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.

Like many sectors in New Zealand, dairy faces the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining good people. Understanding both what employees are looking for and current labour market trends is essential when creating a job in your business.

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.

Find out how new technology can benefit your farm business, the sorts of technology farmers are investing in, and the considerations that go into a decision to invest in technology that supports positive outcomes for people.

Ensuring you are compliant with employment standards is critical to the success of your business. Take some time to understand the basic requirements and find out where you can get additional support and advice if needed.

A great team working well together can really benefit your farming business. DairyNZ surveys employees every year about their job satisfaction and what factors drive employee engagement.

Creating a career plan with employees in a farming business benefits both the employee and employer. Offering opportunities for employees to advance their career goals is highly valuable for employers too.

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.

As a dairy farmer, successful management of your business requires guidance and support. This page explains the importance of seeking advice from experts, fellow farmers, and other trusted individuals.

Budgeting provides clarity and control over your finances, helping you make confident decisions and achieve your business goals.

Succession planning is the process of transferring farm assets, knowledge, and skills to the next generation.

As a farm owner, you are responsible for a multimillion-dollar business. When looking to establish a successful relationship, an important approach is to view this as a business-to-business partnership.

Designing and installing a new irrigation system for your farm involves making sure it fits your land, business and water regulations. This page emphasises how a well-planned system can boost the efficient use of water, energy, labour, and money.

Early lactation once-a-day (OAD) milking is a short-term strategy used during the calving period. Understanding the benefits and trade-offs helps you make informed decisions for your herd and business.

Governance in farming involves leading the business and managing its daily operations. This page explains the role of governance in all farming businesses, regardless of size, including small family-owned farms.