DairyNZ Celebrates Women Leaders on International Women’s Day
DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown has seen a lot of change since she first started out in the dairy sector, with around one-third of dairy farmers now women.
Levies are adjusted to reflect the latest industry farm gate values and slaughter volumes for dairy and beef stock.
TB differential slaughter levy rates are changing with dairy animals paying $12.25/head, an increase of 75c from next month.
Ospri says that each year, the slaughter levy rates for beef and dairy cattle are reviewed under the TBfree Funders’ Agreement to ensure that the overall funding of the TBfree programme aligns with the agreed funding levels.
Levies are adjusted to reflect the latest industry farm gate values and slaughter volumes for dairy and beef stock.
The levy for beef animals drop by 25c to $4.50/head.
Ospri says The TB differential slaughter levy is collected to support funding of the programme on behalf of beef and dairy industries. The funding shares change annually based on shifts in the relative size and value of each industry.
“We communicate any adjustments to the differential slaughter levy to DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Deer Industry New Zealand — the industry levy bodies in the TBfree Funders’ Agreement. Adjustments are made in line with the annual funding level specified.
“Adjustments in differential levy rates don’t provide an overall increase in the annual funding of the TBfree programme — but do ensure consistent funding to enable the programme to deliver.”
Ospri advises both beef and dairy farmers to keep their NAIT accounts up to date and record the correct animal type to ensure they are paying the correct TB slaughter levy.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has released its 2026 election manifesto, outlining priorities to support the sector’s growth, resilience, and contribution to New Zealand’s food security and export revenue.
Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
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