Are your calves reaching their potential? Discover what the research says, hear from a farmer who changed their system, and find out more about practical options to boost growth and choose what works for your farm.

In typical New Zealand dairy herds, faulty milking equipment is estimated to cause as many as 40-50% of new clinical mastitis cases. Over an extended period, poorly functioning milking machines cause teat damage and increase the risk of infection.

Dry cow treatment should be administered with careful preparation, strict hygiene, and good aftercare to protect cow health and prevent mastitis. Before treatment, cows should be clearly identified and equipment prepared so the process runs smoothly.

Mastitis generally falls into two categories: environmental and contagious. Good milking routine, teat spray and hygiene reduce contagious spread. Clean, well-managed sheds, dry bedding and managing cow traffic help minimise environmental exposure.

Farming can be an amazing job – but it can also be stressful and demanding. Discover how to spot the signs of burnout and stress, how to stay well, and where to find help when it's needed.

Planning and preparing for dry-off is essential. It is important to undergo careful planning, proper execution, and good follow-up to protect cow health, improve efficiency, and ensure the herd is well prepared for the next lactation.

Somatic cell count (SCC) measures the number of white blood cells in milk and is a key indicator of mastitis. Bulk milk SCC measures the overall cell count in the vat. Monitoring both allows you to detect problems early and manage SCC effectively.

Any person who owns or controls stock must follow the stock exclusion rules. Stock must be excluded from rivers, lakes and wetlands within certain timeframes depending on the type of stock, slope, and intensity of grazing.

Healthy teats are the first line of defence against mastitis. If you get teat health right, somatic cell count, milk quality, and cow health get a lot easier. This page outlines what good teat health looks like, and how to fix poor teat health.

As a veterinarian in the dairy industry, your insights help shape resilient, profitable and sustainable farm businesses. To support your work, we offer apps and resources designed to help you analyse, plan, and support farmers with confidence.

If you're a rural professional discussing breeding decisions, herd management, or seasonal planning, this section of the website is for you. It will give you practical support to strengthen relationships and add value at every step.

Strong advice underpins confident on‑farm decisions. In this episode, hear what sits behind great rural advice and how connection, capability and shared learning help advisors better support farmers in a fast‑changing sector.