Country-Wide December 2015

The December issue of Country-Wide finishes the year as we started – packed with top farm management stories and advice. Beginning in the December Country-Wide is a two-part special looking at onfarm health and safety that includes expert advice as well as information from farmers who already have plans in place. Also in this issue, a consultant explains how dairy conversions can still stack up even at a payout of about $5kg of milksolids depending on the system used. We also have stories on top sheep and beef producers, including Dannevirke couple Brenda and Grant Massie who produce easy-care, two-tooth replacements for other farmers. Clients include Hannah and Sam Morrah whose Hawke’s Bay operation also features in this issue. Young Country is again packed with inspirational stories including people working with dairy goats, bull beef and mussels. Even when busy it pays to take time and smell the flowers. We did with Otago daffodil grower Al Brown who features in our Community section. Canine cuisine Fuelling your farm’s canine labour units for optimum performance can involve a food-fight around data, claims and manufacturers’ assertions. Country-Wide’s annual dog food guide digests the latest information. Big country, big business  Tony Plunkett is witness to the benefits foreign investment brings to New Zealand farming businesses on the central Canterbury hill-country sheep, beef and deer operations he manages for the Hawaii-based Erdman family.  Plantain hits and misses Results from plantain are encouraging some farmers to grow more of the high-production herb while others are rethinking their expectatio