Generating value from dairy beef
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ecognising the important role dairyderived beef plays in the industry, Beef + Lamb New Zealand invests along the supply chain to generate greater beef returns for dairy farmers. B+LNZ’s chief executive Sam McIvor says there’s enormous potential to extract value from dairy beef, from increasing the value of calves born on dairy farms through to the end product. According to McIvor, the organisation works on behalf of dairy farmers to ensure market access for their beef products. “Dairy beef sold under B+LNZ’s processorsupported Taste Pure Nature brand is attracting significant attention from ‘conscious foodies’ in the US and China who’re looking for naturally-raised, grass-fed meat – and are prepared to pay a premium for it.” According to McIvor, results from B+LNZ’s Dairy Beef Progeny Test have shown that up to 45kg of additional carcase weight can be achieved by mating dairy cows to the appropriate beef bulls. “There’s a huge pool of bulls available that can be safely used over dairy cows, offering improvement in gestation length and calf value as well as environmental benefits.” A recent study comparing the climate footprint of dairy beef with traditional beef systems in NZ highlighted the potential to reduce the impact of beef production by around 20% by switching to dairy beef. ”All this work is extremely important given the pressure to farm with minimal impact on the environment and to continue driving efficiencies.” Together with DairyNZ, B+LNZ is working on a research programme to capture more value from bobby calves. This includes identifying opportunities for new consumer products such as rose veal, examining implications for processing and testing onfarm systems - considering issues like greenhouse gases, calf rearing/genetics, and solutions such as sexed semen. McIvor is encouraging dairy farmers to take part in B+LNZ’s levy referendum. Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | June 2021
A tiny home could be the way to help family members onto the property ladder.
Income gains from tiny spaces
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n times of economic uncertainty, we’re all looking at ways of increasing our income streams. With the house-prices of late, wouldn’t it be nice if we could help our children into their first home? Well, if you’ve got land – or access to some - you’ve got options. Amazing Spaces’ tiny homes are a luxurious, yet affordable solution that, with its triple-axle wheel base, can be driven straight onto a paddock or any flat space. Once plumbed in and connected to power, these liveable tiny homes can be used as short-term holiday accommodation to generate some extra cash, or as a cost-effective way for family to get their foot on the property ladder. They may be portable, but with full-sized kitchens and proper bathrooms, there are no compromises on quality because of limited space. Beautiful kitchen designs include a proper oven and stone top benches, full-sized fridge, stylish tapware and cupboards… and plenty of space. With house designs ranging from one to four bedrooms, including stairs to a second level, a lounge area, and bathroom with laundry facilities, these homes are also perfect for permanent living. You can even design a home to suit your needs. This means they are great solutions if you want a long-term rental, you are down-sizing from a larger home, or if you just need a nice selfcontained space for when you have extras staying. In winter, double glazing, full insulation and a heat pump ensure you can keep cosy and warm. However, with options for French doors and bi-fold windows, design your home to open out onto a deck with awning – and you can make the most of summer too. Plans start from $139K and range up to $155K, which despite the expansive size, inclusions and design, is the best price per m2 on the market for any portable home. If you are interested in checking out one of Amazing Spaces’ tiny homes for yourself, head along to National Field Days and chat to one of the team. 89
