Wearable technologies (such as cow collars) are becoming a popular tool for assisting with reproductive management. In 2025, around 1 in 5 dairy farms are using wearables , mostly to help with heat detection, a factor in getting cows in calf.

Lameness in New Zealand's dairy herds is primarily caused by five types of hoof lesions. This page shows what each looks like, which claws are affected, and the main risk factors. Understanding how they occur helps ensure the health of your herd.

Fodder beet is a crop with high yield potential, offering many benefits for dairy farming, including adding body condition to cows and having less environmental impact than other feeds. It must be managed correctly to ensure the health of your cows.

Fodder beet is a feed option for cows that requires careful planning to avoid health issues such as acidosis. Before feeding it, you should measure your crop yield and test the leaf and bulb to determine its nutritional content.

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.

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.

Facial eczema (FE) is a disease caused by a toxin from a fungus in pasture, predominantly in late summer and autumn. It can cause liver damage, skin irritation, and a drop in milk production.

Leptospirosis is a highly infectious bacterial disease affecting humans and most mammals. It is a significant human health risk causing flu-like symptoms or severe ongoing illness.

Discover how well-planned tree planting on farms can provide livestock shelter and prevent soil erosion while enhancing biodiversity, water quality, and pollination.

Join us as we chat with dairy farmer and farmer-elected DairyNZ board member Cam Henderson about his journey from the farm to boardroom.

Tune in to Episode 80 of Talking Dairy, where DairyNZ Senior Scientist Dawn Dalley shares 15 years of research and practical tips to help you manage and ensure your cows thrive during the challenging winter months.

Read how, Owl Farm revisits their mating programmes and farm setup to look at how they can improve calf-rearing practices.

Heat stress can negatively affect dairy cows in many ways. DairyNZ is researching methods of identifying when heat stress might occur to help farmers manage their herds and lessen its impact.

Read how, each year the New Zealand Super Fund (NZSF) Rural Land portfolio, managed by FarmRight revisits their mating programmes and farm setup to look at how they can improve calf-rearing practices.

Winter preparation for cows is key to their health and productivity. Ensure they're in good condition, as fat acts as insulation. Group dry cows based on their condition and calving date, enabling tailored feeding and protection from dominant cows.