Home News & Publications News Archive News Archive 07 Sep 2010 Top herds mating yearlings to AB A greater proportion of dairy farmers whose herds are in the 10%... 02 Sep 2010 Young guns make the team 30 Aug 2010 LIC calls for science students 26 Aug 2010 Love of farming turned two years into 35 After 35 years with LIC, Christchurch Herd Test Field Technician, Andrew Garrod says he has no plans to retire. 24 Aug 2010 GST changes from 12.5% to 15% on 1 October 2010 23 Aug 2010 PGP funding heralds new era for dairying 17 Aug 2010 Setting the record straight - LIC responds to claims from Liberty Genetics The claims made by Liberty Genetics (in a release to all rural media) have a hollow ring - selective use of data and superficial analysis are routine tactics from companies losing ground in the market, but the comments questioning the integrity of directors and staff of DairyNZ, NZAEL and LIC have set a new low, and the implied conspiracy theory is simply not plausible. 02 Aug 2010 Genetics provide solution to inducing dairy cows Reducing the need to induce dairy cows has been on the agenda of New Zealands leading genetics company for 10 years. 02 Aug 2010 Children answer the call of Calf Club The start of a new farming calendar heralds the arrival of lambs and calves around the country and the start of preparations for a much loved rural New Zealand tradition – calf club. 30 Jul 2010 Year end result reflect market Farmer cooperative, Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) today announced its annual results for the final year ending 31 May 2010. 27 Jul 2010 Ruakaka farm girl sings for the nation New Zealanders love it when Tammy sings and so do her cows 13 Jul 2010 You have to have the 'Bulls' to do it Ngakuru, south of Rotorua, is home to the Brown Family and their once-a-day dairy farm 09 Jul 2010 Top breeder aims for more success A focus on equity growth and a "level playing field" has been key to success for a young Waikato breeder, who is putting much of his faith in DNA technology. 08 Jul 2010 Solid foundations for the new generations Blowing up the stumps of Kahikatea and Rata trees was part of their daily ritual, a practice that continued until the early 1950s. 17 Jun 2010 Heat detection - easier than it's ever been The potential for heat detection to be easier and more accurate than it’s ever been is on the horizon with the launch of an innovation called EZ Heat at 2010 Fieldays in Hamilton. 11 Jun 2010 Scholarship assists identification of predisposition to mastitis For the past three years, the study of mastitis has been a major focus in the life of PhD student Nicoline van Loenen leading to the development of a model which could identify biological or genetic markers associated with mastitis and which can simulate disease profiles. 26 May 2010 Good management practices deliver profit and lifestyle for Taranaki farmer 26 May 2010 Following Fonterra's forecast announcement, LIC quick to reassure farmers of nil price increases Farmer cooperative Livestock Improvement was quick to support a call from Fonterra Chairman Henry van der Heyden for farm suppliers to hold prices, reassuring dairy farmers that LIC will hold prices at their current levels until at least 1 June 2011. 26 May 2010 LIC purchases Waikato dairy farm to be centre of innovation 24 May 2010 'Golden oldies' hang up their boots After a lifetime in the dairy industry... 14 May 2010 Farmers cautioned to check feed levels at changeover 13 May 2010 ACCOLADES FOR TARANAKI BREEDERS 13 May 2010 Accolades for Bay of Plenty breeders 13 May 2010 Accolades for Manawatu bull breeders 13 May 2010 NORTHLAND BULL BREEDERS 13 May 2010 Accolades for Waikato breeders 13 May 2010 Accolades for Hamilton bull breeders 13 May 2010 Accolades for Southland bull breeders 13 May 2010 Accolades for West Coast bull breeders 12 May 2010 'High Noon' – the Champion bull that almost wasn't 11 May 2010 Spruced up and in Mint condition When your favourite pastime is rolling in mud... 10 May 2010 Contribution to NZ economy and dairy industry recognised 05 May 2010 Leader of the pack steps down A dairy bull which paved the way for a new breed back in 2004, is stepping down from active service leaving a legacy worth millions of dollars to the dairy industry. 05 May 2010 Technologies fast track Taranaki farmers Harnessing the latest research and technologies is fast-tracking one Taranaki dairy herd to being one of the best in the country. 03 May 2010 Swapping rural roads for air miles David Latham has clocked up more than two and half million kilometres and collected more than a few million milk samples over the 40 years 23 Apr 2010 Technology checked out at Roadshow Tahuna farm owner Kathy Mills was among the 150 or so Waikato farmers to check out the latest technology on offer from herd improvement company, Livestock Improvement (LIC) when the LIC Technology Roadshow stopped in Hamilton on April 20. 25 Mar 2010 Farmer roadshow comes to regions Ever been curious about a product, but unable to get past the salesman to try it out? 24 Mar 2010 New advocate for Northland dairy farmers 19 Mar 2010 One hundred years - 200,000 pregnancies 16 Mar 2010 Experienced hands take up FarmWise reins 04 Mar 2010 Long summer dry brings diverse challenges for Northland farmers The long summer dry has delivered a round of challenges for Northland farmers – drought, lower pasture growth, facial eczema spore counts on the rise – and now crickets. 04 Mar 2010 Life’s easier with the wave of a wand 04 Mar 2010 Demand is growing for an Artificial Breeding Technician service described, by many farmers, as the top of the line 19 Feb 2010 Technology checks out in the shed The same technology that is used to scan and read our grocery items as they wiz through the checkout is set to become common place in our dairies – farm dairy sheds that is. 19 Feb 2010 Barcodes aid dairy farmers 11 Feb 2010 LIC announces half year result to 30 November 2009 Farmer owned cooperative, Livestock Improvement (LIC) has announced underlying earnings of $19.9 million for the six months to 30 November 2009. This compares to $25.4 million for the same period in 2008/2009. 08 Feb 2010 Farmers opt for less volume to deliver more profit Producing excellent milk at lower cost 03 Feb 2010 Consider compatibility before committing 03 Feb 2010 Working clever Work smarter, not harder, says Kaikohe dairy farmer Tony Liefting, 22 Jan 2010 Northland voice for farmers Waimate North (Northland) farmer, Michael Cook, now represents the voice of Northland dairy farmer shareholders on the Livestock Improvement (LIC) Shareholder Council. 22 Jan 2010 Profitable and progressive - dairying in Northland Northland used to be considered one of the more challenging regions of New Zealand in which to be dairying 22 Jan 2010 Weather conditions put cows at risk Recent rain across much of the North Island, though very welcome for many farmers, has raised the potential of disease among animals. 28 Dec 2009 Thousands of pregnancies credited in 54 year career 28 Dec 2009 Automation means less time, more quality, in farm dairy In one step, Northland dairy farmers Graeme and Carol Cotton, have increased the quality while reducing the quantity of the time spent in the farm dairy. 21 Dec 2009 Farmer CEO - "dairying's in the blood" 07 Dec 2009 Cows found in Central Auckland Blink and you’ll miss them, but nearly 4,000 dairy cows live... 07 Dec 2009 Dairy statistics released for 2008-2009 The New Zealand dairy industry is showing signs of strong recovery... 07 Dec 2009 Hurunui herds rank highest Hurunui dairy herds on average produce more milksolids than any other herd in New Zealand. 07 Dec 2009 One third of all dairy cows are in the South Island 07 Dec 2009 Taranaki cows highest producers Taranaki cows are the biggest dairy producers of milkfat, protein and milksolids in the country. 07 Dec 2009 South Auckland region - the heart of dairying 04 Dec 2009 Check your bull power before it is too late 04 Dec 2009 A lifetime of experience - Justin Rivers, LIC AB Tech for 50 years Getting cows in calf is the most critical aspect of any dairying operation 24 Nov 2009 FAMILY FARMS UNIQUE ABILITY TO RETRENCH DURING DOWNTURN 13 Nov 2009 Payout gives farmers flexibility 13 Nov 2009 Sexed semen and genomics deliver dream product For many years the dairy farmer wish list has been dominated by the desire for more heifer calves sired by top bulls out of their best cows. 02 Nov 2009 Herd improvement software key to good mating management - Waikato vet 02 Nov 2009 Your herd in your hand 19 Oct 2009 GROUND BREAKING RESEARCH UNDERWAY Ground breaking genomic research is underway to gain better understanding about a disease which, each year, costs the livestock industry in excess of $80 million. 19 Oct 2009 Three Ps in dairying success The basics of dairy farming come down to the three Ps 19 Oct 2009 Hundreds compete in Junior Art Competition Hundreds of would-be Picassos, Renoirs and McMahons have had their pictures exhibited 15 Oct 2009 Tough farmers tough it out 13 Oct 2009 'New' breed dominates popularity stakes 13 Oct 2009 Fix the feeding, get the breeding 12 Oct 2009 Canterbury and West Coast cows 08 Oct 2009 Dairy farm productivity has exceeded the productivity growth in every other sector of the New Zealand economy. 08 Oct 2009 LIC cards on the table for National Dairy Core Database review 08 Oct 2009 Annual Meeting - Chief Executive's Address 07 Oct 2009 LIC bulls dominate All Breeds Ranking of Active Sires List LIC Bred bulls currently dominate the Ranking of Active Sires (RAS) list - 9 of the top 10 Holstein Friesian, 7 of the top 10 Jerseys and 9 of the top 10 crossbred bulls. 01 Oct 2009 City children benefit from rural innovation A snip of the scissors has turned an everyday item into one suited to rural and urban pursuits. 23 Sep 2009 FINETUNING DAIRY BUSINESS CONTINUES DESPITE (OR PERHAPS BECAUSE OF) DOWNTURN 22 Sep 2009 Reproductive performance sorted at seminars FarmWise dairy farm consultants held a series of three, well attended, on-farm Mating Management seminars 15 Sep 2009 Awards and accolades for new mobile application A new mobile application for dairy farmers has, within days of its commercial launch, won two Awards at the TUANZ Innovation Awards 04 Sep 2009 Collaboration by Silver Fern Farms and LIC to deliver optimum Two of the leading players in New Zealand agriculture – Silver Fern Farms and Livestock Improvement (LIC) – have jointly developed a pilot programme 01 Sep 2009 Mating management 'sorted' at seminars This season has thrown farmers some challenges both environmentally and financially. 01 Sep 2009 ART COMPETITION FOR RURAL CHILDREN An art competition has been launched for rural children who participate in calf or agricultural days. 01 Sep 2009 Palmerston North company sponsors rural art competition Palmerston North plastics manufacturer, Stallion Plastics*, is co-sponsoring the 2009 www.calfclub.co.nz art competition for rural children, providing 20 of its calf feeders to the top contestants. 25 Aug 2009 GOALS REMAIN, DESPITE DOWNTURN, FOR SHAREMILKERS OF THE YEAR 18 Aug 2009 Crunch time for dairying approaches Crunch-time for dairy farming, beyond 2009, is just around the corner 18 Aug 2009 In the business of keeping farmers in business Most Dairy farmers will tell you - the most important person to step foot on farm each year is the AB technician 13 Aug 2009 Monitor the basics for a successful spring By FarmWise Consultant for the Manawatu/ Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay region, Dean Edwards 11 Aug 2009 Southland farmers told to stick to the basics Sticking with the basics could be the difference between stress and success this spring 08 Aug 2009 Farmers, feed and fertility Southland farmers are being urged to spend time and money getting their cow condition to the level it needs to be to ensure they get in calf this spring. 03 Aug 2009 Concentrate on getting cows through calving Many farmers do not have the pasture to get them through calving 23 Jul 2009 LIC record result means $12.75 million dividend for dairy farmers LIC delivers record tax paid profit of $24.7 million for 2008/09 year 22 Jul 2009 Economy low - attendance high The downturn of the dairy industry during the 1980s had the opposite effect on a rural institution 20 Jul 2009 Geneticist comes home to head Animal Evaluation Unit For the past four years (nearly) Rachel Wood has been living and working in County Cork 20 Jul 2009 Milk vat provides answers to animal disease Farmers can now detect the presence of a disease, which has the potential to severely impact on farm profitability 17 Jul 2009 Farmers must take control of their finances New Zealand dairy farmers must take back financial control of their farm operations and control spending in order to survive 15 Jul 2009 Triplets - what’s the odds? Triplets in the bovine world are rare 15 Jul 2009 Good Bull? Mint Fairmont Mint-Edition, a member of LIC’s Premier Sires and Alpha Nominated Holstein Friesian team, has won the New Zealand Holstein Friesian Association’s (NZHFA) Mahoe Trophy. The Mahoe Trophy, an annual award, recognises the New Zealand bred bull, whose proof has earned the most points for daughter production, conformation, and management. Robyn Faulkner, NZHFA Councillor for Manawatu/Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa presented the 2009 Mahoe Trophy to Wendy Harker, NZHFA Councillor for the Waikato region, she received it on behalf of the breeders, Barry & Linda Old, from Morrinsville, at the 2009 NZHFA Conference Awards evening (June 17). Currently number one on the RAS (Ranking of Active Sires) List, with a BW (Breeding Worth) of 284/84, Fairmont Mint-Edition is also ranked second for udder overall, at 1.11 BV (Breeding Value) and has an overall opinion of 0.68. LIC markets Fairmont Mint Edition in New Zealand and internationally, and expects him to be very popular this year. 09 Jul 2009 Dairy specialist relocates to Invercargill Bryan Anderson is the newest member of the FarmWise Consulting team in Southland 07 Jul 2009 Coop gesture winning favour with farmers Livestock Improvement’s gesture of support for its farmer clients and shareholders, is winning favour from farmers, for the content of the package as much as the sentiment behind it. 25 Jun 2009 Wellington Hawkes Bay herd tester comes out on top Wellington Hawkes Bay Herd Test Technician, Rosie Jackson, has been named the LIC Herd Tester of the Year, 2009. 23 Jun 2009 Not just any mum, not just any calf He may be a bull calf without a future in the herd but, to his mum and the dairy industry, he’s pretty special – the first DNA Proven calf to be born in New Zealand. 17 Jun 2009 Best information in, best information out, best decisions made. Chris and Teresa Moore 11 Jun 2009 Prime Minister launches centenary of herd testing The Prime Minister, Hon John Key, officiated at the launch of the centenary of herd testing 04 Jun 2009 A significant milestone will be celebrated by the dairy industry on 9 June 2009. The milestone is 100 years of herd testing 18 May 2009 Day celebrates breeders of elite dairy sires Recognition of the contribution dairy farmers make to the genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herds was celebrated in Hamilton this week. 20 Apr 2009 Commitment to animal traceability more than rhetoric Peter Baileys commitment to animal traceability is more than rhetoric 06 Apr 2009 Hundreds of Taranaki farmers answer call to unlock their potential The challenge to unlock their farming potential saw more than 300 Taranaki farmers and rural professionals gather at the Inglewood Rugby Club on Wednesday 1 April. 01 Apr 2009 Herds at home or away? Taranaki farmers are undecided whether to send their herds away for winter, or keep them at home. 30 Mar 2009 Simon says: 'Increase production' “West Coast farmers are missing out on a fair chunk of production,” according to the newest member of LIC’s nationwide team of dairy farm consultants, Simon Pontin. 27 Mar 2009 Farmers challenged to unlock their potential A respected group of dairy industry experts are coming to Inglewood to challenge Taranaki dairy farmers to unlock their potential. 20 Mar 2009 Understanding Ryegrass - key to successful pasture management Dairy farmers, spending time actively managing pasture will, at the end of the day, save dollars 20 Mar 2009 Importance of condition scoring as season end nears Relationship of dairy cow condition to profit 13 Mar 2009 'Fit farmers' employ sound reason Paeroa farmers David and Lee-Ann Sharp have been called competitive, determined and driven by the people who know them and that’s probably because they excel in everything they do. 13 Mar 2009 Student awarded for stretchy solution Putting the tent away at the end of a camping trip is set to become a lot less of a chore thanks to an innovative invention developed by a 12-year-old Matamata school student. 09 Mar 2009 A day of firsts in Irish history History was made in Ireland on February 27, 2009, with the arrival of DNA Selected genetics. 09 Mar 2009 Keeping Farming Financial: The big picture is needed With dairy farmers facing Fonterra’s payout structure changes and reduced payout, it is vital finances are revised/re-evaluated and equally important is to not lose sight of the Big Picture. 27 Feb 2009 Profitable season within reach for proactive dairy farmers New Zealand dairy farmers who take a proactive, as opposed to a reactive, approach should still have a profitable season. 18 Feb 2009 Keep your head above water, don't bury it in the sand Leading dairy farmers share strategies on managing through the recession 17 Feb 2009 Love on the farm A Te Awamutu Grandma proves it’s never too late to find romance 13 Feb 2009 LIC has delivered a record result for the first six months of the 2008/2009 season. 29 Jan 2009 Breeding Worth the currency of the dairy industry The cooling of the (dairy cow sales) market has highlighted the capital value advantages of well recorded, high BW (Breeding Worth) cows – confirming that BW is the currency of the dairy industry. 22 Jan 2009 Kiwi cows lead the way New Zealand dairy cows are among the most efficient, and fertile, in the world. 20 Jan 2009 Cash farming the focus for the next two years Dairy farming in the next two years must be about farming for cash, according to an industry expert. 28 Dec 2008 Hamilton company named Most Improved large Business in the 2008 JRA Best Places to Work Survey Livestock Improvement (LIC) was named the Most Improved (large) Business in the 2008 JRA Best Places to Work Awards held in Auckland last night. 23 Dec 2008 Do not let a poor CV cost you that dream job looking to advance your career with a change of employment in June now is the time to brush-off your CV in readiness for job interviews. 20 Dec 2008 Dairy statistics released for 2007-2008 15 Dec 2008 Tough times strengthen demand for herd testing The dip in the dairy payout is resulting in growth in demand for herd testing - the analysis of milk samples. 10 Dec 2008 EU approves new collection centre The EU has officially approved the new, purpose-built collection centre developed by Livestock Improvement (LIC) for the supply of semen to the UK and Ireland. 24 Nov 2008 Children, calves and community come together Children, calves and the Kaipara community came together recently, as they do about the same time every year for a very special event – Calf Club. 06 Nov 2008 It’s a long way to Tipperary Bay of Plenty Livestock Improvement (LIC) District Managers John and Sue Cliff will not be ‘A Long Way from Tipperary’, but for the next two and a half years they will be a long, long way from home. 06 Nov 2008 Winning devotion Pukekohe 11- year-old, Emma Harvey, adores her Holstein Friesian calf Trixie Belle and it would seem the feeling is mutual – she led beautifully on their big day. 04 Nov 2008 First for prestigious Meat & Wool Cup It was a trifecta win for Scottsman Valley Gelbvieh breeders at the recent Waikato World A & P Show. 03 Nov 2008 New technology hits speed bump One of the three bull teams selected using new Genomic Selection technology has been replaced by farmer co-operative LIC due to a slide in Breeding Worth (BW) evaluations. 03 Nov 2008 Miss Waikato is a real dag To be the winner of a beauty contest a girl expects to be judged on her physical and personality traits, however, contestants in a new Miss Waikato competition will also be judged on their potential reproductive performance. 26 Oct 2008 Good mating management doesn't stop when AB has finished Spring is a hectic time of the year and there is always a feeling of relief once AB has finished but after all your hard work, another few weeks of effort will definitely payoff. 23 Oct 2008 Increase bull power for higher in-calf rate Insufficient bull power or poor bull management equates to less pregnancies says the manager of a national farm consultancy group. 08 Oct 2008 AI drives on-farm productivity It’s a fact, there is less testosterone on New Zealand dairy farms - the bull kind that is. 08 Oct 2008 LIC Annual Meeting, Chairman’s Address 08 Oct 2008 LIC Annual Meeting, CEO’s Address 08 Oct 2008 Record performance for dairy co-operative The 2007/08 year was a record one for dairy farmer owned co-operative, LIC (Livestock Improvement). 08 Oct 2008 Farmer coop adds $100m to shareholder balance sheets The share structure introduced by dairy farmer owned co-operative, LIC (Livestock Improvement) in 2002, then modified in 2004 and 2008, has put around $100 million onto shareholders’ balance sheets, according to LIC Chairman, Stuart Bay. 08 Oct 2008 KiwiCow moves up popularity stakes A dairy industry leader today predicted that the crossbred, or KiwiCross, cow will become the dominant breed of dairy cow in New Zealand 08 Oct 2008 Dairy leader calls for Government support The Chairman of dairy farmer cooperative, LIC (Livestock Improvement) has called on any incoming Government to strongly support the most important area to our national economy – food production. 08 Oct 2008 One of dairying's 'great Governors', steps down LIC independent director, Graham Fraser retires 29 Sep 2008 Get CloseUp to LIC's launch of DNA Proven genetics 25 Sep 2008 Want to Improve Your Mating Performance? Feed 'em Right 23 Sep 2008 From obscurity to poster girl Until now, Cow 90 has been obscure – just another (albeit highly valued) member of Stu Lyons 240 cow herd at Glenbrook, south of Auckland. 23 Sep 2008 First DNA insemination - like winning the lottery Owning the first cow in New Zealand to be inseminated with semen from a bull selected from its DNA is, according to Glenbrook farmer, Stu Lyons, like winning the lottery. 22 Sep 2008 Northland Farm Consultant cautions against premature jubilation as weather dries out Dave Blackwell, is cautioning farmers against jubilation now the weather has stabilized. 15 Sep 2008 Farmers urged to stop silent killers at the gate Bulls coming onto farms for natural mating over coming weeks are potentially silent killers, if untested for the cattle disease commonly known as BVD 03 Sep 2008 Increase in fertiliser price hits farmers Fertiliser prices for the staple ingredients like Superphosphate and DAP have nearly tripled in price (or worse) in the last two years – with some of the other blended ingredients for our common mixes increasing nearly ten-fold. Prices rose sharply in early September, and indications are that they will increase again in December this year. 22 Aug 2008 Mud the only thing growing on waterlogged Northland farms Mud is the only thing growing on Northland dairy farms right now and with one of the most important times of the year only 6-7 weeks away, farmers are being encouraged to act now. 18 Aug 2008 Timing of computer win couldn't be better for Wanganui farmers Winning a Dell Inspiron 1720 Laptop and All-in-One Dell Colour Printer from LIC couldn’t have come at a better time 08 Aug 2008 Demand for dairying documents grows Demand from the legal fraternity, for two of the most in-demand documents for dairying, is growing. 04 Aug 2008 Some of our smallest animal lovers are making serious decisions The start of a new farming calendar sends many signals, and not all to adults. Right now some of the smallest animal lovers are making some pretty serious decisions. 04 Aug 2008 LIC announces record performance for 2007/2008 Dairy farmer owned co-operative, LIC (Livestock Improvement) today announced underlying net earnings of $8.7 million for the 2007/08 year 21 Jul 2008 Double surprise for Outram farmer 21 Jul 2008 Three F's in farming At this time of year, there are three Fs in farming 16 Jul 2008 Hamilton scientist wins prestigious science award 07 Jul 2008 New Zealand's first Herd Test graduate Gayel Berghan is the first person in New Zealand to achieve the National Certificate in Dairy Farming 03 Jul 2008 Premier Sires win Premier Awards LIC Premier Sires, Holstein Friesian, Valden HI Applause-ET S2F and Jersey, Donalds Edify, have, in the last few weeks, each been awarded the ultimate breed award by the respective organisations. 01 Jul 2008 Shareholders endorse changes to LIC Constitution Shareholder endorsement will see LIC introduce changes to its Constitution with effect from 1 July 2008. 27 Jun 2008 Demand for herd recording grows 27 Jun 2008 Taranaki herd tester comes out on top Peter Burnnand has been named the LIC Posca Herd Tester of the Year 27 Jun 2008 Will and Ann Nettleingham SPS Farmers of the Year 2008 16 Jun 2008 Farmer co-operative Directors returned in shareholder election 12 Jun 2008 DOME WOWS THEM AT FIELDAYS 04 Jun 2008 DNA Sire proving, one more step in the evolution of bovine genetics LIC (Livestock Improvement) recently completed a country-wide roadshow, talking about the latest evolution in bovine genetics – the ability to identify elite sires, as yearlings, based on their DNA. 03 Jun 2008 Hawera is THE place to be for Hofmann Taranaki is, says new LIC FarmWise Consultant, Louise Hofmann, a good place to be. 20 May 2008 Technologies combine for greater efficiency on farm Farmers increasingly use pregnancy scanning information to help tighten the calving/fawning/lambing window. 16 May 2008 New kid on the block makes it to the top A bull representing a new breed of dairy animal, has made it all the way to the top. 14 May 2008 Female breaks into male domain A female has broken through what’s been, until now, an all-male domain 14 May 2008 ACCOLADES FOR NEW ZEALAND BREEDERS The contribution dairy farmers from around New Zealand have made to the genetics... 14 May 2008 MINDA08 - Farmer wish list realised The new release of a herd recording program used by the majority of New Zealand dairy farmers, is a virtual wish list of what farmers have been asking for. 04 May 2008 Farm Consultant plans to make a positive difference 01 May 2008 Farmers turn up in numbers to National roadshow The district’s farmers turned out in numbers last night to hear about the biggest advance in dairying for more than 50-years. 29 Apr 2008 Its make or break time for Waikato farmers Its May and -make or break time- for Waikato farmers 22 Apr 2008 Advance will change dairying forever The biggest advance in bovine genetics for more than 50 years will be in farmers’ hands this spring. 14 Apr 2008 Farmer coop share structure evolves The Board and Shareholder Council of farmer cooperative, Livestock Improvement (LIC), are proposing modifications to its share structure to address issues around discounted share price and to remove barriers to entry. 09 Apr 2008 Search on for pre 1970 Herd Testers and farmers It’s nearly 100 years since New Zealand dairy farmers began assessing and comparing the performance of their herds and Livestock Improvement (LIC) wants to talk with the people involved in herd testing in those early years. 02 Apr 2008 LIC ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR RESULT LIC, has announced an operating revenue of $89 million for the six months to 30 November, 2007. 25 Mar 2008 New technology delivers extra pair of hands, onfarm What every farmer wants is an extra pair of hands – ready, waiting to spring into action when needed. 14 Mar 2008 Farmers advised to act now to avoid potentially fatal disease in their herds Rainfall, after prolonged drought, puts a smile on farmers faces - but also raises the potential of animal disease, warns the Manager of a national farm consultancy service. 12 Mar 2008 Staff at Hamilton company raise more than $70,000 for charity By dressing down once a month, staff at one Hamilton company have raised more than $70,000 for charity in less than 10 years. 12 Mar 2008 Southern farmers - good with numbers It seems Southern farmers are pretty good guess-timators. 07 Mar 2008 LIC joins ranks of elite ACC accredited employers Farm improvement company LIC has joined the ranks of elite ACC accredited employers. 05 Mar 2008 Farmers face another animal health risk post rain Don’t play Russian Roulette with your animals life. 03 Mar 2008 Science student gains more than a scholarship Twenty-two-year-old Amy Horrell says she has always been interested in agriculture and animals – she grew up on a sheep and deer farm in Canterbury - her passion however is science. 26 Feb 2008 Hamilton woman takes TUANZ reigns A business’s contact centre “oozes with information” and is one of its most “vital strategic tools,” says newly appointed chairperson of TUANZ (Telecommunications User Association of New Zealand) Contact Centre Committee, Megan Lacy. 25 Feb 2008 Science student wins scholarship Former Akaroa High School student Erin Quinn-Walsh says though she grew up in rural Canterbury she knew nothing about farming. 15 Feb 2008 Drought doesn’t have to spell disaster The driest summer in 100 years means the usual farming rules need to be amended according to FarmWise Consultant Bridget Ray. 11 Feb 2008 Software a tool to sustainability Farmers are utilising a computer software program to manage their environment, at the same time generating more efficiency and profit. 04 Feb 2008 Farm leasing platform for improvement Making the move from 50/50 sharemilking to farm leasing has given John and Diane Baldie the freedom to grow their herd, put them in control and maximise their profits. 30 Jan 2008 Farm automation makes milking and animal handling 'a walk in the park' Mario Arnold, Farm Manager for Bruce and Helen Donald, describes milking in the revamped rotary shed as ‘a walk in the park’ - at any time of year. 23 Jan 2008 New GM appointed at Livestock Improvement Newly appointed General Manager of Livestock Improvement Pty, Ltd Australia, Guido Jakschik says both the opportunities and challenges for the Australian dairy industry are huge. 22 Jan 2008 More calves, no bull There was a lot less work available for the average dairy bull this year. 16 Jan 2008 TECHNOLOGY DELIVERING RESULTS The volume of information Mathew Weake takes with him each day onto the farm would take a tractor to pull it – were it not for a palm pilot in his top pocket. 18 Dec 2007 LIC purchases 2% of National Milk Records (NMR) NMR is the largest milk recording organisation in Europe providing milk recording and dairy software to the UK dairy industry. 12 Dec 2007 From business to Christmas Corporate culture is recognised as one of the biggest contributors to productivity some studies suggesting that 03 Dec 2007 Dairy statistics released for 2006-2007 The 2006/07 season was the most productive on record for the New Zealand dairy industry. 10 Nov 2007 Sexed Semen At Last The introduction of sex semen technology to New Zealand this season could be the answer to many a farmer’s prayers, allowing them to pre-determine the gender of about 90 per cent of next season’s calves. 08 Nov 2007 LIC purchases farm mapping software business LIC, has purchased FarmKeeper, a farm mapping program sold through distributorships in New Zealand and Australia. 24 Oct 2007 LIC break the 100,000 barrier In a world first more than 100,000 straws of dairy cattle semen were processed and dispatched in a single day by farm improvement company LIC. 10 Oct 2007 PROFITS UP FOR LIC Hamilton based farm improvement company LIC made a $9.6 million net profit (after tax) for the 2006/2007 season, an increase of $2 million or 26% over the previous year. 10 Oct 2007 MARKET DYNAMICS DRIVE CHANGES IN FARMING LIC (Livestock Improvement) Chief Executive, Mark Dewdney, said market dynamics will drive big changes in the way New Zealand farms operate in the future. 10 Oct 2007 TRACEABILITY ESSENTIAL FOR EXPORT Without traceability systems New Zealand’s economy is in jeopardy and greater leadership is needed at Government level according to LIC (Livestock Improvement) chairman Stuart Bay. 10 Oct 2007 Genomic selection set to revolutionise livestock breeding Genomic Selection is set to revolutionise livestock breeding according to LIC Chairman, Stuart Bay. 03 Oct 2007 NEW NAME AMONGST SPONSORS AT WAIKATO A&P SHOW There’s a new name amongst the sponsors of sheep and beef events at the forthcoming Waikato A&P Show. In 2006/2007 LIC (Livestock Improvement) widened its focus to ‘whole farm’, delivering animal performance management programmes, traditionally presented to dairy only, to the deer, beef and sheep industries. And it’s putting its money where its mouth is by sponsoring beef and sheep events at the Waikato Show. 17 Sep 2007 Time, tide and sharemilking agreements wait for no man Sharemilking has been part of the New Zealand dairy scene since it began nearly 100 years ago. But tide and time wait for no man, and what was outdated has now been brought up to date. LIC’s FarmWise Consultancy Service has just launched an updated 50/50 Sharemilking Agreement. 11 Sep 2007 FARMERS WARNED TO TEST BULLS FOR CATTLE DISEASE With the impending start of the mating season on New Zealand dairy farms, farmers are being warned to ensure any bulls, coming onto their properties, are free of the cattle disease Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (commonly known as BVD). 10 Sep 2007 Miles and years of progress in one day The New Zealand dairy industry is not what it was, even ten years ago. Today’s dairy farming businesses are larger and more complex than they have ever been. A seminar has been organised to bring dairy support professionals up-to-speed with the progress which has occurred in the industry, so they better understand the opportunities and challenges facing their clients. 06 Sep 2007 COW SHORTAGE COULD IMPACT ON DAIRY BOOM A shortage of dairy cows could limit the potential for current dairy farmers to capitalise on the dairy boom and grow, and impact on new entrants to the industry. 20 Aug 2007 Varied ownership structures serve dairying well Sharemilking has evolved and changed over recent years. Today’s options serve the industry well – and need to. This was a view shared by FarmWise Consultant, Geoff Campbell, at the LexisNexis Rural Professionals Seminar in Queenstown recently. 25 Jul 2007 Hundreds of rural schools logging onto www.calfclub.co.nz Rural schools around New Zealand are logging onto a website especially designed for rural children... except in the South Island. 12 Jul 2007 PROFIT AND DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT FROM LIC Farm improvement company, LIC, achieved revenue of $118.3 million in 2006/2007, an increase of $7.8 million over the previous year. 10 Jul 2007 NORTHLAND FLOODING – Lost and Found Service locates animals Flooding in farming areas often results in animals being displaced from their home-farms – swept away by flood waters and ‘deposited’ downstream. But help is at hand to relocate any stock lost as a result of flooding in Northland. 27 Jun 2007 LIC SELLS SUBSIDIARY, ANIMAL BREEDING SERVICES Hamilton based LIC has sold the operating assets of Hamilton based, Animal Breeding Services (ABS), to a partnership comprising previous owner, John Hepburn, and key client, Waratah Farms Ltd. 14 Jun 2007 A BREEDING GOOD TIME Breeders of New Zealand’s top artificial breeding bulls travelled from around the country and as far away as America, to celebrate their unique achievements recently. 14 Jun 2007 Sire Proving Scheme FARMERS OF THE YEAR 2007 The winners of the 2007 LIC Sire Proving Farmers of the Year Award say their commitment to sire proving means they get tomorrow’s genetics today. 06 Jun 2007 Disease testing gets the punch For the first time, New Zealand cattle farmers can collect tissue samples for disease testing – thanks to an innovative ear punch. 28 May 2007 VIRTUAL RED CARPET OUT FOR FIELDAYS The red carpet’s out for visitors to Fieldays – on the web! A new, innovative website, invites visitors to this year’s Fieldays at Mystery Creek to take a virtual tour of the Premier Feature: Traceability. 01 May 2007 New software for Beef farmers The profit tool used by the majority of New Zealand dairy farmers, has been tailored for the beef industry so farmers can differentiate between animals which are making, and those which are costing, them money. 30 Apr 2007 Farm Consultant advises Northland farmers on 'aflatoxin'. A recent issue concerning the detection of aflatoxin in milk raises some interesting questions answered by Dave Blackwell, FarmWise Consultant for Northland. 23 Apr 2007 AUSSIE FARMERS ATTEND NZ ONCE-A-DAY MILKING CONFERENCE Seats for the inaugural Once a Day Milking (OAD) Conference sold out within days, with farmers coming from as far afield as Tasmania to learn about the latest research on a phenomenon that is fundamentally changing the lives of some farming families. 23 Apr 2007 Once-A-Day Milking Profitable Option Once-A-Day (OAD) milking can be more profitable than Twice-A-Day (TAD) milking. That’s the result of a study and comparison of the finances of farms which have operated under both regimes. 22 Apr 2007 LIC Launches High-Input Index There’s a common misconception that for intensive feeding you have to farm the bigger Holstein-Friesian type cow, but that’s simply not true... 19 Apr 2007 So much more for so much less Farmers were offered DNA parentage testing for half the normal price in March this year – and, responding to farmer demand, LIC has extended the special offer until 30 April 2007. 15 Mar 2007 Simplified herd testing finds favour with farmers The launch of the 2007 dairy season has seen New Zealand farmers universally welcoming the biggest change to Herd Testing in decades. 05 Mar 2007 Farmers offered carrot to utilise DNA technology DNA parentage testing is becoming a standard on many New Zealand dairy farms, meaning the days of farmers themselves having to match cow to calf, is becoming a thing of the past. 19 Feb 2007 Dairy Farmers honoured by LIC A group of farmers with a cumulative of 250 years proving the bulls, which sire tomorrow’s cows were celebrated by farm improvement company, LIC, in Hamilton recently. 14 Feb 2007 LIC ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR RESULT Farmer co-operative, LIC, today announced a 5.9% increase in operating revenues and a 14.5% increase in net surplus before tax for the six months ended 30 November 2006. 12 Feb 2007 It’s a cow, Jim, but not as we know it A trial is taking place in the South Island, crossing Yaks with dairy cows, to see if the latter’s gestation length can be shortened. 08 Feb 2007 LIC PURCHASES AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERING COMPANY Farm improvement company, LIC, today announced that it has completed the purchase of Paul Shewan & Co Ltd, trading as Northern Feed Systems. 08 Feb 2007 New insights on Once-a-Day Milking Once-A-Day Milking is a profitable option. The first national Once-A-Day (OAD) Milking Conference is to be held in the Waikato in April and a survey confirms that farmers are very receptive to a technique once thought radical. 07 Feb 2007 GOOD LIFE COMES WITH A TAG The lure of ‘the good life’ on a small block, close to an urban centre, is an attractive prospect for a growing number of New Zealanders. 07 Feb 2007 Herd Testing: worth more dollars than cutting it makes cents Escalating costs and static milk payouts are putting increasing pressure on dairy farmers profitability leaving many looking for ways to cut costs. 05 Feb 2007 Farmers offered carrot to utilise DNA technology LIC, through new technology, is now able to offer DNA testing at a greatly reduced price with a one-month special on its Calf Trace product. 01 Feb 2007 LIC IRISH SUBSIDIARY MERGES WITH AI COMPANY LIC has announced its intention to merge its Irish subsidiary with Irish artificial insemination company, Eurogene AiServices, providing an integrated AI service to the Irish dairy industry in the spring of 2007. 14 Dec 2006 Diversity of dairy farming grows The diversity of dairy farming businesses is growing, with more variety in breeds, herd and farm size, and production. A summary of the industry in the 2005/2006 year is contained in the just published Dairy Statistics document. 13 Dec 2006 LIC announces intention to purchase AU Engineering Company Farm improvement company, LIC, today announced that it has agreed, in principle, to buy Northern Feed Systems. 11 Dec 2006 Herd testing becomes less testing The current dairy season could be the last time farmers herd test twice in a 24 hour period. Effective from the start of the 2007 season, farmers should, for the first time, be able to exercise choice in the number of herd tests they conduct. 07 Dec 2006 LIC increases stake in Tru-Test Following its recent purchase of 13% of Tru-Test, LIC today announced that it had acquired further shares taking its stake to 19.9% in the agri-tech company. 01 Dec 2006 LIC purchases share of Tru-Test Farm improvement company, LIC, has purchased a share of agri-tech company, Tru-Test. ‹ View Archived News Archive Items ›

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