Dairy
Luke Doyle
This report examines how dairy farm employees can bridge the gap to contract milking and sharemilking, identifying financial literacy gaps, unclear progression pathways and mentorship needs, and recommending a national progression framework, financial readiness education and structured mentoring.
- June 2026
- Kellogg 55
Leo Pekar
This study analyses raw accelerometer data from an in-ear sensor (ProTag), and compares it with visual observations of grazing behaviour in cattle, with the intention of estimating Bite Rate and Bite Characteristics, that could help establish them as key indicators or proxies.
- June 2026
- Kellogg 55
Emma Owen
Can improved genetic feed efficiency unlock more value from New Zealand’s beef on dairy calves? Explore the effects of genetic selection on profitability, reduce feed costs, and lower methane emissions.
- June 2026
- Kellogg 55
Kate Tomlinson
Canterbury is New Zealand's most ethnically diverse dairy region, where multicultural teams are the norm. Composition shapes friction and performance and cultural and language differences define daily life. The "enabler" helps teams thrive, as does adaptation that goes both ways.
- June 2026
- Kellogg 55
Phil Lowe
This project evaluated whether surplus non-replacement dairy calves could be retained to add greater value while remaining practical within a seasonal dairy system. The findings show real opportunity, but long-term success will depend on balancing profitability with feed, labour and whole-farm performance.
- June 2026
- Kellogg 55
Nick Vernon
This report by Nick Vernon, examines how biodiversity actions, community expectations, and stakeholder involvement intersect to build trust, improve environmental results, and support long-term sustainability.
- December 2025
- Kellogg 54
David March
Wearable technologies offer real benefits in monitoring, labour efficiency, and safety on NZ dairy farms. David March’s report discovers that for high-performing operations, financial returns remain limited, highlighting the need to weigh costs, farm performance, and alternative investments before adoption.
- December 2025
- Kellogg 54
Nicky Halley
Are microplastics entering NZ’s dairy supply? This report by Nicky Halley explores potential risks, public concern, and practical steps for farmers, industry, and policymakers to safeguard health, trust, and the nation’s clean, green reputation.
- December 2025
- Kellogg 54
Grant Kay
This report explores how NZ dairy farmers approach on-farm data sharing amid regulatory pressures. Farmers are rational—sharing data when trust, control, and value are assured. The “make/save/comply” framework captures their motivations, stressing the need for ethical, transparent, and mutually beneficial data ecosystems.
- 2025
- Kellogg 53
Jodie Goudswaard
NZ dairy farmers prove profit and sustainability can align—pasture smart, cost-savvy, and values-led. A balance worth backing.
- 2025
- Kellogg 53
Kaitlin Bates
This report highlights the underutilised role of nutrition in New Zealand’s dairy sector.
It identifies gaps in training, technology use, and knowledge integration. Key recommendations include standardised education, data-informed practices, cross-sector collaboration, and a systems-thinking approach, sustainability, and long-term farm success.
- 2025
- Kellogg 53
Katrina Roberts
This report by Katrina Roberts highlights that strong farmer-female veterinarian relationships improve advice uptake and farm outcomes. Findings emphasise personal connection, trust, communication, and shared growth. Veterinary businesses should support advisors through training, flexibility, and resources to foster thriving partnerships, especially in female-led advisory roles.
- 2025
- Kellogg 53
Kurt Harmer
This report explores the feasibility of NZ dairy farmers selling raw and pasteurised milk direct from the farm. It finds strong consumer interest and financial potential, but highlights significant regulatory, operational, and mindset challenges requiring targeted support and strategic planning.
- 2025
- Kellogg 53
Malinda Wynyard
Malinda’s report examines how NZ’s independent dairy manufacturers can future-proof for financial sustainability amid a decreasing milk pool and global market shifts. It finds that success depends on strong value-chain relationships, targeting values-driven markets, and exploring alternative access strategies to overcome distance and risk.
- 2025
- Kellogg 53
Michele Cranefield
This report explores NZ’s changing farm ownership landscape, noting declining traditional pathways, rising land costs, and limited capital access. Models like equity partnerships show promise. Strategic planning, mentorship, and coordinated action are needed to address a $110–$125 billion capital gap.
- 2025
- Kellogg 53
Jenna Smith
Peatlands store 20% of NZ’s soil carbon but are largely degraded. This report explores restoration, wetland farming, and Māori-led solutions for climate and cultural resilience.
- February 2025
- Nuffield 2024
Ben Aiken
This research project seeks to understand how young dairy farmers in
Northland have got ahead and to learn from their examples and experiences.
- 2024
- Kellogg 52
Chloe Walker
Access to capital is constraining the sector's sustainability, productivity, and transition to the next generation of farmers.
- 2024
- Kellogg 52
Hamish Hodgson
This research paper aims to identify the key skills that drive profitability in NZ's dairy farming sector and explore how targeted training and development can enhance farm performance and overall economic resilience.
- 2024
- Kellogg 52
Oliver Hampson
The management of non-replacement calves, or bobby calves, is a constant challenge for the NZ Dairy industry. This report investigates potential options for reducing bobby calf numbers.
- 2024
- Kellogg 52
Ashlea Kowalski
This report looks at the current business model for contract milking within the New Zealand dairy industry. With research showing that 27% of contract milkers would be financially better off as a manager, contract milking it is not the most effective pathway for progression.
- 2024
- Kellogg 51
Sophia Hunt
This report analyses Algeria's dairy market and its significance as a major importer of New Zealand's dairy products, particularly Whole Milk Powder. It aims to assess our potential to enhance dairy exports to Algeria, and identify opportunities for value-add.
- 2024
- Kellogg 51
Rob Shaw
This report produces a concept plan for a corporate dairy farming company in Zimbabwe. It investigates the domestic and regional markets, general business
environment and success factors in developing a corporate pasture-based dairy company.
- 2024
- Kellogg 51
Peter Saunders
This report examines risk management practices on Canterbury dairy farms and explores whether there is a need for the development of an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework specific to the dairy sector.
- 2024
- Kellogg 51