Ray Smith: Dairy still has growth potential despite flat export outlook
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
A lifetime dairy farmer, Murray Jamieson has earned a reputation as a farm consultant and strategic advisor working with a range of organisations including Lincoln University, Northland College farm and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
It was in this latter capacity which saw him as one of the hosts for the APEC Summit in the Bay of Islands in June this year bringing him into contact with representatives of the Peruvian Government.
"I accompanied delegates from Peru, Thailand and Vietnam around several farms in Northland. They were particularly interested in how Kiwi farmers maximize production from land and animals in dairying and drystock and also keen interest in arable farming.
"These countries also share the challenge common to most agricultural nations of attracting, training and retaining quality staff and there was a lot of interest in how tertiary institutions collaborate in New Zealand to nurture future generations of farmers."
Shortly after the Summit, Jamieson received an invitation from Alfonso Velasquez, on behalf of the Peruvian Government, to visit the Peruvian Highlands to assess the potential to significantly improve the production of the land through changes to the infrastructure, systems, training and benchmarking.
"The Peruvian highlands cover more than 15 million hectares which are home to more than 3.7 million cattle, 9 million sheep, 3 million alpacas and 1 million llamas and a variety of other species. The area also includes more than 470,000 hectares of forest and large tracts of protected land.
"There is a lot of potential to improve the pasture, water quality, animal health and genetics of the region and this will favourably impact on the incomes and welfare of the Peruvian people."
The Peruvian dairy industry is on the cusp of change and Jamieson says their vision of the future is being shaped by what is being achieved in New Zealand.
"I see my visit as opening the door to further collaboration with all aspects of our industry – from genetics through to milk processing, staff training and onfarm extension."
Jamieson is a candidate in the Board elections for DairyNZ and says the ten day trip to Peru will provide valuable perspectives for the Peruvian Government, and will be beneficial for relationships in New Zealand.
