Dairy farmers up for the challenge
Already world leaders, our dairy farmers are open to stepping up their game again.
Dairy farmers’ commitment to a better future for New Zealand is being shared in a Dairynz campaign, Here for the Long Game. The multi-media campaign highlights dairy farmers’ commitment and their part in New Zealand being the best it can be. It also shares how the sector is addressing challenges ahead.
“Here for the Long Game shares the hard work and dedication of our world-leading farmers. As a sector, we want to deliver a sustainable future — meeting the needs of our communities and customers, while maintaining profitable and sustainable businesses,” says Dairynz chief executive Dr Tim Mackle.
Here for the Long Game highlights the dairy sector’s drive to being better — New Zealand dairy farmers lead the world but know there’s a lot of hard work still to be done.
The campaign is an initiative of Dairynz, the organisation representing Kiwi dairy farmers, and includes TV, digital and social media, supported by a microsite at thelonggame.co.nz.
“Dairy plays a critical part in New Zealand’s future prosperity and wellbeing. Being one of the country’s biggest sectors comes with tremendous responsibility — we’re up for the challenge and focused on improving on what we already do best,” says Mackle.
This means being better in business, as sought-after workplaces, and leaders in animal care and environmental management.
For several decades, the sector has made great strides in environmental progress.
Dairy farms have the lowest emissions footprint for onfarm milk production, and farmers are improving water quality and protecting biodiversity on their farms.
This includes 65 per cent of dairy farms having a Farm Environment Plan, covering how they’re reducing their footprint. By 2025, 100 per cent will have an environment plan that outlines actions they are taking to improve water quality, protect biodiversity and reduce emissions.
“Our dairy farmers are putting in the hard yards to improve water quality and have been for more than 20 years.
“They’ve planted millions of trees and native plants alongside waterways, and that work is ongoing.
“We know there’s more to do, but the progress to date is something to celebrate.”
The dairy sector, including Dairynz, is working with farmers on a wide range of initiatives, as well as investing in solutions through R&D.
Priorities include new ways to improve water quality, reduce emissions, make dairy farms great places to work and support farmers in running successful businesses.
“To ensure a better tomorrow for our families, community and the environment, we’re getting stuck in and showing we’re here for long game,” says Mackle.