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.
Export revenue from New Zealand's food and fibre sector is expected to reach a record $52.2 billion in the year to June 30, 2022.
Dairy export revenue is on track to reach a record high of $21.6 billion, 13% higher than the previous year.
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor says the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report, released last week, shows that this will be the first time we've hit more than $50 billion in food and fibre exports, an increase of almost 10% on the previous year.
"This is a tremendous result for the sector as farmers, growers and others in the supply chains who play such a critical role in our economy.
"They have continued to deliver quality products for Kiwis and overseas consumers while navigating global disruption and uncertainty.
"Our markets abroad are demanding high-quality products that are made with care, and this report indicates our exporters are responding to these market signals.
"To that end, the Government is investing to support farmers and growers to deliver food and fibre with low emissions and high sustainablity, which will provide us economic security."
Damien O'Connor said the SOPI, released by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), forecast significant growth across the majority of our food and fibre exports.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.