Genetics, Efficiency and Performance: How the Burgesses are raising the bar at Te Poi
Bill and Michelle Burgess had an eye-opening realisation when they produced the same with fewer cows.
The former Federated Farmers national dairy chair says his focus at DairyNZ remains on ensuring the board provides strong governance direction that reflects farmers' realities and invests levypayer funds wisely.
Nominations closed last week. This year, two farmer director positions are open, with Lewis and board chair Tracy Brown and Chris Lewis retiring by rotation. Brown is also seeking re-election. DairyNZ has a governing board of eight directors. Five are farmer-elected and three are independent, professional directors.
Lewis milks about 930 cows on a 330ha eff farm at Pukeatua, south of Hamilton.
He told Dairy News that DairyNZ must pursue practical, "paddock-first solutions" while safeguarding farm viability and being accountable to levypayers.
"Farmers need answers that work in the paddock, not just on paper," he says.
"My focus is on ensuring the board keeps DairyNZ connected to the realities of running a farm, so that strategies, research, and policy translate into tangible, measurable outcomes on-farm that are positive for both production and profit."
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Lewis believes the board must take a strategic view of the cost pressures, regulatory demands, and labour shortages impacting the sector.
"I will ensure DairyNZ's priorities support profitability, resilience, and long-term confidence for the next generation of farmers.
"Sound governance means testing every decision against operational realities. I will continue to ensure board decisions are informed by robust analysis and farmer input, not just theoretical models — and that all directors are able to bring their expertise effectively to the table.”
He says directors are accountable to farmers and the board must maintain a strong and credible voice in discussions with government, industry partners, and the public — representing farmer interests with integrity and authority.
“From freshwater farm plans to climate policy and biosecurity, the board must provide direction that is practical, costeffective, and achievable. I will ensure we face these issues head-on, balancing environmental, economic, and social outcomes.”
Lewis served as a Federated Farmers’ official for over 18 years, starting at Otorohanga branch chair culminating as national dairy chair. He stepped down four years ago to allow younger Feds members to take on leadership roles.
He remembers telling fellow Feds executives of the need to focus on ‘three Fs’ – family, farming then Feds.
“After a year we added another ‘F’ – fun; you must have some fun while you’re doing these roles.
“And so I always said to the guys, when we get together at the conferences, do not get things mixed up – family first, then your farm. If you’ve got time, do your volunteer work with Feds.”
