New Zealand Grazing Company Newsletters
Stay up to date with the latest news, updates, and insights from New Zealand Grazing Company. Browse our monthly newsletters below – and if you’d like these sent straight to your inbox, simply email us at office@nzgrazing.co.nz
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER UPDATE
Not only are product prices at an all time high, our Heifer growth performance from 1st May has been well ahead of last year – in fact, shaping up to be our best season yet.
This month’s news update covers NAIT and spring calving, timely topics as we move into the busy months.
We’re fully prepared for mating, with our bulls in top condition and ready for the work ahead.
Weather has been on our side, giving pastures a great lift. Let’s hope the rest of the season is as kind.
We also welcome Rick Nelson to our team.
At New Zealand Grazing Company, not only are we proud of being an integral part of farming, we are proud to be part of the Grower team that delivers great heifers back into our Owner herds as they achieve a Successful Herd Entry and increased profit.
Wishing you continued great farming
Ian Wickham – New Zealand Grazing Company Founder + Director
WELCOME TO OUR MID-WINTER NEWSLETTER
The weather has certainly thrown some challenges our way lately. The heavy frosts have been testing newborn calves and our own tolerance for the cold! I’m currently writing this from a friend’s kitchen table, as my satellite Wi-Fi decided to go on strike in a −3∘ frost – and I know I wasn’t the only one in the area with that problem. But on the bright side, the days are getting longer!
Last week, our New Zealand Grazing team managed to find the sunshine during our professional development conference in the mighty Manawatū. It was great for our out-of-towners to experience the beautiful views from the new road between Ashhurst and Woodville.
In this edition, we’re focusing on the season ahead. We discuss bull selection for first-mating heifers and showcase the benefits of using our Jersey bulls. This is also a busy time for our bull growers, who are getting the lads ready for mating. A massive thank you to our growers from Northland down to the Manawatū – you are a vital part of our team!
We hope August is a successful month on your farm with all that it brings, as we all head towards spring.
Bridget Clark – New Zealand Grazing Company Operations Manager + Director
JUNE 2025…
As winter settles in, it’s a key time for both dairy farmers and grower farmers to focus on setting up for a successful spring. Careful pasture management over the coming weeks is crucial — not just for maintaining feed quality and animal performance now, but for ensuring heifers are in the best condition to hit their targets ahead of the start of mating.
For our dairy farmer clients, rest assured your heifers are being well looked after through the winter months, with a focus on animal health, growth, and preparing them for mating. Don’t miss out, book in your weaners before 31 July to ensure a priority grazing placement and be in for 2 chances to win a $500 voucher of your choice.
For our grazing partners, thank you for your ongoing work in managing pastures and heifers through sometimes challenging winter conditions. Your efforts now lay the foundation for optimal spring growth and long term pasture performance.
This quieter period (at least compared to spring!) is also a valuable opportunity to take a breather, step off the farm when you can, and recharge before the full swing of calving and mating begins again.
In this edition, we’ll share some pre-spring preparation tips, see what NIWA says about the upcoming weather, and learn more about what our team have been up to as we look ahead to the busy season.
Stay warm and take care
Bridget Clark – New Zealand Grazing Company Operations Manager + Director
MAY 2025: RESULTS THAT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
Despite the challenges posed by adverse weather events across many districts this season, it’s been incredibly rewarding to return in-calf heifers that have consistently hit their target weights. The positive feedback from owners has been a real boost— not only for us at NZ Grazing but also for the dedicated Growers whose commitment and stockmanship made these results possible.
While the paddocks may look lush after recent rains, the lingering effects of low rainfall mean that pasture energy levels remain a concern. Many of our Growers are wisely supplementing with hay or silage to keep growth on track, particularly for the 2024-born heifers now deep into their May-to-May growth year.
In this issue, we share more on managing nutrition through winter, spotlight some standout results, and offer practical advice to keep your heifers growing steadily through the colder months.
Wishing you good farming
Ian Wickham – New Zealand Grazing Company Founder + Director
APRIL: A SEASON OF MILESTONES
April is a busy and rewarding time for us all at NZ Grazing. We’re returning the 2023-born heifers—now in calf and ready to begin long, profitable lives in their home herds. It’s always satisfying to see well-grown animals heading back to their farms, knowing they have the best possible foundation for fertility and production.
At the same time, we’re welcoming more 2024-born heifers into their May-to-May growth period. This next phase is crucial for setting them up for success, ensuring they reach their weight and development targets efficiently.
Let’s make this a great season for the future of your herd.
Wishing you Happy Easter and good farming
Ian Wickham – New Zealand Grazing Company Founder + Director
GROWING HEIFERS, GROWING PROFIT
As we move through March and into the final month of April for the Spring 2023 born heifers, it’s a good time to ensure these heifers are tracking toward their targets and few, if any are likely to incur penalty rates.
For the past nearly 40 years, we at NZ Grazing have known that bigger, well-grown heifers set the foundation for a more profitable herd—delivering better fertility, higher lifetime production, and a lower carbon footprint per kilogram of milk solids.
Join us to share our insights on achieving optimal heifer growth, updates on pasture conditions, and how our grazing systems help you achieve more with less effort. Let’s make sure your young stock are on track to perform at their best for the rest of their productive life.
Read on to find out more.
Wishing you good farming and just the right amount of rain.
Ian Wickham – New Zealand Grazing Company Founder + Director
BULIDING ON SUCCESS IN 2025
Following the success of our SHE booklet, we’ve completed another valuable resource named ‘Become a Better Grower’—this time designed specifically for Growers.
This latest booklet shares insights from our most experienced Growers, providing a clear path to success for those looking to maximise their potential. By learning from the best, new Growers can fast-track their progress and contribute to a more efficient, profitable system.
At NZ Grazing Company, we’re always looking for ways to support your success, and this new resource is just one of the many ways we’re helping to create a stronger, more sustainable future. If you’re interested, reach out—we’d love to share more.
Wishing you good farming!
Ian Wickham – New Zealand Grazing Company Founder + Director
WELCOME TO 2025…
A Fresh Start for a Profitable Year Ahead
As we step into a new year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all our farmers and partners. The festive season has given our team at NZ Grazing Company a well-deserved break to recharge, and we’re now back with renewed energy and focus.
This year, we’re more committed than ever to helping you achieve profitable dairy replacements. With our proven systems, expert team, and dedication to sustainable practices, we’re here to support your success and ensure your dairy heifers thrive.
Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, efficiency, and strong returns for your farming business. We look forward to working alongside you to achieve your goals.
Wishing you good farming
Ian Wickham – New Zealand Grazing Company Founder + Director
