Jacqueline McGowan

Jac loves interviewing farmers about what they do and why, helping them to solve challenges in her workshops, and being amused by her work-related Google searches for animal care.

“The words ‘udders’ and ‘body condition score’ can turn up some unexpected and … interesting… search results,” admits Jac, who also hosts DairyNZ’s Talking Dairy podcast. “When chatting to farmers, understanding the reality of their decisions means we can design better solutions for them. I also get to hear about amazing work happening across the sector, which keeps me grounded.”

Jac has a Master's degree in animal science, 20 years at DairyNZ, and 11 years’ dairy and beef farming experience. Jac’s national-level role is based in DairyNZ’s head office at Newstead, Hamilton.

“My common thread is, ‘what will actually work for farmers in their real farm systems?’,” she explains. “I figure out what's sitting between where farmers are now and where they need or want to be, how to bridge that gap, and how to make sure information reaches them in the right way at the right time.

“I influence Government and the sector to create better conditions for farmers, and help connect our scientists directly to farmers, factoring in what consumers and Government expect, to ensure research speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities farmers face.”

Her work also involves translating complex science into practical guidance, representing farmer interests in policy discussions, designing programmes like the Dairy Beef Opportunities communities of practice, and building capability in farmers and rural professionals.

“When farmers can meet expectations without it costing them their profitability or wellbeing, that's when dairying is truly future fit,” Jac emphasises. “That means designing solutions that make a real difference to both animals and the people who care for them. Farmer input is key to achieving that.

“So, if you’re a farmer with an idea, a challenge you’re facing, or just want to share what's working on your farm with us, please reach out. Your experience makes our work better, and together we can design solutions that work in your world.”

• Find out more about DairyNZ’s other specialist team members.
• Check out our research team and our regional teams.