Inside Dairy - Just quickly May to July 2026

Levy vote results: Farmers vote yes to continue the levy

Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ.

Thank you to those who voted and engaged in the process. We look forward to continuing to support you on farm, in your community, and moving the sector forward together.

Results	By number of eligible voters		Weighted by milksolids
	Yes votes	Turnout	Yes votes	Turnout
Final by percentage	66%	47%	72%	57%

Note: For the vote to be passed, of those that voted more than 50% of levy payers needed to vote yes, and that those who voted yes produced more than 50% of the Milksolids produced by all voters. In this case 66% of voters voted Yes, and those voters produced 72% of the Milksolids produced by all voters.

With the formal levy application lodged for ministerial approval, this next stage of the process is now underway. We expect this will be completed before the General Election (7 November 2026) and will keep you updated.

With the levy vote confirmed all our energy shifts to what really matters — delivery.

We acknowledge that farmers have a range of perspectives, but overall feedback has been in support of our strategy and direction.

We remain focused on using our strong engine of dairy science to develop practical tools and resources that help drive productivity, strengthen farm systems, and support New Zealand dairy to compete on sustainability.

"I would like to sincerely thank every farmer who took the time to participate in the vote. We’re looking forward to continuing to work together." Tracy Brown, DairyNZ Chair

CalvingSmart workshops

Build your team’s confidence with CalvingSmart, a hands-on workshop covering key calving skills, including labour stages, calf presentation and calf resuscitation.

Using a lifelike cow and calf model, you’ll sharpen practical skills to set cows and calves up for a great start to the season. Workshops are running in June and July around the country, with limited spaces available.

Find one near you and register at dairytraining.co.nz/calvingsmart

See what's possible at Fieldays®

We’re excited to connect with you at Fieldays, June 10-13, 2026, at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, and share practical tools, insights and science to help you tackle today’s farming challenges with confidence.

Fieldays Site 2026 Just Quickly 1500X1000

Visit site PC44 in the Pavilion for conversations with fellow farmers, sector partners, and our experts about DairyBase, building resilient pastures, supporting animal care, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in ways that work on your farm.

See the latest DairyNZ science in action – practical solutions designed to deliver real value where it counts. Then head to site PB49 to meet the Dairy Training team and explore free, NZQA-accredited practical training. We’ll also be at the Advocacy Hub and the MPI Science for Farmers site, ready to talk through opportunities, challenges and what’s ahead for dairy.

Learn more at dairynz.co.nz/fieldays

Workplace 360 check-in

Before the new season starts, take a few minutes to review your Workplace 360 commitments – a practical step to strengthen how your team works together. If you’ve completed Workplace 360 this season, your report will be in your emails from DairyNZ, with the subject title “Your Workplace 360 report.”

Workplace 360 is DairyNZ’s simple self-assessment tool for building productive, positive workplaces. Fonterra farmers need to complete the assessment for the Co-operative Difference by May 31.

Complete Workplace 360 at dairynz.co.nz/workplace360