August is Biosecurity Awareness Month and a timely reminder that we need to stay vigilant to help protect our valuable dairy sector.

Dairy farmers with a passion for shaping the future of the sector are encouraged to stand for this year’s DairyNZ Board elections. Nominations are open for two farmer-elected board positions and two roles on the Directors’ Remuneration Committee.

Real-farm data shows how feed choices – especially using more homegrown feed – are linked to lower emissions intensity, better nitrogen efficiency and high profit.

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.

August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.

With the guidance of some dairy heavyweights, Jesse and Sharon Bagley devote themselves to fine-tuning their 1,150-cow sharemilking operation, incorporating the latest research from experts and growing their equity partnership.

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.

Thermal comfort and non-replacement calves are two key focus areas as national and global standards increasingly require greater attention to livestock in our production systems.

Another milestone has been reached in the fight against Mycoplasma bovis with the compensation assistance service being wound up after helping more than 1300 farmers.

With a range of tools on hand, a resilient farm business adapts quickly to challenges, safeguarding its systems and people to maintain progress.

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.

From paddock choice to late pregnancy and lactation, proactive management makes all the difference to winter calving.

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.

Scientific modelling indicates pasture persistence will decline in parts of the upper North Island as the climate changes.

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.

Where farmers value discussion groups, we’ll support you.

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.

The Dairy Environment Leaders forum brought its concerns – and positive energy – to Wellington.