Good morning,

It feels like 2019 was a big year for our farmers and those who support them. From a perspective of getting the best legislative outcomes for farmers, it certainly was.

I’m very proud of the DairyNZ team who have worked with passion and dedication to get results.

Watch my Christmas video message

Essential Freshwater

It was heartening to see so many of you participate in the Essential Freshwater meetings and make submissions on the proposal.

Our 240-page submission on Essential Freshwater involved more than 25 DairyNZ specialists (and at times up to 100 supporting staff) working over two months - and with farmers - on a comprehensive document including detailed economic analysis of the impact of the proposal.

We know you’ll be engaging with friends and family over the Christmas period, perhaps on the topic of water - here are a few talking points you may find useful over the barbeque.

Climate change

This year has also been dominated by climate change, and how all of us will play our part in reducing emissions. The Government recently accepted our joint sector proposal He waka eke noa – Our future in our hands. We hope this will help build an enduring farm-level emission reduction framework in a partnership approach between the food and fibre sector and government.

Farmer feedback from regional meetings

Thanks to those of you who made it to one of our 33 Offload, Reload, Refresh events during November and December. We really appreciated the discussion and feedback and we will be using much of what you told us for future planning.

You can read a summary of the themes raised at these meetings. If you weren’t able to make it to a meeting, or you have further thoughts you’d like to share, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at [email address]

DairyNZ Farmers' Forum 2020 - Farming the future with confidence

Farmers’ Forums Feb/March

What does the future hold for dairying? How can we best respond to what’s coming down the track? We’re holding Farmers’ Forum events in

Northland - 18 February
Waikato - 19 February
Southland - 3 March
Taranaki - 11 March and
Canterbury - 12 March

Find out more and register

Mycoplasma bovis Programme update

Over the past few months we have seen significant improvements in the Programme, and we and our partners MPI and Beef + Lamb NZ remain committed to achieving freedom from this unwanted disease. Read the update.

Finally, thank you all for your participation, your feedback and your willingness to support other farmers and the wider sector during the year. Our strength in dealing with future challenges lies in continuing to work closely together as a sector – it’s in our DNA and I’m very grateful for that.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season

Meri Kirihimete

Tim Mackle

Chief Executive

DairyNZ offices close on 20 December and re-open on 6 January. During this period our farmer information line (0800 4 DairyNZ or 0800 4 324 7969) will not be staffed but if you leave a message, we’ll get back to you when were-open in the New Year.

For any urgent animal welfare concerns during the break, contact:

North Island 021 241 0180

South Island 027 511 3544

Join us online...

Manage your Subscription Preferences

View this email online