News Archive

05 Jun 2013 Eric Jacomb - A day in the life of Canterbury's FarmWise consultant

05 Jun 2013 Jon Nicholls - Liveweight data - young stock average growth rates by region

05 Jun 2013 Jon Nicholls - Attend to the basics of good record keeping

05 Jun 2013 Paul Exton - Using the index to compare OAD cows to TAD cows

04 Jun 2013 Cow fertility proves popular with farmers
Hundreds of dairy farmers attended events in the South Island last month to learn more about how they could make more money from the same sized herd - and now it’s North Island farmers’ turn.
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29 May 2013 Talk with LIC at the Fieldays
Fieldays, for LIC, is about getting our key staff together from all over the country, under one roof, and being available to chat with farmers about the challenges they’re currently facing.
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26 May 2013 List of LIC bulls confirmed as carriers of the Small Calf Syndrome
Over the last 2-3 weeks since the discovery of the Small Calf Syndrome, LIC has been analysing the genotypes of bulls in our genomic dataset.
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20 May 2013 Pendulum to swing back to Jerseys?
The promise of an explosion of elite genetics in Jersey bull calves signals a massive step in the right direction for the breed, says LIC jersey bull acquisition manager Malcolm Ellis. Hear more of what Malcolm has to say at the National Fieldays.
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20 May 2013 Calving app now in farmers' hands... just in time for calving!
A MINDA Calving app has been developed by farmer-owned cooperative LIC for Android and Apple’s iOS smartphones, giving farmers the ability to view and update details from anywhere.
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01 May 2013 LIC discovers small calf gene. Includes information pack.
Use of DNA sequence technology by farmer cooperative Livestock Improvement (LIC) has led to the discovery of a recessive small calf gene, and CRV Ambreed CEO Angus Haslett confirms the discovery is important for the entire dairy industry.
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29 Apr 2013 Wayne McNee appointed CEO of Livestock Improvement
Wayne McNee, currently the Director-General of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), has been appointed Chief Executive of dairy farmer cooperative Livestock Improvement (LIC).
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18 Apr 2013 South Island Roadshow: Same herd, more profit
LIC and Cognosco are visiting towns in Southland, Otago, Canterbury and West Coast to talk with farmers about how they could make more money out of every cow in their herd from improved reproductive performance. RSVP to communications@lic.co.nz.

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17 Apr 2013 Farmers turn out in Stratford, New Plymouth, and Palmerston North
Farmers have turned out in numbers to be taken behind the scenes and learn what their cooperative, LIC, is doing in relation to genetics.
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04 Apr 2013 LIC taking to the road to talk about genetics
LIC is hitting the road in April to talk to Taranaki, Manawatu, and Eastern Waikato farmers about genetics. Expected to attract a great deal of interest, farmers are urged to RSVP to communications@lic.co.nz.
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28 Mar 2013 Dry times call for tough decisions
Dan Hinton recently made the call to dry off his cows two months earlier than planned, but believes the decision, in the long run, will be better for both his animals and his pocket.
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15 Mar 2013 Invitation to Discovery Project Open Day
Farmers are invited to see the latest heifers from the Discovery Project and learn more about their performance at the annual Open Day.
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13 Mar 2013 Cow condition key to mating performance
A farming couple who milk 210 cows has calculated better cow condition to be worth nearly 40k more to their farm income.
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07 Mar 2013 Herd Records - Free training workshops
Dairy farmer cooperative LIC is taking to the road in March to deliver free workshops, designed to help farmers get more out of their herd records.
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25 Feb 2013 Free programme to help boost farm profitability
The ‘6 Week Challenge’ will provide farmers with a range of tools and information to help them improve their 6 week in-calf rate and overall profitability.

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22 Feb 2013 Innovation and growth evident in results
In 2006, when Mark Dewdney joined farmer cooperative LIC as Chief Executive, the business was making a profit of around $5 million per annum from a sales revenue of $100 million. Today EBIT is between $20 million and $25 million from sales revenue of around $185 million.
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13 Feb 2013 Half year result confirms investment in on-farm productivity
In the six months to November 2012, LIC achieved revenue of $131.5 million compared to $120.1 million for the same period in 2011. The improvement in revenue resulted from growth in demand as, in response to the volatility of the industry, LIC had minimal, or no increase in product or service pricing.
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05 Feb 2013 Understanding sharemilking agreements
By James Thomas, FarmWise consultant. Ultimately, the simpler the sharemilking contract, the lower the chance of things going wrong. But there are some key requirements and considerations so everyone is on the same page...
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05 Feb 2013 Success in the dairy industry
By Ken Bartlett, FarmWise consultant. Good governance increases the likelihood your plan or personal business will survive and fulfil its purpose. Good governance is not just for large businesses; it is for any-sized business or plan...
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05 Feb 2013 Dairy farm leasing, an option worth considering
By Dean Edwards, FarmWise consultant. Leasing of farms has occurred for many years and if done right, can offer all parties involved an opportunity to achieve long-term goals. Although each situation will be different, a successful arrangement will always be based on mutual respect and trust, and a written document that clearly states the expectations of each party...
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05 Feb 2013 Guidelines on purchasing dairy stock: Proceed with caution
By Geoff Campbell, FarmWise consultant. Herd records provide the insight you’re needing, and although an identified cow is not necessarily any better than an unidentified one, seeing what she has produced gives you a level of confidence that she will fit the dynamics of the herd, and be a positive contributor to your bottom line...
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04 Feb 2013 Getting the most bang for your buck from fertiliser
By Phil Fleming, FarmWise consultant. Any talks of a lower payout undoubtedly create some financial pressures on farms, leading farmers to look closely at where they can reduce costs, and cutting back on fertiliser is one expense which is sometimes deferred until better times. But does that decision have a greater cost...
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04 Feb 2013 Managing time-off and rosters
By Craig Purcell, FarmWise consultant
Lack of regular time off can be one of the biggest employment issues on farm, but a bit of time and thought spent creating rosters well in advance can head off potential issues.
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04 Feb 2013 The importance of succession planning
By Darren Sutton, FarmWise consultant.
A farm succession plan is a vital part to the continuance of a farming business and securing its future for a farming family and many generations to come.
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04 Feb 2013 Incentive / Bonus
By Jon Nicholls, FarmWise manager. Many times on farm I have conversations with farmer employers about remuneration and what bonuses should be paid or are paid to farm staff.
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04 Feb 2013 Where are the opportunities today?
By Peter Moffit, FarmWise consultant.
Operating profit is a key indicator of dairy farm profitability. This measure, expressed on a per hectare basis, is particularly useful for comparing the profitability between farms...
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25 Jan 2013 Tribute to Paddy O’Keeffe RIP
Past and current members of Livestock Improvement – in Ireland and all around the world - were saddened to learn of the death of Paddy O’Keeffe on 13 January 2013.
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21 Dec 2012 More cows in-calf within six weeks – an achievable goal

27 Nov 2012 New farm consultant for Taranaki
Phil Fleming has joined the LIC FarmWise Consultancy team.
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23 Nov 2012 2011-2012 – best dairy season on record
Last dairy season will go down in history as the most productive on record thanks to favourable pasture growth conditions.
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15 Nov 2012 Chairman and CEO Annual Meeting Report

14 Nov 2012 LIC shareholders support transfer of core database to DairyNZ
Shareholders in farmer cooperative, LIC, today voted in favour of transferring what’s known as the core database to industry good organisation, DairyNZ.
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31 Oct 2012 The Chair of LIC’s Shareholder Council, Jenny Morrison, is urging shareholders to have a say on the future home of what’s commonly known as ‘the core database’.
The core database, which holds raw data relating to New Zealand dairy herds, was developed by LIC in the 1980s, on behalf of the dairy industry.
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29 Oct 2012 Bay of Plenty school wins rural art competition
39-pupil Whakamarama School wins "the Peoples Choice" in a national art competition for rural children.
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29 Oct 2012 Waikato School wins premier award in rural children's art competition
Ohinewai School was the winner in a nationwide art competition amongst rural children.
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17 Oct 2012 MINDA synchs
Important message for LIC customers regarding MINDA synchs
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17 Oct 2012 Voting underway to transfer core database
LIC shareholders are now exercising their cooperative rights and voting on a proposal to transfer the core database from LIC to DairyNZ.
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15 Oct 2012 Winners of LIC's annual art competitition for rural school children
Three calves named Scooby-Doo, Mischief and Jess are in for a treat after their owners were announced as winners in the LIC annual art competition for rural children this week.
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10 Oct 2012 Minister visits LIC Innovation Farm
Hon Tim Groser, Trade Minister, visited the LIC Innovation Farm this week to learn about innovations for New Zealand dairy farmers.
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08 Oct 2012 Calf Club tips ahead of the Big Day.
It’s Calf Club time and like thousands of other children around the country, Blake Tonkin (7) is looking forward to taking his pride and joy to school for the day.
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03 Oct 2012 Farmers lining up for 'bull of a lifetime'
Once in a lifetime a bull will burst on to the artificial breeding stage - and farmers all over New Zealand are now lining up to use Howies Checkpiont in the upcoming dairy mating season.
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24 Sep 2012 More time with cows, less chasing
Automated drafting is allowing a Taranaki farmer and his staff to focus all their energies on getting the best out of their cows, not chasing them up races.
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24 Sep 2012 Answers to farmer questions on a genetic defect seen in some calves sired by Matrix
Farmers may have read articles in the media about a genetic defect seen in some of the calves of an LIC bull called Matrix.
This Q&A gives you the facts about what happened, why and what we’ve done about it.
If you have any more questions, please direct them to Clare Bayly, LIC Communications Manager, cbayly@lic.co.nz.


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24 Sep 2012 Farmers to win from Science Awards
Science research projects that focus on sexed semen and assisted heat detection are finalists in the annual Kudos awards in Hamilton on Thursday.
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20 Sep 2012 Kids' artwork wows farmer co-op
With glitter, crayons, paint and even one of Mum’s dinner plates, children have created what LIC describes as “absolute masterpieces” of their calves, in a bid to win some great prizes from the co-operative.
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19 Sep 2012 Free training on the new NAIT features in MINDA
Do you need help with NAIT compliance recording? Free LIC training sessions are coming to a town near you.
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17 Sep 2012 Invitation for farmers to investigate UK wintering systems
Farmers are under increasing pressure from local authorities to reduce nitrogen levels: Doing so requires significant management changes and investment in costly systems.
UK and Ireland farmers have come under similar pressure in recent years, so there is much to learn from their experiences. That is why FarmWise will host a tour to the UK this January, and the invitation is an open one.
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14 Sep 2012 Mating management tips from FarmWise
Calving is nearly over and before we know it mating will be starting.

This is the most important period on a dairy farm, because what you do right or wrong here will have an impact on at least the next 1-2 years of milk production and financial performance.

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06 Sep 2012 LIC makes gesture of goodwill for calves with genetic defect
Livestock Improvement (LIC) is crediting the cost of all semen and inseminations from a bull responsible for a genetic defect in some of its daughters.
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24 Aug 2012 World first – sexed semen with near normal conception rates
It’s calving time, and dairy farmers everywhere will be hoping for more heifers than bulls. Now they can do something about it.
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14 Aug 2012 Kids get ready for Calf Club with LIC
It’s calving time and that means children all around New Zealand are making some very important decisions on which one they would like to take to Calf Club.
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09 Aug 2012 Investment in technology future-proofs farming business
“It’s about working smarter, not harder, and future proofing your business,” says Waikato farmer Brian Frost, who recently invested in a farm automation system for his 24-aside Herringbone shed.
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30 Jul 2012 First for NZ dairy industry - Polled Holstein Friesian joins LIC bull team
For the first time New Zealand dairy farmers have the option to breed a polled Holstein Friesian without overly compromising on Breeding Worth.
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26 Jul 2012 Strong year of innovation and growth for farmer cooperative
The 2011/12 was one of strong performance for dairy farmer owned LIC, with growth in activity confirming the increasing value that farmers see in the products and services provided by their Cooperative.
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20 Jun 2012 Taking the headache out of NAIT compliance
NAIT is coming, whether we like it or not, but it’s good to see that one cooperative is making it easier for us, said Jenny Morrison, dairy farmer and chair of LIC’s shareholder council.
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11 Jun 2012 Kids to learn at Fieldays too
Kids will have the opportunity to learn a thing or two about stockmanship at this week’s National Fieldays - and how to choose a calf for Calf Club.
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06 Jun 2012 New tool to make monitoring young stock easier
Young stock are an important asset to a farm, providing it with a future of high quality herd replacements – but only after careful management and rearing to ensure they achieve set targets throughout their development.
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05 Jun 2012 LIC and DairyNZ announce change in management of dairy industry animal database
DairyNZ and LIC have reached agreement for the transfer of the Core Database to the Dairy Industry Good Animal Database.
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29 May 2012 New Directors elected to the LIC Board
David Jensen and Gray Baldwin have been confirmed as the new LIC Board Directors for the Midland region.
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29 May 2012 Meet the best bull in the world at the Fieldays
The best bull in the world will be on display at the National Fieldays next month - Mystery Creek Events Centre, 13-16 June.
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10 May 2012 Accolades for Bay of Plenty bull breeders
The contribution Bay of Plenty dairy farmers, Charles and Ellen Mitchell (Murupara), Roger and Judith Porteous (Atimuri) John and Desley Bicknell (Murupara), Ian and Joyce Noble, David and Lesley Jensen and Michael and Rose Symes (Reporoa) have made to the genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herd, was celebrated this month (April 17).
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10 May 2012 Accolades for Cambridge bull breeders
The contribution Cambridge dairy farmers, Brad Payne, Errol and Barbara May, Mark and Megan Heslop and St Peters School Farm have made to the genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herd, was celebrated this week (April 17).
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10 May 2012 Accolades for NORTHLAND BULL BREEDERS
The contribution Northland dairy farmers, Murray Cutforth, Luke and Lyna Beehre (Hikurangi), Peter and Vicki Dawson (Hikurangi), Rhys and Mary Williams (Hikurangi), and Peter and Annette Randall (Te Kopuru) have made to the genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herd, was celebrated in Hamilton this month (April 17).
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10 May 2012 Accolades for Taranaki breeders
The contribution Taranaki dairy farmers have made to the genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herd, was celebrated in Hamilton this week (May 11).
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10 May 2012 Accolades for Waikato breeders
The contribution Waikato dairy farmers have made to the genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herd, was celebrated in Hamilton this month (April 17).
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10 May 2012 Bulls on the run in Hillcrest
Memories of former bull farm manager, Winston Hall, feature in a book which, for the first time chronicles the history and impact of artificial breeding on the New Zealand dairy industry.
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10 May 2012 Accolades for South Island breeders
The contribution South Island dairy farmers have made to the genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herd, was celebrated in Hamilton last month (April 17).
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03 May 2012 LIC shareholders encouraged to vote
The retiring Chairman of dairy farmer owned cooperative LIC, Stuart Bay...
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03 May 2012 Doing it right
South Island dairy farmers, Barry and Gwynneth Parsons...
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19 Apr 2012 Bull's big day out
If taking dust baths and rolling around in the mud are your favourite pastime...
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05 Apr 2012 The royal family does it – and so do the elite dairy farmers of New Zealand.

02 Apr 2012 Farmers now able to set up drafting of cows – from anywhere
A new innovation means farmers can set up drafting of cows for the next milking from wherever they happen to be, and in the time it takes to send a text.
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27 Mar 2012 The Billion Dollar Scheme
The Billion Dollar Scheme was produced by LIC on behalf of the dairy industry, and tells the story of the development of artificial breeding and its uptake in New Zealand via the LIC Sire Proving Scheme.
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23 Mar 2012 Farmer coop making it easier to be NAIT compliant
LIC is seeking to make NAIT compliance easier for its shareholders as an accredited information provider to the scheme which takes effect on 1 July.
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07 Mar 2012 LIC launches free pasture management tool

07 Mar 2012 Stratford farmer tests new software tool

07 Mar 2012 Apiti farmer tests new software tool

29 Feb 2012 Book celebrates “a woman ahead of her time”
Olive Castle was a Mathematician who joined the NZ Dairy Board in the 1940s, who worked largely behind the scenes but whose work enabled a scheme which has generated billions of dollars to the New Zealand dairy industry and the country’s economy.
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22 Feb 2012 Book celebrates history and impact of artificial breeding on NZ dairy industry
The history and impact of artificial breeding on the New Zealand dairy industry has, for the first time, been chronicled in a book which will be launched in Hamilton in March 2012.
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21 Feb 2012 Gesture recognises early adopters of new technology
Farmers who used new genomic technology from their cooperative, LIC, in 2008 and 2009 will shortly receive a credit for the premium they paid for the product in those two years.
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17 Feb 2012 Science grad to benefit dairy industry with PhD scholarship
One of New Zealand’s budding scientists will travel abroad later this year to complete his PhD, after winning the 2012 Doctoral Studentship Award from LIC.
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17 Feb 2012 More grass, time and money with new software tool
Dairy farmer cooperative, LIC, is adding an extension to its MINDA suite of farm improvement products called Land & Feed Basic.
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16 Feb 2012 Increased incalf rate = increased profit
Improving their six-week in calf rate by just 10% means the average New Zealand dairy farmer (386 cows) stands to benefit from an additional $15,440.00 (based on a $5.50 per kilogram milk solid payout).
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16 Feb 2012 LIC sets sights on improving reproductive performance
Today’s dairy cows are better than they’ve ever been – in terms of productivity – but, in line with the rest of the dairying world, their ability to carry a calf full term is deteriorating. Today, the average six week in-calf rate is 62%, and it’s getting worse every year.
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16 Feb 2012 Check him out, The biggest leap forward in dairy genetics for 40 years
Check out Howies Checkpoint – as far as artificial breeding bulls go, he’s leagues ahead of any other. The last bull to stand so far ahead of his contemporaries was the famous Maori Bestman, the Jersey born in 1967.
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09 Feb 2012 Uptake and innovation underpin half year result
Dairy farmer co-operative, LIC, today announced a half year result which reflects increasing farmer usage of LIC products, and demand for a growing range of innovative solutions designed to make dairying more efficient and productive.
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13 Dec 2011 DNA Proven 2008/2009 - initial results
In 2008 LIC became one of the first genetics companies worldwide to commercially offer genomically selected sires.

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09 Dec 2011 NAIT Scheme Cost Recovery Consultation
Farmers and lifestylers who manage cattle and deer have the opportunity to say what they think about the proposed levy system to fund the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme, set to start on 1 July next year (2012) for cattle.  Deer join the scheme in March 2013.
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02 Dec 2011 2010/2011 New Zealand Dairy Statistics released

16 Nov 2011 RECORD GROWTH WITHOUT PRICE INCREASES
Dairy farmer co-operative, LIC, increased its revenue in the 2010/2011 year by 21.4% to a new high of $166 million without increasing prices to farmers.
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01 Nov 2011 Small rural school wins iPads
LIC is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 www.calfclub.co.nz art competition for rural children
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25 Oct 2011 To all New Zealand dairy farmers using Kamar Heatmount Detectors
Message from Stafford Walker, President of Kamar Products, Inc.
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13 Oct 2011 LIC and Liberty Genetics reach out of Court settlement
LIC and Liberty Genetics and group of breeders reach settlement
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11 Oct 2011 DairyNZ statement - surprise halt to negotiations
LIC Chairman, Stuart Bay, today reacted strongly to the suggestion by DairyNZ Chairman, John Luxton, that negotiations have failed over the development of a new dairy industry good database.
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05 Oct 2011 Faster broadband to increase profits on farms
High speed broadband in more rural areas will increase productivity on farms, and profits, according to dairy farmer cooperative LIC.
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30 Sep 2011 Collaboration boost to genomic selection of dairy cattle
Joint statement from LIC and CRV AmBreed
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26 Sep 2011 The best thing since sliced bread, for Herd Testing
Herd Testing information is set to come to life when dairy farmer cooperative LIC launches its newest farm information product this month.
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21 Sep 2011 Soulful singer heads South
The 25-year-old Ruakaka (Northland) farm worker hit the headlines in July last year when she won the talent quest...
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21 Sep 2011 Keeping AB in the family
For more than half a century members of one Waitara family have been responsible for ensuring thousands of Taranaki dairy cows get in calf each year.
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19 Sep 2011 Southland herd tester wins national award

16 Sep 2011 Where's Poppy?
The LIC Waikato Weigh Station Manager has decided to put away the pottles (milk sample flasks), swap his gum boots for hiking boots and walk from end one end of Aotearoa to the other, starting in November.
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06 Sep 2011 New FarmWise consultant for Canterbury
Eric Jacomb...
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06 Sep 2011 Do the mating maths
As a result of one mating management decision, the average New Zealand dairy farmer (376 cow herd) could potentially save as much as $2000 a year
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31 Aug 2011 Art competition for rural children
LIC is encouraging rural children all over New Zealand to draw or paint their calves and be in to win great prizes including iPads for their school and something for their dairy farming parents too.
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31 Aug 2011 New COO appointed at LIC
David Hemara has been appointed chief operating officer of dairy farmer cooperative LIC.
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31 Aug 2011 New General Manager for Research and Development appointed
Dr Richard Spelman has been appointed to the new role of general manager research and development for dairy farmer cooperative LIC.
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26 Aug 2011 Farmer shareholders asked to share broadband concerns
How do you plan to use high-speed broadband, in your home and on-farm?
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24 Aug 2011 Ten out of ten for LIC bulls
LIC Bred bulls currently dominate the Ranking of Active Sires (RAS) list
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19 Aug 2011 What makes some people taller than others? Ask the cows.
New research that explains what makes some cows taller than others could also help to provide the same answers about people.
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12 Aug 2011 Uruguayan Agriculture Minister visits LIC
Farm Improvement company, LIC (Livestock Improvement), hosted the Uruguayan Agriculture Minister, Tabare Aguerre
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08 Aug 2011 Kids get ready for Calf Club, with help from LIC

27 Jul 2011 LIC Chairman announces future retirement
Murray King, a farmer Director on the LIC Board, has been named Chairman-designate.
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27 Jul 2011 LIC announces record result for 2010/2011 year
Farmer resilience after hard times is reflected in the record performance of dairy farmer cooperative, LIC, for the 2010/2011 year.
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07 Jul 2011 Heifers go under the genomic microscope
DNA analysis is now helping to identify top Holstein Friesian heifers to aid the development of elite cow families and bulls for the dairy industry.
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07 Jul 2011 Make the most of your farm automation unit with LIC
Farmers with automation units in their dairy sheds are being encouraged to brush on up their skills before the new season starts with LIC.
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01 Jul 2011 When dairy farmers Robbie and Annemarie Wratt upgraded to LIC’s MINDApro software they knew it would be good for their business, but they didn’t realise how good.

29 Jun 2011 Premier Sire recognised by breed society
LIC Premier Sire, Holstein Friesian, Zinks LM Porter was awarded the ultimate breed award
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17 Jun 2011 Billion dollar Sire Proving Scheme celebrated at Fieldays
The Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key officiated as LIC celebrated the 50-year anniversary of its Sire Proving Scheme at Fieldays on Wednesday (15 June).
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08 Jun 2011 LIC's MINDA software will be at the heart of its Fielday’s site

08 Jun 2011 The Prime Minister will officiate at a celebration to mark 50 years of Sire Proving at the National Fieldays in Hamilton.

08 Jun 2011 Minister meets top bulls
Forget kissing babies, patting bulls was much more appropriate for the Minister of Agriculture
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02 Jun 2011 Dewdney answers farmer questions on genomics

02 Jun 2011 Facts replace conjecture around genomic selection

24 May 2011 Farmer co-op confirms faith in genomics as the future of dairy genetics

18 May 2011 LIC gives back to Christchurch
Dairy farmer co-operative LIC is donating almost $120,000 to Christchurch earthquake relief efforts this week.
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05 May 2011 Bull breeders endorse genomics
The breeders of some of the top dairy bulls in the country are fulsome in their praise of the latest innovation in the breeding of elite dairy stock – genomic selection.
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04 May 2011 Chairman's Address - LIC Breeders Day 2011

28 Apr 2011 Farm systems technology takes to the road
Dairy farmer cooperative, LIC, is taking its farm technology systems out to its customers next month, with a system to suit every farmer.
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20 Apr 2011 LIC welcomes progress with the Government's Rural Broadband Initiative

20 Apr 2011 LIC supports takeover offer in PGG

17 Mar 2011 Overwhelming response to inaugural Triple Dip Dairy Day
Within hours of announcing the first combined LIC, DairyNZ and AgResearch open day for 20 years, registrations were full.
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09 Mar 2011 Role of males in dairying under spotlight

09 Mar 2011 Partnership announced between giants in agricultural technology
LIC, Allflex and Gallagher have joined forces to integrate solutions for farmers.
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09 Mar 2011 Open letter from LIC Chairman, Stuart Bay, to all LIC shareholders and customers
LIC response to Christchurch earthquake
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17 Feb 2011 Change in title reflects commitment to even more customer satisfaction
LIC’s District Managers are now known as Customer Relationship Managers and Protrack Territory Managers as Protrack Solutions Managers.
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10 Feb 2011 LIC announces half year result
Dairy farmer cooperative, LIC, today announced revenue of $112.1 million for the six months to November 2010,
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28 Jan 2011 Breeding goes green

10 Dec 2010 Drought management strategy for dairy farmers

09 Dec 2010 Two bites of the cherry
To get two bites of the recruitment cherry, now is the time to start looking for next season’s farm staff.
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08 Dec 2010 Hurunui herds rank highest

08 Dec 2010 Taranaki cows highest producers

06 Dec 2010 Waikato - the heart of dairying
Waikato - the heart of dairying

The 2009/10 New Zealand Dairy statistics confirm that the Waikato region is the heart of the nation’s dairying industry.
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06 Dec 2010 Dairy statistics released for 2009-2010
In addition to Canterbury producing world class rugby players and teams, it now officially has the highest producing dairy cows in the country.
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04 Dec 2010 Former sharemilkers: Quality stock secures farm deposit
This mating season Bay of Plenty farmers Steve and Stephanie Carroll are mating their 60 yearlings to Premier Sires.


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01 Dec 2010 Effect of Genetic Improvement on Feed Demand

01 Dec 2010 Laid-back number one

19 Nov 2010 Project aims to halt decline in dairy reproductive performance

18 Nov 2010 New appointment
Linda Cooper - Corporate General Manager
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01 Nov 2010 Dairy cow submission rates cause for concern

28 Oct 2010 Contrasting seasons reflected in LIC results
The contrast between the 2008 year and the start of the 2009 season in the dairying environment could not have been greater...
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28 Oct 2010 More than $50 million in dividends
More than $50 million in dividends have been paid to Livestock Improvement (LIC) shareholders since 2004.
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27 Oct 2010 Balance sheet the true underlying strength of business

15 Oct 2010 Why can’t we feed our cows like we used to?

13 Oct 2010 LLL Sexed Semen At Last

11 Oct 2010 Grandma - delivers healthy 20th

11 Oct 2010 LIC launches international herd recording

13 Sep 2010 Improved mating performance increases milk production
Achieving more days in milk and increased production at the start of the season equals more profit - the way to achieve this is by improving mating performance. says a Waikato diary farm consultant FarmWise.
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07 Sep 2010 Top herds mating yearlings to AB
A greater proportion of dairy farmers whose herds are in the 10%...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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27 Jul 2010 Ruakaka farm girl sings for the nation
New Zealanders love it when Tammy sings and so do her cows
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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
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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19 Feb 2010 Barcodes aid dairy farmers

12 Feb 2010 SHAREMILKERS SHORT-CHANGED?
Sharemilkers will lose thousands of dollars they are entitled to if farm owners fail to give them their fair share of Fonterra’s payout according to the manager of a national farm consultancy group.
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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.
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08 Feb 2010 Farmers opt for less volume to deliver more profit
Producing excellent milk at lower cost
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03 Feb 2010 Consider compatibility before committing

03 Feb 2010 Working clever
Work smarter, not harder, says Kaikohe dairy farmer Tony Liefting,
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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...
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07 Dec 2009 Dairy statistics released for 2008-2009
The New Zealand dairy industry is showing signs of strong recovery...
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07 Dec 2009 Hurunui herds rank highest
Hurunui dairy herds on average produce more milksolids than any other herd in New Zealand.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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19 Oct 2009 Three Ps in dairying success
The basics of dairy farming come down to the three Ps
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19 Oct 2009 Hundreds compete in Junior Art Competition
Hundreds of would-be Picassos, Renoirs and McMahons have had their pictures exhibited
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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01 Sep 2009 Mating management 'sorted' at seminars
This season has thrown farmers some challenges both environmentally and financially.
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01 Sep 2009 ART COMPETITION FOR RURAL CHILDREN
An art competition has been launched for rural children who participate in calf or agricultural days.
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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.
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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
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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
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13 Aug 2009 Monitor the basics for a successful spring
By FarmWise Consultant for the Manawatu/ Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay region, Dean Edwards
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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
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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.

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03 Aug 2009 Concentrate on getting cows through calving
Many farmers do not have the pasture to get them through calving
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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
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22 Jul 2009 Economy low - attendance high
The downturn of the dairy industry during the 1980s had the opposite effect on a rural institution
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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
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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
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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
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15 Jul 2009 Triplets - what’s the odds?
Triplets in the bovine world are rare
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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.
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09 Jul 2009 Dairy specialist relocates to Invercargill
Bryan Anderson is the newest member of the FarmWise Consulting team in Southland
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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.
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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.
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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.
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17 Jun 2009 Best information in, best information out, best decisions made.
Chris and Teresa Moore
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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
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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
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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.
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20 Apr 2009 Commitment to animal traceability more than rhetoric
Peter Baileys commitment to animal traceability is more than rhetoric
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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20 Mar 2009 Importance of condition scoring as season end nears
Relationship of dairy cow condition to profit
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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17 Feb 2009 Love on the farm
A Te Awamutu Grandma proves it’s never too late to find romance
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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.
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22 Jan 2009 Kiwi cows lead the way
New Zealand dairy cows are among the most efficient, and fertile, in the world.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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
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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.

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08 Oct 2008 One of dairying's 'great Governors', steps down
LIC independent director, Graham Fraser retires
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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

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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.
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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.
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20 May 2008 Technologies combine for greater efficiency on farm
Farmers increasingly use pregnancy scanning information to help tighten the calving/fawning/lambing window.
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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.
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14 May 2008 Female breaks into male domain
A female has broken through what’s been, until now, an all-male domain
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14 May 2008 ACCOLADES FOR NEW ZEALAND BREEDERS
The contribution dairy farmers from around New Zealand have made to the genetics...
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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.
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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.
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29 Apr 2008 Its make or break time for Waikato farmers
Its May and -make or break time- for Waikato farmers
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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12 Mar 2008 Southern farmers - good with numbers
It seems Southern farmers are pretty good guess-timators.
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07 Mar 2008 LIC joins ranks of elite ACC accredited employers
Farm improvement company LIC has joined the ranks of elite ACC accredited employers.
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05 Mar 2008 Farmers face another animal health risk post rain
Don’t play Russian Roulette with your animals life.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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22 Jan 2008 More calves, no bull
There was a lot less work available for the average dairy bull this year.
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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.
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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.
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12 Dec 2007 From business to Christmas
Corporate culture is recognised as one of the biggest contributors to productivity some studies suggesting that
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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10 Oct 2007 Genomic selection set to revolutionise livestock breeding
Genomic Selection is set to revolutionise livestock breeding according to LIC Chairman, Stuart Bay.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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01 Dec 2006 LIC purchases share of Tru-Test
Farm improvement company, LIC, has purchased a share of agri-tech company, Tru-Test.
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