For example in DairyBase the amount of feed and fertiliser being used by a farmer is normally collected. For those taking part in the Baseline Project we go one step further and collect more detailed information, such as the timing around feed, how it is fed, when fertiliser is applied, at what rates and which parts of the farm it is applied to.

The power of information

DairyNZ uses this data to respond to policy pressures, including water quality policies set by regional councils under the National Policy for Freshwater Management (NPSFM), greenhouse gas legislation, and advocate on farmers’ behalf.

Information from the Baseline Project is also used for dairy industry statistics. This includes providing input into other DairyNZ projects and research.

Farmers participating in the Baseline Project receive their own individual DairyBase physical and financial management benchmarked reports with their farm data benchmarked against their peers.  DairyBase services are free to those who are part of the project. The only cost is your time which will be about 2-3 hours.

Individual farmers’ details are kept confidential and aren’t provided to councils.