Dairy Push is a three year joint venture between Fonterra, Dairy New Zealand and South Waikato District Council. It is the pilot model for a value-added extension service, which is designed to provide the final step in the extension chain already provided by Dairy New Zealand.

60 Dairy Push participant farms work in conjunction with their own farm advisor to develop their own business plan, including goals and key performance indicators. Participants receive ongoing one-on-one support throughout the programme as it is widely accepted by the dairy industry that a one-on-one interface with farmers has the greatest chance of changing on-farm behaviour. Participants also have access to updated information via the Dairy NZ website, receive a fortnightly newsletter and take part in discussion groups to evaluate outcomes of trials and practices.

Dairy Push also includes a community focus farm (the Focus Farm), a proven method of disseminating information at a local level. The Focus Farm gives participants the chance to observe, monitor and implement all Focus Farm practices in order to develop best practices. This is supported with Focus Farm Field Days which include industry specific guest speakers. Dairy Push took a ‘Bottom Up’ approach where people who are part of the rural community are deciding what, how and when various extension programmes will be delivered.

Sustainable business growth is the overall goal of the programme with other expected benefits including contributing to 4% annual productivity growth of the New Zealand dairy industry’s target and Fonterra’s 3% growth in sustainable milk supply targets.

The key result of the Dairy Push Programme is to increase efficiencies, boost production and reduce on farm costs.  Dairy farming can be an isolating occupation and the Dairy Push Programme provides farmers with the necessary community led support for both professional development and social interaction.