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OPINION: The good news keeps getting better for NZ dairy farmers.
DairyNZ's updated forecast for the 2025-26 season portrays a favourable outlook for farmers.
Driven by strong milk prices, DairyNZ estimates farmers will receive an average payout of $9.92/kgMS for the 2025-26 season. With a forecast breakeven milk price of $8.36/kgMS, this points to an average surplus of around $1.56/kgMS for the season.
At the same time, season-to-date milksolids production is running 3.3% ahead of the same period last season.
The combination of relatively high payout expectations and strong production means many farms are tracking towards a very solid revenue season. For many farms, margins will be comfortably above breakeven levels, despite increases in farm working expenses.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
OPINION: The stats speak for themselves.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.
