Two of New Zealand’s key rural data organisations - DairyNZ’s DairyBase and Farm Focus - have formed a new partnership that aims to remove data duplication and help provide more timely, useful benchmarking insights for farmers.

DairyNZ’s Plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

Real-farm data shows how feed choices – especially using more homegrown feed – are linked to lower emissions intensity, better nitrogen efficiency and high profit.

In a first for the dairy sector DairyNZ, Fonterra, and LIC have combined the data from around 8,000 farms to investigate the link between physical farm performance measures and profitability.

During the recent industry update to the Dairy Herd Testing Standard, it was agreed that certified testers ensure at least 85% of cows currently lactating and expected to supply a milk sample have their latest calving data recorded at the test event.

DairyNZ subsidiary New Zealand Animal Evaluation (NZAEL) will update the genetic base used to calculate Breeding Worth (BW) on 20 June 2025.

A successful farm system depends on having the right wintering system in place. It minimises animal, environmental and compliance risks while supporting your investment decisions.

One of the most important decisions will be which cows receive antibiotics, particularly given the rise of antimicrobial resistance awareness.

DairyNZ is reporting a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.

The DairyNZ team is continuing to explore the potential of digital technology to support animal wellbeing and the overall health of farm systems.

This International Day of Rural Women we profile Kirsty Verhoek who ‘walks the talk’, balancing her interests in animal welfare, agricultural science and innovative dairy farming.

Under its innovation strategy, Craigmore Sustainables is collaborating with new innovators of technology across sustainability, people, animals and business management to enhance New Zealand’s dairy sector.