Cocksfoot is a resilient pasture grass, ideal for dry conditions and resistant to many pests. Though its feed value is typically lower than ryegrass, it supports summer growth in dairy pasture mixes, especially in drought-prone areas.

Choosing the right supplement for your dairy farm requires careful consideration of factors such as energy content, cost, storage, wastage, and feeding logistics.

Peter and Joc Kinney are dairy farming near Culverden. The dairy farm has an effective milking platform area of 310 ha. At the start of the FRNL programme this was 95% irrigated, at a stocking rate of 3.8 cows/ha.

Welcome to DairyNZ's Lye Farm. Home to world class udder health and intensive indoor nutrition research.

The Southern Dairy Hub was established in response to Southland and Otago farmers wanting dairy challenges in the region to be addressed through local research and demonstration.

Eric and Maxine are arable farmers from Wakanui. They were part of a network of farmers in Canterbury who contributed to the direction of the FRNL research, influenced priorities, shared experiences and provided a practical check to research.

Welcome to DairyNZ's Scott Farm, home to research on effective farming systems for dairy farmers, with particular relevance for pasture-based Waikato farming.

Brent and Maryn are arable farmers from Mayfield. They were part of a network of farmers in Canterbury who contributed to the direction of FRNL’s research, influenced priorities, shared experiences and provided a practical check to research.

Blair and Amie Kirkland are sheep and beef farm owners from Parnassus. 

Choosing the right plant species and cultivar is essential for optimising pasture life, feed availability, and your profit. Match these to your farm's specific conditions like climate, soil, and pests.

Missed milkings due to power cuts or extreme weather events can be managed with minimal negative impacts on milk production. DairyNZ research indicates that cows in mid-lactation can tolerate delays, but early lactation cows require more care.

Bill and Shirley Wright are sheep and beef farm owners from Cave. 

The regulations set rules which apply to feedlots and other stockholding areas such as feed pads, stand-off pads, winter pads and loafing pads.

Huntly Road Dairies Ltd, an equity Partnership operated by Duncan & Anne-Marie Wells is a high-performing farm, with strong governance and supported by attention to detail, both on the farm and in the office.

This high input, highly stocked farm, depends on effective feed monitoring, efficient effluent management and improving herd fertility for success.

Paritea is one of eight Ngāi Tahu dairy farms at Whenua Hou, Eyrewell. Ngāi Tahu Farming is committed to best practice and continuous improvement in the cultural, social, environmental and economic outcomes of its operations.

Postgraduate student research projects focus on making farms more efficient and sustainable while improving animal welfare. These scholarships enable recipients to focus on their studies and foster professional connections within the sector.

Grant and Jan Early are dairy farmers from Mayfield. The dairy farm has an effective milking platform area of 375 ha.

Table to Calculate Value of Feeding Supplements to Dry Cows for Condition Score (BCS) Gain

Senior Scientist