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
Media inquiries:
Vanessa Fever
Senior Communications and Media Specialist
Phone 027 836 6295
Lee Cowan
Senior Engagement & Communications Manager
Phone 021 930 836
Photo usage: If you require high-resolution versions of photos featured in this article, please contact info@dairynz.co.nz