Inside Dairy August-October 2025
This edition focuses on optimisation – with practical, people-focused ideas to boost on-farm productivity and sustainability.
Highlights include:
- Jesse and Sharon Bagley share how mentoring and teamwork are helping them reach farm ownership.
- An update on the Workplace Productivity Study and insights from 10 farms.
- Practical solutions for healthier waterways from the Sustainable Catchments team.
- Gareth and Hayley Lewis share their inspiring farm ownership journey.
Plus more on research, advocacy, and seasonal tips.
Inside Dairy stories
Mentors make all the difference
With the guidance of some dairy heavyweights, Jesse and Sharon Bagley devote themselves to fine-tuning their 1,150-cow sharemilking operation, incorporating the latest research from experts and growing their equity partnership.
Read the full storyFarmers urged to step up for the DairyNZ Board
With nominations for the DairyNZ Board of Directors opening on 11 August, two sitting farmer directors talk about why they got involved in governance and give tips for those keen to put their names forward and shape the dairy sector.
Read the full storyLow-footprint feed holds the key
Real-farm data shows how feed choices – especially using more homegrown feed – are linked to lower emissions intensity, better nitrogen efficiency and high profit.
Read the full storyHow New Zealand became - and remains - the world's lowest-cost milk producer
We explore the science, smarts and systems that will continue to give New Zealand dairy farmers their edge over the global competition.
Read the full storyUnderstanding on-farm workplace productivity drivers
A study of 150+ dairy farms found big differences in workplace productivity. DairyNZ is now working with 10 case study farms to explore what drives those differences — and how to improve.
Read the full storyFreshwater rules under review
Consultation on new freshwater regulations has now closed, but not before DairyNZ strongly advocated for more workable rules to meet both environmental needs and the realities of farming.
Read the full storyHelping to shape policy from the ground up
DairyNZ’s policy team covers 14 regional councils, working to ensure regulations impacting dairy farmers are practical and evidence-based.
Read the full storyLessons along the way to landing the dream
Gareth and Hayley Lewis are among 49 farmers Dairy Holdings has helped to own a farm of their own. They share the lessons learnt along the way.
Read the full storyPractical solutions for catchments
Some of our key dairying catchments are under pressure, and farmers are stepping up. The Sustainable Catchments programme is about working together to speed up environmental improvements and protect the health of local waterways.
Practical solutions for catchments