Is New Zealand Culling Hard?

Anecdotal reports of “heavy culling” on New Zealand dairy farms are fuelling expectations of lower production for the coming season.

Dairy giant Fonterra has forecast a drop of 2-3 per cent, caveated to possibly be greater, setting the tone for the industry as it heads into its flush period. read more

Lower farmgate prices, the equivalent of 12 pence per litre down on last year, have been the starter’s gun for some analysts predicting a fall of 10 per cent, said levy board Dairy Australia in its fortnightly report.

A spokesperson said “deteriorating expectations” for the New Zealand 2015/16 season are offering “some hope” of market fundamentals improving.

New Zealand Meat Board figures reveal weekly cow slaughter in late August over 100 per cent higher year on year.

South Island cow slaughter was 259.9 per cent higher for the week ending 15 August.

This has supported gains in beef production ahead of the pace of prime slaughter.

Total cattle slaughter has been running well ahead of last year’s monthly figures, with Beef and Lamb New Zealand forecasting the trend to run into August and September.

UK Dairy Day

One of the biggest agricultural events in the UK farming calendar took place in Telford this week. 

Promar International's top analyst told farmers processors can do for them and what the indsutry needs from farmers. 

Mobility scoring is all too important, found a study investigating foot trimming around calving and the subsequent effect on lameness.