International Day of Rural Women: Two DairyNZ Farmers’ Stories
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
DairyNZ holds the vote once every six years and chair Tracy Brown says the levy enables the organisation to support farmers in driving on-farm profitability and sustainability through science and research, policy advocacy and extension behind the farm-gate.
“For generations, farmers have been part of each other’s success. Through the milksolids levy, you’ve shared knowledge, the cost of future-focused research, and its on-farm benefits, and established the clear, united voice of dairy that has generated more government support and practical policy,” she says.
“The upcoming milksolids levy vote is a chance to do what you’ve always done for the sector – to come together to continue building a stronger future for New Zealand dairy farming.
“This vote is about whether DairyNZ can keep backing farmers with the research, development and advocacy that move our industry forward. There are no plans to change the current milksolids levy of 4.5 cents per kilogram of milksolids (MS).”
Collected under the terms of the Commodity Levies (Milksolids) Order 2020, the levy is capped at a maximum of 5c/kgMS. Under the proposed Commodity Levies (Milksolids) Order 2026, the maximum rate will stay capped at 5c/kgMS for the term of the new levy order.
Brown is encouraging farmers to vote.
Read More:
- Shared knowledge is our advantage so let's vote together
- Levies return 26c/kgMS per year in value, DairyNZ reports
- Dairy farmers urged to participate in 2026 Levy vote
“Our vision is to ensure the levy is the best investment of every New Zealand dairy farmer. A recent independent audit on our industry-good activities funded by the levy revealed a seven-fold return in value,” says Brown.
“I encourage those eligible to vote to reach out to any of your farmer elected directors to discuss.”
She adds that the milksolids levy helps New Zealand farmers be competitive on the world stage through productivity, strong farm systems, and sustainability.
“New Zealand leads the world in responsible dairy production. Together, we support a thriving dairy sector that is intergenerational, where our care for land, people, animals, and community is world class,” she says.
“Your levy underpins this. It’s a collective investment that has supported you on farm and in your community, and what keeps us all moving forward. And there’s more to get done. So, let’s keep ahead. Let’s vote – together.”
Voting closes 5pm Friday 13 March.
