
Global Experts To Gather At NZ's First International Precision Dairy Farming Conference
Being held in New Zealand for the first time, the conference is delivered byDairyNZ in collaboration with leading research and industry partners.
Running from3–5 December 2025, the event arrives at a pivotal moment as sustainable dairy growth becomes a key focus for policymakers and farmers alike.
Providingreal-world insightsinto how precision tools and technologies are shaping the future of the dairy industry, the conference will feature:
Farm visitsshowing diverse and innovative precision technologies in action.
120 accepted submissions covering cutting-edge science and practical applications.
Keynote sessions and farmer panelsexploring research, adoption strategies, investment considerations, and system integration.
'DairyNZ is proud to show leadership in applied science, with this conference delivering for both farmers and scientists. We are bringing together dairy farmers, researchers, rural professionals and agri-tech innovators,' saysNico Lyons, DairyNZ Head of Science.
'We're showcasing tools and insights grounded in farm reality, backed by research, and ready to support better decisions on-farm.'
Experts will present on topics such asanimal monitoring, sensor technology, and data use, alongside local farmers sharing their experiences with precision approaches inpasture management, reproduction, animal health, and labour efficiency.
DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown says several leading companies are supporting the conference, includingHalter, CowManager, and DeLaval (platinum, gold, and silver event sponsors, respectively) as well as other industry partners.
'By combining world-class science with practical farmer experience, our goal is to help farmers get the best out of their systems—such as increased productivity, improved animal care, or greater environmental gains,' saysTracy.
Craig Piggott, CEO of Halter says: 'Helping farmers unlock more value from their land, animals, and time is at the core of what we do.
We're excited to support this event because it's all about impact on the ground."
International keynote speakers include Professor David Rose (Harper Adams University, UK) covering the role of social science for precision dairy research, Assistant Professor Joao Dorea (University of Wisconsin–Madison, US) on artificial intelligence and machine learning, and Dr Claudia Kamphuis (Wageningen University, Netherlands) on digital twins and use of drones in grazing systems.
Registrations are now openfor farmers—with dairy farmers able to access a discount via Early Bird registration—and for researchers, students, and sector professionals at:
precisiondairyfarmingconference.nz/registration.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NZ Herald
6 days ago
- NZ Herald
NZX futures support $10 milk price for 2026 season amid strong demand
But if that scenario pans out, then dairy's contribution to the economy would increase by about $10 billion over two years, compared to previous, more moderate milk price outcomes of around $8.50/kg, DairyNZ estimates. 'It's very strong at the moment if you are a dairy farmer in New Zealand, with milk price futures sitting at $10/kg,' NZX derivatives sales manager James Atkinson said. 'A lot of dairy farmers - if not all - will be making a profit at that level, so that's a really good sign,' he said. Driving the milk price futures higher have been Global Dairy Trade prices for the two pivotal products, wholemilk powder and skim milk powder. Indications from the smaller 'pulse' auctions - which occur between the GDT auctions - point to another increase at the next auction on August 6. 'Overall, demand has been pretty sticky and robust over a period of time when volumes are increasing in New Zealand,' Atkinson said. 'There is a lot more volume coming on going into spring, and Fonterra is putting volume on the GDT platform, but prices are managing to stay at historically high levels.' NZX's head of dairy, Cristina Alvarado, said global production trends look to be running in New Zealand's favour. 'We know that production in Europe has not gone well for the key countries, Germany and France, with the little ones keeping it afloat,' she said. 'Production in New Zealand has been doing well, but the fact that the other key regions are not doing that well keeps up interest in demand,' she said. Production in the US is also increasing, but the imposition of world trade tariffs is adding an element of uncertainty to that market. Meanwhile, domestic dairy production in China was declining while demand had remained steady, she said. Atkinson added a steady New Zealand dollar at around US58c to US61c had probably helped keep milk price futures at the $10/kg mark. Further out, NZX futures for the 2027 season point to $9.50/kg. ANZ's latest agri report said good pasture growth over winter meant there was no shortage of feed. The bank said a surge in imports of the feed supplement, palm kernel expeller (up 34% in the past year) should provide extra support. Last season's milk production was up 3%, the largest year-on-year gain since 2014-15. 'It is hard to make large gains two years in a row, but, with the stars aligning, growth of 1-3% should be attainable in 2025-26 if the weather cooperates,' the bank said. Jamie Gray is an Auckland-based journalist, covering the financial markets, the primary sector and energy. He joined the Herald in 2011.


NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Striking the balance: Practical policy for freshwater and farming
Another opportunity will come later this year – likely October – when we see the first draft of the new rules. What I'm hearing from those I talk with is that without a doubt, dairy remains a valued and valuable sector critical to New Zealand's future economic success, with more enabling policy a shared interest between DairyNZ and the Government. The Government's proposals include updates to Te Mana o te Wai, simpler wetland rules, a review of nitrogen limits, and more flexible ways to set freshwater objectives. These changes could reduce red tape, but only if they result in rules that are practical and workable on-farm. We support the consultation process and the goal of improving freshwater policy, but we are advocating for change that reflects on-farm realities and builds confidence for the future. We support a shift away from rigid numerical limits. Instead, we want to see greater focus on ecosystem and human health outcomes. We support better use of tools like certified and audited Freshwater Farm Plans. More enabling rules around constructed wetlands are another priority. The dairy sector is investing heavily in science-backed solutions to reduce its environmental footprint, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment losses. Proven practices such as using plantain, catch crops, good farming practices and stacked mitigations through Low N Systems are already delivering results. An example is the potential for nitrate reductions of up to 60%, with further gains possible with supportive policy. These efforts show the sector's strong commitment to improving freshwater quality while remaining economically viable. DairyNZ has spent the past year preparing to provide a workable replacement to the existing policy. Our team has developed an alternative freshwater framework to support a constructive, science-led response. We are pushing for four key outcomes: Practical, science-based rules Clearer focus on environmental and human health Farmer-led, catchment-scale solutions that reward good practice A policy package trusted by farmers, communities and markets. Beyond freshwater, we are involved in the wider RMA reform, where we have concerns. We've submitted on both recent Amendment Bills and the Fast-Track Approvals Bill, calling for enduring and enabling policy settings with pragmatic consenting pathways. We are also working with regional councils to ensure the pause on new freshwater plans is used to improve, not shelve, the evidence base for environmental limits. We know that right now, many of you are doing your best to interpret complex rules while managing the day-to-day realities of farming. And with calving underway or around the corner, it's all hands on deck. In the meantime, keep doing the basics well: record nitrogen use, keep stock out of waterways, and implement your Freshwater Farm Plan. Together, we can ensure the next generation of policy supports both a thriving dairy sector and a healthy environment. Thank you for everything you do. - Tracy Brown is the chair of DairyNZ


Scoop
07-07-2025
- Scoop
Global Experts To Gather At NZ's First International Precision Dairy Farming Conference
Being held in New Zealand for the first time, the conference is delivered byDairyNZ in collaboration with leading research and industry partners. Running from35 December 2025, the event arrives at a pivotal moment as sustainable dairy growth … Experts from 24 countries are coming to see why New Zealand is at the heart of global dairy success as Christchurch gets ready to host the4th International Precision Dairy Farming Conference,this December. Being held in New Zealand for the first time, the conference is delivered byDairyNZ in collaboration with leading research and industry partners. Running from3–5 December 2025, the event arrives at a pivotal moment as sustainable dairy growth becomes a key focus for policymakers and farmers alike. Providingreal-world insightsinto how precision tools and technologies are shaping the future of the dairy industry, the conference will feature: Farm visitsshowing diverse and innovative precision technologies in action. 120 accepted submissions covering cutting-edge science and practical applications. Keynote sessions and farmer panelsexploring research, adoption strategies, investment considerations, and system integration. 'DairyNZ is proud to show leadership in applied science, with this conference delivering for both farmers and scientists. We are bringing together dairy farmers, researchers, rural professionals and agri-tech innovators,' saysNico Lyons, DairyNZ Head of Science. 'We're showcasing tools and insights grounded in farm reality, backed by research, and ready to support better decisions on-farm.' Experts will present on topics such asanimal monitoring, sensor technology, and data use, alongside local farmers sharing their experiences with precision approaches inpasture management, reproduction, animal health, and labour efficiency. DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown says several leading companies are supporting the conference, includingHalter, CowManager, and DeLaval (platinum, gold, and silver event sponsors, respectively) as well as other industry partners. 'By combining world-class science with practical farmer experience, our goal is to help farmers get the best out of their systems—such as increased productivity, improved animal care, or greater environmental gains,' saysTracy. Craig Piggott, CEO of Halter says: 'Helping farmers unlock more value from their land, animals, and time is at the core of what we do. We're excited to support this event because it's all about impact on the ground.' International keynote speakers include Professor David Rose (Harper Adams University, UK) covering the role of social science for precision dairy research, Assistant Professor Joao Dorea (University of Wisconsin–Madison, US) on artificial intelligence and machine learning, and Dr Claudia Kamphuis (Wageningen University, Netherlands) on digital twins and use of drones in grazing systems. Registrations are now openfor farmers—with dairy farmers able to access a discount via Early Bird registration—and for researchers, students, and sector professionals at: