Meet Mike Borrie, DairyNZ’s new chief farm solutions and engagement officer, whose focus is on delivering value for farmers’ levy investment.
Inside Dairy
2 min read
For Mike Borrie, strong farmer engagement starts with listening. In his new role at DairyNZ, he’s focused on collaboration, ensuring the voice of farmers is heard, and delivering value that farmers can see on-farm
After 36 years at Fonterra, starting with its Dairy Co-operative predecessor, Mike Borrie is bringing a lifetime of experience to his new role at DairyNZ. Having joined in February as chief farm solutions and engagement officer, he’s focused on ensuring farmers see the value of their levy investment and fostering collaboration across the team and sector.
Mike sees his role as bringing together farmers, scientists, technical specialists and regional teams to turn research into practical tools and advice that make a real difference on-farm.
“We want to be doing science that’s useful and can be applied on-farm. The farmer's voice has to be part of every stage,” he says. “I’m excited to see research come to life on farms.”
A North Islander at heart, Mike grew up in Te Aroha. His father ran the Red Star service station at Waihou and fixed tractors and balers, sparking his early connection to the rural sector. Mike has always gravitated to roles involving people and relationships — an asset he says is vital when connecting with farmers.
If farmers benefit, the team grows, and DairyNZ works as one team, the levy investment has truly paid off. If we get that right, we’re doing our job.
“Farmer-to-farmer learning and knowledge sharing are key to our sector’s success,” he says. “At DairyNZ, we use a range of ways to connect, on-farm events, farmer-led discussion groups, podcasts, social media, and by working with the sector, we can efficiently extend the great work happening on farms.”
Partnerships are central to this approach. Mike points to DairyNZ’s collaborations with producers and AB companies, joint research programmes with organisations here and abroad, and partnerships with groups such as Dairy Women’s Network, which support farmers and strengthen the sector.
What excites him most is adding tangible value to levy payers.
“If someone isn’t seeing value, I want to hear about it and find out what they need.”
He’s also looking forward to fostering a highly collaborative culture within DairyNZ, where passionate staff feel supported and can grow.
For Mike, DairyNZ’s core value is clear: delivering the best value to levy-paying farmers. From science and extension to advocacy and biosecurity, it’s about making sure farmers experience the benefits every day.
“If farmers benefit, the team grows, and DairyNZ works as one team, the levy investment has truly paid off. If we get that right, we’re doing our job.”
This article was originally published in Inside Dairy May-July 2026
Now’s the perfect time to check in, plan, and set up for a strong season. We’ve pulled together smart tips and tools to help you stay ahead all winter long.
Whether you prefer to read, listen, or download handy guides, we’ve got you covered with trusted tools to support your journey every step of the way.
Put our proven strategies and seasonal tools to work. Boost production, support animal health and watch your profits hum.
Tools that are backed by science, shaped by farmers and made for this season.
That’s Summer Smarts.
Autumn Smarts brings together the research-backed tools that build resilience and boost performance.
The tools and insights you need to navigate the season with confidence. Backed by research and built for results – that’s Winter Smarts.
