An employment agreement defines the rules of the working relationship between the employee and the farm owner/manager on a dairy farm. It must be in writing, and the employer is responsible for arranging it.

Wearable technologies (such as cow collars) are becoming a popular tool for assisting with reproductive management. In 2025, around 1 in 5 dairy farms are using wearables , mostly to help with heat detection, a factor in getting cows in calf.

The Healthy Hoof programme focused on the prevention of lameness. The programme was a simple, stepwise approach to managing lameness on dairy farms caused by physical factors. NZVA now offer their own lameness training.

The Dairy Effluent 'Warrant of Fitness' (WOF) is a voluntary programme that assesses your farm's effluent system to ensure it's compliant throughout the year.

The Reducing GHG team at DairyNZ are working on several projects to develop viable solutions that reduce greenouse gas (GHG) emissions on New Zealand dairy farms.

Animal welfare goes beyond just daily care for animals on farm . It means adhering to standards set out by the Animal Welfare Act and welfare codes, and meeting consumer and market expectations.

Science Support Manager

Waterbodies and wetlands are essential but sensitive ecosystems. Learn how to protect and enhance them on your farm.

A community partnership between a Waikato Farm, Raukawa Charitable Trust and DairyNZ, has transformed land that was once swampy and overgrown with rushes. It’s now a thriving wetland and a source of pride for the landowner and the local community.

We want more people to see dairy as a great career – on farm, in agribusiness, and in science. To make that happen, we work alongside farmers and our Great Futures in Dairying partners to raise awareness and create opportunities.