With the objective of growing her calves as efficiently as possible, dairy farmer Trish Rankin has changed from feeding whole milk only, to working to a nutrition plan that incorporated calf milk replacer. The benefits have both pleased and surprised her. She and husband Glen own Rankill Downs at Oaonui, Opunake. Milking 300 cows, the […]
Be aware and be proactive in adopting practical biosecurity measures when dealing with birds or poultry: these are things we can all do to help stop the spread of Avian Influenza in New Zealand. Limit contact with wild birds as much as possible: Wild birds are known carriers of AI and other diseases which can […]
The detection of Avian Influenza H7N6 strain marks a turning point for New Zealand’s poultry industry. While not as severe as the high-pathogenic H5N1 strain, the presence of avian flu in the country underlines the urgent need for poultry producers—whether small-scale farmers or large commercial operators—to strengthen their biosecurity practices. Avian Influenza (AI) is a […]
“Using Sprayfo didn’t cost us anymore… I think that’s because I was growing quality lambs – we had no vet bills, no issues in the shed.” One season rearing lambs with AgriVantage products, and Claire Walton is the biggest advocate for the range of science-based products. Claire and her husband Chris are equity partners in […]
Have you ever felt like you keep doing all the things you’re supposed to when it comes to rearing calves but there’s little change to your production levels or farm profitability? Of course, rearing calves is just like any other kind of animal agriculture: “We’re managing biology for profit.” So, how can we manage calf […]
Feeding calves more for earlier growth and development is better for lifetime productivity; that’s what Sam and Jo Spencer-Bower both learned and experienced by working with AgriVantage for the 2023 season. “We were referred to AgriVantage for their calf rearing expertise,” said Sam. “And it’s been a game changer. We implemented everything they recommended to […]
There’s a common misconception that calves should receive colostrum from their own mother (dam) or herd to ensure protection against any pathogens present on the farm where they were born. The fact is that high quality, whole, colostrum replacers will provide protection from diseases (anywhere in the world) and should be considered in any colostrum […]
12 months ago, Sonia Waddell trialled Stalosan® F in her horse truck. Today she sells it through her business, The Stable Door Equine, and counts racing stables amongst her biggest advocates for the product. The Stable Door Equine is in Ashburton, Mid-Canterbury. They stock and sell a range of quality equine products. The Waddell family […]
Roger Russell was a firm believer that whey milk replacer was an inferior product, and he wasn’t prepared to feed it to his calves – until he experienced first-hand the significant difference in the condition of his calves within days of switching to Sprayfo Blue calf milk replacer. Roger owns a bull farm at Ruawaro, […]
Profitable dairy herds are built on a foundation of continuous improvement in efficiency and output. Cows which produce more milk per kilogram of feed consumed will inevitably be more profitable than less efficient animals. Similarly, herds which have a lower replacement rate are more profitable than herds with a higher replacement rate because rearing replacement […]