By Darrell Jones, Gallagher General Manager New Zealand & Chile
New Zealand’s pasture-based agricultural systems are in the spotlight. As one of the world’s largest dairy companies, Nestlé is calling for a reduction in on farm emissions and wants to see farmers continue to make progress to improve their sustainability as the company works to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030.
Sustainability gains will come not just from improved productivity, herd nutrition and nutrient management, but from better adoption of digital technology on farms and the data it provides. However, farmers can’t achieve these advancements alone. It requires a concerted effort from the entire industry to work together and provide the tools, education, and ongoing support that farmers need to fully leverage these technologies. It is data driven insights that will demonstrate and prove progress.
Over the past year, I've been encouraged by the growing mindset of collaboration within our industry to help farmers seize more opportunities. There's a noticeable shift, with more commercial companies joining Gallagher in recognising the importance of working together. But more progress needs to be made. Ensuring our software integrates seamlessly across different platforms allows farmers to easily analyse the diverse data they gather and turn it into meaningful actions. Gallagher is calling for more businesses like ours to collaborate with others to build a better future for our farmers and our rural communities.
New Zealand’s pasture-based farming system has been the backbone of our success. Working together will be crucial for evolving to meet changing landscapes, tackling climate challenges and thriving in the future.
Evolving Pasture Management with Technology
Farmers across the country face diverse challenges that require region-specific strategies. For instance, Southland’s weather extremes this year have made pasture protection a top priority, requiring quick and reliable fencing solutions. Meanwhile, other regions face their own unique challenges, highlighting the need for adaptable solutions.
The role of technology in farming is no longer a matter of debate - it’s an essential reality. GPS-guided tractors and precision agriculture are becoming standard tools, enabling farmers to manage pastures more efficiently and ensuring optimal use of resources like fertiliser and water.
According to the DairyNZ Technological Survey Report 2023, about 16% of New Zealand dairy herds now use wearables, with collars being the most popular (13%), followed by ear tags (4%).
Additionally, 36% of farmers use technology to measure pasture covers across their entire farms, and 45% record their pasture data in software for analysis. However, about 22% of dairy farmers are still using a rising plate meter, reflecting varied levels of technology adoption.
Overcoming Barriers to Widespread Tech Adoption
Pasture, which accounts for 90% of our feed ration, is the foundation of our farming businesses. Just as rotational grazing transformed the industry in the 1920s, our systems must continue to evolve with technology.
While there’s no shortage of innovation, the real challenge lies in getting this technology into widespread use. A joint study by AgResearch and DairyNZ identified 20 barriers to technology adoption on New Zealand farms, from technical and financial challenges to concerns about data sharing and job impacts. These are significant hurdles but overcoming them is crucial for our global competitiveness.
At Gallagher, our customer-focused approach drives innovation, ensuring that the technology we invest in is simple, user-friendly, and delivers real value to farmers, helping to drive adoption across the industry.
There are a number of levers farmers can pull to drive sustainability on farm but realising the full potential of their operations requires precise, real-time data to make informed decisions. Technologies like virtual fencing and EID are helping farmers track individual animal performance, optimise pasture use, and maximise productivity.
New Zealand farmers are no longer just farming - they’re managing full-scale agribusinesses. This demands a business-oriented approach, with strategic planning and data-driven decisions.
However, farmers cannot do this alone. As an industry, we must do more to educate, support, and provide the tools they need. We can’t simply sell technology to farmers and walk away.
Collaboration, data integration, and ongoing support are essential to helping farmers achieve the efficiencies needed to secure a premium for their products in global markets.
