The Big Picture

• How much milk does New Zealand produce?

  • In the year ending June 2011 New Zealand dairy companies processed 17.3 billion litres of milk.

• How many dairy cows are there in New Zealand?

  • In 2011 there were 4.5 million cows being milked.

• How many cows do farmers milk?

  • The average herd size in New Zealand is 386 (year ending June 2011)

• Is it true that herd sizes are getting bigger?

  • Yes 24% of New Zealand herds have more than 500 cows and over 450 of these herds have more than 1,000 cows (year ending June 2011).

• How much land is used by dairy farming?

  • In 2010 there were approximately 1.5 million hectares used for dairy farming.

• How much milk does a dairy cow produce?

  • On average New Zealand dairy cows produce 3,800 litres per head per year.

• Where are the majority of New Zealand dairy farms?

  • Seventy-six percent of dairy herds are in the North Island, with 30 percent in the Waikato.

• Do all owners own their own farms?

  • In 2010 65% of dairy farmers who invest in farm businesses were owner operators. The remaining 35% have a part share or equity partnership.

• What is New Zealand's main dairy export?

  • 37% of revenue comes from whole milk powder with the rest comprising of skim milk, butter, cheese and other dairy products. Butter, AMF & cream products 18% Cheese 14% Wholemilk powder 37% Skim milk, buttermilk powder & infant foods 16% Casein, protein products & albumins 12% Other dairy products 3% (year ended June 2010)