The Dairy Industry Good Animal Database (DIGAD) holds pedigree and performance information for every recorded dairy cow in New Zealand. It is led by NZAEL, which uses the data to keep improving the sector’s efficiency and productivity.

Mastitis generally falls into two categories: environmental and contagious. Good milking routine, teat spray and hygiene reduce contagious spread. Clean, well-managed sheds, dry bedding and managing cow traffic help minimise environmental exposure.

Planning and preparing for dry-off is essential. It is important to undergo careful planning, proper execution, and good follow-up to protect cow health, improve efficiency, and ensure the herd is well prepared for the next lactation.

Healthy teats are the first line of defence against mastitis. If you get teat health right, somatic cell count, milk quality, and cow health get a lot easier. This page outlines what good teat health looks like, and how to fix poor teat health.

Success for this Western Southland farm is driven by a simple, pasture based farm system that is implemented by excellent farm staff. Good farm and strong financial management ensures operating expenses remain below industry average. 

Get the quick breakdown of dairy’s record season. Campbell Parker unpacks the Pulse Report — from higher milk production with fewer cows to booming exports — and what it all means for you.

Hear about early insights in DairyNZ’s heat stress trial at Scott Farm from experts Dr Charlotte Reed and Jac McGowan, plus current info and solutions for keepings cows comfortable and productive in hot conditions.

Heat stress in cows happens when they can't dissipate the heat they generate, leading to discomfort and lower milk yields. Unlike humans, cows can start feeling the stress at temperatures below 20°C.

Extreme weather puts pressure on daily farm operations, so you'll find guidance below on getting back to a normal milking schedule, managing feed, and keeping your cows healthy.

Wearable technologies (such as cow collars) are becoming a popular tool for assisting with reproductive management. In 2025, around 1 in 5 dairy farms are using wearables , mostly to help with heat detection, a factor in getting cows in calf.

Economic Values (EV's) are an estimate of the dollar value to a NZ dairy farmer of a unit change in each trait. Ten traits have been identified as having a measurable economic value to NZ farmers.

DairyNZ and Irish research partners are working together to quantify methane emissions from dairy cows in pasture-based systems in this four-year programme.