For the best outcome at calving time, know the signs and stages of labour, how to calve a cow, and the immediate care needed after calving. Check springers regularly to help identify the signs of labour, ensuring timely interventions if needed.

Planning and preparing for calving with your farm team will reduce stress when calving is in full swing and will help keep everyone safe and healthy. Spend time with your team prior to calving to create a plan that works for everyone.

Clean and comfortable calf sheds help create a nurturing environment for calves, reduces the risk of disease and encourages high growth rates.

Give calves the best possible start to set them up for a long, productive life. Maintain routine hygiene and health practices from birth, such as regularly cleaning feeders, limiting movements between pens, and following a vaccination plan.

In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore the Resilient Pastures programme - a new research initiative tackling pasture persistence problems. Hear how farmers, scientists and funders are working together to find lasting, practical solutions.

Senior Regional Policy Advisor

Head of Policy

Palm Kernel Extract (PKE) is a by-product from South East Asia's palm oil industry and is mostly used when pasture is scarce, as it has reasonable levels of energy and protein content.

Clinical ketosis is a metabolic disease in cows, occurring when they are in severe negative energy balance, particularly during early lactation and may occur as a secondary condition to other health challenges the cow may be experiencing.

The transition period in a cow's life requires precise feed management to ensure health and optimal milk production. It’s important to set BCS targets, monitor those targets and adjust your feed budget as required, especially pre- and post-calving.

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a bacteria that affects cattle, impacting their health, welfare and productivity. If your farm is affected by M. bovis, there's support available, including financial assistance.

The Emissions and Profitability Project is a study aimed at better understanding the relationships between physical farm performance measures and profitability, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Resilient Pastures programme is a seven-year initiative focusing on enhancing pasture performance and persistence on dairy, sheep and beef farms across the upper North Island.