Coltman, A.C., Speight, S.J., Turner, S.

Affiliations: Alll Dexcel, Ltd, Hamilton, New Zealand

Preferred presentation format: Paper

Presenter details: Speight, S.J. (B.Agr.Sc) Regional Manager, Dexcel Ltd

Contact email address: sarah.speight@dexcel.co.nz

Keywords: extension, delivery, programme, dairy, productivity

The New Zealand dairy industry has experienced significant changes over the last ten years. The number of dairy farms have decreased 6%, while the average herd size has increased 60%. The type of farm systems dairy farmers operate are also more diverse, ranging from predominantly pasture-based to more intensive operations that are driven by resource availability. An independent report in 1997 on the dairy industry concluded that for the New Zealand dairy industry to remain its competitive advantage it had to achieve an annual increase in productivity of 4%. In order for this to occur it proposed some major structural changes of the industry.

Once such change was the formation of an integrated research, extension and education organisation, today known as Dexcel. Dexcel extension understands the industry has changed and has changed alongside it, linking the 4% productivity target to farmers profit and lifestyle goals. In order to achieve this, four key project areas were developed that focus on labour productivity, dairy farm systems, business planning and farming sustainably. These project areas are aligned with programmes from Dexcel research. Dexcel extension now includes 8 business developers and 5 product developers alongside its 25 consulting officers. This facilitates information transfer from research down to farmers and vice versa. Dexcel extension has revolutionised its method of information delivery. Geographic discussion groups are still a mainstay of communication with farmers, however, information is also transferred through specialist events, field says, seminars, short courses, monitor farms and partnerships with other rural professionals.

Key learning points

Changes in the structure of the NZ dairy industry has led to closer links between industry funded research and extension – research and extension programmes are aligned to maximize farmer benefit.

Farmer needs have changed and this is reflected in the new extension structure

Outcomes of extension delivery are the focus – not delivery output.