If it impacts dairy farmers, it’ll be on the agenda at the 2025 DairyNZ Farmers Forum. “The thing I really like about this year’s programme is its breadth,” says DairyNZ chief science advisor Dr. Bruce Thorrold.

“It covers a wide range of topics that are key to shaping the future of farming and the world as a whole—such as trade, technology, on-farm innovation, policy, climate change, globalisation, and nationalism.”

Thorrold said the forum will offer a comprehensive view of the factors influencing farmers’ lives, with a range of opinions and data-driven insights.

“If you come along to the Farmers Forum as a farmer, you’re going to hear from people across the spectrum, covering all the things that make up the world in which farmers work.”

“These are the topics that influence how farmers plan their future,” he adds.

With the political landscape constantly shifting, recent tariff announcements, especially those by U.S President Trump, have created uncertainty in global markets.

“A huge amount of our prosperity in the dairy sector has been built on free trade agreements over the past 10 or 15 years,” Thorrold said.

“Now, we’re in an environment where some of that is getting challenged by nationalism and the reforming of global trade blocks.”

“Since 95% of our milk is exported, we need to keep a close eye on what’s going on globally,” he emphasised.

“It’s one thing to access markets, but the real question is whether we can produce at a price that’s competitive, with an emissions footprint that meets consumer expectations, and that keeps us in the game.”

Thorrold will be joining an impressive line-up of keynote speakers at the South Island events, sharing insights into DairyNZ’s response to challenges and opportunities.

He will also offer an overview of key science and research that will help the sector achieve its long-term ambitions.

The event will be MCed by Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

DairyNZ Chief Executive Campbell Parker said that ensuring a positive future for the sector requires collaboration.

“It’s our job to ensure the sector has the right solutions in place for farmers, but we can’t do it alone.

“We are privileged to have a stellar group of experts and farmers who are doing amazing and innovative work on farm share all that knowledge and keep pushing those boundaries at Farmers Forum 2025.”

Parker said the world is changing fast, and so is the way we farm.

“Our focus at the Forum is on providing farmers with actionable insights into the global and national trends that will shape their businesses in the years to come.

“By collaborating with other leaders in the sector, we can ensure that New Zealand’s dairy sector continues to thrive and lead on the world stage.”

The 2025 DairyNZ Farmers Forum isn’t just for farmers—it’s open to rural professionals as well.

The event offers a unique opportunity to meet and discuss the future of the dairy industry with industry experts and farmers.

Registrations are open and free for levy-paying dairy farmers and their staff. For more information, the full programme, and to register, visit the DairyNZ website.

by Claire Inkson