Dairy farmer profits to hit record levels in 2025
The profitability of dairy farmers is likely to increase in the coming year, accordign to the latest report by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on the outlook for the primary sector.
Dairy Womens Network is teaming up with industry training organisation, AgITO to open up further education possibilities for dairying women.
"We are very excited about this partnership," says Kevin Bryant, chief executive for AgITO. "It gives us the opportunity to further support and help upskill women who are such an important group in making the daily business management decisions within the dairy industry."
According to Bryant, AgITO has a number of qualification options suitable for dairy women who are looking to further develop their careers or gain skills and knowledge in specific key areas from improving milk quality to business management and planning.
"The alliance is one that has been in the making for many years," says Bryant. "At least 70% of our staff are women, some of whom are already members of the Network, we have developed a strong connection."
Headed in the direction of using technology as part of its offerings, AgITO sees the partnership with Dairy Womens Network as a way to move into action mode with this new training method. "Our training already offers the flexibility for people to study while they work and we're looking forward to expanding that flexibility in the future through use of technology. We know women juggle multiple roles so this should be of particular benefit to the Networks members."
Dairy Women's Network chief executive, Sarah Speight says of the partnership, "AgITO is an excellent strategic partner for Dairy Women's Network. Both of our organisations are focused on professional development in the agricultural industry, so it's a great fit."
According to Speight, Dairy Womens Network plans to work with the training organisation to develop a number of innovative ways to deliver training to dairying women on the farm.
The Dairy Women's Network was established in 1998. The Network's purpose is to expand the potential of dairy women in a changing environment by providing inspiration, learning and connection. Dairy Women's Network already provides educational opportunities to its members through Dairy Days workshops, regional groups, conferences and other events.
"This new partnership with AgITO means our members will get exposure to further opportunities to expand their knowledge of how to build successful dairying businesses," says Speight.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.