Wednesday, 18 March 2026 13:25

Happy Days

Written by  Milking It

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.

More like this

Featured

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Next CEO

OPINION: Who will replace Miles Hurrell as Fonterra's next CEO?

Fuel Crisis

OPINION: Governments all over the world are dealing with the fuel crisis.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter