Stronger together: Building a resilient dairy future
Partnerships with trusted organisations serve to multiply levy gains and boost efficiencies when it comes to providing dairy farmers with the support they need.
Inside Dairy
2 min read
Every farm is unique but the challenges we face on-farm are shared. That’s why DairyNZ partners with trusted organisations to stretch your levy further. Together we develop and promote better farming practices, support farmers, and reduce replication – all helping to deliver real value to dairy farmers across New Zealand.
By collaborating with key partners like Rural Support Trust, SMASH and the Institute of Rural Professionals, we leverage our sector’s expertise, connections and strengths to help shape the work that matters most to you, now and into the future.
Check out dairynz.co.nz/partnerships to find out more about our partnerships.
Standing with farmers through tough times
"We are extremely grateful for the collaborative partnership Rural Support has with DairyNZ. This relationship helps our regional trusts support their rural communities through tough times."
Michelle Ruddell, national rural support chair, Rural Support Trust
We’re proud to partner with Rural Support Trust. Whether it’s financial pressure, a weather event, or personal struggles, they’re here to help. And so are we.
Rural Support Trust provides essential support during adverse weather events to help farmers respond and recover. Their team of local rural people understand firsthand the pressures that can mount up. Their network and training can help with a wide range of situations.
Our partnership helps ensure farmers, their teams, and their families get the support they need, when they need it most.
Together, supporting farmers through every challenge.
Supporting dairy farmers and building stronger communities
"The SMASH partnership with DairyNZ is vital and ongoing. Together, we strive to provide technical information, practical tips, and collegiality to all farmers, helping us to remain at the top of the world dairy industry rankings."
Noldy Rust, chair, SMASH NZ
SMASH NZ is led by a group of passionate New Zealand dairy farmers who work collectively with volunteers to build a supportive farming community and a strong, sustainable future for dairy farming.
DairyNZ is proud to stand alongside SMASH, backing their farmer-led initiatives to help dairy farmers thrive. Through practical hands-on events and resources, SMASH delivers knowledge and ideas that farmers can apply directly on-farm. As a key partner, DairyNZ contributes funding, expert input, and a shared commitment to building a connected, confident farming community.
When dairy farmers succeed, the whole sector grows stronger.
Empowering New Zealand's dairy sector
"We're proud to partner with DairyNZ to deliver real, lasting benefits for New Zealand's dairy farmers. By working together, we'll build practical skills, share knowledge, and strengthen connections across rural professionals - supporting farmers to succeed."
Jo Finer, chief executive, Institute of Rural Professionals
The Institute of Rural Professionals is a member-based organisation of rural professionals that is growing skills, sharing knowledge, and building connections across the rural professional sector.
Whether you’re a nutrient advisor, accountant, banker, farm consultant, or vet, the institute helps you make informed decisions to support farm businesses.
DairyNZ is proud to partner with the Institute of Rural Professionals to ensure that farmers have access to a network of capable, certified professionals.
Together, we are strengthening collective knowledge, collaborating on events and supporting the institute’s annual conference to continue growing sector capability.
Empowering rural professionals. Strengthening farm businesses.
This article was originally published in Inside Dairy February-April 2026.
Additional resources
Our partnerships
/about-us/our-partnerships/
