Lower South Island

Farmers across the Lower South Island are operating in a diverse and changing environment, from Southland’s wintering and freshwater challenges to Otago’s variable climate, water availability and spread-out farming communities. While each area has its own context, common themes include building resilient farm systems, managing environmental expectations, supporting people on farm, making confident business decisions and staying profitable.

Farmers have also told us they value practical, well-timed events, local discussion groups and clearer links between DairyNZ activity and levy value on farm.

You'll have access to research, tools and local expertise to help you:

• Make better seasonal and farm system decisions.
• Prepare for environmental requirements.
• Improve business resilience.
• Develop the people on your farm.
• Connect with others facing similar challenges.

We're supporting farmers across the Lower South Island through local events, discussion groups, tools, research and practical advice that reflect the priorities being raised across the region.

Our focus includes environmental requirements, resilient farm systems, people and staff development, homegrown feed, genetic gain, business progression, DairyBase, financial literacy, benchmarking, wintering, plantain, water quality, calf rearing and farm profitability.

Field days, discussion groups and local examples, including regional trial work, help make information relevant and practical for Southland and Otago farm systems.

➔ Explore DairyNZ resources, tools and research

Your feedback helps shape the work we do in your region. Let us know what's working, what challenges you're facing and what support would be most valuable for your farm.

➔ Attend an event or discussion group near you

➔ Connect with your regional team

➔ Share your feedback on what matters most in your region