Latest news with #DairyNZ
NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Striking the balance: Practical policy for freshwater and farming
Another opportunity will come later this year – likely October – when we see the first draft of the new rules. What I'm hearing from those I talk with is that without a doubt, dairy remains a valued and valuable sector critical to New Zealand's future economic success, with more enabling policy a shared interest between DairyNZ and the Government. The Government's proposals include updates to Te Mana o te Wai, simpler wetland rules, a review of nitrogen limits, and more flexible ways to set freshwater objectives. These changes could reduce red tape, but only if they result in rules that are practical and workable on-farm. We support the consultation process and the goal of improving freshwater policy, but we are advocating for change that reflects on-farm realities and builds confidence for the future. We support a shift away from rigid numerical limits. Instead, we want to see greater focus on ecosystem and human health outcomes. We support better use of tools like certified and audited Freshwater Farm Plans. More enabling rules around constructed wetlands are another priority. The dairy sector is investing heavily in science-backed solutions to reduce its environmental footprint, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment losses. Proven practices such as using plantain, catch crops, good farming practices and stacked mitigations through Low N Systems are already delivering results. An example is the potential for nitrate reductions of up to 60%, with further gains possible with supportive policy. These efforts show the sector's strong commitment to improving freshwater quality while remaining economically viable. DairyNZ has spent the past year preparing to provide a workable replacement to the existing policy. Our team has developed an alternative freshwater framework to support a constructive, science-led response. We are pushing for four key outcomes: Practical, science-based rules Clearer focus on environmental and human health Farmer-led, catchment-scale solutions that reward good practice A policy package trusted by farmers, communities and markets. Beyond freshwater, we are involved in the wider RMA reform, where we have concerns. We've submitted on both recent Amendment Bills and the Fast-Track Approvals Bill, calling for enduring and enabling policy settings with pragmatic consenting pathways. We are also working with regional councils to ensure the pause on new freshwater plans is used to improve, not shelve, the evidence base for environmental limits. We know that right now, many of you are doing your best to interpret complex rules while managing the day-to-day realities of farming. And with calving underway or around the corner, it's all hands on deck. In the meantime, keep doing the basics well: record nitrogen use, keep stock out of waterways, and implement your Freshwater Farm Plan. Together, we can ensure the next generation of policy supports both a thriving dairy sector and a healthy environment. Thank you for everything you do. - Tracy Brown is the chair of DairyNZ
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Global Experts To Gather At NZ's First International Precision Dairy Farming Conference
Being held in New Zealand for the first time, the conference is delivered byDairyNZ in collaboration with leading research and industry partners. Running from35 December 2025, the event arrives at a pivotal moment as sustainable dairy growth … Experts from 24 countries are coming to see why New Zealand is at the heart of global dairy success as Christchurch gets ready to host the4th International Precision Dairy Farming Conference,this December. Being held in New Zealand for the first time, the conference is delivered byDairyNZ in collaboration with leading research and industry partners. Running from3–5 December 2025, the event arrives at a pivotal moment as sustainable dairy growth becomes a key focus for policymakers and farmers alike. Providingreal-world insightsinto how precision tools and technologies are shaping the future of the dairy industry, the conference will feature: Farm visitsshowing diverse and innovative precision technologies in action. 120 accepted submissions covering cutting-edge science and practical applications. Keynote sessions and farmer panelsexploring research, adoption strategies, investment considerations, and system integration. 'DairyNZ is proud to show leadership in applied science, with this conference delivering for both farmers and scientists. We are bringing together dairy farmers, researchers, rural professionals and agri-tech innovators,' saysNico Lyons, DairyNZ Head of Science. 'We're showcasing tools and insights grounded in farm reality, backed by research, and ready to support better decisions on-farm.' Experts will present on topics such asanimal monitoring, sensor technology, and data use, alongside local farmers sharing their experiences with precision approaches inpasture management, reproduction, animal health, and labour efficiency. DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown says several leading companies are supporting the conference, includingHalter, CowManager, and DeLaval (platinum, gold, and silver event sponsors, respectively) as well as other industry partners. 'By combining world-class science with practical farmer experience, our goal is to help farmers get the best out of their systems—such as increased productivity, improved animal care, or greater environmental gains,' saysTracy. Craig Piggott, CEO of Halter says: 'Helping farmers unlock more value from their land, animals, and time is at the core of what we do. We're excited to support this event because it's all about impact on the ground.' International keynote speakers include Professor David Rose (Harper Adams University, UK) covering the role of social science for precision dairy research, Assistant Professor Joao Dorea (University of Wisconsin–Madison, US) on artificial intelligence and machine learning, and Dr Claudia Kamphuis (Wageningen University, Netherlands) on digital twins and use of drones in grazing systems. Registrations are now openfor farmers—with dairy farmers able to access a discount via Early Bird registration—and for researchers, students, and sector professionals at:
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Global Experts To Gather At NZ's First International Precision Dairy Farming Conference
Experts from 24 countries are coming to see why New Zealand is at the heart of global dairy success as Christchurch gets ready to host the4th International Precision Dairy Farming Conference,this December. Being held in New Zealand for the first time, the conference is delivered byDairyNZ in collaboration with leading research and industry partners. Running from3–5 December 2025, the event arrives at a pivotal moment as sustainable dairy growth becomes a key focus for policymakers and farmers alike. Providingreal-world insightsinto how precision tools and technologies are shaping the future of the dairy industry, the conference will feature: Farm visitsshowing diverse and innovative precision technologies in action. 120 accepted submissions covering cutting-edge science and practical applications. Keynote sessions and farmer panelsexploring research, adoption strategies, investment considerations, and system integration. 'DairyNZ is proud to show leadership in applied science, with this conference delivering for both farmers and scientists. We are bringing together dairy farmers, researchers, rural professionals and agri-tech innovators,' saysNico Lyons, DairyNZ Head of Science. 'We're showcasing tools and insights grounded in farm reality, backed by research, and ready to support better decisions on-farm.' Experts will present on topics such asanimal monitoring, sensor technology, and data use, alongside local farmers sharing their experiences with precision approaches inpasture management, reproduction, animal health, and labour efficiency. DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown says several leading companies are supporting the conference, includingHalter, CowManager, and DeLaval (platinum, gold, and silver event sponsors, respectively) as well as other industry partners. 'By combining world-class science with practical farmer experience, our goal is to help farmers get the best out of their systems—such as increased productivity, improved animal care, or greater environmental gains,' saysTracy. Craig Piggott, CEO of Halter says: 'Helping farmers unlock more value from their land, animals, and time is at the core of what we do. We're excited to support this event because it's all about impact on the ground." International keynote speakers include Professor David Rose (Harper Adams University, UK) covering the role of social science for precision dairy research, Assistant Professor Joao Dorea (University of Wisconsin–Madison, US) on artificial intelligence and machine learning, and Dr Claudia Kamphuis (Wageningen University, Netherlands) on digital twins and use of drones in grazing systems. Registrations are now openfor farmers—with dairy farmers able to access a discount via Early Bird registration—and for researchers, students, and sector professionals at:
NZ Herald
30-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
DairyNZ's Econ Tracker forecasts higher breakeven milk price amid rising costs
Content brought to you by DairyNZ DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update shows a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season, driven by increases in essential on-farm costs. The key updated figures on the Econ Tracker include the current DairyNZ breakeven milk price forecast of $8.68 per
NZ Herald
25-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Dairy exports vital for NZ economy despite butter price concerns: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth
The same might well apply to your house. Downsizing parents have been known to assist their children into the family home while choosing somewhere less expensive for themselves. But if an outlander said they would give you twice the money of the valuation of your home, would you then accept it in the knowledge your children would ultimately be better off? There could be $1 million extra to spend on whatever you and they need, want or desire – a different house and a car, holiday or whatever. This is the philosophy behind Fonterra's approach to selling products from the dairy industry. A considerable amount of time and energy is spent marketing and positioning to achieve the best price possible for the product. The money keeps people in employment, funds repairs, maintenance and infrastructure development, and also funds research into new products. The bulk of the export income goes to the dairy farmers so that they, too, can employ people and create vibrant businesses, while also funding farm research through their levy contribution to industry good bodies such as DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ. The income streams give everybody more choice, including the Government through tax-take investment. Every dairy dollar created by New Zealand cows and sold offshore generates over seven times the value in New Zealand and increases employment by over eight Full Time Equivalent positions. The $27 billion in export dollars is $5400 for every New Zealander, which multiplied by seven is almost $40,000. That is just for dairy. It is a lot of packs of butter, or cheese, and certainly litres of milk. The Government's concept of doubling the value of exports underpins its desire (and New Zealand's need) for improved health, education and infrastructure, as well as police, environment, and every other group important to New Zealand's functioning as a developed nation. Prices come down when supply exceeds demand, writes Dr Jacqueline Rowarth. If the export income increases, New Zealanders are better off. Despite this, there has been yet another outcry over the price of butter, with statements that it should be cheaper because New Zealand produces so much of it. Prices come down when supply exceeds demand, or if the product is being used as a loss leader by the seller. Vegetables and fruit tend to be cheaper in peak harvest season because supply is plentiful. The Food Price Index shows increases during winter and drought (and in the aftermath of cyclones). There is no glut in dairy products – they are in demand. Loss leaders are a different issue. They are an inducement to customers to enter a store to purchase the product at a price which might be below market cost. The goal is to stimulate sales of other, more profitable goods or services. The store accepts the 'loss' on the chosen product on the basis that it will make more money on sales overall, as customers are led into the shop… Inevitably, this leads to a discussion on supermarkets and whether the current structure allows sufficient choice for New Zealand customers. Supermarkets have borne the brunt of complaints about rising food prices (overlooking the impact of an increase in wages, power, rates and compliance costs, and the fact about 40% of food is imported). An article published last year showed each New Zealand supermarket was generating over 40% more revenue than US supermarkets. But each New Zealand supermarket was also serving more people. The article suggested having more competition between supermarket companies would reduce the revenue (implication - profit - which is not necessarily the case) for each supermarket. What was not apparent was that by serving more people, the New Zealand supermarkets were offering a service for less than that being charged in other countries. From the data, it appeared that in the UK and Australia, the revenue per person was 40% and 23%, respectively, higher than in New Zealand. When comparing prices here with those overseas, the role of GST, which adds 15% to the purchase price, is often overlooked. Further, unlike farmers elsewhere, New Zealand farmers do not receive Government support (taxpayer money). In many cases in the northern hemisphere, the support is what keeps the business solvent while ensuring domestic food security and a managed landscape. Discussing butter prices, Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, has explained that the alternatives are subsidies (which have to be paid for with tax) or regulation. There is a cost to both, resulting in inefficiencies. Next time you need butter (or cheese, or milk or any food), thank a farmer for being the bedrock of the economy. The current Government is grateful; we can be, too.
