DairyNZ

DairyNZ invests dairy farmers’ money into a wide range of programmes – including industry research and development, promoting careers in dairying and advocating for farmers with central and regional government.

What do I get for my levy?

Investment is guided by the Dairy Tomorrow strategy.

We focus on research and development

We operate three research farms in the Waikato and Taranaki, and also invest in the Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm and the Southern Dairy Hub in Southland.

We research farm systems now and for the future, using farmers’ levy money and government research funding for specific projects. Our staff members include specialists in water quality, feed and farm systems, animal health and welfare, biosecurity and pasture management.

We help with the business of farming

DairyNZ runs a range of programmes to help farmers learn skills, share experiences with other farmers and support innovation. Our tools and resources help farm competitively and responsibly:

• the DairyBase programme
• financial guidance
• business seminars and training 

We work to get the best people into dairying

Having good people in the industry is crucial to its success.

We fund and run a range of training workshops and events, along with developing resources to increase knowledge and expertise in dairying – from improving staff skills to being a great employer.

We also promote dairy careers in schools and universities – aiming to get talent into the industry.

Visit the People section of the website for more.

We represent farmers' interests

DairyNZ advocates for farmers in a broad range of forums.

We talk to regional councils and government to ensure good policy outcomes that ensure dairy farming works for everyone.

We ensure good science and data analysis underpins policy decisions so that solutions are workable, address the real issues and deliver enduring results.

For more visit In Your Region and Policy and Advocacy.

We help with environmental responsibilities

Responsible dairy farming is key to the industry’s success.

Along with the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, DairyNZ is leading the industry to meet commitments under the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord.

This includes work to exclude stock from waterways, manage nutrients and effluent, and make efficient use of water.

For more information visit the Environment section.