DairyBase data requests
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DairyBase provides extensive physical and financial data dating back to 2004. While farmers can access their own data through the DairyBase web application, we also offer opportunities for stakeholders in the dairy industry to request aggregated datasets. These data requests support research, policy development, and industry insights, ensuring valuable data is used for the benefit of New Zealand dairy farmers.
All external data requests must meet strict privacy and compliance standards. To protect DairyBase users, only aggregated datasets of no fewer than 20 farms are available, and all requests undergo a review process to ensure alignment with DairyBase’s Terms of Use and the interests of the dairy industry.
Applications of DairyBase data
DairyBase data is widely used in internal DairyNZ initiatives, and in many external industry projects. DairyNZ collaborates across the sector through high impact partnerships to solve the longer-term challenges and achieve our sector ambitions. Through partnering we have stronger reach and impact of our work.
Internal DairyNZ projects
- Regional benchmarking - providing insights into seasonal trends, correlations, and profit drivers for different regions.
- Step Change initiative - helping farmers achieve financial gains while progressing toward environmental goals.
- Econ Tracker tool - an online tool delivering real-time economic insights for the dairy sector.
Policy and industry advocacy
DairyBase data has contributed to key policies and industry initiatives, including:
- Essential Freshwater - national direction to protect and improve waterways.
- Climate Change Response Act (Zero Carbon Act) - framework for climate change policies.
- Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord - voluntary industry initiative for improving water quality.
- New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme - government program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- He Waka Eke Noa - partnership to help farmers measure, manage, and reduce agricultural emissions.
Data request approval criteria
Each data request is assessed based on:
- The benefit to the New Zealand dairy industry.
- Protection of farmer data and anonymity.
- Type of data requested (seasons, regions, business type, etc.)
- Method of analysis.
- Intended use of the data.
- Compliance with legislation.
All external requests require approval from the DairyNZ CFO. If approved, a DairyBase team member will outline the conditions and timeline for data delivery.
Available DairyBase data categories
Data is categorised into four main areas:
Level 1 physical data
- Farm business details
- Land farmed
- Cows/production
- Labour
- Supplementary feed
Level 2 physical data
- Farm and stock description
- Milk production (spring/autumn)
- Grazing (youngstock, cows)
- Feed (grazed, harvested, imported, exported)
- Irrigation and water
- Fertiliser and soils
- Environment (soil, overseer)
- Calving and mating
- Livestock
Lite financial
- Financial admin
- Dairy stock reconciliation
- Milk production revenue
- Dairy cash revenue
- Dairy cash working expenses
- Dairy cash overhead expenses
- Dairy non-cash revenue/expense
- Profit reconciliation
Financial data
- Non-dairy stock records
- Revenue and expenses (dairy, non-dairy, off-farm)
- Land
- Dairy fixed assets
- Balance sheet assets and liabilities
- Cash reconciliation
Fees
The minimum charge for any approved data request is $1000 + GST. Pricing varies based on:
- Number of seasons requested
- Data categories required (Level 1 Physical, Level 2 Physical, Lite Financial, Full Financial)
- Number of KPIs/metrics within each category
- Complexity of the request
Contact us or request data
To submit a data request, please complete our online data request form.
If you have any questions, contact the DairyBase team by email: info@dairybase.co.nz or phone 07 858 3890
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