How AI and Wearable Tech Are Transforming NZ Dairy Farming Decisions
Technology and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly part of life, both on the farm and off it.
Unvaccinated dairy farmers won't be able to attend in-person events run by DairyNZ.
The industry-good body says it is following the guidance of the Government's Covid protection framework or the 'traffic light system'.
DairyNZ's general manager farm performance, Sharon Morrell, says this means attendees will need to present their My Vaccine pass at DairyNZ run in-person events.
"Since the first lockdown, DairyNZ has also been offering many of our events online, as farmers have told us they like to have a choice whether to attend in person or virtually," Morell told Rural News.
"We will continue to review how we host events over the coming months, should government guidance change.
"Like other event organisers nationwide, our priority is providing a safe environment for those attending, and most farmer feedback we have received, so far, supports this approach."
Morrell says it's important that DairyNZ listens to farmer feedback and provides them with different options to access its services.
"We engage with farmers in a range of ways, including in-person meetings, farm visits, emails, phone calls and video conferencing. We provide information and resources, undertake research to provide farmers with solutions, and provide events."
DairyNZ is developing a new website - its busiest farmer channel.
"We are also focused on making our services more accessible to farmers, for example, we now offer regular podcasts and are shifting to make more use of videos and social media, based on farmer feedback," says Morrell.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.
Technology and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly part of life, both on the farm and off it.
Ashleigh Gordon and Leilani Lobb have been named as the two finalists for Dairy Women's Network's (DWN) 2026 Regional Leader of the Year Award.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) says the approval of a new fungicide seed treatment is a positive, however growers will be hoping the final approval is completed ahead of the spring season.
North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ's associate director for 2026-27.
Fonterra farmers are set for a multi-billion-dollar payout this week.

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