The findings offer essential context for the recently adjusted dairy levy, which, after being held stable since 2009 at 3.6c/kgMS, was increased to 4.5c/kgMS. As the levy income fluctuates based on actual milk production, financial stability is crucial; in 2025, the levy contributed $69.8 million, representing 83% of DairyNZ’s total revenue. Under the Commodity Levies Order, this mandatory funding is explicitly dedicated to key areas, including biosecurity, sector advocacy, and essential R&D initiatives.

Analysis of the generated value reveals that the benefits are split almost evenly between proactive improvement and reactive risk mitigation. Approximately 45% of the $2.98 billion value came from tangible productivity gains on farms, while the more significant portion, 55%, was attributed to crucial costs avoided. A key investment highlight includes the $77.1 million allocated to biosecurity efforts, which the report now estimates to have delivered $709 million in value, demonstrating the massive preventative economic protection afforded to the agribusiness community.

Motivated by calls from levy-paying farmers for greater transparency regarding the allocation of their funds, DairyNZ commissioned this in-depth report—the most comprehensive to date. Chair Tracy Brown described the report as an elevation of accountability, signaling a “new era” for the organization. This commitment to agribusiness transparency aligns with the co-op’s refreshed strategic focus on accelerating farm productivity, powering adaptability, and enabling sustainable and competitive dairying for its members.