As May arrives so does more rain especially in the south and some pastures have utilization and pugging issues managers will be wary of.
Growth rates are now back to late autumn early winter levels as more and more cows get dried off and move to winter feed.
Big numbers of boner cows are now being sold at Temuka as the land use changes appear at the saleyards and farmers cull inefficent cows and replace with younger superior animals with better genetics.
Calving covers need to be worked out now and feed budget planning organised so the new season starts with plenty of covers for the new milking herd.
The suggestion of an end of year party seems a good one so that staff can celebrate what went well this year and set new goals for next.
Advisers are warning managers they should take care in grazing new pastures as good husbandry and weed control now, will develop strong growth for years ahead.
New infant milk formula rules introduced by China have put many smaller companies at risk for future trade with that country but focused those that were successful on the importance of food safety with their product.
Synlait is the largest company to miss the rule changes but are confident once they finish updating their canning capacity, trade to this important market will resume.
Auction prices fell again on increased volumes but commentators suggest the bottom is near although with the currency stubbornly high Westland has already lowered the payout forecast to $7.60-$7.90/kg ms and Fonterra may do the same.
Oceania prices have eased with the auction and now all commodity products except cheese are at yearly lows as increased world production affects price levels.
French dairy giant Danone has bought into New Zealand’s milk processing sector by buying two existing companies, one in Auckland and one in Balclutha as they look to secure and grow their Nutricia infant formula business.
The Dairy NZ levy vote is before farmers who will decide whether they renew funding to this organization that has extension, research and environmental responsibilities for the dairy sector.
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