On New Zealand dairy farms, fertility doesn’t just affect reproduction – it has a flow on effect for milk production, workload, costs and long term sustainability.

North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ’s associate director for 2026/27.

As farmers take their first steps into the world of artificial intelligence, they are finding that the tech won’t replace experience, but can support decision-making and accelerate tasks.

Milksolids production rose last season, largely due to strong milk price incentives, increased imported feed and consistent herd performance across many farms.

'Just quickly' snippets from the February-April 2026 edition of Inside Dairy

DairyNZ says the Government’s proposed Resource Management Act reform needs further work to ensure it delivers on its intent.

DairyNZ is inviting farmers to see some of their levy in action on its Waikato research farms as part of the Annual Meeting proceedings this year.

Gareth and Hayley Lewis are among 49 farmers Dairy Holdings has helped to own a farm of their own. They share the lessons learnt along the way.

DairyNZ’s policy team covers 14 regional councils, working to ensure regulations impacting dairy farmers are practical and evidence-based.

DairyNZ directors Tracy Brown and Chris Lewis have been re-appointed unopposed to the DairyNZ Board.

With nominations for the DairyNZ Board of Directors opening on 11 August, two sitting farmer directors talk about why they got involved in governance and give tips for those keen to put their names forward and shape the dairy sector.

In a first for the dairy sector DairyNZ, Fonterra, and LIC have combined the data from around 8,000 farms to investigate the link between physical farm performance measures and profitability.

As decisions around freshwater rules edge closer, the message from dairy farmers is clear.

DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season, driven by increases in essential on-farm costs, while still indicating a positive season ahead overall.

Through savvy investing, disciplined budgeting and a clear vision, this young couple secured their first farm — proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.

Supporting farmers to build great workplaces is a focus for DairyNZ, which is why they have relaunched the widely used self-assessment tool, Workplace 360.

During the recent industry update to the Dairy Herd Testing Standard, it was agreed that certified testers ensure at least 85% of cows currently lactating and expected to supply a milk sample have their latest calving data recorded at the test event.

Structured communication and thoughtful recruitment underpin a strong, collaborative working environment.