and experienced in the field. Communication with the system designers, installers and contractors will be crucial to ensure the result is fit-for-purpose in your farming situation.

According to DairyNZ, a good effluent service provider will offer:

• certainty that their product will perform
• guarantees and producer statement
• after-sales care, service and support, and
• farm team training on the operation and maintenance of the system.

DairyNZ recommends that designers and installers should be involved in the project from start to finish supervising the quality and standard of workmanship during the installation and commissioning of the system. They should be willing to stand by their work.

DairyNZ also recommends farmers use suitably qualified and accredited effluent system designers.

Make sure the system will be up to the job, it says.

A poorly designed system will be expensive and frustrating in the long term, particularly for the farm team. Like milking too many cows through a dairy, it can be done, but it takes longer and the likelihood of fatigue, breakdown and general frustration is extremely high.

A system which is poorly designed may result in problems such as:

• high risk of non-compliance with regional council requirements
• no contingency for adverse weather events, staff absence or system breakdown
• high demand on labour and time
• expensive to operate and maintain
• the need to irrigate on days when ponding, runoff, and leaching risk is high
• additional pressure on the farm team during calving or wet weather
• unrealised investment in the system if it is not user-friendly or doesn't achieve compliance, and
• little room for future expansion.

"It is important to think about potential changes to the farm system, especially intensification, including an increase in cow numbers, greater use of stand-off and feed pads or the addition of wintering facilities.

"If these are desired but finances don't allow you to accommodate these now, plan for a staged expansion to the system as you require it. Get the system designed with the changes in mind - it can save a big expenditure in the future."

However, it can also be a valuable resource that, when managed well, increases pasture production, and reduces fertiliser costs, says DairyNZ. It suggests ways to improve management of effluent on farm:

• Consider developing an effluent management plan. This is a handy tool for bringing together all effluent needs on a farm, includiing regional rule requirements, location of waterways, buffer exclusions, and system maintenance schedules.
• Spread effluent during appropriate soil conditions and at low-application rates to minimise nutrient loading, match plant requirements, and minimise ponding and runoff to waterways.
• This will also help reduce the N-surplus and therefore the nitrous oxide emitted from the soil.
• Test effluent regularly so that nutrient concentrations are known, and application rates can be adjusted.
• Use all effluent applications as a substitute for fertiliser applications, enabling reduced fertiliser on effluent application areas.
• Practice deferred effluent irrigation and store effluent during inappropriate soil conditions.
• Avoid storing effluent in anaerobic conditions, as this will increase methane emitted. Options to reduce this include stirring, covering, or adding treatments like polyferric sulphate.
• Ensure careful management of effluent from housing and stand-off pads due to volume created of both liquids and solids. Ensure that it doesn't lead to increased risk of nutrient loss and increased emissions from application and storage.

Critical Sources

Critical source areas are features in the landscape where water flows or accumulates, and there is a connection to waterways.

This includes point source discharges such as tile or mole drains.

• Identify critical source areas on your farm and their connection to waterways.
• Develop actions that reduce or mitigate contaminant loss through critical source areas such as:
  • Excluding stock from critical source areas during times of high contaminant risk.
  • Minimising effluent or fertiliser to critical source areas during high-risk periods.
  • Retiring and planting areas to filter contaminants.
  • Ensure stock crossings are bunded to prevent runoff and move gates and tracks away from waterways.

Reducing Erosion

Reduced erosion leads to improved grass growth and milk production. It enhances water quality and if planting is undertaken for erosion control, it can also provide shade and shelter for stock.

• Think about the suitability of each paddock for cultivation and assess the risk of soil erosion before work is undertaken, e.g. topography and soil type, proximity to waterways, and erosion susceptibility.
• Plan crop rotations and re-sowing to minimise the time that soils are bare, especially during the high-risk winter months.
• Use catch-crops to reduce contaminant loss to water and improve soil.
• Consider direct drilling, strip-tillage, or non-invasive tillage to reduce risk of contaminant loss.
• Manage or retire and plant erosion-prone land to minimise soil losses.
• Plan and prepare a winter grazing plan to minimise soil damage and erosion during the winter months. Select appropriate paddocks for intensive winter grazing that are away from waterways, 10° or less slope and are not vulnerable to pugging or erosion.
• Graze pastures and crops from top to bottom or strategically, to minimise sediment and contaminant loss to critical source areas and waterways.

Dairy News was invited to sit in on the weekly meeting Craigmore Farming Northern Operations manager Hayden Fletcher holds with the managers of the four Craigmore farms he is responsible for – Landsend, Darnley, Riverend, and Caithness.

Outside on the farms, the grass growth is slow, the ground is sodden and muddy, and the wind bitingly cold with snow on the surrounding hills. Calving is well underway, so Hayden’s team is busy and stress levels are high when they convened for their weekly team meeting over lunch with Hayden at the pub.

However, the fire is going and Hayden runs a very open meeting, with each manager giving him their topline numbers – such as number of cows calved so far – and providing feedback on everything from animal health issues to staff problems and machinery breakdowns.

These notes go into his minutes, but the team meetings are not really about ‘reporting up’ to Craigmore operations.

“My original purpose for these meetings was really to get the guys off the farm for a while and share any concerns or problems,” says Hayden.

Hayden managed Darnley for nine years before moving up to a role overseeing all four farms for Craigmore. He has been in the position his team is now in and so knows the pressures they face and is able to offer assistance, advice and try and guide them to a solution.

Read More:

• Waterway restoration sees return of endangered mudfish
• Building leadership
• Investing for a positive future

His philosophy is very focused on the team finding the right balance of work and lifestyle, but he is clear that nobody gets to enjoy the benefits of this without earning it.

He says being stuck on the farm with your problems, they can seem insurmountable, especially during busy times like calving. Sitting down with the others is a reminder that everyone is going through the same issues as you.

“I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’ve had my own struggles, so I know what it’s like.”

Part of Hayden’s transition from managing one farm to overseeing the managers on four required him to “sit on his hands” and not try and do everything himself. The job is to delegate and guide the managers he has employed on the farms. His style seems more about asking the managers if they need help rather than telling them what to do, and his empathy and ability to listen to his team is obvious.

As part of a corporate, the team obviously have to produce good numbers. His focus though is primarily on the wellbeing of his team. Getting this right naturally leads to good performance for the company.

With average performance per cow of 570 kgMS across the four farms, across about 2850 total cows, and a top result of 605 kgMS on Darnley, at the current payout, and with good animal and fertility results, they are certainly achieving that.

The four farms are also part of the Pahau Drain Catchment Group – a group of farmers from across the Amuri Basin between the Waiau and Hurunui Rivers in North Canterbury – who are working together to improve irrigation efficiency, nutrient management and biodiversity through riparian planting.

Culverden and the surrounding region itself represents a tight concentration of extremely productive dairy farms and was one of the first areas in North Canterbury to convert from drystock to dairy some 30 years ago.

“There’s a lot of progressive and forward-thinking farmers around here,” says Hayden.

Using a bit of ‘back of the fag packet maths’, he estimates that within a 30-minute radius of Culverden township, there’s a tight cluster of top dairy farms producing well north of $250m in economic activity.

“Dairy farming is a very efficient way of distributing money into the community,” he says.

Animal Health Focus

Hayden Fletcher's approach to management on the four Culverden farms he is responsible for is to put the well-being of people and, crucially, the cows front and centre.

Getting the second part right through proper cow nutrition helps massively with achieving the first part: better cow condition, fertility, in-calf rates and fewer animal health problems all make life easier for the staff – and put more milk in the vat.

All four farms use in-shed feeding, plus some feeding in the paddock. From J Swap Stockfoods they buy in a blended meal of mid-range proteins with a custom mineral pack to feed in the sheds, plus they buy palm kernel to feed to their springers in mobile troughs. They also have silos for locally-sourced grain which they put through their own in-line crusher and add into the feeding regime when the cows need a bit more – such as post mating.

The blends are calculated by Hayden, working in with his J Swap Stockfoods representative Dean Weastell to get the right mix at a good price and ensure the orders are processed and delivered on time, using blower or augur trucks to keep the silos full.

Hayden says while each farm operates independently, according to its own particular needs, some things like the feed blends are standardised across the four farms.

Dean says Hayden is known for his carefully considered feed regimes, which are formulated after carefully working through farm and herd data with a nutritionist.

“He is focused on animal health as well as production,” says Dean.

“And that focus has resulted in fewer animal health issues, which fits with Hayden’s philosophy of looking after the staff, because they spend less time and stress dealing with animal health issues.”

In general, there’s a renewed sense of positivity and optimism about the season ahead. With milk price confidence holding, falling interest rates, and new tax incentives, many farmers are considering building or upgrading feedpad infrastructure as their next strategic investment.

While feedpads are nothing new, their value extends well beyond reducing feed wastage. They contribute to improved herd management, easier supplementation of minerals, pasture protection, reduced environmental impact, and increasingly, better cow comfort during periods of heat and cold. When combined with automatic gate openers, they can also save you time bringing cows to the shed.

Feed efficiency and pasture management

One of the clearest economic benefits of a feedpad is reduced feed wastage, especially when feeding valuable supplements like maize silage. Research from both New Zealand and Australia shows feed wastage on pasture can exceed 20–30%, particularly in wet conditions. On a well-managed feedpad, this figure can drop to just 5–10%.

For a 500-cow herd feeding 5 kgDM of silage per cow per day over 100 days, this reduced wastage could result in a saving of 30 tDM, worth around $10,000–$15,000, based on current prices.

Feeding on pasture in poor conditions not only wastes supplement, it also damages the pasture itself. Pugging can reduce short-term pasture growth by up to 50%, and repeated damage can compromise paddock recovery, increase regrassing costs, encourage the growth of weeds and less productive grasses and reduce long-term pasture production.

Managing hot and cold stress

Managing heat stress is a growing priority as summers become hotter and more humid. Heat stress reduces milk production and feed intake, and hits hardest during the afternoon and evening.

Feedpads offer practical ways to reduce heat load by:

• Providing shade, especially in covered or partially sheltered structures
• Offering central access to water and shelter
• Allowing feeding during cooler times of the day, while reducing the energy cows expend walking between paddocks

Cows experience heat stress when the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) exceeds 68 for Holstein- Friesians or 75 for Jerseys. NIWA data confirms that in the Waikato, more than 70 days per year exceed this threshold.

At Owl Farm near Cambridge, cows experienced over 100 hours per week of thermal discomfort in the summer of 2021. This resulted in an estimated production loss of 6 kgMS per cow3, or around $30,000 in missed income for a 500-cow herd at a $10/kgMS payout.

Providing shade through feedpad infrastructure could reduce these losses by 50% or more provided there is adequate ventilation.

At the other end of the spectrum, cold and wet winter conditions, especially in regions like Southland, can increase daily energy demand by up to 35 MJME per cow, due to wind chill and low temperatures.

Over a 90-day winter, dry cows wintered outdoors may require an additional 1.5 kgDM/day just to maintain body temperature. Using a covered or sheltered feedpad can reduce this energy cost, potentially saving $54 per cow, or $27,000 for a 500- cow herd, assuming a feed cost of $0.40/kgDM.

Environmental Value

Feedpads also offer important environmental benefits. When integrated with well-managed effluent systems, they can significantly reduce nutrient losses, particularly during wet winter and early spring weather.

New Zealand research shows that well-managed off-paddock facilities can cut nitrate leaching by 25–55%. Effluent collected can be stored and applied at appropriate rates during favourable weather conditions, improving nutrient use efficiency and reducing the risk of losses caused by overloading sensitive soils.

A smart time to invest

With strong milk price forecasts, reduced interest rates, and the Government’s tax incentive on new capital purchases, this is an opportune time to consider investment in infrastructure that supports long-term productivity, profitability, sustainability, and cow comfort.

When used well, feedpads are a strategic lever that can unlock more value from high-quality feeds like maize silage, protect pastures, reduce nutrient losses, and help manage climate extremes. They’re not about making farming more complicated.

If you’re considering building or upgrading a feedpad, talk to your consultant or contact one of our Farm Systems Specialists, Matt Dalley or Wade Bell, at www.pioneer. co.nz.

Wade Bell is Genetic Technologies farm systems manager. Contact him at wbell@genetic.co.nz

This not only saves on fertiliser costs and enhances soil health but also helps prevent animal health problems and ensures compliance with local rules. Understanding soil water deficit is crucial to prevent run-off and applying effluent to saturated soils.

There are tools available, such as the DairyNZ Farm Dairy Effluent Spreading Calculator, to help manage the application of effluent nutrients with precision. Finally, regular maintenance of your irrigation application equipment is vital for optimal performance.

Good effluent management is a combination of having a well-designed effluent system and processes for people that make sure the effluent the system collects is applied to pasture in the right amount at the right time.

On-farm benefits of good effluent management include:

• Fertiliser savings
• Improved soil condition
• Prevention of animal health issues
• Compliance with council rules or resource consent.

Making good effluent irrigation decisions

The key to good decision making is understanding the soil water deficit. It is essential to prevent ponding and runoff and to avoid applying effluent to saturated soils.

Soil water deficit is the amount of water (i.e. effluent) which can be applied to the soil before it reaches field capacity (which refers to the amount of water held in the soil after excess water has drained away). If effluent is added at field capacity it will likely result in ponding, runoff or leaching.

Effluent spreading

New Zealand’s dairy farm systems produce large quantities of nutrient- rich effluent which are captured from milking sheds, holding yards, feed pads, standoff pads, and animal shelters. The average dairy cow produces about $25 worth of nutrients annually as farm dairy effluent (FDE). For a 400-cow dairy herd this represents about $10,000 of nutrients annually. Using effluent to supplement fertiliser presents an opportunity to capitalise on a cost-effective nutrient resource while improving whole farm nutrient use efficiency.

Effluent is commonly grouped into three broad categories based on dry matter (DM) content: liquids (0–5%), slurries (5–15%) and solids (>15%).

Application of effluents is typically via land.

Effluent application to pasture

To get good value out of effluent and reduce environmental risk consider:

• Timing of application - The best way to ensure that plants take up nutrients from effluent is to only spread it when there is sufficient soil moisture deficit/capacity available in the soil. If the soil is too wet there will be leaching or run off.
• Rate of application/depth of application - Good practice involves ensuring the effluent is applied at a rate that can infiltrate the soil and not pond or run off, drainage beyong the plant roots is avoided and it is spread evenly.

Where possible, leave a buffer strip next to waterways and farm boundaries and know your consent conditions and/or regional rules.

Article - DairyNZ

That's the challenge being tackled by the Future Focused Animal Evaluation Work Programme, a new initiative led by a Governance Group formed in 2024.

At the helm is independent chair and fifth-generation dairy farmer Rebecca Keoghan, who brings a practical, future-focused lens to the work.

Keoghan is chairing a group made up of DairyNZ, its subsidiary NZ Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL), LIC, and CRV.

"These are key players in New Zealand's animal evaluation system, and we're working both together and individually to help lift our rates of genetic gain by modernising how we evaluate breeding animals," she says.

The formation of the group was driven by findings from an independent Industry Working Group (IWG) that found that New Zealand is falling behind international counterparts in adopting genomic technologies to accelerate genetic progress. The IWG recommended a more collaborative, future-proofed approach to ensure the system remains relevant and effective.

"As farmers know, genetics has been a cornerstone of our productivity," says Keoghan. "But we need tools and information that help farmers keep improving. Thar means developing a better animal evaluation system, one that is simple, reliable, and built for the future and freely available to all."

This year, the Governance Group is focusing on three core areas:

• Developing a forward-looking National Breeding Objective (NBO):

"We need to be breeding animals today that will meet the needs of farmers and the sector tomorrow," says Keoghan. "That requires strong engagement throughout the sector to define what we want our future herd to look like."

To support this work, a new - and separate to the Governance Group that Keoghan leads - NBO Committee has been established, comprising DairyNZ, NZAEL, LIC, CRV, Fonterra, genetics experts and farmer representatives. This collaboration is a significant shift in how breeding objective recommendations are formed, bringing some of the sector's largest players together around the table to help shape the traits that will matter most. It's a direct response to the IWG's call for more strategic collaboration.

Following industry consultation, the group's feedback is fed through to NZAEL as the industry-good body for decision making. The NBO Committee's task is to help define the traits that will be in a future-focuse NBO that reflects both farmer needs and emerging sector challenges.

Lactose is expected to be incorporated next, with the potential for additional traits in the future, such as those relating to environmental outcomes and climate adaptability.

"We've got the heavy hitters working on this big challenge," Keoghan says.

• Creating an industry-wide, trusted Breeding Worth (BW):

Farmers often face conflicting information when making breeding decisions.

"If you're at the kitchen table with three pieces of paper and three different BWs, it's confusing," she says. The goal is an industry-wide, consistent BW assessment against the NBO that everyone, farmers, breeders, and sector players,can rely on. It's a complex job, but the early work suggests it's achievable."

• Improving phenotypic data quality:

Any successful evaluation depends on the quality of the data it uses. The group is assessing gaps and exploring how to better capture the performance traits needed to feed future genetic models.

A major shift from past approaches is the level of collaboration. While DairyNZ, NZAEL, LIC and CRV have always played roles in animal evaluation, this is the first time they've all collaborated in a structured way to tackle these problems for the sector.

"There's a real spirit of cooperation," says Keoghan. "It's clear no single organisation can solve this on its own. The commitment I've seen in the room, from all three partners on the Governance Group is really encouraging," she says.

Engagement with farmers and stakeholders is also a priority. "We've been meeting with Breed Associations, Federated Farmers, and other breeding companies. This isn't just a technical exercise - it must work for those using the system every day."

Since taking up the Chair role, Keoghan has led the Future Focused Animal Evaluation Governance Group, set up key technical workstreams, and built strong alignment around the project's milestones and direction. "Our goal is to have the improved system in place, tested, and operating by the end of 2026."

"But the work won't stop there. Genetic improvement is never 'done'," Keoghan says. "This programme lays the foundation, but we'll keep refining and improving beyond the two-year horizon.

Farmers need systems that evolve as fast as the science does."

With strong leadership, sector-wide collaboration, meaningful stakeholder engagement and a clear vision for the future, the Future Focused Animal Evaluation Work Programme is set to deliver enduring value for New Zealand's dairy farmers, and the country.

Governance Group Members

FFAE Governance Group members:

• Rebecca Keoghan - independent chair (appointed for a two-year term in 2025)
• Cam Henderson - DairyNZ deputy chair
• Corrigan Sowman - LIC chair
• James Smallwood - CRV chief executive
• Steve Howse - NZAEL chair

Committee Members

NBO Committee Members:

• Adrian Young - chair (Canterbury farmer)
• Jo Sheridan - farmer representative
• Mark Slee - farmer representative
• Malcolm Ellis - Fonterra
• Peter Van Elzakker - CRV
• Ric Sherlock - LIC
• Dr Peter Amer - geneticist, AbacusBio
• Dr Rhiannon Handcock - NZAEL
• Dr Paul Edwards - DairyNZ

Plant breeder Richard George leads a team of 13 staff working on the grass breeding pipeline for New Zealand, Australia and some parts of South America at PGG Wrightson Seeds, a member of the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (PBRA).

He says pooling his team's individual strengths and collaborating helps create better outcomes than working in isolation.

His pathway into plant breeding was typical of many of his peers. Growing up on dairy, beef and deer farms, he was naturally drawn to the sector.

While studying for his degree in Agricultural Science at Lincoln University, he joined the plant breeding team at Cropmark Seeds for a summer internship. After returning for another stint the following summer, he was offered a full-time graduate role in the company's plant breeding team.

"My interest really grew around what the role was. It ticked my boxes, mainly for its connection to agriculture and genetics but also its career opportunities," he says.

"I quickly learned that plant breeding connects you from the farmgate right through to applied science, and that really interested me because you're working in a number of disciplines that you might not get exposed too in other roles."

Richard was encouraged to return to university to complete further study specialising in plant breeding. He credits his early positive experiences in the forage seed industry, coupled with the encouragement of Dr Rainer Hoffman at Lincoln University and the opportunity at PGG Wrightson Seeds to undertake further study.

Richard completed his PhD with the backing of a scholarship from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, that required him to work alongside industry. The configuration of the scholarship meant Richard had the opportunity to work alongside mentors and teams at Lincoln University, Crown Research Institues AgResearch and industry sponsor, PGG Wrightson Seeds.

During his final year of study, he accepted an offer to work as a plant breeder at PGG Wrightson Seeds, where he has been for the past 12 years. Richard continues to receive ongoing mentoring from his local managers but also his global research colleagues in PGG Wrightson Seeds' parent company, DLF.

He still spends some time working in the field but says managing staff has provided surprising rewards for himself after initially thinking he would focus more on the technical side of plant breeding.

"I have realised that to be effective, you do need a bigger team than just yourself and so it's developing those skills to manage people, projects and a team, that's really important," he says.

"Relationship management is one of the key attributes to make a successful plant breeder along with having a technically competent, but empowered team."

He says anyone keen on a career as a forage plant breeder must have strong affinity with agriculture and, in particular, a good understanding of how farm systems work.

"You don't need a PhD but it can certainly help with career progression in a field underpinned by science.

"For me personally, I think it's given me a good foundation in genetics and the ability to understand and critique science pipelines and proposals. But you don't necessarily need to have all these skills yourself, you just need to have a team that does," he says.

The ability to collaborate is critical, he says, especially when it comes to plant breeding strategy and setting goals for what the company will have ready fro commercial release in 10-15 years.

"You are crystal ball gazing, so this is where we heavily lean on some of our external partnerships with science providers like AgResearch or Plant & Food, because they can help guide our decision making."

Plant breeders are always working with many diverse lines of germplasm that could ultimately deliver a new set of cultivars for the farm systems of the future. Eliminating germplasm that fails to perform is all part of the process.

Looking ahead, Richard says the opportunity and motivation is still there to breed and release new cultivars that will create better returns for farmers. "I'd argue with the changes in legislation and changes in the climate, there's actually more opportunity than ever for plant breeders to deliver new options for farmers," he says.

"We still need the sort of incremental gain in the performance of our grasses that we've been delivering for a long period, but with new tools and technology there's actually opportunity to do some exciting stuff that we've never been able to do before."

After a few years out of the industry, Hardman is coming back to his true passion, agriculture. He has years of experience in dairy farming here and in the UK, where his father was involved in the agfeed industry.

He says there is a tendency to focus on the price of PKE, especially around Fieldays time, but people often forget about the rest of the package – like mixing fees, freight cost and service.

And of course, the other components in a blend, which are often twice the cost per tonne of PKE and have a greater impact on the overall cost of feed.

“It pays to not just focus on one aspect,” says Hardman. “You’ve got to look at what’s the average price, and what’s the best time to buy, which is not always around Fieldays.

“Compare your full cost of a blend delivered to farm. Don’t focus on one product and pay over the top on others.”

Hardman says he finds it interesting, coming back to the industry after a break, how we have a race to the cheapest price on PKE, where companies may be selling at cost or below but making up the difference on other products.

“We at Swaps are in it for the long run and the pricing needs to be sustainable for both us and the farmer – we are both purchasers – and we want to be able to offer the best blend and straight prices without inflating cost on other products. We want to be able to offer great pricing over an average of a season and follow this up with great service.”

J. Swap Stockfoods have been a key player in the expansion of the dairy feed industry and have the advantage of large storage capacity, a broad range of feed and mineral options, and their own fleet of trucks, which reduces the chances of delivery delays and means farmers only have to deal with one company.

“We are more than a seller,” says Hardman. “We manage and control the full operation. We have the trucks and control the delivery so you don’t run short and we get product to farm when needed.”

Back to Ag

Joe Hardman is coming back to the industry he really loves, agriculture, after a few years in the police, then a stint in the building industry. His father worked in the ag-feed industry and the family had close ties to farming near his hometown.

J. Swap Stockfoods sales manager Joe Hardman.

Originally from Preston, Lancashire, in the UK, Hardman worked on a local dairy farm there from the age of 13, then later moved onto a high intensity robotic dairy farm, which did three milkings a day and fully fed the cows through in-shed systems – aiming for very high litreage.

He then did about seven years as a bobby in the UK police force, before moving to New Zealand in 2014 with his Kiwi wife, to work on her family’s 300- cow dairy farm near Rotorua.

After a four-year stint there, which included building a Bennett Homes house, Bennett Homes offered him a job. He did seven years there, helping expand the business in a sales and management role. He dealt with J. Swap’s civil division while working in housing, so had good contacts with the Swap family.

Now he’s returned to his true passion, the farming industry, as sales manager for J. Swap Stockfoods.

"This year, we're all about Innovate, Integrate and Collaborate, showcasing how our research and partnerships are helping shape resilient, future-fit farm systems," it says.

"Whether you're keen to hear about the latest science, connect with sector leaders, or explore hands-on tools to take back to the farm, there's something for everyone."

At their main stand in The Pavilion (site PC44), DairyNZ's farm system expertise will be in action.

The industry-good body is highlighting some key research, including:

• Improved forage grains - See and compare forage species in our display model, and discover more about their resilience under stress, and how improved forages can enhance feed efficiency, profitability, and resilience on your farm.
• Healthy waterways - Learn about practical tools and actions to enhance your waterways and go in the draw to win $1500 worth of plants. You can also immerse yourself in a VR kayak journey through the Pōkaiwhenua Catchment and experience the positive impact that partnership and a focus on waterway health can create.
• Greenhouse gas emissions - Gain clarity on this complex topic and hear about the top actions you can take to help reduce emissions on your farm, while considering your full farm system to maintain profitability.

DairyNZ specialists, board members and leadership team will also be there to answer questions and chat about how they're working to ensure New Zealand dairy thrives well into the future.

Visitors can also swing around the corner to site PB49 in The Pavilion to catch up with the team at Dairy Training, a DairyNZ subsidiary, who are ready to talk about free, NZQA-accredited practical training options to upskill farmers and their team.

Collaborating with partners

DairyNZ says getting off-farm isn't easy, so they're making farmers visits worthwhile by collaborating with other sector organisations to have multiple DairyNZ sites packed with value.

"This relfects our focus on partnership and integration, and the wide range of work we do to support farmers - on farm, across the industry, and for the future," it says.

"You'll also find us at the MPI Science for Farmers Tent (E38), where we're showcasing science projects supporting the future of dairy farming. At the Federated Farmers Advocacy Hub (D70, Gallagher Building), we're highlighting our work advocating to Minister and MPs on the key dairy sector issues."

DairyNZ says it cannot wait to connect with farmers at Fieldays 2025.

"Whether you're looking to explore innovation, dive deeper into science, or simply have a good conversation with people who get it, DairyNZ looks forward to connecting with you."

Site PC44

Early preparation is important, as is clear communication with the farm team regarding plans and expectations.

Careful consideration must be given to animal movements, and all farm equipment and machinery should leave the farm in a clean and disinfected state to manage health and biosecurity risks.

Set up for success

Ensure sharemilker / contract milker contracts are signed by both parties and a farm inspection with new farm owner, incoming and outgoing sharemilkers, farm manager, farm advisor has been planned.

Determine staffing needs for the new farm, start recruiting for required staff and ensure signed employment agreements are in place, alongside signed service tenancy agreements for any employees who will live on farm.

Ensure anyone coming onto the farm hasn’t been overseas in the past seven days to reduce the risk of introducing exotic organisms, especially if they have been travelling to countries with foot and mouth disease (FMD) and have been in contact with FMD-susceptible animals (e.g. farmed or wild cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, llamas, alpacas).

Communicate regularly with the people on existing farm and the people who will be on the new farm about plans including key dates, and information. Ensure staff have enough time to be prepared, pack and clean in the weeks leading up to moving. If necessary, adjust rosters and hours of work.

Get in touch with farm insurer well before the move - there might be more things to discuss. It’s a good idea to know the physical address, building details, any plant or machinery details, and the details of sharemilking or contract milking agreement if applicable.

Contact utility providers (e.g. power, internet, etc) and ensure disconnection and reconnection on the right dates. Take and record final power meter readings for all houses at both properties.

Farmer owner responsibilities

Ensure employees leave houses clean and tidy. Complete a house/s inspection for any maintenance required on current farm by end of April and arrange for any repairs and upgrades required. Check house complies with healthy home standards.

Complete a final house inspection with existing tenant (sharemilker and/ or employees) as soon as house/s are vacant.

Consider whether drug testing of house/s will be required.

Confirm with departing and new tenants their departure and arrival times so there is no cross over between parties.

Check with insurer on obligations in terms of inspections and what, if any, impact this could have on insurance cover.

Sharemilker/Contract milker responsibilities

Ensure own house and employees’ house/s have been left in a clean and tidy state to the standards agreed in the contract.

Consider whether drug testing of house/s will be required.

If yes, arrange contractors and discuss with farm owner.

Complete house/s inspection with employees and then farm owner as soon as house/s are vacant, and complete house/s inspection prior to moving in on new farm.

Immediately discuss any issues with farm owner, agree a plan and document this.

Contract obligations

Ensure all body condition score (BCS), pasture cover targets or supplements on hand will be met as per the contract on takeover date. If they are not going to be met, have a proactive conversation with the other party as to what arrangement can be made to compensate.

Obtain third-party advice if required to reach an agreement.

Contract third-party to measure surplus/deficit feed inventory and quantify if required.

Article- DairyNZ

The event provides farmers the time, place and up-to-the-minute updates across the sector to support leading farmers to shape the future of dairy.

DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker said while it's an industry-good job to ensure the sector has a positive future with the right solutions in place for farmers, they can't do it alone.

"We are privileged to have a stellar group of experts and farmers who are doing amazing and innovative work on farm share all that knowledge and keep pushing those boundaries at Farmers Forum 2025.

"As we navigate changes in the global economy, trade, and technology, it's critical that we come together to problem-solve, plan, and prioritise for success."

The events offer attendees a unique opportunity to talk with experts and other farmers about the future of dairy farming in an increasingly complex global and national landscape.

"The world is changing fast, and so is the way we farm. Our focus at the Forum is on providing farmers with actionable insights into the global and national trends that will shape their businesses in the years to come. By collaborating with other leaders in the sector, we can ensure that New Zealand's dairy sector continues to thrive and lead on the world stage," says Campbell.

There will be a wide range of trade stands to further support collaboration across the sector. Farmers are encouraged to register now to secure a spot. Registrations are open and free for levy-paying dairy farmers and their staff. For more information, the full programme and registration, visit dairynz.co.nz/farmers-forum.

The scholarship, created in memory of the late Hugh Williams, a Ravensdown director from 1987 to 2000, was designed to support agriculture students. A quarter-century on, it's alumni are showing just how broad and dynamic the sector has become.

Some have become entrepreneurs, some are in science. Others own and run farms, and a few eventually took jobs at Ravensdown.

Recognising the diversity of careers available in farming now, Ravensdown asked scholarship recipients what they feel the agricultural sector is missing, and where the next generation could make an impact.

Previous scholarship recipients say the sector needs more innovation, tailored advice, passion, marketing, and good governance.

Johanna Olsen, 2013 recipient, wants more grads to consider farming itself.

"We need more people who want to grow the food. Farming offers real opportunity for young people willing to apply themselves," says Olsen.

Stephanie Laird, 2003 recipient and a current farmer, sees a risk in falling behind on innovation.

"In tough economic times, R&D often takes a hit, but it's critical. Every smart product or tech can make a difference on-farm."

Stephanie also works as a project manager for Ravensdown's topdressing division, Aerowork, says Laird.

For young entrepreneur Sarah How - a strong advocate for continued innovation - it's never been easier to test new ideas and create value, even alongside a day job.

She was the 2012 recipient, and recently cofounded Landify, an online platform breaking down the barriers to farm ownership.

Steven Foote, 2007 recipient and farm owner, is looking to implement new technology on his farm to increase productivity and decrease environmental impact. He says the sector needs more people who are deeply committed to their chosen fields - whether that's genetics, soil science, or environmental management.

It is important we maintain and grow our position on the world stage. Tom Wilson, 2019 recipient, has recently been working in the United Kingdom and says New Zealand needs more agri-savvy marketers.

"We know we produce world-class food, but we've got to get better at showing the world."

Ravensdown chief executive Garry Diack says it shows the many paths agriculture students can now choose to take, from technology development to communications specialists.

"Farming has always been complex, but it is becoming increasingly more so - farmers now need to be employers, guardians of the land, part-time soil scientists, environmental experts, digital savants and dabble in meteorology.

"That's why Ravensdown is on hand to help farmers make good decisions for their land and why it supports young agriculture students to learn the science behind farming, so New Zealand can farm smarter."

John Totty, 34, milks jersey cows at Lawnhayes— the family’s 465ha dryland farm at the base of Mount Somers in Staveley.

Compared to the average Kiwi farmer, John is young. Statistics NZ data suggests the average age of New Zealand farmers is over 51.

Taking over the family farm wasn’t his initial plan. He first completed a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in finance at Otago University, and then travelled overseas, including a stint guiding hunting trips in Canada.

It was only after his father Ian died in an accident in 2015 that John—then aged just 26—stepped up and took over the farm.

A sharemilker was in place at the time, giving John and the family a window of opportunity to seek advice and take a good look at the farm, and consider what was working, and what wasn’t.

“The younger generation of farmers are quite happy to try new things, whereas a lot of older farmers might be worried that their milk production might drop,” he said.

Having grown up with technology, he said millennial farmers are generally able to do research more quickly and easily than previous generations.

After taking over, Totty focused on improving grass quality and utilisation, as well as installing Allflex automatic drafting gates.

He removed old accommodation from the property and replaced it with modern lodgings, to make Lawnhayes a more attractive place for staff to live and work.

The milking shed was upgraded and modernised, as well as the backing gates, and Totty also undertook the process of re-configuring Lawnhayes’ paddocks and laneways.

“All our lanes and paddocks were designed for back when the farm had 200 cows,” he says.

“We’ve re-fenced the whole farm now, little bits every year, and it’s all brand new 7-metre-wide lanes.

“All the paddocks are about 3-4 times bigger – we had about 200 and we would be down to about 60 now.”

Perhaps one of the most significant changes was a shift to 10-in-7 milking (10 milkings over 7 days), which works well for his Jersey herd, and results in less milking needing to be done.

Over the past season, Totty has also introduced Halter collars to help manage his herd.

He also made the call to stop rearing calves on the property, putting that land back to work producing milk. “We were trying to do all of the young stock on farm and milking fewer cows as a result, and we simply didn’t seem to be doing a good job,” he explained.

That focus on improving efficiency and productivity has paid off. Totty says he has been able to increase milk production by 50% within a few years.

“We were doing 260,000 kgMS odd and we did 393,000 last year,” he says.

“We’re getting closer to doing live weight too - our cows are about 425 kgMS and we want to do 425 kgMS/cow – and we did 410 kgMS/cow last year.”

Right Advice

John Totty says that getting the right people around him during this period of succession and change was crucial, especially at the start.

“The team at ANZ put me onto a really good lawyer and a new farm advisor—they definitely added value, and they backed it up by offering the best rates,” he said.

“They were just really enthusiastic – they’ve both known the family a long time – one of our original ANZ contacts, Mark Grenside, actually coached me in rugby!”

ANZ regional manager Cameron Reed said the changes Totty has made to improve output come at a good time.

“In terms of the market, Canterbury dairy farmers are currently benefiting from strong production, high prices, and a weak New Zealand dollar,” Cameron said. “New Zealand’s milk production hit its highest level in five years during 2024, producing 1.92 billion kilograms of milksolids.”

The low New Zealand dollar, relative to the US Dollar, is also enhancing farmer payouts, with Fonterra currently forecasting $9.70-$10.30 per kgMS.

“The global trade environment presents our farmers with new challenges, but also opportunities. Agriculture is driving New Zealand’s economic recovery,” Reed says.

“ANZ is keen to help the sector grow and thrive… as the next generation takes the reins.”

Acknowledging the importance of not working to the point of burnout is one of the most noticeable changes between his generation and his fathers’ Totty says.

He doesn’t feel guilty about taking a day off, whereas his father was “head down all the time, working, working, working”.

“My first calving, I did 73 days straight,” Totty says.

“I had three mini breakdowns in the afternoon and had to go to bed – I was not doing my best work.”

Learning to manage his workload effectively has been a crucial part of his development as a farmer.

Totty's Tips

1. Always strike a fair deal: “A deal has to always benefit both parties, otherwise it’s not a good deal for either of you.”

2. Get some off-farm education: “You’ll do lots of onfarm learning, but if you can get some insights into why it’s done that way, you’ll pick everything up quicker and you’ll have a greater appreciation for what you’re doing.”

Use the resources that are out there: “There is so much information out there that can be used, or even just asking people for advice – don’t be afraid to just pick up the phone.”

Have a go: “If you’re looking for experience, ask a few local farmers if you can come and help on their farms during holidays or downtimes.”

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that, over time, robs sufferers of many of their faculties and quality of life. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, but it is the world’s fastest growing. Disturbingly, rates of Parkinson’s are rising particularly quickly in rural farming communities.

Our increasingly ageing population is a factor, but this does not alone explain the rapid growth in incidence, especially given that fact that 20% of people living with Parkinson’s experience symptoms before age 50. Genes play a role too, with approximately 15% of individuals with Parkinson’s having a family history, but a lifetime of exposure to environmental factors, including herbicides and pesticides, industrial chemicals, and air pollution, is the key driver of disease. Indeed, a growing body of scientific evidence points to a strong connection between exposure to certain agricultural chemicals and the onset of Parkinson’s. This is supported by population-level studies (called ‘epidemiology’) showing a clear geographical relationship between the use of these chemicals and Parkinson’s incidence, as well as animal studies showing that exposure to these chemicals induces Parkinson’s like symptoms.

Studies from all around the world have shown that certain pesticides and herbicides—specifically paraquat, heptachlor, and rotenone—are associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s. Paraquat, for instance, has been found to increase the risk by as much as 200–600% depending on the level and duration of exposure, and it is now banned in many countries (it is restricted in NZ, and many paraquat- containing products have been banned, but not all).

What these chemicals, as well as air pollution and solvents like trichloroethylene (which is used in mining and dry cleaning) have in common is that they are thought to damage mitochondria—the energy-producing parts of cells. The exposure doesn’t have to be massive or dramatic; the disease is likely the result of chronic low-dose exposures over decades combined with genetic risk/predisposition and exposure to other potential triggers (such as infections and head knocks).

It’s heartbreaking that many people were never informed about the neurological risks of the products they regularly used. Labels might contain safety instructions, but they don’t always spell out the long-term consequences. And for many older-generation farmers, protective equipment was rarely used or even available.

Daniel McGowan is the chief executive of Cure Parkinson’s NZ.

He says while trace elements play a vital role in herd health and production, they can be tricky to manage.

The five main trace element deficiencies identified in New Zealand pastoral systems are copper, zinc, cobalt, selenium and iodine. And the cost of not having enough of these five trace elements in the cow’s diet can be very high.

“Serious effects can include elevated empty rate and/or in-calf rate, lost days in milk, impaired herd genetic improvement and reduced longevity. The serious financial impacts on productivity and profitability from these potential consequences are well documented,” says Butler.

He points out that, longer term, sub-clinical deficiencies in trace elements such as iodine, zinc and cobalt can go unnoticed. “But if these shortages become the norm in your herd, the result can be significant negative effects on energy metabolism, impacting growth and milking performance in the background,” he says.

“Therefore, the potential financial risk of not getting your trace element balanced for your herd is worth the time and investment to get it right.”

Butler adds that trace elements can all be difficult to provide to cows solely through a pastoral diet, as their levels can vary significantly by pasture, by season and by region.

“The functions of these trace elements broadly fall into three categories - reproductive performance, energy metabolism and production, and immune support. These three drivers are key determinants of a dairy herd’s overall performance,” he says.

Identifying whether the herd is deficient in these vital elements is not an easy task. Today’s high performance, high-BW dairy herds have set a new benchmark based on their size and performance, says Butler. There is a significant gap between traditional trace element standards, set many years ago, and the demands of our modern herd sizes and productivity levels.

“Trace element demands for modern, high performing dairy stock are now many times higher than the needs of historic New Zealand animals and production systems.

“We really need to be addressing this critical issue of trace element deficiency if we want to see our herds perform at their highest levels,” cautions Butler.

He says at its simplest, identifying the levels of the trace elements in your pasture can be done through an herbage test.

“If your levels for the five key trace elements are at the lower end of medium, it’s a clear sign that pasture levels are deficient in trace elements, and your cows won’t be getting what they need.

“Herbage testing can identify particularly deficient pasture Additionally, secondary deficiencies can occur due to the presence of elements such as sulfur and molybdenum in soil, or during periods of high soil iron ingestion such as grazing winter crops.”

I’ve been hearing from many farmers who are planning to dry off earlier than planned simply because they’ve run out of feed. That’s a tough spot to be in, especially when every extra day in milk could be adding dollars to your bottom line.

With interest rates easing and a strong milk payout forecasted, now is the time to start planning how to maximise the opportunity for next season. Whether you’re looking to extend lactation, preserve body condition, or carry more feed into spring, maize silage should be part of the conversation.

When feed runs short, options get expensive

This summer, we’ve seen an increase in demand for feed across many regions, particularly in the North Island. Farmers have had to scramble for alternatives, often at short notice and higher prices. Rising costs for imported feed and ongoing volatility in pasture growth are making home-grown solutions like maize silage more attractive than ever.

Whether you’re buying it in or growing it on-farm, maize silage remains one of the most cost-effective and flexible supplementary feeds in our systems. It stores well, feeds well, and can be strategically used throughout the season to support milk production.

Time to replace what you've used

If you’ve dipped into your silage reserves this summer and autumn, the next step is ensuring you replace that feed next season.

If you’re growing maize silage, now’s the time to start planning:

• Select paddocks due for pasture renewal.
• Look for opportunities to use nutrients from effluent paddocks.
• Start preparing for the crop - soil testing, correcting fertility and pH.

Getting this groundwork right is essential to ensure yield targets are met and the economics stack up.

And if you’re buying maize silage, talk to your contractor or grower sooner rather than later. Locking in feed early not only secures supply, it can also help manage price and quantity expectations.

The benefits of maize silage in autumn and beyond

Maize silage acts as a buffer that helps you:

• Maintain milk production when pastures are struggling.
• Extend grazing rotations to protect pasture cover going into winter.
• Preserve cow body condition through late lactation, setting animals up for better production and mating outcomes.

Maize silage gives you flexibility. A well-preserved stack on-farm is like a savings account— there when you need it, on your terms. In a year where every extra day in milk could be worth more than ever, having enough feed in reserve gives you the confidence to fill feed deficits and achieve your production goals.

So, whether you’re topping up depleted reserves or taking the opportunity to carry more feed into next season, now is the time to act.

The earlier you plan, the more options and value you unlock.

If you’d like help working through the numbers or designing a feed plan that works for your system, get in touch with me or my colleague Matt Dalley. You’ll find our contact details at pioneer.co.nz.

Wade Bell is Genetic Technologies farm systems manager. Contact him at wbell@genetic.co.nz

John Frew and Dan Mulholland both farm near Darfield on farms converted a few years ago from cereal production to dairy. Dean Weastell, J Swap Stockfoods, says both farmers have over time transitioned to buying blends, ensuring the feed they’re using has the higher protein levels their herds needed.

“Canterbury’s seasons have got later, and because of the N-cap, often the grass won’t have the protein levels when they need it,” says Weastell.

So, the cereal guys find they need more protein around mating, for example – not just PKE (palm kernel) but also DDG, canola or soybean meal.”

John Frew, Essendon Farms, manages a 240ha effective platform with 130ha support, fully irrigated with a centre pivot plus 60ha under a Rotarainer. He runs a team of four staff – “a good crew who have been with me for over three years” – milking 840 Friesian cross cows, bred with a focus on udders and capacity. He says with high-end feeds, “you need the right cow to realise the potential”.

Frew has worked for farm owner Paul Jarman for six years and is now moving from a manager role to a 50:50 sharemilking contract, saying the support from the farm owners has been great.

The farm still grows some barley and was a traditional cereal feeding operation, largely self sufficient, using its own grain. This was John’s first season using a blend and he has had good results.

“We’re still learning what blends work best but our confidence is growing, and Dean’s been good, giving us a steer on the blends and trigger points. He’s been a big help, and the pricing is always fair.

“Our protein levels dropped mid-January, so we got in a blend of 60% PKE plus 20% DDG and the rest barley – protein levels shot back up as did milk ureas.

“There’s still a place for cereals and we still use 20% barley across a season. The mixed feeds level out your production though, so you don’t get that roller coaster effect, and the PKE is often cheaper than grass.

“We’ll also start adding minerals into the feed to help the animal health. The dosing is more accurate doing it through the in-shed feeding rather than in the paddock."

He says he likes the flexibility he gets using J Swaps. “They’ve always got what you want and can deliver it when you need it – even at short notice, if you get caught short. Service is the key really."

Not far up the road towards Darfield township, Dan Mulholland farms 240ha of irrigated land, at peak milking 820 mixed Kiwi-cross Friesians – also running a team of four staff.

He has had his first full season of in-shed feeding, giving each cow 4kg of supplement per day until December then backing it off gradually to 2kg/cow by March.

“With the 190 N-cap (down from 260kg/ha), you can’t get enough protein in the grass early in the season when you need it,” says Mulholland.

“So, we feed them up to get a flying start in the early part of the season. Production usually drops off later in the season but it’s held better on the mixed feed. Buying the mixed feeds is the only way you can get enough protein into a 4kg ration.

“We also now get a custom blend with minerals in the feed.

“The mixes depend on the season. We can change the blend as conditions require, all at the contract price.”

Weastell says Mulholland has had very good results through spring, using a pre-mating premix with mineral pack to get production and animal health benefits.

Contract Buying Cheaper

Dan Mulholland and John Frew both buy ahead on a 12-month contract from J Swap Stockfoods, saying it is “always cheaper than the spot price”, and that ordering ahead helps with cashflow.

“And because we don’t have to store the feed like we used to with barley, you pay as you use it, and as you get the benefit,” says Mulholland.

Dean Weastell, J Swap Stockfoods, encourages customers to book a blend at the start of the season.

You need confidence the payout will support it, but it allows flexibility to change the blend as you go, to manipulate the protein: feed ratio,” says Weastell. “They’ll typically chase the production, then keep condition on for mating, backing off the protein by late Jan-Feb to more of a maintenance level to reduce costs.”

Weastell says customers are not just buying feed from J Swap, but also servicing their animal health requirements via the mixed feeds.

“Canterbury farmers tend to want to maximise production and also have us take care of the animal health additives. I’ll discuss in more detail with farmers what their nutritional requirements are, not just sell them tonnage.”

Weastell operates out of J Swap Stockfoods’ store in Christchurch, selling direct to farmers in all regions of Canterbury, the West Coast and further north.

He says the fully integrated service they offer is a key point of difference. J Swap runs its own trucks, including the ‘blower’ and augur trucks, runs double shifts and offers reliability and flexibility with delivery.

While the moisture offers welcome relief for parched paddocks, it also presents fresh challenges— chiefly, how to rebuild pasture covers for winter without compromising sward health.

By carefully setting grazing rounds to align with slowing autumn growth, you can balance animal requirements, preserve pasture quality, and enter winter on a strong footing.

Transition out of dry conditions

After a long, dry summer, many North and South Island farms face depleted pasture covers. Because plants struggle to replenish energy reserves under drought stress, stock often graze paddocks lower than recommended, weakening pasture root systems.

As autumn rains return, the temptation can be to graze new green growth too quickly. Yet giving stressed paddocks enough recovery time— targeting two to three new leaves on ryegrass tillers before returning stock—lets plants restore vigour and ensures future growth isn’t curtailed.

Where feasible, ease the pressure on recovering paddocks by adjusting stocking rates, using sacrifice areas, or feeding silage and hay. This approach allows you to avoid “chasing” sparse regrowth. Once paddocks have built enough leaf area, they will respond more robustly to autumn’s milder temperatures and improved soil moisture.

Match rotations to growth

Managing rotation length is essential as autumn days shorten, and pasture growth tapers off. A well-planned rotation ensures each paddock gets adequate rest between grazings, enabling plants to reach the 2.5- or 3-leaf stage. Grazing too early—at only one or two new leaves—slashes total production because plants haven’t recouped their carbohydrate reserves. Conversely, waiting well beyond three leaves can lead to declining feed quality.

As a rule of thumb, many dairy and sheep farmers lengthen the autumn rotation from around 25–30 days in early autumn to 40–60 days by late autumn. That deliberate slowdown allows surplus feed to accumulate, creating a feed wedge (higher average pasture cover) that will sustain stock if winter growth drops below demand.

Prep for winter: residuals and soil protection

The next step is to set yourself up for winter by leaving consistent, appropriate post-grazing residuals— often in the 1,500 kg DM/ha range (around 3.5–4 cm). Grazing too low depletes photosynthetic capacity, slowing regrowth. Moderately grazed swards maintain enough leaf area to keep growing until temperatures decline sharply. In regions prone to pugging, keep an eye on soil conditions once autumn rains start. Standing animals off paddocks during heavy downpours or using back-fencing can prevent serious soil damage. Preserving pasture structure through autumn means less yield loss heading into winter.

Farmers should also create or update a feed budget for autumn and early winter. Predicting how much grass you can realistically grow—and when—helps you decide if extra supplements or a tighter cull strategy are necessary. If you come into winter with too little cover, animals may face feed shortages during cold snaps, and you risk overgrazing.

Leveraging data

One of the most effective ways to track pasture recovery and plan rotations in real-time is through advanced decision- support technology. Platforms like Pasture.io combine satellite imagery, farm management activities, and spatial datasets using machine learning to automatically measure pasture covers and growth rates, eliminating guesswork from grazing decisions.

These tools provide paddock-by-paddock updates, highlighting which areas are ready for grazing at the optimal leaf stage. They also assist in timing fertiliser applications to match environmental conditions, maximising pasture growth.

Importantly, datadriven insights from these platforms enable proactive management strategies. For example, if an abrupt growth dip occurs due to unexpected weather, rotations can be quickly adjusted, or supplement feeding increased. Conversely, when pasture growth exceeds expectations, technology can identify emerging surpluses, allowing timely silage harvesting or allocation of additional grazing days to maintain pasture quality.

Setting Up For Winter

By pacing your grazing rounds to match autumn growth rates, maintaining consistent post-grazing residuals, and monitoring feed budgets, you can steadily build a valuable feed wedge.

This wedge forms an insurance buffer that carries your stock through autumn’s variable weather and into winter’s leaner growth period. Through careful planning, stock selection, and selective supplementary feeding, you’ll finish autumn with well-managed swards and animals in suitable body condition.

It’s all about taking a measured approach and using the best information available— both your hands-on paddock observations and decision-support tools like Pasture. io. By doing so, you’ll transform a once-barren late-summer landscape into a healthy, resilient feed base for winter. The payoff? Fewer feed shortages, healthier soils, and a proactive, profitable start to the following spring.

Bronnie Grieve is cofounder of Pasture.io, a Tasmania-based pasture management platform.

Stuart Neill of Pukatea Dairy Farms picked up the award for his exceptional commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and ethical farming practices.

For nearly three decades, Neill has led this dairy farm partnership with a clear philosophy, prioritising strong relationships, sustainable solutions and long-term environmental responsibility. The 221ha (200ha eff) dairy farm in the Amuri Basin sets a benchmark for balancing productivity with environmental responsibility.

The judges commended Pukatea Dairy Farms for its holistic approach to sustainability, integrating environmental, financial and social considerations into every aspect of the business. They highlighted Neill's outstanding wetland management and riparian planting efforts, describing them as a true investment in the future.

Neill's dedication to water quality has been a defining feature of his farming approach for over 20 years. His investment in drainage systems, sediment traps and riparian planting has significantly reduced nutrient and sediment loss into waterways, resulting in some of the lowest water nitrate levels in the Amuri Basin.

Soil health is another focus with meticulous soil testing and nutrient management ensuring inputs are tailored to specific soil types and crop needs. This approach has optimised productivity while minimising environmental impact.

A key transformation has been the decision to reduce milkings from 14 per week to 10. This shift, driven by a desire to improve animal welfare and enhance work-life balance for the farm team, has delivered positive results for both the herd and overall sustainability.

Judges say Neill's commitment to social responsibility is evident in his strong focus on people. He has fostered a dedicated and skilled workforce by creating a positive work environment and investing in employee training and development. Judges praised his ability to build relationships and networks that drive better outcomes for people, animals, and the environment.

In awarding the Regional Supreme Award, judges described Pukatea Dairy Farms as an outstanding operation that consistently chooses to do the right thing, rather than the easy thing. The farm's long-term environmental initiatives, strategic grazing practices and commitment to ethical and sustainable farming serve as an inspiration to others in the industry.

Neill also won the following awards:

• DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
• Environment Canterbury Water Quality Award
• FMG Risk Management Award

The farmer-run event promises an "unparalleled" line-up of workshops designed to tackle the issues that matter most to today's South Island dairy farmers.

"This isn't just another industry gathering; it's about revolutionising how we think, operate, and innovate in dairy," says Abby Rawcliffe, event co-chair.

"We're bringing in experts from beyond agriculture - like Olympic champion Emma Twigg and leading economist Cameron Bagrie - to challenge perspectives and drive meaningful change on farms."

This year's program features a diverse line-up of speakers covering leadership, farm performance, and cutting-edge innovations. As well as Twigg and Bagrie, keynote speakers include Dr Ellen Ford, sharing insights on leadership under pressure, and Sam Owen, offering a unique perspective as both a farmer and educator.

"The impact of SIDE extends far beyond the event itself," said Myfanwy Alexander, event co-chair.

"These sessions are not just about learning, they're about transformation. Attendees walk away with actionable insights that create real change on farms."

The event promises an array of workshops tackling crucial issues confronting South Island dairy farmers and exploring tech advancements like DNA insights in better dairy beef production and mastering mastitis management.

Attendees will also delve into better financial performance and using technology to make real on-farm gains.

New this year, the science & technology will feature six dynamic presentations showcasing the latest innovations in agritech, science, and sustainability. Designed to unlock those crucial 1% performance gains, this session will equip farmers with practical strategies to boost efficiency and resilience in an evolving industry.

"Every small gain on our farms contributes not just to individual success, but to the strength of the entire sector," says Alexander. "It's time to embrace the science that drives progress."

Secure your spot now at www.side.org.nz

Career Focus

BrightSIDE, a one-day event designed for students, young farmers, and those considering a career in the dairy industry, will take place as part of the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) conference in Timaru on Tuesday, April 8.

The program provides participants with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and insights from industry professionals.

"BrightSIDE is about giving young people a practical insight at the opportunities available in the dairy sector," said Abby Rawcliffe, BrightSIDE coordinator.

"Through practical workshops and conversations with those already working in the industry, we aim to showcase both the challenges and rewards of a career in dairy."

As part of its commitment to supporting young people in the industry, BrightSIDE is also offering scholarships of up to $3,000 for past attendees pursuing further education or training in agriculture.

"Investing in young people is key to the future of dairy," said Rawcliffe. "By providing hands-on learning opportunities and financial support, we hope to encourage more people to consider a career in the industry."

The partnership integrates Gallagher's eShepherd virtual fencing technology fencing technology with Nedap's SmartTag Ear, providing farmers with real-time insights into cow health, reproduction, and grazing management.

Known for its pioneering electric fencing systems, Gallagher says it continues to push the boundaries of livestock management with its eShepherd solution. This solar-powered GPS-enabled neckband allows farmers to create virtual fences, "making livestock management more efficient and adaptable".

As a global market leader, Nedap monitors over six million cows in over 100 countries and supports thousands of dairy farmers with the most reliable, advanced, integrated sensor technology solutions.

Sarah Adams, global strategy and ventures at Gallagher Animal Management, says integrating Gallagher's eShepherd and Nedap's SmartTag Ear tags will create a powerful tool for farmers.

"The Gallagher eShepherd virtual fencing technology allows for precise grazing management, reducing the need for physical fences and enabling better pasture utilisation.

"By adding Nedap's SmartTag Ear, farmers will gain real-time data and insights on cow health and heat detection, allowing for timely interventions and improved herd performance," according to Mike Wilson, general manager at Nedap Oceania. He says this solution will increase farm efficiency and support sustainable farming practices.

"Farmers can monitor and manage their herds remotely, ensuring optimal grazing and early detection of health issues."

Gallagher Animal Management chief executive Lisbeth Jacobs says both companies are deeply committed to supporting the New Zealand market and farmers worldwide.

Maarten Idink, managing director at Nedap Livestock, says he's excited that their collaboration kicks off in New Zealand.

"Gallagher and Nedap invite farmers and rural professionals to embrace technology-driven livestock management for a more sustainable and prosperous future. With our long histories, proven track records of high-quality and innovative products, and shared commitment to long-term success, this partnership is a natural fit. I am proud that we are joining forces to further accelerate our ambitions in New Zealand," says Idink.