20% Drop in Nitrogen Fertiliser Use on Dairy Farms
Dairy farms in New Zealand have recorded a roughly 20% reduction in nitrogen fertiliser use over the past few years, reflecting a combination of regulatory limits, higher input prices and changes in farm management practices. According to a report by the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand, mandatory reporting on fertiliser use and an annual cap…
Making contract rearing a ‘win-win’ for all involved
Contracting out heifer rearing offers many benefits once both parties take time to draw up a tailor-made agreement that covers all the potential scenarios that can arise, Collaborative Farming Specialist at Teagasc, Ruth Fennell shares the key details. Cuts to organic nitrogen stocking rates, difficulties sourcing land to lease, high land rents and labour shortages…