Only four days to go and we’re into autumn! While March 1st may mark the beginning of autumn by conventional reckoning, the true onset of the season is signaled by the autumn equinox. This celestial event not only marks the transition from summer to autumn but it also holds significant implications for dairy farmers across…
“Relief Staff Will Need To Be Employed”
There can be a power imbalance when a farm owner and potential contract milker or sharemilker sit down at a table to negotiate their contract, still both parties will benefit more from a fair negotiation. A contract milker or sharemilker is usually eager to lock in the job so they may be willing to sign…
“We Play A Really Pivotal Role”
As a dairy farmer for 22 years, Michelle Ruddell knows the challenges of navigating through the highs and lows of farming. And, as the new national chair of Rural Support Trust, she also knows the importance of one-on-one support provided to farmers and growers experiencing tough times. Ruddell took over the chairmanship in September. She…
Why Choose Relief Milking?
Relief milking is not only a valuable service within the dairy sector, but it can also be a profitable and fulfilling trade for those who are committed and skilled. Let’s have a peek at the various benefits in selecting relief milking as a vocation. Flexible Working Hours One of the primary advantages of relief milking…
“We Have Less Wastage”
Waikato farmer Dave Muggeridge was fed up with water seeping in through his maize silage cover and spoiling feed. About 17.5ha of maize is planted on the farm and around 350 tonnes of maize harvested and stored in a bunker as feed for 330 Friesian cross cows. He came across an article on GeoSmart Eco…
“Every Bite Of Feed Needs To Count”
Waikato dairy farmers are well-placed heading into the peak of summer, thanks to favourable growing conditions late last year that resulted in abundant onfarm feed reserves. However, with warmer, more humid days ahead, SealesWinslow national sales manager Ryan Scholes advises farmers to focus on balancing cow diets and making strategic feeding decisions to keep cows…