Farmers invited to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus at meetings

4 November 2019

Dairy farmers are invited to come along to a series of local meetings to share their views on what the future focus of DairyNZ should be.

32 meetings for dairy farmers are being hosted from 5 November to 12 December from Northland to Southland.

DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says 2019 has been an exceptionally busy year for dairy farmers.

“It’s been a challenging time for those working in dairy – with Mycoplasma bovis continuing to require careful management, and consultation on significant proposals on freshwater and climate change and emissions, as well as on-farm adaptation needed to meet changing environmental requirements.”

“Both farmers and DairyNZ can feel proud about how we have worked together to put forward practical options to the government – such as a framework for farm-level emission reductions – and to continue to develop and implement science-based solutions which work on farm and lead to better productivity and environmental outcomes,” he says.

The ‘Offload, reload, refresh’ meetings are a chance for farmers to hear what results have been achieved from dairy levy investments, share their views on what DairyNZ should focus on in coming years and enjoy a chat with DairyNZ Board members and staff over refreshments.

In May 2020, dairy farmers will be invited to vote on the level of the dairy sector levy. The levy currently funds research on resilient and environmentally sustainable farm systems, TB eradication, genetic and pasture research and a wide range of training. It also funds research and support to build great workplaces on farm, educate the public and schools on the value of dairy, support farmers with animal care and a wide range of other activities.

“DairyNZ plays a really important role in both advocating for dairy farmers on policy issues, leading a research programme which identifies solutions to the challenges dairy farmers need to meet in the future and supporting farmers with practical advice, training and resources,” says Dr Mackle.

“We are operating in a time where there is a lot of change on the horizon for the dairy sector, so it’s vital that farmers share their views on what they think we should be focusing our work on in 2020 and beyond. I would really encourage farmers to attend one of the upcoming meetings and help shape our future priorities.”

Upcoming DairyNZ Offload, reload, refresh meetings for farmers:

For meeting venue information please visit www.dairynz.co.nz/refresh

Northland and Auckland

Pukekohe, 5 November, 11am

Kerikeri, 12 November, 11am

Whangarei, 12 November, 7pm

Kaiwaka, 13 November, 11am

Waikato and Bay of Plenty

Te Awamutu, 5 November, 7pm

Ngatea, 6 November, 7pm

Gordonton, 7 November, 11am

Morrinsville, 7 November, 7pm

Te Puke, 18 November, 6pm

Tokoroa, 19 November, 11am

Rotorua, 19 November, 7pm

Whakatane, 20 November, 11am

Central and lower North Island 

Waipawa, 5 November, 11am

Woodville, 5 November,7pm

Carterton, 6 November, 11am

Feilding, 6 November, 7pm

Himatangi, 7 November, 11am

Normanby, 12 November, 11am

Rahotu, 12 November, 7pm

Inglewood, 13 November, 11am

Upper South Island

Golden Bay, 11 December, 11am

Marlborough, 12 December, 11am

West Coast

Westport, 10 December, 11am

Grey Valley and Reefton, 10 December, 7pm

Hokitika, 11 December, 11am

Canterbury

Rangiora, 18 November, 11am

Ashburton, 18 November, 7pm

Oamaru, 19 November, 11am

Kaikoura, 12 December, 7pm

Otago and Southland

Balclutha, 11 November, 11am

Gore, 11 November, 7pm

Winton, 12 November, 11am