An Innovative Industry
The dairy industry has a long and proud history in New Zealand.
It started in 1814, when the missionary Samuel Marsden brought two cows and a bull into a country. Since then, dairying has come a long way.
Today, the industry has an international reputation for quality, reliability, food safety and animal welfare that is second to none.
"A major factor in the success of the New Zealand dairy industry has been the readiness with which technological advances have been incorporated into farming practices" W M Hamilton: NZ Journal of Science & Technology, 1942. The New Zealand dairy industry has always looked for new ways to do things. Throughout its history, innovation and technology have always played a part in the industry's success. (Source: MAF)
From the introduction of the clover/phosphate pastoral system to the early adoption of electric fences to support rotational grazing, the New Zealand dairy industry has always embraced on-farm improvements.
The industry has also been at the forefront of a number of key innovations that have improved the productivity of dairying. One of these was the development of the Turn-Style rotary milking platform - an advance that revolutionised commercial dairying around the world. This effectively halved milking times and has been a major contributor to increased herd size.
This innovation has not only been restricted to the farm – New Zealand dairy companies have also introduced a number of new products to the world, including dairy protein crisps.
The New Zealand dairy industry's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement means that it is the world's leading exporter of high quality dairy ingredients and is the lowest cost producer at scale.
