Implications of increased trends in milk production on the New Zealand dairy farmer

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.Over the last 20 years some definite trends have occurred in New Zealand dairy farming. Total milk processed has increased steadily yet simultaneously there have been a decline in the number of dairy farms. The major reason for this occurrence is that real returns paid to dairy farmers for their milk has decreased. We can expect to see a continuation of this trend of expansion into the future. This is likely to present a number of implications for dairy farmers. It impacts upon the lifestyle of dairy farmers and their families as well as has an effect on rural communities. Expansion has financial implications for dairy farmers as they fund their own growth. Safety and health needs on the farm and the utilisation of labour need attending to. Where dairy farm operations expand and intensify, there is a need to find sustainable land management systems which minimise the impact of farming on the environment