New record for New Zealand dairy production

According to the latest statistics from DairyNZ and Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), in the 2025/26 season, the volume of collected milksolids exceeded the mark of two billion kilograms for the first time, increasing by 4.5% compared to the previous season. The country's dairy herds produced nearly 22 billion liters of milk, which is 3.5% higher than last year's level. As Campbell Parker, Chief Executive of DairyNZ, noted, these figures are the result of the daily labor of farmers, their investments, as well as long-term successes in genetics, reproduction, livestock animal health, and farm management.

LIC data showed that the artificial insemination rate reached a thirty-year high: almost 85% of cows were fertilized using this method in the past season. According to David Chin, Chief Executive of LIC, record participation in herd testing and artificial insemination gives farmers more information and opportunities to accelerate genetic progress. The six-week calved rate reached a record 70.2% (in 2008 it was 63.5%).

In addition, there was an increase in sexed semen sales and beef-on-dairy sales by approximately 25%. The deficit of livestock animals on the global market stimulates demand for these products. Farmers are actively using technologies and collars for more precise insemination, directing beef genetics to cows with lower genetic value, and sexed semen to the best cows. High demand for Hereford breeds and Charolais crosses remains, and interest has also been noted in new beef genetic products KiwiPrime and Synergizer, which are ahead of their official launch scheduled for 2027.