Sustainable systems to set dairy’s future

Sustainable farm systems and the new strategy’s six commitments will be crucial for dairy’s future success, according to speakers at last week’s DairyNZ AGM in Invercargill.

DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel said the 2017/18 season was another big year for dairy farmers, with great progress made in developing farm systems for the future.

“We as a farming community are committed to farming within environmental limits and maximising value from our pasturebased farming systems. This is what continues to be our competitive advantage,” said Jim.

“By continuing to improve our sustainability, we are safeguarding the dairy sector’s future.”

Jim said the Dairy Tomorrow strategy launched in 2017 is now central to the sector’s future progress.

“It has six commitments which encompass the environment, resilient businesses, producing high quality nutrition, animal care, great workplaces and growing vibrant communities,” says Jim.

“Dairy Tomorrow has helped everyone in the sector think about the future and direction we need to take.”

The strategy’s commitments are the basis of DairyNZ’s investments and next season, DairyNZ will invest $6.1m into projects which aim to protect and nurture the environment.

This is alongside $53.7m for research and projects into supporting competitive, sustainable and resilient dairy farm businesses, and $7.5m into establishing dairy farms as great workplaces with talented people.

DairyNZ invests dairy farmers’ money into a wide range of programmes including research and development to create practical on-farm tools, leading on-farm adoption of good practice farming, promoting careers in dairying and advocating for farmers with central and regional government.

The 2017/18 season also highlighted the importance of biosecurity to the sector, as Mycoplasma bovis affected routine practices on dairy farms nationwide.

“This year Mycoplasma bovis has had a real impact on our dairy farmers and DairyNZ has been providing support to help farmers manage its implications,” said Jim.

“As we move toward eradication, M. bovis will continue to be a significant focus,.”

At the AGM two new members on the DairyNZ Board of Directors were announced.

An election saw Jacqueline Rowarth voted in as a new farmer-elected director and Jo Coughlan ratified as a new boardappointed director, replacing Barry Harris who retired today from DairyNZ’s board after 11 years.

Results of several AGM resolutions were also announced, including a new Directors Remuneration Committee member, dairy farmer John Gregan, and new director remuneration levels.

■ For more information on DairyNZ’s Annual Report, future investment priorities and AGM results, visit dairynz.co.nz/agm