Northland research and projects - DairyNZ

Regional research in Northland: partnering for progress

We support regional research that empowers farmers with practical, science-backed solutions by collaborating with Northland dairy farmers on projects to provide relevant data and forums to discuss Northland-specific issues. This commitment is brought to life through a strong partnership with the Northland Dairy Development Trust (NDDT). This is a farmer-led research organisation dedicated to advancing dairy farming in the region. There are two entities, Northland Dairy Development Trust (NDDT) and Northland Agricultural Research Farm (NARF).

Delivering research results together

Together, we deliver projects that explore sustainable pasture systems, environmental performance, and farm profitability.

While much of this work focuses on challenges specific to Northland, the findings are relevant to farmers across New Zealand. Over the years, this has included successful initiatives, such as Extension 360, with farmers actively involved in shaping the research, providing practical data and results to support farm management decisions. The research investigating the profitability of supplementary feeding generated valuable insights on marginal milk responses which are applicable for any farmer feeding supplements to milking cows. Another example is the successful Kikuyu management trial, which is also relevant to coastal Taranaki, North Waikato and Coastal Bay of Plenty.

Read more on Kikuyu management in the resource below:

Kikuyu Management Guide

Resources Feed

How to manage Kikuyu in your farm system and maximize profitability.

Learn more Quick download

The real strength of regional research farms, like NARF, is that the research is farmer led and is addressing regionally relevant challenges.

About the Northland Dairy Development Trust (NDDT)

Northland Dairy Development Trust (NDDT) plans and applies for research funding and runs farm systems and plot trials around Northland.

Established in 2006, NDDT plays a pivotal role in facilitating high-quality, locally focused research through the Northland Agricultural Research Farm (NARF). This collaborative effort, jointly supported by NDDT, Fonterra, and DairyNZ, ensures that Northland dairy farmers have access to research that reflects the region’s unique climate, soils, and farming systems.

Click here to see the research projects

About the Northland Agricultural Research Farm (NARF)

Northland Agricultural Research Farm (NARF) is the venue that hosts and runs the farm systems research trials.

Over a hundred years old, Northland Agriculture Research Farm (NARF), is the most valuable venue that NDDT uses to conduct research. The farm is operated as an ‘incorporated society’, which means it is owned by all Northland dairy farmers and managed by an executive committee of Northland farmers and rural professionals. Farmers and industry members are welcome to attend the fortnightly farm meetings and join the discussion on the current and future management of the farm.

Farm summary:

Total farm size:

82.5 ha

Total farm peak cows:

230-240 depending on trials

Total farmlets:

Three independently managed farmlets

Farmlet size:

27 ha’s each

Farmlet cows:

Up to 80 cows each (depending on trial)

Milk vats

Each with their own milk vat and supply number which enables farmlet milk production to be tracked daily

When farmers see research happening in their own community, under their own local conditions, and hear from other farmers who are part of it, it makes for stronger longer-lasting science.

More research spotlights

Resilient Pasture Research

The Resilient Pasture research focuses on enhancing pasture performance and persistence on dairy, sheep and beef farms across the upper North Island. This seven-year initiative led by DairyNZ with MPI through the Primary Sector Growth Fund and industry partners Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

Dairying in a Variable Climate Project

Led by the Northland Dairy Development Trust, the Dairying in a Variable Climate Project research provides practical insights to support informed decision‑making around supplement use, profitability and system resilience.

Future Dairy Farm Systems for Northland Project

The Future Dairy Farm Systems for Northland Project compares farm system approaches at the Northland Agricultural Research Farm near Dargaville to build understanding of system performance and resilience under changing climate conditions.