Dairy has a bright and positive future. We work alongside farmers, and with our partners, to continue to build a resilient, globally competitive dairy sector.

How we deliver

Independent, credible, and world-leading science

Science is at the heart of everything we do. Our strong engine of dairy science powers tools, resources and innovations that help us deliver on three strategic priorities that matter most to farmers: drive productivity, strengthen farm systems and compete on sustainability.

DairyNZ and its subsidiaries hold New Zealand’s broadest and most comprehensive farm data. This allows us to understand, monitor and scale our research across different regions to inform our future work. As an independent industry-good organisation, we do not pursue commercial interests, as it is our responsibility to deliver the greatest value to farmers, today and into the future.

A DairyNZ scientist wearing high visibility clothing, gathering plantain in a paddock for research purposes

An aerial photo of a New Zealand dairy farm

Whole farm system understanding

New Zealand dairy farms are constantly evolving and responding to challenges such as staffing, regulation and changing climate that effect each region and farm differently.

Our team works directly with farmers through regional offices and conducts research on real farms and regional research farms. This deep, on-the-ground understanding ensures we can respond quickly to emerging issues and design solutions that work at a local and national level.

Partnering every day

Partnerships and collaborations are central to the way we work. While nobody can match the strength of our farm systems science, we know that by working with others we can accelerate and expand our positive impact. By bringing together the sector’s expertise, connections and strengths, we expand our knowledge, access greater resources and deliver more value to farmers, faster.

DairyNZ staff and dairy farmers walking down a fenced track surrounded by paddocks and trees

Dairy farm workers in high visibility clothing, leaning on a ute to read a DairyNZ guide

Practical tools and solutions designed with farmers

Farmers must get value from everything we do. We co-design tools and resources with farmers across the sector.

Our solutions are practical, science-powered and easy to use, helping farmers access the right tools and support, at the right time, providing many of the essentials our sector needs.

Advocating on farmers' behalf

We push for sensible, science-based regulations that balance economic, social and environmental outcomes within our communities. By bringing data, facts and workable solutions to public conversations, we protect social licence for dairy and ensure decision-makers understand the realities of farming.

Five New Zealand dairy farmers walking along a farm track with green hills, trees and fencing in the background

Investing wisely for tomorrow

Every cent invested by farmers is used wisely to prepare the sector for the opportunities and challenges of the future, while ensuring we keep pace with the world’s most competitive dairy farming nations.

Our work supports long-term resilience, global competitiveness and continued improvements in sustainability, profitability and community wellbeing.

+ 20y

Years of science

We’re proud to be working alongside farmers to provide science solutions drawing from a +100 year history.

+ $62m

Invested

In 2024/25, DairyNZ invested around $62 million on behalf of farmers into a range of programmes to help deliver a positive future for New Zealand dairy.

+ 950

Tools and resources

We have a breadth of useful tools and resources available to help farmers run their business throughout the seasons. They are tried and tested and have been developed using the latest science and research.

+ 45

Research partners

Working together with others in the sector is an important part of how we collaborate to solve the longer-term challenges.

7x

return on milksolids levy investment

Shown in independent analysis found from 2020/21-2025/26.

Discover more about DairyNZ

Deliver a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming