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Chief Science and Innovation Officer

Farmers often ask what, when, and how to feed their cows. The Feedright programme and resources were created to answer these questions and separate fact from fallacy.

Plantain is a herb that grows in New Zealand and is liked by animals, with a fibrous and coarse root system. This page discusses its various uses on dairy farms.

Looking for information on milking three times in two days? This research programme will investigate the human, animal and pasture response to milking three times in two days (3-in-2).

Providing the right amount of high-quality colostrum as soon as possible after birth, is the best thing you can do for your calves. High quality colostrum provides energy and important maternal antibodies that help newborn fight disease.

Milk feeding strategies play a key role in giving calves the best start, supporting their growth, health and wellbeing from day one. Choosing the right system will ease the demands of calf rearing and set your calves up for a productive life.

Understand what El Niño could mean for your farm and region, with practical advice to plan early, manage feed and water, protect animal welfare, and use tools and support to prepare for changing conditions.

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.