LIC and DairyNZ announce record calving rates
New Zealand dairy farmers achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin-calf rate on record last year.
New data released by LIC (formerly kown as the Livestock Improvement Corporation) and DairyNZ showed the average six-week in-calf rate at 69.3% for the 2023-24 season, up 2.7% from last season (66.6%), while the not-in-calf rate was down to 15%.
The interim data was based on aged pregnancy test results from 4679 herds, which represented 2.5 million cows across the country.
DairyNZ’s InCalf calculator estimated the reproduction improvements could create $130.7 million in extra milk revenue.
Senior scientist Chris Burke said improved reproduction performance could also help farmers lower emissions.
“Herd reproductive performance is key in ensuring dairy farming success and in lowering methane emissions by reducing the number of non-productive cows.”
To lock in these gains, Burke said farmers should focus on hitting condition score targets at calving and on planning their spring feeding carefully.
LIC senior reproduction solutions adviser Jair Mandriaza said the data was welcomed after a few tough seasons.
Submission rates (the number of cows that were mated in the first three weeks) also increased compared to last season, he said.
“It seems many farmers have implemented improved management practices to overcome those tough seasons and, coupled with favourable weather in many parts of the country, are now reaping the rewards of their hard work.”
Fonterra’s Farm Source group director Anne Douglas said farms’ emissions intensity profile was important for the co-operative. “We provide a number of tools and services aimed at supporting farmers, including our tailored Farm Insights Reports, and we also really appreciate the work that LIC and DairyNZ are doing in this space.
“By working collectively alongside Kiwi farmers, we can help them continue to lead the way in sustainable, efficient dairy farming.”