DairyNZ Sets Out Election Priorities for Dairy Farmers
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Hound notes that despite the new government having been elected for well over a month, there seems to a real lack of urgency on its behalf.
A clear case in point is the stone-walling and delay – from both government ministers and officials – over the desperate need to allow more migrant workers into the country to harvest fruit and vegetables.
Meanwhile, the Shearing Contractors Association is still looking for an urgent decision to allow experienced sheep shearers into the country – despite having been in talks with the government since the start of lockdown.
The association says, initially, it applied for 200 shearers to fill gaps in the local workforce, but that has been scaled back to 60 – but they are still waiting for a decision.
Perhaps they should have said the shearers were movie industry workers or America’s Cup sailors and they would have had more luck!
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.

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