DairyNZ News

The latest annual New Zealand Dairy Statistics report released by DairyNZ and Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) has emphasised the dairy sector’s resilience with production remaining stable despite tight and uncertain economic conditions.

Genetic gain has been a key driver of success in the New Zealand dairy sector, and NZ Animal Evaluation, a DairyNZ subsidiary, aims to see that continue.

An independent review of DairyNZ’s plantain research programme shows it is on track to achieve its objectives, while the use of plantain to reduce Nitrate leaching is being backed up by farmers and regulators.

In the December Animal Evaluation (AE) run, NZ Animal Evaluation (a DairyNZ subsidiary) will introduce three important updates that may lead to some re-ranking of bulls and cows.

DairyNZ is reporting a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.

Tracy Brown and Cameron Henderson have been confirmed as Chair and Deputy Chair of the DairyNZ Board, respectively. Tracy Brown had previously been announced as Chair-elect in June 2024 when former Chair Jim van der Poel signalled his retirement.

A revision of the industry-led Dairy Herd Testing Standard is helping to keep pace with national farming practice changes and technological advances, to better support genetic gain in New Zealand.

As shareholders of OSPRI, we want to update you on the steps we have taken, with the support of MPI, to strengthen OSPRI’s capability and governance following significant issues with an intended major technology upgrade.