DairyNZ tools
DairyNZ Econ Tracker tool
The DairyNZ Econ Tracker is an online tool that brings you economic information relevant to the New Zealand dairy sector right now.
Designed for farmers and industry professionals, the DairyNZ Econ Tracker was created to support informed decision-making with data when it comes to financial planning, forecasting and budgeting.
The tool offers critical information on international market trends and New Zealand farm and sector economics from DairyNZ and other trusted third-party sources. Information within the tool is updated quarterly.
As of 3 June 2026, the Econ Tracker has been updated to reflect current economic conditions.
Key updates and forecast insights:
- 2025–26 closed strongly. For 2026–27, higher costs lift Farm Working Expenses and breakeven milk price, reducing the profit buffer if milk price, production or weather weaken.
| Farm working expenses | Breakeven milk price | Operating profit |
| $6.19/kgMS | $8.79/kgMS | $3.88/kgMS |
- The season is finishing firmly with a $9.70/kgMS midpoint milk price, and shareholder capital returns supporting farm cashflow.
- Strait of Hormuz disruption is flowing through the 4Fs: fuel, fertiliser, feed and freight, with possible added spring pressure.
- Three scenarios show how different disruption and recovery paths could affect budgets. Under the Expected scenario, BEMP rises $0.36 to $8.79/kgMS, Farm Working Expenses to $6.19/kgMS, and Operating Profit falls to $3.88/kgMS, mainly from fertiliser, feed, fuel and interest.
- On the revenue side, the season ahead looks strong. Correspondingly, our forecasted average payout received for 2026-27 season is $10.15 per kilograms of milksolids.
- If disruption persists, costs may stay elevated; in the Prolonged Disruption scenario, BEMP remains above $9.00/kgMS into 2027–28.
Discover the DairyNZ Econ Tracker tool
- Farm economics data: a snapshot of farm-level key performance indicators and important historical trends.
- Sector economics data: a high-level outlook on the New Zealand dairy sector.
- International markets data: key statistics from international markets influencing the New Zealand dairy sector.
Need support using the tool?
- Check out the frequently asked questions and answers
- Call our Farmer Information Service on 0800 4 324 7969 or email info@dairynz.co.nz
To better understand your farm system and its performance so you can easily compare against information in the DairyNZ Econ Tracker, check out DairyBase.
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Podcast: $10 payout - now what? | Ep. 95
It’s been a season of shifting gears - high costs, cautious optimism, then a lift in milk prices and easing interest rates. With a new financial year just around the corner for many, Mark Storey and Paul Bird look at what’s on the horizon for next season.