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OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
The latest Rabobank 2026 World Dairy Map confirms that New Zealand accounted for 22.1% of world dairy exports in 2025 - retaining the tag of the world's largest single-country dairy exporter.
The EU bloc continues to be the world's largest dairy exporter overall, accounting for 27% of world dairy exports in 2025, however their export share is also slowly eroding.
The US - the world's next largest global dairy exporter behind the EU and New Zealand - is growing dairy exports across recent years.
However, New Zealand's consistent contribution to world dairy exports must be applauded.
Over the last eight years, New Zealand's contribution to global dairy exports has held remarkably steady, oscillating between a high of 23 billion kgMS and a low of 21 billion kgMS. And since 2023, New Zealand's contribution has held constant at 22 billion kgMS.
This has a positive flow-on effect on rural communities and the wider economy.
Fonterra's milk price directly injects over $13-$14 billion into New Zealand's economy annually, including rural businesses connected to the dairy industry.
The report also challenges past claims that dairy is a "sunset industry".
There will always be challenges, including market volatility, international competition and changing consumer preferences.
However, as the report confirms that New Zealand dairy remains globally relevant, internationally competitive and critically important to our country's economic future.
Credit goes to the team of farmers, processors and employees, sharemilkers, farm workers, scientists and support staff behind NZ dairy's phenomenal success.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
A team effort that is paying dividends for the wider New Zealand economy.
The country's second largest milk processor is warning against 'complacency' during a review of competition regulations in the dairy sector.
Horowhenua organic dairy farmers Ange and Wayne Moxham have taken their business to a new level.
A milk glut around the world shows no sign of easing, putting downward pressure on farmgate milk prices for the next few months.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
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