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.
DAIRY FARMERS can now get their effluent system assessed by an independent, certified assessor.
The Dairy Effluent 'Warrant of Fitness' (WOF) programme, developed with the support of DairyNZ, is being launched at the Waikato Effluent Expo at Mystery Creek today (March 25).
DairyNZ's Sustainability team leader, Dr Theresa Wilson, says a consistent method was needed for assessing an effluent system to ensure it is fit for purpose for the farm.
"Many farmers have been upgrading their effluent system over the last few years. Getting it assessed by an independent expert to see if it meets the grade gives them peace of mind," says Theresa.
"A WOF assessor will look at the farm's complete effluent infrastructure. They will point out areas of risk and suggest practical actions a farmer can take to ensure their system is capable of being compliant 365 days a year."
The three to four hour assessment will also cover the farm's effluent consents and permitted rules, the storage capacity, nutrient loadings, soil risk, irrigator performance, off-pasture infrastructure and general health and safety requirements.
"Farmers that are planning an upgrade and are not sure which parts of the system need addressing will find it very useful talking to an independent expert," says Theresa.
"If you are buying or selling a farm, if you are a sharemilker moving onto a new property or part of a group owning a farm, it makes sense to call in a WOF assessor to understand how well the effluent system is performing."
While more professionals are undergoing training and certification in the coming months, farmers can already choose from a number of certified WOF assessors at www.effluentwof.co.nz.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.
Following heavy rain which caused flooding in parts of Nelson-Tasman and sewerage overflows in Marlborough, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging homeowners and tenants to be cautious when cleaning up and to take the right steps to support claims.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.