Thursday, 14 September 2017 08:55

Stay profitable, farm within enviro limits

Written by 
Outgoing DairyNZ director Alister Body. Outgoing DairyNZ director Alister Body.

When Canterbury dairy farmer Alister Body became a DairyNZ director 12 years ago, he was motivated by his desire to be part of industry decisionmaking.

Now preparing to move on in October, Body hopes to encourage other dairy farmers to put themselves forward for the “fantastic job” of director.

Two positions on DairyNZ’s board are now up for election; farmer nominations closed last Friday.

As DairyNZ’s longest-standing elected director, Body has had a front-row seat as NZ dairy farming transitioned into a world-leading food producer.

In 12 years, the industry has grown from an average 322 cow herd to 419 and the national milking herd from 3.8 million to 5m cows. And whereas the North Island once dominated with 69% of milk production, now the south is catching up with 43%.

These changes and the aligned need for sustainable farm systems have kept Body motivated in working for dairy farmers.

“The industry has grown incredibly and so has DairyNZ. With the huge increase in demands on farmers over those years, DairyNZ has played a key role in supporting them -- policy, advocacy, information and tools for the farm.”

Body has worked with seven other directors in navigating the industry’s future.

“Looking ahead, we must stay competitive, profitable and farm within environmental limits, and that is a huge challenge,” he says.

“Our farm systems research will be increasingly important.”

When Body began on the Dairy Insight board (a DairyNZ predecessor) he was a Methven dairy farmer wanting more industry involvement.

He saw the merger of Dairy Insight with Dexcel. “There were two organisations for industry good and it was believed putting them together would be better for farmers by being more efficient and effective.

“I have enjoyed my time with DairyNZ; it makes a difference for farmers and the industry. And working with people who live and breathe dairy farming, it’s great to be part of that.”

Body has also been chair of the dairy environment leaders’ group, the former human capability leadership group and the newly formed Canterbury dairy leaders group. He is also a Pastoral Genomics board member.

More like this

Better animal genetic gain system

A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of a major software project.

Musical chairs

OPINION: DairyNZ's director elections has seen scientist Jacqueline Rowarth re-elected for another three-year term.

Featured

Better animal genetic gain system

A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.

SIDE 2025's new schedule, venue

Annual farmer gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.

Taranaki piggery goes solar

Installing 400 solar panels at their Taranaki piggery and cropping operation will have significant environmental, financial and animal welfare benefits for the Stanley family.

Editorial: Keep FTAs coming

OPINION: The dairy industry will  be a major beneficiary of a new free trade deal between NZ and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

National

Organic sector backtracks on GE

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) says the Government’s new gene editing and genetic modification reforms could leave New Zealand as…

$3b windfall?

Fonterra's proposed sale of its global consumer business could fetch over $3 billion but not all proceeds will end up…

Machinery & Products

Milk Sustainability Centre launched

The recently announced Milk Sustainability Centre – a collaboration between global giant John Deere and milking and feed specialists De…

Data connection made easier

New Holland and Case IH are introducing new advancements in their precision technology stack to make farming easier and more…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Chinese strategy

OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.

Not fair

OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter