The following article is based on the Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship report by Kylie Leonard. Kylie is a 2023 Nuffield scholar, and Taupō District dairy farmer.

With a rosy start to the global milk picture for NZ farmers, and downward pressure on some key onfarm costs, farmers could be in line for a better margin profit this season. Words Rosalind Crickett.

With more significant weather events occurring, insurance companies globally are applying a new policy for farmers to insure against events rather than insuring assets. Words Sheryl Haitana

An online survey of 518 people was conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 with those who work or live on farms to understand their insurance needs, perceptions and behaviours.

No farm business would have missed the significant increase in the cost of insurance in the past year. Tony Leggett investigates what’s behind the increase and the options for reducing the cost in the future.

Pulling in your financial advisers to play the right role depending on your financial skill level will elevate your decision making and business outcomes.
Words Anne lee

Financial literacy can become complicated with a biological business like dairy farming, with so many moving parts which can influence the year’s profit. Tracking farm performance in real time is key to keeping control of the budget.
Words Sheryl Haitana

Understanding and closely monitoring the numbers is helping a North Canterbury farming family drive their business to achieve their goals.
Words Anne lee Photos Holly Lee

Successful farming hinges on more than just good soil and weather; it relies on disciplined financial management, from tidy records to strategic budgeting and clear communication.
Words Chris Lewis

Learning to read the numbers and decipher what they’re telling you is a skill that can be learned. Anne Lee talks to long-time financial educator Paul Bird about the process and discovers the wonder of compounding.