DairyNZ Urges Farmers to Plan for Higher Costs in 2026/27 Season
Farmers should be cautiously optimistic as the 2026/27 season kicks off, says DairyNZ.
DairyNZ's team is looking forward to catching up with Southland and Otago dairy farmers at the Southern Field Days in Waimumu near Gore next month.
Chief executive Campbell Parker and deputy chair Cam Henderson will be at the DairyNZ stand, along with DairyNZ's regional team.
DairyNZ lower South Island regional manager Jared Stokman says it's a great opportunity for farmers to catch up with DairyNZ staff and chat about priorities in the region.
"We've attended several Southern Field Days, and the event is a great opportunity to engage with farmers at a farm-focused event and have more constructive conversations with those in the industry. The format of the event allows us to have more in-depth and detailed discussions with farmers about issues they think we should focus on," he says.
"We will be showcasing some of our farmer tools and resources, which have been developed with DairyNZ's research and farm systems expertise, to support success on farm.
"Campbell and Cam can also answer any queires around how the levy is invested and the upcoming Milksolids Levy."
The Milksolids Levy is the primary source of funding for DairyNZ's work. This vote is an opportunity to reflect on the value delivered through levy-funded initiatives and to reaffirm support for ongoing investment. Voting will open on 16 February and run through until 13 March.
Big year in Southland
DairyNZ is facilitating a range of events over 2026 in Southland and Otago including field days, workshops, and farmer discussion groups.
These regional events provide farmers with greater access to our scientists, experts and our research, with a focus on farm systems application, while continuing to support farmers to connect with other farmers in their local region.
Meet us there
Come along to learn more about DairyNZ and what we are doing to support your farm's future. We look forward to seeing you there.
In advance of the Budget, Finance Minister Nicola Willis put a clear damper on expectations and delivered accordingly.
Farmers should be cautiously optimistic as the 2026/27 season kicks off, says DairyNZ.
RaboResearch senior analyst Emma Higgins expects the 2026/27 dairy season to be another profitable one.
The new dairy season is kicking off with plenty of risks to the forecast farmgate price, both upside and downside, says ANZ agricultural economist Matt Dilly.
A potential showdown between the top two Federated Farmers leaders looms at the farmer lobby's annual meeting later this month.
FarmIQ Systems has developed a free land management app to help remove barriers to New Zealand farmers and growers adopting digital tools.

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