DairyNZ’s Policy Team is working to ensure dairy sector voices are heard as major freshwater policy changes occur.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has developed a range of policy proposals to strengthen the biosecurity system and modernise the Biosecurity Act 1993.

In this episode, Jac McGowan and Mitch Cooper, veterinarian and DairyNZ’s Senior Technical and Policy Advisor, discuss how to prevent and manage down cows during calving season. Get practical tips on how to recognise early signs, treatment and care.

An intro into the roles on a dairy farm, where to find the right role for you, understanding what you need in a job and how you can progress your career in dairy.

Any person who owns or controls stock must follow the stock exclusion rules. Stock must be excluded from rivers, lakes and wetlands within certain timeframes depending on the type of stock, slope, and intensity of grazing.

The Government is reviewing New Zealand’s gene technology rules. Greater access to these technologies in the future presents both opportunities and risks for the dairy sector.

Submissions are a great way for farmers to have their say and get involved. This page explains the 5 stages of the consultation process, how to write a submission to a local authority, and where to get support.

The national agricultural intensification rules were revoked on 1 January 2025 and are no longer relevant.

Sharemilkers are responsible for operating the farm on behalf of the farm owner. They don’t own the land but split milk income and expenses with the owner. There are two types of sharemilking agreements, herd owning and variable order.

Leasing dairy land refers to an agreement where you (the lessee), pay the farm owner (the lessor) for the use of land, buildings, and infrastructure for dairy farming. The lease payment is a monthly or annual fee that is periodically reviewed.

Equity partnerships in the dairy sector offer opportunities to take an ownership stake in a farm business to accelerate your progression in the sector.

A contract milker is a self-employed farmer, managing the property and paid on a negotiated price per kilogram of milksolids (kgMS) produced. Learn more about the considerations, advantages and skills required for this type of business ownership.

Applying synthetic nitrogen fertiliser to grazed land is limited to 190 kilograms per hectare, per year. Dairy farmers also must report annual nitrogen use.

Leave is a legal entitlement for employees in New Zealand, covering various types such as annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and breaks.

Good employee accommodation on-farm is vital for maintaining a positive relationship between employer and employee. Here we help you understand the legal requirements as a landlord, expectations of both parties, and where to get more information.

It’s crucial for any business to prioritise providing fair remuneration to employees, recognising their value to the operation, and acknowledging their freedom to choose where they work.

Managing payroll is an essential part of the dairy farming business. Putting the right systems and processes in place can ensure you pay your employees correctly while meeting payroll compliance requirements.