Dairy sector profit still on the table, but margin gap tightens
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
A recent DairyNZ nationwide survey highlights dairy farmers continue to focus on wintering well and caring for their animals and land, no matter the conditions.
Last year, 74% of farmers implemented at least five good management practices to support their cows and manage winter conditions. Importantly, 96% of farmers also said they had strategies to provide comfortable lying conditions.
Farmers, especially in Southland, have been harassed by so-called 'environment warriors' for their winter grazing practices. The DairyNZ survey shows the opposite of what the worriers claim - farmers use a range of tactics to care for cows over winter.
