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
IS MY JOB SAFE ?
There has been a lot of talk lately about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and what it might mean for the future of work. With AI now able to write reports, analyse data, answer questions and even make decisions, it is easy to wonder just how many jobs will eventually be replaced by technology.
But farming is a good reminder that not every job can be done from behind a computer.
Farming is, at its heart, a practical occupation. Cattle still need to be moved, yards still need to be checked, fences still need fixing and pastures still need walking. A heifer doesn’t always read the textbook – she may decide to climb through the fence, refuse to go where she is supposed to, or simply need someone on the ground to notice that something isn’t quite right.
That is where experience, judgement and practical farming knowledge remain invaluable.
AI will undoubtedly become a powerful tool for farmers and the grazing industry. It can help us analyse weighing information, identify trends, improve record keeping, make better decisions and reduce the time spent on administration. Used well, it can make good people even more effective.
But AI cannot replace the farmer who walks through a mob and notices that one heifer is just not quite right. It cannot replace the Service Manager who knows a Grower, understands their farm and can have a practical conversation about what needs to happen.
The future of farming is unlikely to be people versus technology. It will be people using technology – combining better information and smarter tools with the practical skills, experience and common sense that farming has always depended on.
We hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter, packed with helpful insights to prepare for the season ahead. Inside, you’ll find our monthly weather update, feed requirements, and a look at who’s leading the pack!
Bridget Clark- New Zealand Grazing Company’s General Manager
YOUR JULY WINTER UPDATE
As we settle into the heart of winter, we’re pleased to bring you another edition of the New Zealand Grazing Company newsletter. This month, we’ve packed it full of practical updates and insights to help you make the most of the season.
Our featured photo above captures Waikato owners Sunrise Farming – Kerry and Mads Winder during a recent visit to see their heifers grazing at Jubilee Farming in Opuawhanga, Northland. They were joined by our Northland Service Manager, Ruth Kitchen, who took them out to visit their stock. It’s always rewarding to see owners connecting with their animals, meeting the growers who care for them, and seeing firsthand the quality of care provided across our grazing network.
Inside, you’ll find a weather update and what it could mean for your farming operation, feed requirement guidance to help keep stock performing through the colder months, a client spotlight featuring Bryham Farms Ltd – Vanesa Castillo and her farming journey, and a look at weight gains from across the North Island to see how stock are tracking in different regions.
As the cooler months continue, we wish you a safe, productive, and successful season on farm. We hope this month’s newsletter provides useful information to support you and your stock through winter.
Thank you for your continued support, and as always, if there’s anything our team can help with, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
WORKING TOGETHER THROUGH WINTER
Winter is now in full swing across New Zealand, bringing colder temperatures, shorter days, and a greater focus on maintaining stock performance through the challenging months ahead. With feed quality and animal nutrition front of mind, this month’s newsletter includes a look at winter feed requirements and the importance of ensuring young stock continue to meet growth targets despite seasonal conditions.
We’re also pleased to feature one of our valued Growers, Staurt Daun, in this month’s Client Spotlight, sharing a glimpse into their farming operation and their experience working with New Zealand Grazing Company.
We hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter and, as always, thank our Owners, Growers, and industry partners for their continued support.
Rebecca Hall – New Zealand Grazing Company’s Administrator
MAY UPDATE FROM NEW ZEALAND GRAZING COMPANY
Despite the challenges many districts have faced this season due to difficult weather conditions, it has been incredibly rewarding to see the 2024-born heifers return home in such great condition. Achieving target weights and delivering well-grown, thriving stock is a true credit to the teamwork, dedication, and commitment shown across the entire grazing network.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Owners for their continued trust and support, our Growers for their outstanding stockmanship throughout the season, and the trucking companies who worked tirelessly to ensure the safe and smooth delivery of heifers home, while also transporting weaners out to grazing properties across the North Island.
Feed quality and pasture energy levels remain an important focus heading into winter, particularly for young stock entering critical growth periods. Many of our Growers are continuing to supplement to help maintain steady growth rates through the colder months ahead. Our new-season weaners have now settled in well, and their first progress weigh-ins are underway.
In this issue, we share practical winter grazing management advice, seasonal weather updates, feed requirement recommendations, client feedback, and highlight some excellent heifer results from across the season. We’ve also included a light-hearted comic inspired by a very real farming conversation between a husband-and-wife duo after their heifers arrived home last month — something many farming families are sure to relate to!
As always, our focus remains on supporting healthy, well-grown young stock and helping set them up for future performance.
Wishing everyone a safe, successful, and productive winter season ahead.
HEADING INTO OUR BUSIEST FORTNIGHT: WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS THE COMPANY
As we enter our busiest two weeks of the year, the team here at New Zealand Grazing is gearing up for a full-on period ahead. Starting this week, we are undergoing final and start weights across our heifers returnding home and the new weaners coming into our system.
It’s all hands on deck as the pace picks up, with start and final weighs and stock movements – a huge volume happening in a short space of time. The days are long and the workload is high, but it’s a crucial time to ensure everything is on track.
We’re looking forward to seeing how the stock perform over the coming weeks and will keep you updated as we move through this busy but rewarding period.
In this month’s newsletter, we’ve included a clear breakdown of your NAIT obligations as the PICA, as well as what we manage for you when New Zealand Grazing acts as your Information Provider. You’ll also find our latest blog, Down the Throat to First Winter Coat, along with updates on weaner weights and seasonal progress across the platform.
It’s a full-on time of year, and we’re here to make sure everything continues running as smoothly as possible across the company.
If you have stock trucking during this busy period, please keep prompt communication with your service managers to ensure smooth coordination and operations.
We hope you enjoy this month’s edition.
Rebecca Hall – New Zealand Grazing Company’s Administrator
WELCOME TO OUR MARCH UPDATE
As we near the end of March, it’s hard to believe we’re already nearly a quarter of the way through the year. It’s a busy time, with incalf heifers heading home, the signing of new May-to-May contracts, a few empty heifers returning home or to works, and your local service managers putting all these puzzle pieces together. On top of that, spore counts are being tested due to the current weather conditions, and zinc boluses are going into heifers, vaccinations are happening—there’s certainly a lot going on!
Earlier this month the team came together in New Plymouth for our first conference of the year. It was a great opportunity to plan ahead, prepare for the months coming up, and spend time learning and strengthening our team through a range of development and team-building activities.
In this month’s newsletter, we farewell Bryan Aldridge, Service Manager for the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato, and acknowledge the valuable contribution he has made to the team. You’ll also find a blog on May changeover, along with tips, and updates on weather patterns, feed requirements, and other seasonal considerations.
We hope you enjoy this month’s edition.
Rebecca Hall – New Zealand Grazing Company’s Administrator
WELCOME TO OUR FEBRUARY UPDATE
It has been a high-energy month across the regions as we move into the critical transition period of the season.
On the Farm: Scanning and Moving
It is officially the season of the “waiting game” results. We are right in the thick of pregnancy testing, and the results so far have been providing the clarity needed for winter planning. At the same time, the logistics of getting autumn lines ready to head home are well underway. Ensuring these animals are hitting their weight targets before they leave the gate is our primary focus as we transition toward the cooler months.
Animal Health: Facial Eczema & Zinc Bolusing
With the current humid conditions, Facial Eczema (FE) season is now a high-priority risk. Spore counts are starting to spike in many regions, making prevention absolutely critical.
Action Point: If you haven’t already, now is the time for zinc bolusing, particularly for youngstock and drystock.
Think of it as “cheap insurance”—a bolus typically provides a steady dose of protection for 4 to 6 weeks, taking the guesswork out of water-based or drenching methods during this high-risk window.
In This Issue
Client Spotlight: We sit down with Ian Jeffery from Rosemont, a dedicated grower in the Bay of Plenty, for an insightful Q&A session on his farming system and focus.
Technical Insights: Our resident expert Dougal provides a deep dive into the current weather outlook, updated feed requirements, and the latest weight gain data to help you benchmark your performance.
Featured Article: Richard Hammond explores a timely topic in “Winter Feeding Heifers: The Benefits of Palm Kernel Extract (PKE) Over Winter Crops,” discussing how PKE can offer a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional cropping.
WELCOME TO 2026!
We’ve hit the ground running! Our autumn-born heifers are booked in for final weighs and are soon heading home. PD testing has kicked off on a handful of heifer lines, and the remaining heifers are all booked and ready for testing over the coming months.
Of course, New Zealand’s weather has kept us on our toes! From scorching heatwaves to sudden downpours, it’s been a classic Kiwi summer roller‑coaster. Northland, in particular, saw heavy rain and flooding earlier this month — a reminder that the only thing predictable about summer here… is that it’s unpredictable!
With these conditions, fecal testing is important to monitor parasite levels and keep stock healthy. If you need extra packs, contact your service manager to request more.
Buckle up — 2026 is shaping up to be a full‑on, action‑packed season! Wishing everyone a safe, productive, and successful summer grazing season.
Rebecca Hall – New Zealand Grazing Company’s Administrator
Ready or not, it’s here!
Yes, it is officially that time of year when the jolly fellow in red visits. Hopefully, you’ll soon be heading off on
a well-deserved break to bask in some sunshine.
Since we last spoke, our team has been incredibly busy signing contracts, managing start weighs for
weaners entering our system, and visiting clients to spread some festive cheer.
We also recently had the privilege of attending the Precision Dairy Farming conference in Christchurch,
where New Zealand Grazing Company was a proud sponsor. It was fascinating to see the technology
currently being researched and incorporated into dairy farming. Artificial Intelligence is certainly set to make
a massive impact, speeding up the delivery of new technologies into the farming space.
On a side note: aside from the conference, I can highly recommend Christchurch as a holiday destination—
it’s a fun, vibrant city for a quick weekend getaway! Do try it!
From all of us here at New Zealand Grazing, we wish you a very happy, fun, and safe festive season.
New Zealand Grazing Company: November 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to the November edition of the New Zealand Grazing Company newsletter.
With the race to Christmas officially on, we know it’s one of the busiest times of the year on-farm. The to-do list seems endless, from wrapping up AI, mating and getting weaners ready to head out to grazing, to tackling cropping, silage, shearing, and dipping.
Thankfully, the weather has been kind for most of the North Island, with recent good rain providing a welcome boost for grass growth as we head into summer for most but not all regions.
Here at New Zealand Grazing, our team has been working hard actively managing the growth and mating requirements of the 2024-born heifers alongside our network of amazing growers. Our focus also incorporates the movement of the next generation of weaner heifers ensuring it is well aligned and effortless. Don’t forget to prepare weaners well for trucking – off green grass (for at least 4 hours prior) with access to fibre and water. This will help them get over trucking and back to grazing sooner.
We are also preparing for our role in sponsorship of the 4th International Precision Dairy Farming Conference being held in Christchurch 3-5th December. We are excited about our involvement and our small team of staff who will be attending and are looking forward to learn more about the amazing technological advances in the industry. Record numbers have registered so we hope we get to see some of you there!
Check out the website https://www.precisiondairyfarmingconference.nz/
While managing our day-to-day business, we also keep a close eye on wider industry issues. A new noxious weed, which has arrived in the Far North, is beginning to spread south. We feel it is critical to inform you about this threat so we can all play a part in its eradication, Madagascar Ragwort. We hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter and are enjoying the warmer weather in your busy lives.
Bridget Clark – New Zealand Grazing Company Operations Manager + Director
That Familiar October Buzz…
You can feel it in the air, can’t you? That October buzz that means we’re on the home stretch to Christmas. With calving and lambing mostly in the rearview mirror, the to-do list is still long—from weaning and docking to the crucial management of spring grass. If only we could control the weather to make it perfect.
This season keeps us on our toes at NZ Grazing Company as well. We’ve been busy ensuring our Jersey lads are allocated and safely out on their mission with the heifers.
We couldn’t do it without our fantastic team and partners. A big thanks to our bull growers, who have once again raised an outstanding crop of bulls. And to our service managers, thank you for the countless hours spent planning and coordinating—it’s no easy job, and we appreciate you.
From all of us here, may your spring be kind and your breeding season a great success!
Bridget Clark -Operations Manager + Company Director
SEPTEMBER 2025…
Another month has flown by and here we are, closing in on the end of September 2025. They say time flies when you’re having fun—or maybe it just seems to speed up as we get older!
A couple of recent headlines caught my attention, both sad and humorous in their own ways. After a long four-year saga, Tom Phillips and his three children were finally found. While the reunion didn’t bring the tidy ending many hoped for, it is at least a step forward for that family’s healing. On a much lighter note, my daughter recently announced to me:
“Mum, Taylor Swift got engaged this week and the world went crazy.”
To which I replied, “Really? I must have missed that.”
Her response: “Pull the rock back over yourself, Mum!”
It just goes to show—what matters to one person may not matter to another.
Turning to farming news, what strikes me most is the pace of change—particularly around technology. From sheep farmers using drones for lambing beats, saving hours every day, to dairy farmers using wearables to dramatically improve herd reproduction results, the sector is shifting quickly. Of course, technology doesn’t suit everyone, and not every new tool will deliver on its promises. Before diving in, it’s worth asking: Why do I want to make this change? What will the benefits be for me? Do the research, ask questions, and make sure the rest of your business keeps humming while you’re learning something new. Farming already demands a huge range of skills—so if you do invest in new technology, also invest the time needed to get the most from it.
Keep learning, take on what’s relevant to you and your farm, and enjoy the coming months of spring. Here’s to plenty of growth—grass, stock, and knowledge alike.
Bridget Clark – New Zealand Grazing Company Operations Manager + Director
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
Strong heifers today, stronger herds tomorrow.
