increase font size
DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker.
DairyNZ board and leadership team were in Wellington late last month to relay what farmers see as priority areas for easing the regulatory burden on dairy farming.
In an email message to levy payers, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says the meeting was a good opportunity to follow up on their pre-election advice to policymakers, their briefings to incoming ministers, and to answer any questions they had for the sector.
Parker notes that key announcements in the Government’s action plan released this week follow those discussions.
H says importantly for dairy farmers, these four areas are being considered over the next quarter are:
“We continue to advocate for simplified processes for Fresh Water Farm Plans, including recognition of existing industry plans delivered in partnership with dairy Companies to reduce complexity, cost, and duplication.
“The Government is in the early stages of outlining the scope for how it will address these areas. Our scientists and policy advisors will be actively ensuring the dairy sector’s evidence-based research leads to practical solutions that work on-farm.
“Other areas we flagged as being critical are being progressed by Government and include a review of rural regulations, and enhanced biosecurity. New technologies and workforce development are also areas we are advocating on behalf of farmers.”
One person intimately involved in the new legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) is the outgoing chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment, James Palmer, who's also worked in local government.
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.
Milksolids levies paid by dairy farmers over the past six years have generated nearly $3 billion in value, according to an independent review.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…
