Dairy prices edge up in latest global auction, Kiwi farmers and scientists unite to breed greener beef, and new AI tool helps farmers honour land and culture.

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!

Dairy prices edge up in latest global auction

The latest Global Dairy Trade auction has delivered another round of positive results for New Zealand dairy farmers. Overall prices rose 1.2%, building on the 0.8% increase from the previous event two weeks ago.

Whole milk powder, the product with the most significant impact on Fonterra's farmgate milk price, recorded a solid 3% lift. This uptick in whole milk powder prices bodes well for New Zealand dairy farmers, potentially supporting a stronger payout for the season.

However, the auction results were mixed across different products. Skim milk powder, Fonterra's second most important reference product, saw a slight dip of 0.6%. This follows a 2.2% increase in the previous auction, indicating some volatility in the market.

Lactose emerged as the star performer, with a healthy 6.7% increase. This follows another positive result from the last event where it had a 3.5% lift, suggesting growing demand for this product.

Butter milk powder also performed well, boosting 5%, while cheddar rounded out the positive results with a 3.8% increase.

Not all products fared as well, though. Mozzarella saw the biggest percentage fall, plunging 7.7%. This marks a significant turnaround from the previous auction where it gained the most, rising 4.5%. Anhydrous milk fat and butter also experienced slight declines.

Kiwi farmers and scientists unite to breed greener beef

New Zealand's beef industry is taking a bold step towards environmental sustainability. A groundbreaking project uniting farmers and scientists aims to produce the world's most efficient beef cattle with a minimal environmental footprint.

At the heart of this initiative is a cutting-edge trial on a North Canterbury farm. Using advanced technology, researchers are measuring how efficiently cattle convert feed into body weight and tracking their greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr Jason Archer, Head of Genetics at Beef + Lamb New Zealand, says the trial focuses on two key areas: feed efficiency and methane emissions. Archer says they aim to create two breeding values - one for feed efficiency and another for methane emissions per kilo of feed. This approach could lead to cattle that grow faster and produce less methane per kilogram of feed consumed.

A system called Vytelle Sense measures feed intake using bins on scales. It records which animal is eating and how much. Meanwhile, portable chambers developed by AgResearch measure methane emissions on-site.

This research could have far-reaching benefits. Improving feed efficiency and methane output provides a path to mitigate regulatory risks and offers a competitive advantage through more productive, lower-emission genetics.

Dr Suzanne Rowe, principal scientist at AgResearch, highlights the potential of their portable chambers. Beyond measuring methane, these chambers might offer quick insights into feed efficiency by analysing carbon dioxide emissions, which relate to metabolism and feed breakdown.

The project isn't limited to a single breed. Both Angus and Hereford heifers are part of the trial, which is linked to a larger Beef Progeny Test in Southland. Four Hereford studs have also contributed animals to expand the research database.

Lorneville set to boost deer processing if Smithfield shuts

Alliance Group's Lorneville plant near Invercargill may process more deer if the proposed closure of its Smithfield plant in Timaru goes ahead. This move comes as the meat processor tackles declining sheep numbers and excess capacity in its network.

Alliance Group's General Manager of Processing and Safety Wayne Shaw says they expect to have alternative arrangements for deer processing by year-end. This includes processing additional deer at Lorneville, which has capacity, and they are also exploring other options.

Shaw explains that the Lorneville plant currently runs five ovine chains, but at full capacity could run up to eight. He adds that the Pukeuri plant near Ōamaru has additional capacity available for sheepmeat and beef processing.

However, when asked about potential increases in staff numbers or extended processing seasons at southern plants, Shaw remains cautious. He states they are not in a position to comment on future employment numbers and the duration of the processing seasons until a final decision is made about the Smithfield plant.

The proposed closure at Smithfield could impact up to 500 workers employed during peak season. While the company is offering redeployment opportunities at other plants, Shaw acknowledges that a significant number of redundancies would be expected.

New AI tool helps farmers honour land and culture

A groundbreaking artificial intelligence tool is set to revolutionise decision-making on New Zealand farms by combining cutting-edge technology with traditional Māori knowledge. Tupuna Pai, developed by Phil Kupenga from Tairāwhiti, aims to empower farmers and land stewards to make choices that honour both environmental and cultural values.

This agritech solution emerged from Kupenga's work with Whāngārā Farms, where he recognized a need for a tool that could bring sustainable decision-making into daily farm operations. Tupuna Pai addresses this by integrating advanced AI with indigenous wisdom to support sustainable land management.

The platform analyses data on soil, water, and weather conditions to offer tailored recommendations for farming practices. It can suggest optimal planting and fertilising times, or methods to reduce chemical use while maintaining productivity. Crucially, these suggestions align with the values of land stewards, ensuring that farm decisions respect both the environment and cultural heritage.

Tupuna Pai also aims to solve a common challenge in agriculture: maintaining consistent alignment between farm decisions and core values. By integrating Corporate Social Responsibility into every recommendation, the tool helps ensure that land management is both ethically sound and environmentally responsible.

Whāngārā Farms, a significant East Coast operation with over 8800 hectares and 2500 shareholders, is working closely with Kupenga to refine the platform. CEO Anthony Creswell sees Tupuna Pai as an opportunity to support holistic decision-making that incorporates Māori values of kaitiakitanga, whanaungatanga, rangatiratanga, and manaakitanga.

The tool's potential extends beyond individual farms. By providing transparency in decision-making and illustrating the application of tikanga Māori in farm management, Tupuna Pai could help build consumer trust in New Zealand's agricultural products.

Kupenga is now assembling a team, aiming to include tech developers trained in Tairāwhiti, and seeking further funding to fully develop the platform and its services. This initiative not only promises to enhance sustainable farming practices but also to create tech opportunities in the Tairāwhiti region.

Dairy Women’s Network welcomes fresh talent to leadership team

The Dairy Women's Network is adding two new members to its leadership team, bringing a wealth of experience to the organisation. Kevin Argyle and Rowena Duncum will join the board at the upcoming annual meeting.

DWN board chair Trish Rankin highlighted the exceptional quality of candidates. She says that Argyle and Duncum's combined expertise in commercial, financial, and agricultural matters will greatly benefit the organisation.

Kevin Argyle, from Manawatu, boasts over two decades of experience across farming, executive roles, and various industries including agriculture and education. Auckland-based Rowena Duncum brings a diverse background to the board, combining rural commentary, event hosting, and hands-on dairy farming experience. 

The new trustees will work alongside chair Trish Rankin and existing board members Lucy Johnson, Jenna Moore, and Sarah Hokins.