Farm Buzz
Innovation & industry announcements in NZ
Bookmark this page and check back regularly for practical farming articles, expert insights, real-world case studies, and our popular 7-Day Series. Dairying by Design NZ brings together informative content designed to help New Zealand dairy farmers stay informed and ahead of the herd.
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New research gives cows a fertility boost
New research is helping New Zealand dairy farmers improve cow fertility through genetics, pregnancy diagnosis and wearable technology to lift herd productivity.
Serious Animal Welfare Failures Lead to Lifetime Ban for NZ Farmer
A Rangitīkei farmer has been banned from owning animals after serious welfare failures led to the deaths of more than 140 livestock. The case highlights the critical importance of feed, condition monitoring, and timely intervention on New Zealand farms.
Drying Off Cows in NZ: How to Prevent Mastitis This Season
Learn how to dry off cows effectively in New Zealand dairy systems to reduce mastitis risk and improve herd health next season.
Two heifers – two countries – two shows – two Junior Champions – two days
The Hansen family pulled off a rare double—winning Junior Champion titles in both New Zealand and Australia within 24 hours. After success at the Oxford Show, they raced to Sydney to witness their partnership heifer, Lightning Ridge TR Victorious Toffee, claim top honours at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
chase your dreams at ferdon
Join The Ferguson Family April 22,2026 in Otorohanga, NZ
68 Elite Lots of Jerseys, Holsteins and Ayrshires will sell!
FROM DUST TO DESTINY
After 19 Premier Breeder titles at International Dairy Week, Tandara Genetics will host its first Brown Swiss sale on March 6 in Dingee, Victoria. Featuring IDW champions, Excellent-classified cows, and elite production records, “Diamonds in the Dingee Dust” offers 50 top-tier Brown Swiss lots.
DairyNZ research in action: mitigating heat stress
DairyNZ scientists are in the final stages of an on-farm trial at DairyNZ’s Scott Farm in the Waikato to test common mitigation measures and assess their return on investment.
DairyNZ announces Milksolids Levy vote
Dairy farmers are encouraged to have their say on whether to continue with a Milksolids Levy in the upcoming vote, which opens on Monday 16 February 2026. Industry-good organisation DairyNZ holds the vote once every six years.
Attention on winners…
From Supreme All Breeds to youth triumphs, NZ DairyEvent delivered standout champions, big teams and unforgettable moments across every breed.
Stronger Than Steel: Quinn Steiner’s road to recovery
After a near-fatal car accident in Canada, young Kiwi Quinn Steiner’s recovery journey has united the global dairy community in support.
Dairy Women’s Network and NZAgbiz join forces to strengthen calf rearing knowledge across New Zealand
Operating as an independent business within the Fonterra family, NZAgbiz specialises in manufacturing and supplying dairy-based animal nutrition products, including milk replacers and supplements.
Federated Farmers warns of ‘water tax’ risk
Federated Farmers says while it supports the intent of the Government’s resource management overhaul, a deep dive into the draft legislation has revealed some serious concerns.
Most concerning are provisions allowing freshwater rights to be auctioned, tendered, or levied - effectively enabling freshwater to be taxed, says Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper.
When Hay Gets Wet: How to Salvage Rain-Damaged Hay and Still Make It Pay
Learn how to manage wet hay after rain, reduce spoilage risks, and turn rain-damaged hay into valuable feed using practical on-farm strategies and smart storage tips.
Canterbury farm monitoring shows huge environmental progress
Data showing Canterbury farmers have made giant strides on environmental performance under a farm plan model highlights the worth of that tool, Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst says.
Generators are the one thing you don’t need - until you need them
Generators are the one thing you don’t need…until you need them
No-one argues that generators are important. The problem is they aren’t important all the time. That is until recently.
Hot Cows, Grumpy Girls, and the Summer Slump
Heat stress quietly chips away at milk, fertility and welfare on NZ dairy farms. Learn how to spot it early and manage heat stress with practical, pasture-based solutions.
The Role of Hay and Silage in NZ Dairy Systems
Hay and Silage Cultivation: A Practical Guide for New Zealand Dairy Farmers
Reliable supplementary feed is critical to the success of New Zealand dairy systems. While pasture remains the backbone of most farms, hay and silage play a vital role in managing seasonal feed deficits, protecting pasture covers, supporting cow condition, and improving resilience during dry summers or wet springs
Emerging Farm leader required
DairyNZ is giving New Zealand farmers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on governance and leadership experience within the dairy sector.
Federated Farmers names new chief executive
Federated Farmers has appointed Mike Siermans as its new chief executive.
Siermans has been the organisation’s interim CEO since September last year, following Terry Copeland’s departure after seven years in the role.
𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 - 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚...
We're excited to present the SUMMER SENSATION ALL BREEDS SALE 2026 catalogue for your viewing pleasure.
There is so much to be excited about within these pages, and we encourage you to delve into it and enjoy the potential buying opportunities.
Another story has emerged
Keep popping back to see the latest feature articles, industry news and rural insights.