Heavy rain is an unavoidable part of farming in New Zealand, but the long-term effects of pasture pugging don't have to be. Careful planning, flexible grazing strategies and protecting soil structure can help dairy farmers minimise damage, safeguard production and speed pasture recovery once the weather improves.

Every extra lactation a dairy cow completes can significantly improve farm profitability. From breeding and nutrition to transition management and lameness prevention, here's how New Zealand farmers can build herds that stay healthy, fertile and productive well into their later years.

Mastitis is more than a treatment event. The hidden costs of reduced production, increased labour and lost cow performance make prevention one of the most valuable investments in dairy herd management.

Should dairy calves stay indoors all winter? This article explores when healthy calves can safely enjoy fresh air, winter sunshine and outdoor play, and why careful timing can improve welfare, immunity and development on New Zealand dairy farms.

Introducing calf starter at the right time is essential for healthy rumen development and successful weaning. This guide explains when to offer feed, what type of calf meal to choose, and how early nutrition sets New Zealand dairy calves up for lifelong productivity.

Good hygiene is vital during calf rearing, but can calf feeders become too clean? This article explores the balance between preventing disease and allowing calves to naturally develop resilient immune systems, drawing on practical on-farm experience and current understanding of calf health.

The right calf housing and bedding provide the foundation for healthy, fast-growing replacement heifers. From ventilation and drainage to straw, wood shavings and deep bedding systems, discover what works best for New Zealand dairy farms while balancing comfort, hygiene and practical management.

Effective hygiene is essential on every dairy farm, but can calves benefit from some exposure to everyday microbes? We explore the balance between sanitising dairy sheds, maintaining milk quality, and supporting healthy immune system development in young calves.

Growing up on a New Zealand farm offers children lessons that can't be taught in a classroom. From resilience and responsibility to teamwork and a deep respect for the land, discover why rural life continues to shape capable, confident adults and why the greatest harvest any farm produces is the next generation.

The first day of a calf's life is the most important. From colostrum and warmth to navel care and reducing stress, those first 24 hours lay the foundation for a healthy, productive dairy cow. This final article in our seven-part calf rearing series explores why getting the basics right from the very beginning pays dividends for years to come.

Behind every successful farming business are people working together through early mornings, long days, financial pressure and unpredictable seasons. While farming couples are experts at managing cows, grass and budgets, managing the relationship that holds everything together can sometimes be the biggest challenge of all.

Strong milk payouts and record livestock prices are helping New Zealand farmers reduce debt, according to new Federated Farmers and Reserve Bank data. Agricultural lending has fallen by $1.4 billion over the past year, while farmer satisfaction with rural banks has reached its highest level in eight years. However, the arable sector continues to face significant financial pressure amid weak grain prices and rising production costs.

Probiotics are becoming a valuable tool in calf rearing, but timing matters. Should they be introduced while the calf is still developing in utero through the cow's diet, or only once the calf is born? We explore the science and practical application for New Zealand dairy farmers.

Most major farm expenses don't begin with a catastrophic failure. They begin with a small compromise, a delayed repair or a decision to save a few hundred dollars. Here's why the cheapest option today can become the most expensive decision you'll ever make.

Cows thrive on routine, yet modern farming often demands change. From altered milking times to new gateways and unfamiliar machinery, even small disruptions can influence behaviour, milk production and herd wellbeing. Understanding why cows dislike sudden change could make life easier for both farmers and their animals.

Every vehicle, visitor and contractor enters your farm through the same gateway. But could your farm entrance be quietly costing you money? From unnecessary maintenance to poor first impressions and safety concerns, your entrance says more about your business than you might realise.

Providing quality accommodation has become one of the most important investments a dairy farmer can make. While housing can help attract and retain great staff, concerns over property damage and maintenance continue to make many farm owners think twice.

World Dairy Expo 2026 returns to Madison, Wisconsin, from September 29 to October 2, bringing together the world's leading dairy breeders, producers, researchers and innovators. Discover the latest dairy genetics, cutting-edge technology, international trade opportunities and educational seminars from the industry's most influential global event.

The rain may have stopped, but the recovery is only just beginning. In Part Two of When the Rain Just Won't Stop, we explore practical strategies for restoring pasture after prolonged wet weather, repairing soil structure, managing nutrients, improving drainage and building greater farm resilience. Discover how careful planning, sound pasture management and smart infrastructure investments can help New Zealand dairy farmers recover faster and prepare for future seasons with confidence.

Weeks of relentless rain can quickly turn productive dairy paddocks into saturated, vulnerable grazing areas. This practical guide explores proven strategies for protecting soil structure, maintaining cow health, reducing pugging damage and keeping farm performance on track during prolonged wet weather.