Calves. Lambs. Longer, busier, (slightly!) warmer days. One or two less layers of clothing. The end of winter brings many things, not least of which for a lot of you will include thinking 12 months ahead about how best to get through next winter.

In our last Insight, two leading scientists shared their thoughts and research on the future of wintering systems as New Zealand farming adapts to changing environmental, social and welfare expectations.

This time, we asked farmers themselves how and why they’re fine-tuning their own wintering practices for the good of their soil, water, animals and people.

One has just made a big change; two others are optimising a technique they introduced some years ago. The single common factor? A mind open to experimentation and improvement. Let’s find out more.