The Start of April 2023
And here we are at the start of April 2023 – They say time flies when you’re having fun! So far 2023 has given many a roller coaster ride, a crazy year with extreme weather anomalies, many of which I don’t think would be considered fun. It has been heartening to see...
Facial Eczema in Cattle
Facial Eczema in Cattle By Bridget Clark - NZG Operational Manger Facial Eczema (FE) is a disease of the liver caused by a mycotoxin (sporidesmin) found in pastures that affects all ruminants even when they have low exposure to the fungus (Pithomyces...
The Joys of Farming
As I write, we are experiencing what I describe as weather less than ideal for good farming operations. Following droughts in several regions, there have been periods of dry and cold and then extreme rain deluges causing damage to both pastures and infrastructure....
Is The Cost of Grazing Going Up?
By Ian Wickham Part 2 - November 2022 How much bang for your buck? In Part 1 of this topic I stated “It all depends on how you measure the cost ” and discussed how the historical relative price of grazing (based on weekly rates) and the price of milksolid payout...
SMASH Field Day held in Taranaki
At short notice due to a speaker unable to attend, Ian Wickham was invited to speak about WORKING TOGETHER - BUILDING STRONG GRAZIER / OWNER RELATIONSHIPS and we have enclosed a copy of my Handout which summarizes 10 points to consider to achieve a good relationship....
Why do we support mental health initiatives such as: Gumboot Friday and TheRural Support Trust? By Frank Weterman CA At our Staff Conference in March 2020 (just before the COVID shutdowns – so much has happenedsince) we had the privilege of having Marcia Paurini...
Is The Cost of Grazing Going Up?
Is The Cost of Grazing Going Up? By Ian Wickham Part 1 - October 2022 Let’s be clear right from the get go! The answer is both YES and NO! It all depends on how you measure the cost. If you want an historical cost based on my farming experience and expressed in...
2022 – It’s Been a Tough Winter
Of the NZ population of about 5 million people, about 85,000 (1.7%) of us are engaged in agriculture and we are a pretty resilient bunch as we deal successfully with all that nature, weather, bureaucrats and government send our way as we provide quality food not only...
Do sums first
If you’re thinking of buying or leasing a run-off, then do your sums first. Most farmers don’t look at the real costs involved with a run-off. These might include a cost on time (“not many of us quantify our time”), running expenses, staff time spent at the...
Systemisation – By Ian Wickham (NZG Owner)
Systemisation – By Ian Wickham (NZG Owner) “A system is a process made explicit and repeatable. Systemisation is the act of creating a new system. The primary benefit of creating a System is that you can examine the process and make improvements. Developing Systems...