Dairy power
OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.
The stories of Kiwi farmers leading the world in sustainable farming are being shared as part of DairyNZ’s Rise and Shine campaign launched this week.
“New Zealand dairy has a great story to tell and we are seeing that realised through public sentiment, with 73% of people recently surveyed being favourable toward dairy farmers,” says DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle.
“This is tremendous recognition for farmers playing a key role right now – dually supporting our economic recovery post-Covid while shifting how their day-to-day business operates to further deliver for environment, animals and people.”
Survey results also show a marked increase in overall positivity in the last six months – with 62% of the public feeling positive toward New Zealand’s dairy sector.
“Overall, research is telling us the public are feeling good about dairy – our farmers are inspiring young Kiwis, contributing to communities and are an attractive career option. This is great recognition.”
Mackle says New Zealand’s dairy farmers have made great strides in environmental initiatives and it’s important to champion them as they commit to do even more.
“The emissions created from every glass of New Zealand milk are less than half the global average. Our farmers are shifting toward increasingly sustainable systems. It’s a big challenge – securing farm systems which are profitable, while minimising footprint,” says Mackle.
“Right now, DairyNZ’s Step Change programme is underway to support farmers with climate change and water quality goals. It will help farmers reduce greenhouse gases, improve water and maintain profitable businesses.
“The world is changing and dairy is moving with it. Our farmers are on the journey, but we want to continue raising the bar to maintain our position as world leading farmers,” he says.
“Kiwi dairy farmers have a long and proud history of innovation – rising to challenges, and it is in those moments they shine.”
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New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
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A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
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Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
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OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.