Freshwater rules need to be science-based, practical and built to last. DairyNZ is pushing for an approach that provides farmers with certainty, recognises local catchments, and supports progress.

Spring feed management plays a key role in helping cows reach peak milk, hold production, and make the most of pasture while keeping supplement use targeted.

The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade marks an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.

The 2024-25 season was one of the most profitable in a decade, but in a high-cost era, the best farms stand out for what they can control.

Other AI chat tools can be helpful for quick orientation and clear summaries, but when you need advice tailored to New Zealand farming conditions, access to a trusted, research-led source of information is essential. 

The Rural Support Trust’s team is part of the community, so they understand the local challenges, conditions and needs. Local support is just a phone call away.

Learning about how things once were and being inspired by what they could be, is what drove this award-winning farmer to reconnect people with a local waterway.

Lifting productivity and reducing the dairy sector's environmental footprint is the focus of a new multi-partner initiative.

Prestigious awards recognise excellence in Māori farming as well as up-and-coming young farmers. In 2027 it’s dairy’s turn for the honours.

Snippets from the August-October 2026 edition of Inside Dairy

Regularly reviewing your budget throughout the season can help to ease cashflow pressure and keep options open when conditions change.

Taranaki dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen says learning to question feed costs and pasture decisions through a Dairy Training course has improved both her confidence and on-farm decision-making.

Further research into extended lactation systems and mating strategies aims to give dairy farmers more options to increase the proportion of calves suited to beef production.

DairyNZ modelling shows a Very Strong El Niño could push farm working expenses to $6.78/kgMS and the national breakeven milk price to $9.07/kgMS, as farmers are urged to prepare for tighter margins and potential feed shortages.