New Dairy Cattle Code raises the bar for New Zealand animal care

The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade marks an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.

Released today by Minister Nicola Grigg, the revised code follows a thorough review process that drew on scientific evidence, practical farming experience and sector input to inform standards that are workable, and achievable for New Zealand’s diverse farming systems.

DairyNZ Science Partnerships and Impact Advisor Jenny Jago says DairyNZ’s focus throughout the review has been on recognising farmers' commitment to animal welfare and supporting good practice on farm.

“DairyNZ has always advocated for strong animal welfare standards as these are critical to New Zealand’s reputation as a supplier of premium, sustainable and ethically produced milk”, she says.

“Farmers take great pride in caring for their livestock, and our focus now is supporting them with clear information and practical tools to put the new requirements into practice”.

Most farmers are already operating in line with the updated Code; however, it will signal change to on-farm practices for some farmers, including changes in rearing of calves in their first two weeks.

DairyNZ will work alongside MPI, sector partners and rural professionals to provide guidance, resources, and time for farmers to adopt any changes on farm, ahead of the updated code taking effect on 19 April 2027.

For a summary of the new Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare, visit www.mpi.govt.nz/welfarecodes.

DairyNZ resources to support farmers on calf rearing, care and good practice are available at dairynz.co.nz/calves.

Media contact
Emily Oakley
Senior Corporate Communications Advisor
e: emily.oakley@dairynz.co.nz
p: 022 080 4417