News & Advice

Guest author Frances Coles is a South Canterbury farmer and long-time supporter of Meet the Need, with first-hand experience of the difference food donations make to Kiwi families. Is there anything more satisfying than being able to help someone out without having to go out of your way or do something extra special? If you’re […]

Wearable technology provides dairy farmers with a constant stream of information on rumination, activity and health. However, having more data does not automatically make decision-making easier. Without meaningful interpretation, the volume of information can quickly become overwhelming. The real value lies in turning that information into practical management decisions. Identifying a transition challenge Last season, […]

A 2024 Manawatū trial across six farms found that lambs treated with SMARTShot B12 generally grew faster than untreated lambs, with measurable responses on five farms and growth differences of 0.4 kg to 1.4 kg by the second weigh event. The findings suggest SMARTShot B12 may help finish more lambs earlier, reduce parasite pressure and […]

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) can quietly reduce herd fertility, productivity, and profitability long before obvious clinical signs appear. Regular monitoring, strategic vaccination, robust biosecurity, and early identification of persistently infected (PI) animals are key to preventing losses and protecting herd performance. BVD is a common but complicated disease. The production and reproductive costs of the […]

Calving is now upon us, and, while it is hard to think very far forward when you are in the mire of breaking in new heifers, you should already be thinking about mating and how you can maximise conception rates. Transition management sets the foundation Transition management is a key first step, and a well-considered […]

What is it costing your business? Johne’s disease remains one of the most significant and costly diseases affecting New Zealand dairy herds. While DairyNZ estimates the national cost at $44–80 million annually, the real question is: what is it costing your own business? The challenge is that many of the losses caused by Johne’s disease […]

The story behind Ashburton’s new clinic is bigger than a building. It is a modern chapter in one of rural New Zealand’s smartest community models.  Construction fencing has gone up at Vetlife Ashburton. Older parts of the site are being cleared, access is changing and the scale of the work is now obvious to anyone […]

BE IN TO WIN A GALLAGHER™ ENERGIZER MBS100 MULTIMAINS, BATTERY AND SOLAR UNIT* Purchase your seasonal pre-lamb clostridial vaccines and go in the draw* •Ultravac® 5 in 1 – 500 ml •Ultravac® 5 in 1 Sel – 500 ml •Ultravac® 5+1 B12 – 500 ml •Ultravac® 5+1 Se B12 – 500 ml. Protect your flock […]

According to Vetlife veterinarians, maintaining a healthy weight and supporting joint health are the most effective ways to keep pets mobile and comfortable as they age. In our experience across New Zealand clinics, gradual weight gain and subtle stiffness are very common but often missed early. If you notice your pet slowing down, a simple […]

Mooving Day is a major date in the New Zealand dairy calendar, bringing farm ownership changes, contract transitions, and livestock movements across the country. Careful planning helps protect animal welfare, support staff, and ensure compliance. Use this practical Mooving Day checklist to stay organised and minimise risk.   What Mooving Day means for your farm […]

As winter tightens its grip, feed quality and availability drop, just as stags are coming off a nutritionally demanding period, and as hinds are heading into an increased requirement for foetal growth as well as setting themselves up for lactation during summer. Even when bodyweight does not change much through winter, the right balance of […]

With dairy payouts almost as good as they have ever been, and demand for stock inflated by a current burst of conversion activity, stock prices are similarly near all-time highs. Calves are, of course, no exception, so it makes sense to do what you can to ensure the calves born on your farm get off […]