DairyNZ researchers have mapped regions where cows are most at risk from rising temperatures, and are developing resources to help farmers mitigate the effects of excessive heat load on their animals, which can impact feed intake and milk production.

After two years exploring extended lactation to reduce peak workload and non-replacement calves, the Extended Lactation project has added a commercial farm alongside the existing farmlet trial.

The strength of New Zealand dairy farming is in making the most of pasture grown on farm. Refocusing on the basics, measuring covers, tracking leaf emergence, and using this to set rotation lengths, helps get the best from pasture.

For over a decade, DairyNZ has invested science, policy and farm system expertise into Waikato Plan Change 1 – helping to create practical, fair rules for farmers.

Lye Farm, one of DairyNZ’s research farms near Hamilton, uses purpose-built facilities, specialised feeding equipment, and trained cows. These facilities enable trials of new approaches under pasture-based farming conditions typical of New Zealand.

Northland farmers at the sharp end of climate change are putting their experience and knowledge to good use, working with DairyNZ and partners to develop pasture mixes that will underpin hardy and sustainable farming systems for a changing climate.

Getting on top of lameness starts with spotting it early and acting fast. Record cases to understand what’s happening, benchmark against others, and bring in external eyes to support your team and keep cows on track.

Some of our key dairying catchments are under pressure, and farmers are stepping up. The Sustainable Catchments programme is about working together to speed up environmental improvements and protect the health of local waterways.

Gareth and Hayley Lewis are among 49 farmers Dairy Holdings has helped to own a farm of their own. They share the lessons learnt along the way.

Consultation on new freshwater regulations has now closed, but not before DairyNZ strongly advocated for more workable rules to meet both environmental needs and the realities of farming.

A study of 150+ dairy farms found big differences in workplace productivity. DairyNZ is now working with 10 case study farms to explore what drives those differences — and how to improve.