February 2025
Managing down cows is crucial for dairy farmers. When a cow is down, it’s important to promptly diagnose the cause, decide on a treatment, and follow a management plan. This page provides guidelines on preventing, diagnosing, and treating down cows, covering everything from mineral supplementation to creating a dedicated nursing area.
It gives practical advice on how to roll or lift a cow, when to consider euthanasia, and methods of transportation for a down cow. Understanding and implementing these strategies can ensure the wellbeing of your herd and increase productivity.
Acidosis is a significant metabolic disorder that affects cows, predominantly characterized by a drastic drop in rumen pH levels below the normal range. This condition commonly arises as a result of feeding cows a diet high in starch, often seen in diets rich in grain or other high-energy feeds.
In its initial stages, acidosis can be identified by observing certain symptoms in the affected cows, such as scouring, noticeable depression, and signs that can be similar to milk fever, including twitching or an abnormal gait. If not addressed timely and adequately, severe acidosis cases can escalate, leading to more critical health issues like coma or eventual death.
A cash management system, or cashbook, is vital for monitoring all payments and receipts, keeping track of compliance requirements, and making informed decisions for managing day-to-day finances effectively.
Proper initial setup and consistent coding are essential for accurate tracking and budget forecasting. Get support from your trusted advisors to choose the accounting software option that best fits for your needs.
A cash management, or cashbook system, is a record of all payments and receipts by cheque, credit card, Eftpos, cash or direct credit and keeps track of your compliance requirements.
Have you taken a moment to consider the benefits of obtaining a quote for solar power for your farm or lifestyle block? Harnessing solar energy can be a fantastic investment, providing not only reduced energy costs but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
At Cropa, we pride ourselves on having a comprehensive network of some of the most experienced and reputable solar installers in New Zealand. Our dedicated solar installers have extensive experience working specifically with farmers and lifestyle block owners, ensuring that they understand the unique energy needs and challenges faced by those in the agricultural sector and rural living.
By collaborating with us, you can receive tailored advice and solutions that align perfectly with your requirements, helping you make an informed decision about solar energy for your rural property. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your land’s energy efficiency and sustainability—reach out to us today to get started on your solar journey!
Kitset Pole Sheds have rapidly risen in popularity as dependable and versatile storage solutions that cater to a wide range of needs. Their increasing appeal can be attributed to their exceptional versatility and straightforward assembly process, making them an ideal choice for many different applications.
These pole sheds are suitable not only for residential properties where homeowners may require extra storage for gardening tools, outdoor equipment, or seasonal items, but they also serve a crucial role in agricultural settings, providing essential space for storing farm machinery, feed, and other important supplies.
Commercial enterprises can take advantage of these structures as well, utilizing them to store equipment, inventory, or even as dedicated workspaces for various activities. Every Kitset Pole Shed comes as a comprehensive kit that is fully customizable, ensuring that you can tailor it to meet your specific requirements and preferences.
Rural Contractors New Zealand in partnership with Nufarm are delighted to announce the Nufarm RCNZ Agri-Chemical Applicator of the year award. The purpose of the award is to recognise an individual who demonstrates excellence in Agri-Chemical application and innovation. Nufarm’s New Zealand Country Manager Gavin Kerr says:
“There has never been a better time to promote innovative industry leaders within the sector particularly those individuals promoting innovation related to the sustainable use of crop protection solutions. Nufarm fully backs every solution we provide and is very focused on how our solutions are applied sustainability.
Farming is unique. There are few other types of business that rely on living produce, whether it’s crops or livestock. That makes farm accounting more complex than other businesses when it comes to assets, liabilities, costs and revenue.
Accounting for all these factors is far from straightforward. But with a little thought and planning it’s possible to get into a routine of managing the finances for every aspect of your farm’s operation. Here are ten important points to bear in mind about farm accounting.
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd today raised the midpoint of the 2024/25 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price by 50 cents to $10.00 per kgMS. The new forecast range of $9.50-$10.50 per kgMS reflects the ongoing strength of the global market.
“We’re committed to providing farmers the highest sustainable milk price, so I’m pleased to announce another lift in the forecast for the season,” says Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell. “We’re seeing a recovery of demand in Greater China as domestic milk production rebalances and demand from Southeast Asia continues to be strong.
Are you currently in search of a Wintering Barn or perhaps a larger Pole Shed to meet your storage and shelter needs? Look no further!
We are excited to announce that we have enlisted the best shed builders in the industry for the year 2025. Our skilled craftsmen are dedicated to constructing high-quality, durable sheds that are perfect for wintering your livestock, equipment, or any other items you need to protect from the elements.
With a variety of designs and sizes available, you can choose the perfect fit for your specific requirements. Let’s ensure that you have the right structure to withstand the changing seasons while enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of your property.
Are you in search of professional Earthworks solutions? Look no further! Our experienced Earthmoving Contractors are dedicated to providing you with top-notch services that include not only Hedge Removal but also comprehensive Dairy Conversions and meticulous Water Race Cleaning.
Whether you need to clear out overgrown hedges to make way for new landscaping, convert your dairy farm to meet modern standards, or ensure that your waterways are clean and functional, we have the expertise and equipment to handle it all. Our team takes pride in delivering high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service to every project we undertake. Let us help you transform your land with our reliable Earthworks services!
At iLine Construction, we’ve been building trusted relationships and high-quality projects since 2012. Our team has the experience and know-how to deliver construction solutions that last.
We’re proud to support farmers and the rural sector across the Central North Island with medium to large-scale builds designed to meet the needs of modern farming.
We specialise in infrastructure that works as hard as you do, including wintering barns, cow barns, grain storage facilities, machinery sheds, and covered yards.
Our design and build process keeps things simple, with one team managing your project from start to finish. This streamlined approach means less stress!
The Best Rural Builders 2025
To the Team at Latitude Homes, the values of trustworthiness and integrity are as important today as they were in traditional seafaring times. Being responsible for setting the correct course and providing direction is what the team does best – not at sea – but during the process of helping others achieve their dream of building their own home.
At Mike Greer Homes we’re helping Kiwis achieve their dreams by creating beautiful homes where memories are created, moments are shared, and life is lived.
Mike Greer Homes is New Zealand’s largest independent residential construction company with operations throughout the country. The Group’s vision is to use their scale, expertise and innovation to build quality and attainable homes and communities.
Welcome to G.J. Gardner Homes, a company that proudly stands as New Zealand’s most trusted and reliable home builder. With an impressive and established track record since our inception in 1997, we have successfully constructed over 23,000 beautiful homes across the diverse landscapes of New Zealand.
Each one of these homes is not just a structure, but a testament to our commitment to excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Kaiwaiwai Dairies is an inspiring dairy environmental leader in Featherston, whose efforts have been recognized by a host of awards, including the Supreme Award at the 2020 Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Adding to the accolades, Aidan Bichan, Vern Brasell, and Neville Fisher of Kaiwaiwai Dairies were recently named Supreme Winner Runner-Up at this year’s 2024 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.
“I gather the judges ended up selecting four finalists this year, instead of the usual three,” says Aidan, who chairs Kaiwaiwai Dairies’ management team. “In such a tight field, the final results often come down to very small differences. The judges looked at sustainable irrigation management and what we were doing to optimize our system, including aspects like energy efficiency, irrigation scheduling, maintenance, monitoring, compliance practices, water efficiency, staff training, and the impact of irrigation on the farm business, as well as environmental protection and stewardship.”
Judges commended Kaiwaiwai Dairies for their exceptional community involvement and environmental stewardship, particularly their outstanding wetland restoration project. Head Judge Keri Johnston praised their passion, noting their evident love for their community and focus on people. “They understand the value of water and what it brings to their farm and business, and they’re not afraid of technology and how it can support on-farm decision-making,” she observed.
Kaiwaiwai Dairies has a farm area of 335 hectares (effective), with more than a third of that area under a three-pivot irrigation system.
The pivots are supplied from a deep bore of good water quality. With Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) installed on two of the pivots, water can be precisely applied and used only when and where needed. When operating with effluent injection, VRI also ensures correct placement. The farm’s irrigation system, which is remotely monitored and operated, is designed to reduce the risks of overwatering.
A King Country dairy farmer recovering from a serious quad bike accident last year is urging his peers to take care out on the farm this busy summer season.
Rural insurer FMG said it normally received one claim a day for quad bike roll-overs, but there was usually a spike in incidents in the lead-up to Christmas.
Michael and Susie Woodward run a 300-strong dairy herd, 250 Angora goats and other livestock at their Ōtorohanga farm south of Hamilton.
Woodward was in a serious accident in January 2023, when his quad bike flipped on steep terrain while he was moving bulls.
Farmers and rural householders across the South Island are receiving urgent warnings regarding the dangers of starting fires, following an incredibly hectic and challenging seven hours for firefighters who were combatting a series of small rural blazes today.
This unexpected surge in fire activity, characterized by a spate of grass and bush fires, required firefighters to remain on high alert throughout the day. The dry and parched conditions prevalent across the Canterbury region have rendered large swathes of the countryside exceptionally tinder-dry, significantly increasing the risk of fire outbreaks.
Just before 12:30 PM, the authorities received two separate reports of fires emerging in the Oxford and South Canterbury areas. These developments prompted the Fire Service to quickly mobilize and scramble for additional resources to address the reported incidents.
Rewai Grace, the southern fire communications shift manager, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Thankfully, they ended up being quite small,” which was a relief considering the potential for much larger fires in such dry conditions.
Janet Schultz, a dedicated and hardworking dairy farmer from the picturesque region of Taranaki, is in the process of transitioning her life as she prepares to move back to Inglewood. This decision comes after her property in New Plymouth has officially gone on the market, a necessary step prompted by changing circumstances in her life and business.
Notably, her daughter and son-in-law, Kelsey and Matt Brooks, who had been serving as contract milkers on her farm, have decided to resign from their roles.
Their choice reflects a shift in priorities as they seek to focus more on their young family during this pivotal stage in their lives.
After much consideration regarding the future of her esteemed 104-hectare farm, Janet ultimately arrived at the decision to retain the property instead of selling it. This decision has been bolstered by the successful recruitment of new contract milkers, Jason and Nicole Chesswas, a couple who come with a wealth of experience in the farming industry. They commenced their work on the farm back in June and have since built a strong and positive working relationship with Janet.
Together, they manage a productive and well-cared-for pedigree herd comprising 280 cows.
The farm itself features a carefully maintained genetic mix of 60% Friesian and 40% Jersey cattle. Janet has noted a particularly robust demand for pedigree Friesian bulls in the market, indicating the reputation and quality of her herd. In addition to her successful cattle management, Janet has taken significant strides in ensuring that her farming operations comply with environmental standards.
She recently achieved full compliance related to water and effluent management by engaging in fruitful discussions with the regional council. This proactive approach has allowed her to avoid major expenses that are often associated with compliance failures, securing not only her farm’s viability but also its sustainability for years to come.
The annual dairy statistics report for 2023/24 reveals a positive production season and a positive outlook for the current season, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says.
In the 2023/24 season, farmers received an average dairy co-operative payout of $8.90 per kilogram of milksolids, including dividends, from Fonterra and Tatua, an increase from $8.76 in the previous season.
When adjusted for inflation, the 2023/24 payout was $0.35 below the five-year inflation-adjusted average of $9.25 per kg of milksolids.
“As we look ahead, the outlook for the current season is positive, with increases to the forecast milk price and reducing interest rates,” Parker said.
A coroner is calling for greater awareness about the importance of farmers using lap belts in tractors, following two incidents in which men died after being thrown from their tractors.
Coroner Richard McElrea has released his findings into the deaths of Stewart Bath and George Lewis Williams, both of whom died after their tractors crashed on farms.
Mr. Bath, 59, died in an accident on his Roxburgh farm in Central Otago on November 22, 2012. He was driving a tractor with a trailer attached down steep terrain when the tractor rolled. Mr. Bath was thrown from the tractor and died from his injuries at the scene.
Then, on February 18 of last year, George Lewis Williams, 62, died when he was thrown from his tractor while navigating the tractor and trailer down a steep hill.
The big wets, the big drys, and large snows—Dairy Stock Solutions’ Dave Marsh has weathered them all in his years as a farmer and, later, as a stock agent. This season, New Zealand farmers are wrestling with highly variable weather conditions ranging from torrential rains to drought. Farmers in some areas are proactively destocking, with one Hawke’s Bay farmer disposing of 1,100 of his 1,600 ewes. With 25 years as a farmer, 15 years as a stock agent, and plenty of lived experience, it’s an approach that Ashburton-based Dave wholeheartedly supports.
“As a born and bred dairy farmer, originally from Northland with nine seasons at Mt Hutt in mid-Canterbury, I understand the droughts and the big wets. I like to think I assist farmers in making decisions by looking through their lens.
“My advice to farmers who are potentially facing drought is to be proactive. Don’t procrastinate—talk to your stock agent, who can tell you what the markets are doing.
“If you’re in a super drought, every morning get out of bed and make a decision. Now is a good time to act if your area is facing potential drought.”
Early destocking means farmers can take advantage of prevailing strong stock prices. Dave’s primary aim, he stresses, is to add value to farmers’ businesses. As an independent stock agent, his networks span the length and breadth of New Zealand.
“My networks include independents and agents from the majority of other livestock companies throughout the country, and I’m talking with them weekly,” he says.
“A lot of my deals are done with other leading livestock agents with whom I have forged strong relationships.” Currently, Dave says, the New Zealand market is in the unusual position of being quite short of big cattle, dairy beef, and Friesian bulls, so there is a challenge to find alternatives for farmers where they can still make a margin.
Dairy farmers are trending towards using sexed and more Kiwi cross semen, which means fewer bobby calves, he says, but leads to improved dairy herd genetics, allowing farmers to benefit from a consistent supply of high genetic worth heifers from their best performing cows.
“Often, the bottom percentage of their herds are now being mated to Wagyu, Charolais, and Belgian Blue to give them options for potential higher calf sale income through four-day-old and 100 kg calf sales. The results of this shift will mean that there will be fewer straight-bred Friesian bulls being bred.”
The focus for the remaining season is the buying and selling of in-calf heifers and dairy herds.
“Understanding what the customer wants and quoting them the right stock is critical,” he says. “As a stock agent, I work with buyers and sellers, so I know what the market is doing and can help them weigh up their options and make good business decisions.”
An increasing number of individuals and families have chosen to embrace a slice of the peaceful and picturesque rural life by investing in lifestyle properties, leading to a welcome surge in farm sales across New Zealand. This trend is indicative of a robust growth phase in the country’s rural real estate market.
Recent data released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) highlights some compelling figures, revealing a remarkable 26.5% increase in farm sales during the three-month period ending in September 2024.
Additionally, the sales of lifestyle properties saw a commendable rise of 11.8% during the same timeframe, suggesting a strong appetite among buyers for properties that offer a quieter, more nature-oriented way of living.
Throughout the year leading up to September 2024, a total of 928 farms changed hands. However, it is important to note that this figure represents a decrease of 150 farms sold compared to the previous year.
A notable trend in these figures is the reduction in the sale of dairy, grazing, and finishing farms, which saw a decline. In contrast, the market for arable farms experienced a notable increase, with 25.6% more arable farms sold this year compared to last, suggesting a growing interest in this segment of agricultural land.
When examining the financial aspects of these transactions, the median price per hectare for all types of farms sold in the three months leading up to September 2024 stood at an impressive $27,900.
This figure marks a substantial increase of 13% from the previous year, reflecting not only the rising demand for rural properties but also the overall health of the agricultural sector in New Zealand. Collectively, these trends illustrate a significant shift as more people seek the tranquility and lifestyle opportunities that rural living affords.