Farm Dairy Assessment

Waikato farmers have spent years fencing waterways, retiring sensitive areas and planting native vegetation. Now, many are turning their attention to the next step: protecting those areas from invasive weeds.

Effective parasite management is essential to achieving strong growth in young cattle, but to be sustainable, strategic management practices alongside smart drench use are key to long-term success.

Your Co-op recently capped a big financial year with strong milk volumes, a $9.69 Farmgate Milk Price and a significant capital commitment.

With a potentially dry summer forecast, hybrid choice and planting timing are taking on more importance than usual.

With El Niño likely to bring dry, hot summer days, we need to prepare our dairy animals for the challenges ahead and help prevent trace element deficiencies.

From calf feed to fuel, everyday farm spend earns Farm Source Reward Dollars, and for these two families, it’s made a genuine difference beyond the gate.

As temperatures rise and routines come under pressure, many farmers look for opportunities to save time in the shed, improve cow flow or make milking easier on cows and people.

Feed planning, crops, cow condition and split calving all play a role on Owen and Hollie Clegg’s South Taranaki farms, helping them navigate summer while maintaining production.

It arrived over a century ago and sat quietly in the background. Today, yellow bristle grass is spreading fast through North Island pastures.

Summer pressures often show up through small changes: pasture quality starts to slip, feed demand begins to climb, water use increases and cows respond differently to changing conditions.

Two paddocks can carry similar pasture covers but deliver very different results in the vat. As summer approaches, pasture quality can influence milk production, feed costs and how efficiently cows convert feed.

For every cow showing obvious signs of facial eczema, there may be many more carrying hidden liver damage.

A herd average can look steady while a small group quietly heads in the opposite direction. Those cows may be telling you more about the season than the average could.

From culling much-loved cows to changing calf-rearing practices and being more careful about buying stock, Alannah Skedgwell and her family haven’t had an easy journey with Johne’s disease.

Just released for spring, Horizon Iodine Injection offers a new way to support iodine status before mating, helping set cows and heifers up for stronger reproductive performance.

Waikato farmer Margaret Davis was struggling with a high somatic cell count (SCC) issue, but an antibiotic resistance test combined with an animal health plan has put her herd back on track.

With El Niño conditions forecast for the coming season, many parts of New Zealand, particularly the North Island and eastern regions of the South Island, are expected to experience drier and potentially warmer than average conditions.

China’s bakery scene moves fast with new trends, new demands and new opportunities, and your Co-op has been keeping pace.

“Farming for me is a way of life, not a job.” That’s how Northland farmer Ian Whittaker sums up a lifetime on the land.

When pasture growth can change in a matter of days, having accurate information matters. West Coast farmer Brett McLennan shares how AIMER helps him stay one step ahead.

If you’ve looked at your farm’s greenhouse gas emissions footprint and wondered how that number is worked out, you’re not alone.

Bloat remains one of the most significant seasonal risks for dairy herds, particularly during periods of rapid pasture growth.

Front of mind at this time of the season is to prepare the herd for effective reproduction and achieve a strong milk hold.

Summer may be months away. But how your pastures carry you through summer is being determined right now, and with it your production of both grass and milk plus something else we simply can’t do without – clover.

It’s critical that governors with a deep affinity for rural communities continue to play leadership roles within the public and private sector organisations that serve our communities.

Andrew Kempson, General Manager Global Climate Policy, discusses why good-quality farm data does more than meet reporting requirements. It helps farmers make better decisions, benchmark performance, and create value across the Co-op.

When it comes to getting the most out of every spray application, preparation and product performance go hand in hand.

For many New Zealand dairy farmers, summer can be the period where potential cow performance remains high, but pasture growth and quality begin to decline.

Good calf health starts with the basics. For Canterbury farmer Rose Megaw, creating a cleaner, drier calf-rearing environment has become an important part of her overall calf management approach.

Making the most of your feed during wet weather often comes down to timing and small calls, adjusting to conditions while keeping cows comfortable and pasture intact for the next round.

Herbage testing can identify if micronutrient deficiencies are causing a decline in pasture productivity.

As cows hit peak lactation and milk volumes climb, a herd test can provide valuable insights into milk quality, cow health and herd performance, helping guide farm decisions for the season ahead.

Three spring checks that can help maintain pasture quality through summer. Technical Sales Specialist Russell Hamilton says clover can offer a window into the wider system.

Fuelled by growing global demand, the Co-op’s Clandeboye site notched up another record season of mozzarella, while investment is helping strengthen the site for the future.

Fonterra has partnered with Silver Fern Farms to build a beef-on-dairy excellence programme for prime steers and heifers, and we’re inviting farmers to join the team.

When it comes to ways to lift a farm’s production efficiency and lower its emissions intensity, reproduction is near the top of the list.

A cow’s body condition score isn’t just a measure of how she looks today – it’s one of the clearest indicators of how she’ll perform through the season ahead.

The calves being reared this spring won’t enter the milking herd for another two years, but their future production may already be taking shape. New Zealand research has found growth achieved before weaning can influence milk production, longevity and performance well into adulthood.

Volatile times mean being careful about inputs while striving to maintain profitability. Sounds like a challenge — but it doesn’t have to be.

When somatic cell count (SCC) problems hit during their first season, Canterbury sharemilkers Nicola Blowey and Simon Wakefield discovered the Co-op’s milk quality support went further than they expected.

Four years of research found plantain reduced nitrate losses without compromising milk production, giving farmers another option for balancing productivity and environmental goals.

Record milk price forecasts, growing farmer interest and confirmed South Island expansion are all signs the Co-op's organic programme continues to build momentum.

For many dairy farmers, the most valuable pasture growth occurs in late winter and early spring, when feed is limited and cow demand is increasing rapidly.

Making the most of winter feed often comes down to timing and small calls, adjusting to conditions while keeping cows comfortable and pasture intact for the next round.

The message at My Connect 2026 was clear: as the Co-op enters a new era following the Consumer divestment, it’s sharpening its focus as a global B2B dairy provider.

Ammonia is a typically overlooked performance thief in calf sheds – quietly and consistently chipping away at calf health, growth rates, and feed efficiency.

The first weeks of a calf's life shape future growth and performance. Alongside nutrition, teat design can influence feeding behaviour, milk intake and calf development.

Coming out of winter, many farmers are taking stock of how their system performed. Reviewing feed supply through to cow condition and what they might do differently next season.

When calves suckle each other’s developing udders, they damage sensitive mammary tissue. This behaviour is linked to higher rates of mastitis in first lactation and an increased incidence of blind quarters.

Andrew Kempson, General Manager Global Climate Policy, shares how global disruption is reshaping dairy supply chains, requiring flexibility across collection, processing, shipping and sales to keep products moving from farm to market.

Winter nutrient management isn’t about doing more – it’s about avoiding the wrong calls when margins are tight.

To secure valuable days-in-milk and minimise wastage, reproductive performance must achieve a strong 6-week in-calf rate and a low empty rate. The goal is simple: get as many cows in calf as early as possible.

Marc Jones and his wife, Nia, moved from Wales to New Zealand in 2016. They worked their way through dairy management and contract milking before stepping into the management of lease farms on the outskirts of Hamilton.

Calving has a way of revealing how well a season has been set up. Body condition score (BCS) offers a simple way to understand what’s working and where pressure may be building.

Growing up on a dairy farm, founder Liam Kampshof knew all too well that mastitis is just one of those headaches that never seems to go away.

Automatic, ad-lib and manual calf feeding systems are put to the test, revealing how early nutrition influences growth, labour demands, costs and longer-term productivity.

As calving approaches, dairy sheds across New Zealand are about to enter one of the busiest periods of the year. Milking frequency increases, pressure on equipment rises, and there’s little room for downtime once the season is in full swing.

When pasture is variable, consistent feed becomes critical. Supplementing with maize silage can help maintain energy supply so cows reach calving at target BCS.

Early preparation around sheds, feeding and routines helps take pressure off when calves start coming in thick and fast, and sets them up for a stronger start.

What if the minerals cows need most could come from the milk they produce? Country Mile M5 Forage Boost Mix shows how closing the loop can simplify nutrition in forage-based systems.

Pre-calving is a key time to focus on trace elements. Thousands of enzymes and metabolic functions rely on them.

You’ll know the fundamentals with in-calf heifers. As they return home, this is a timely reminder of a few key checks that help protect calving outcomes — and build the most productive milking herd possible.

For New Zealand dairy farmers, raising strong, healthy calves is essential for long term herd performance. Calves spend a large part of each day lying down or moving through their bedding.

As the dairy calendar turns towards the drying-off period, farmers face a critical window to safeguard herd health and prepare for a productive next season.

Funding for Fonterra’s customer-funded On-farm Solutions programme for 2025/26 has been fully allocated, with thousands of Co-op farmers participating in the initiative.

With pasture resilience as important as productivity, the Co-op’s Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm in Taranaki is trialling diverse pastures and integrating biochar to strengthen soils and help reduce emissions.

Dairy rubberware works hard in every shed, yet problems often go unnoticed. Early identification helps prevent gradual performance loss, protecting milk quality, udder health and milking efficiency.

Strong beef markets and a new dairy beef partnership are opening fresh value for Fonterra farmers, starting with smarter sire choices that turn non-replacement calves into consistent, high-quality beef.

Good weed control starts with good conversations. This farmer testimonial shows how local knowledge, timing, and trusted advice help turn autumn weed pressure into a manageable part of the system.

As the 2025/26 season ends, we need to consider if milking on now could be at the cost of next season’s production – especially for cows that are not at or above target body condition.

Did you know that lameness can cost the average New Zealand dairy farm $15,000 per year?

The Co-op’s Price Risk Management service offers farmers options for gaining certainty over a portion of their income.

Dairy farms are businesses built on continuity. When power fails, losses escalate quickly – from milk quality and animal welfare impacts to staff pressure and rising costs.

When James and Melissa Barbour took ownership of their South Waikato farm in June 2022 after 15 years of sharemilking, they had a clear idea of the direction they wanted to take it.

As Fonterra looks to expand its successful organic business, the Co-op has confirmed that from 1 June 2026 the conversion and utilisation incentives that are paid to farmers converting to organic will increase.

Autumn dry-off sets the platform for the season ahead. With spring-calving herds transitioning out of milk, a well-planned dry period protects udder health, supports milk quality and helps cows hit the ground running next lactation.

Animal wellbeing and the duty of care are high priorities for New Zealand farmers. To achieve longevity in our herds, and increase cow selection flexibility, trace element and mineral nutrition must remain integral to the farm’s best practices.

Choosing the right ryegrass for autumn renewal is often about managing risk as much as lifting production.

As autumn bites, youngstock growth can quietly slip. Getting weight, parasites and nutrition right is the guardrail that protects lifetime performance.

Effectively managing dairy cow body condition throughout the season is fundamental to herd health, maximising reproductive performance and optimising milk solids production.

Making the most of the autumn bump in pasture growth rates without jeopardising spring might sound easier said than done.

Producing more home-grown feed has never been more important for dairy farmers. With rising input costs and increasing pressure on pasture performance, the foundations of good, weed-free, dense, and high-quality swards will deliver real value on-farm.

Predicting the trends of the beef calf market for non-replacement calves can be complex, but what if you could have a guaranteed market for your non-replacement calves before mating has even begun.

In the early autumn, there is a lot of pressure on trying to build pasture feed reserves while you increase grazing round lengths. This can affect your ability to build cow condition or extend milking.

Fonterra is partnering with The South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2026 to support the event and inspire South Island dairy leaders through practical learning, innovation and capability building.

With autumn around the corner, many farms start feeling the pressure. The focus shifts to protecting body condition score (BCS), maintaining milk production, and building enough pasture cover for winter.

When Cyclone Gabrielle tore its way through parts of the North Island three years ago, Fonterra farmers Trevor and Angela Corbin lost a large piece of their land to the elements.

Getting more from homegrown feed is top of mind for many dairy farmers. One of the simplest and most effective ways to increase feed production is to improve clover establishment and management in perennial pastures.

Taking a more proactive rather than reactive stance on milk quality is key to creating dramatic improvements in somatic cell counts (SCC) on-farm says Southland farmer Louie Alonzo.

Waikato farmer Josh Goodhew of Drumlea Farms knows when he needs good advice or experienced technical expertise on-farm, he can call up Farm Source’s Hamilton-based Technical Sales Representative Brett Wallace.

Upgrading your milk chilling system is about more than just compliance. It’s also about cutting running costs, reducing repairs, protecting every litre of milk you produce, and keeping your farm sustainable for the long term.

Fonterra’s new Carbon Removals Tool recognises farmers for the positive impact their farm planting has in reducing emissions, supporting the Co-op’s climate goals and driving value in the global market.

Your latest Farm Insights Report gives you a more accurate picture of your overall herd’s breeding worth.

Your latest Farm Insights Report gives you a more accurate picture of your overall herd’s breeding worth.

It’s the question Alastair Nelson and his Ruminate team face the most at this time of year.

A practical look at maintaining milk quality when summer conditions test on-farm systems.

Organic dairy farming is gaining momentum in New Zealand, with farmers like Michael and Merryn Ashton leading the way.

Facial eczema (FE) remains a seasonal risk for many New Zealand dairy farms, particularly as warm, humid conditions persist through late summer.

As summer heats up, so does the risk of facial eczema, a hidden threat that can quietly reduce milk production, affect fertility, and increase culling.

The Co-op has joined forces with local catchment group Waipā Rere Noa in a new project to eradicate weeds from our farms.

Over an action-packed 16 days, a group of 39 Fonterra farmers travelled around China to learn more about where their milk goes and enjoy must-see sights.

Fonterra farmers Paulette and Brian Johns got to experience the Co-op’s biggest international market and were impressed.

On the farm, water is life. We all notice the big assets – tanks, troughs, pumps, and pipes – but it’s the small, unseen fittings that keep these systems working day in, day out.

It may be summer, but there’s still a high chance of rain – it’s New Zealand after all. When the weather turns wet, farmers will no doubt be keeping a close eye on effluent ponds.

A silent thief of milk production and heifer growth, facial eczema (FE) is a damaging yet often overlooked liver disease affecting cattle in New Zealand.

Innovation has long been part of the Co-op’s DNA. For more than a century, it’s found new ways to make the most of every drop of milk. Today, that commitment is being accelerated by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

Heading into summer, farmers around the country will be watching their pastures start to sprout seed heads and flowers.

Buying into a farm is a major milestone for any farmer, and the farm must be run as efficiently as possible to ensure all owners see returns quickly.

As we head into another potentially hot summer, now is the perfect time to put plans in place to help manage risk. For dairy farmers, water management plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, productive, and profitable cows.

Which is your favourite milk tanker? April, September, November?

It’s been five months since the Co-op expanded its Fixed Milk Price programme, and farmers are adopting the new services on offer.

When it comes to maintaining milk quality and production throughout the year, many factors come into play.

Installing a new culvert isn’t just a matter of digging a trench and dropping in a pipe.

As a Co-op, we’re now well on our journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on-farm.

Spring-sown brassicas, such as kale, rape, swedes and turnips, play a vital dual role on-farm: they provide a high-quality, homegrown feed buffer when pasture is limited, and they pave the way for more productive new pastures in autumn. But to unlock their full potential, early and expert crop management is essential.

Milk quality is a top priority for every dairy farmer. Yet managing bacterial grades and somatic cell count (SCC) can be challenging.

Sometimes the solution to a challenge is right under your feet.

A group of farmers and Fonterra staff were given a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to explore the journey our milk goes on from pasture to international market.

Improving pasture planning and including clover can boost utilisation, milk solids, and farm efficiency.

Do you want a 10% increase in your farm’s 6-week in-calf rate? Of course, but how? By stopping the lameness cycle for better reproductive outcomes.

Research shows that lame cows are up to four times more likely to have extended calving intervals, with each case costing $500–$800 in lost production and fertility impacts (DairyNZ, 2020-21).

If you’re wondering how your farm’s tracking in comparison to others in the sector and where there could be room for improvement, check out your latest Farm Insights Report.

Farming through Waikato’s dry spells takes more than hard work—it takes trusted partners.

How are you tracking compared to your mating goals?

Weaning is a period of a lot of change for calves.

When it comes to making the most of summer feed, farmers Sanjay Singh and Aaron Fisher have turned to a crop that’s earned its place on their farms – Choice chicory.

It’s widely known that the ‘4Rs’ of good fertiliser management – applying the right fertiliser product in the right place, at the right time and rate – can help to increase fertiliser use efficiency.

Shortcuts are not always a good thing when it comes to producing profitable, high yielding crops and more homegrown feed. But what about a shortcut that actually helps do a better job?

Liveweight data can help on-farm, from identifying underperforming stock to making more informed breeding and feeding decisions.

Vats around the country are filling up with milk as cows reach peak lactation post-calving. It’s a particularly busy time in the farming calendar, but amid the chaos, there are still opportunities for reflection.

As the Co-op looks to strengthen its business-to-business (B2B) channels, Foodservice continues to play a key role in driving value across the organisation.

Co-operative business models form a major part of New Zealand’s economy.

Pasture eaten is the foundation for profitability on dairy farms. The more pasture your cows eat, the more milk you produce, and the healthier your bottom line.

As dairy farmers look to reduce costs and improve sustainability, summer crops like chicory are offering more than just feed – they’re becoming part of the nutrient efficiency solution.

While winter brought a pause in production at the Co-op's local manufacturing plants, it was still full steam ahead on the ground.

Co-op Programme Manager (Environment) Louise Cook shares industry research into the connection between lower emissions and profitability.

Spring is upon us, and paddocks around the country are filled with frolicking calves. A farm’s calf management can impact the future production potential of its herd.

A great mating season can gear up the farm for a productive year ahead and beyond.

Lower somatic cell counts with proven practices for a strong season ahead.

When farmers hear the words market activity and regulation, understandably, most just think “compliance”. The underlying reason for why we request certain behaviours or data is often lost.

To ensure calves grow to become healthy, productive members of the future herd, they need to have the best possible start in life.

AgResearch’s Senior Scientist from the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s Animal Nutrition and Physiology Team, Ajmal Khan takes us through ways to boost milk yield and herd performance.

Larmona Farm’s Jared Crawford and Chris Fisher share the benefits of the On-Farm Efficiency Service with their Sustainable Dairying Advisor.

The New Zealand Prime Minister, along with nearly 100 of your Co-op’s customers recently celebrated the New Zealand Government’s launch of the New Zealand Dairy Grass-Fed Administrative Standard in China.

Milk quality drives profitability on-farm. The Co-op is renowned for its high-quality milk production, and our farmers continually strive to improve.

Taking proactive steps to ensure optimal cow health following calving can improve her chances of cycling again and maintain milk production.

Spring 2024 fertility results have been released, showing a slight improvement across various aspects of reproduction on the previous season.

On-farm, it’s easy to focus on the day-to-day running of the business and neglect to take note of how the business is functioning as a whole.

Calving is a busy time for farmers, but the quality of care your calves receive early on has a big impact on how quickly you can wean them and how well they perform.

Keeping a watchful eye on body conditioning score throughout the season has paid dividends for Waikato farmer Byron Bird.

The transition period is critical to ensuring healthy, in-calf cows are ready to work for you the following year.

Organic milk is in demand - nationally and globally, and it is starting to outstrip supply. The Co-op has 110 farmers in its organic programme, and there is opportunity to grow.

Dairy Holdings Ltd, one of Fonterra’s largest milk suppliers, has made a significant move toward sustainability by transitioning its farms to Coolcare milk chilling units.

Sales of the Co-op’s Organics milk solids have risen more than 25% and farmers have had a record payout. We investigate what is driving the growth and how more farmers can enter this lucrative market.

Discover how to optimize your autumn sowing for better homegrown feed results. Get expert tips and advice from NZ Farm Source to boost your farm's productivity.

Discover how to optimize your autumn sowing for better homegrown feed results. Get expert tips and advice from NZ Farm Source to boost your farm's productivity.

Discover how to optimize your autumn sowing for better homegrown feed results. Get expert tips and advice from NZ Farm Source to boost your farm's productivity.

Taking the time now to plan your dry-off will help later in the season and beyond.

Discover how to optimize your autumn sowing for better homegrown feed results. Get expert tips and advice from NZ Farm Source to boost your farm's productivity.

Discover how to optimize your autumn sowing for better homegrown feed results. Get expert tips and advice from NZ Farm Source to boost your farm's productivity.

Discover how to optimize your autumn sowing for better homegrown feed results. Get expert tips and advice from NZ Farm Source to boost your farm's productivity.

Discover how to optimize your autumn sowing for better homegrown feed results. Get expert tips and advice from NZ Farm Source to boost your farm's productivity.

Discover new insights on controlling salmonellosis in dairy farms to improve herd health and productivity with NZ Farm Source.

Farmers know all too well the impact biosecurity breaches can have on farm. The Co-op has always taken a proactive approach to biosecurity and is encouraging farmers to take a closer look at their practices on farm.

New Zealand has more than 86,000 hectares of certified organic land, producing upwards of $700 million worth of product.