Bridging the gap with rural New Zealand
OPINION: One thing I keep hearing from rural New Zealanders is the importance of relationships. Strong relationships don’t just happen - they take trust, consistency, and time.
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.
