2024/25 Dairy Statistics: NZ dairy farmers boost production with fewer cows
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.
DairyNZ is urging "future-focused" farmers to consider standing in its upcoming board election.
Sitting director Jacqueline Rowarth is retiring by rotation after serving three years on the board. She is seeking re-election.
Nominations must be received by the Returning Officer by noon on Friday, September 3.
In a statement DairyNZ says farmers with a strong interest in supporting the past year has presented its own set of challenges for farmers and the sector, including workforce shortages, regulatory change and extreme weather events. "Our farmers are currently the most sustainable milk producers in the world and have made significant progress to prepare for the future, but farmers are operating in a challenging climate," says van der Poel.
"DairyNZ is in a unique position to support dairy farmers with leading research and science, and to advocate on behalf of farmers to influence future policy changes."
The DairyNZ board oversees the industry-good body's strategy, which guides future investments into a range of programmes, including industry research and development; sustainable farming; promoting careers in dairy; advocating for farmers and monitoring the strategy's delivery.
"The DairyNZ team are dedicated to helping farmers face upcoming challenges and continue improving their businesses to prosper," says van der Poel.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
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