Opinion: Dairy is NZ’s perennial performer - DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown

Riparian planting on DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown's farm. Photo / Paul Sutherland

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By Tracy Brown, DairyNZ chair

OPINION

I have a tree in my garden that holds its own throughout the ire of the four seasons.

It is resilient and its genetic makeup indicates adaptability and innovation.

A pillar of strength, shelter and stability, particularly during times of struggle.

This tree, just like dairy, is a reliable and perennial performer.

As 2024 draws to a close, and we prepare for the dry, I reflect upon the greater good of dairy farming in New Zealand more broadly.

The export outlook for the sector has just been delivered which shows us food and fibre exports are expected to reach $56.9 billion this season, and a record $58.3 billion the following year.

Dairy exports alone are expected to grow 10% over the next year — driven by tight supply and higher prices.

As reflected in DairyNZ and LIC’s recent snapshot of the sector, farmers are also achieving more with less, with herd numbers down, and production up across the past decade.

Average milk production per cow has now reached an impressive 400 kilograms of milk solids.

This is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our farming community.

I’ve seen mention of the rural sector pulling the country out of the current recession as it did during Global Financial Crsis and again during Covid times.

While those are moments of prominence, they underscore the simple fact that dairy is always there, providing stability for the economy.

We are here, season to season, small in many ways (producing just 3% of the world’s milk) and mighty in others (the world’s biggest exporter of dairy and New Zealand’s biggest industry).

DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown says the future of dairy is bright.

Moments like these, shine the spotlight back our way.

We have made substantial progress in environmental practices, with nearly all farms owning a greenhouse gas emissions profile and many implementing plans to manage their emissions.

This reflects the environmental commitment of our sector, and our connection to our markets and the demands of their customers.

This year we have navigated a complex and evolving regulatory landscape, particularly around emissions and freshwater.

In the past two weeks alone we have been studying in detail two methane target reviews, the second Emissions Reduction Plan, and Gene Technology legislation, and we’ve submitted on the Biosecurity Act review.

We are also working hard to influence the RMA reforms.

Our advocacy is based on our world-class science, and this is a point of difference for us.

The Government’s establishment of the Pastoral Sector Group on methane marks a new chapter, which will hopefully provide an opportunity to develop practical and workable solutions.

Our challenge is to balance environmental stewardship with economic sustainability, giving farmers the tools and timelines they need to adapt.

Farmers can rest assured that DairyNZ remains committed to delivering on-farm solutions to meet these obligations while keeping farming both sustainable and profitable.

For DairyNZ, this year we reset.

Our refreshed strategy steered us back to what we’re best at and what matters most for the future: science, research, and farm systems innovation.

We’re focused on the big challenges so you can focus on “the today”, knowing DairyNZ is working on the solutions you need on farm in the future.

We have improved our events to bring scientists and farm systems experts back out and directly in front of farmers, facilitating the invaluable farmer-to-farmer learning that drives on-farm success, with great host farmers sharing their stories.

Sustainability remains at the core of our efforts.

Pasture-based farming continues to set us apart on the global stage, and our science is focused on ensuring its resilience in a changing climate.

Research into improved forage gains, and more resilient crops, offering exciting possibilities for the future.

The future of dairy is bright, and we have an exciting path forward.

Research and innovation will continue to drive our progress, helping us to reduce our emissions and enhance our productivity.

It does look to be a cracker season ahead.

As always, we’re already keeping watch on some dry spots around the country, particularly across Central Hawke’s Bay and Lower Taranaki, as well as the Top of the South.

As we embrace the festive season, I want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our farmers, you are reliable “perennial performers” who are the champions of our economy, and you should be justifiably proud!

Ngā mihi nui and thank you for all that you do.