Christoph Stumpe is a recipient of the DLG Young Talents Award 2024. Since 2024, the DLG has presented the DLG Young Talents Award to support young professionals in their personal and professional development. In 2024, Stumpe received the special prize on the topic of “Digitalization in Agriculture”. In his field report, he shares insights into his experiences during his research trip to New Zealand.
New Zealand is internationally regarded as one of the leading countries in grassland-based dairy production. At the same time, its agricultural sector is closely linked to technological innovation, an export-oriented economy and distinctive natural conditions. As part of an agricultural research trip, I had the opportunity to visit key institutions within New Zealand’s dairy industry and exchange views with farmers, researchers and industry representatives.
The dairy industry as a key economic factor
New Zealand, a sparsely populated country in the South Pacific, is characterised agriculturally by grassland, which accounts for around 90% of the country’s utilised agricultural area. While sheep farming historically played a defining role, agricultural land use has increasingly shifted towards dairy farming over the past several decades. This structural change is particularly evident in the Canterbury region on the South Island. There, the expansion of centre-pivot irrigation systems on previously dry grassland sites created the conditions for intensive dairy production.
In this region, the average farm comprises approximately 800 cows, predominantly KiwiCross cattle, a cross between Holstein-Friesian and Jersey. The animals are kept outdoors throughout the year on approximately 250 hectares of pasture. Milk production consistently follows a grass-based, low-input strategy without conventional housing. Supplementary feed is provided only to a limited extent, for example during dry periods. Under these conditions, farms achieve average yields of approximately 4,800 kilograms of milk per cow per year.
Most of the milk produced is collected by the dairy cooperative Fonterra and processed into products with a long shelf life, particularly milk powder. With an export share of around 95%, the dairy sector is a central economic factor for New Zealand and makes a significant contribution to the country’s trade balance. Ambitious export targets underline the sector’s continued importance.
A collegial spirit and a strong willingness to innovate
During my trip, I experienced how strongly New Zealand’s dairy sector is shaped by a collegial spirit. The so-called sharemilker system provides a relatively accessible entry point into agriculture. Under this model, farm managers without their own land can gradually assume responsibility and build up capital. This arrangement contributes to the dynamism and openness of the sector.
At the same time, the industry is characterised by a high degree of innovation. This became particularly clear to me during my visit to the Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Christchurch, where the latest technological developments were presented and discussed. Key trends include the use of wearables for monitoring animals and virtual fencing systems, which enable flexible pasture management without physical fences.
In New Zealand, the start-up Halter is particularly prominent in this field. Founded only in 2021, the company combines both of these trends. Via a smartphone app, farmers can access animal-specific health data and allocate cattle to defined areas of pasture without any physical intervention. I was impressed to see how effectively this technology works in practice for both animals and people, relying almost exclusively on acoustic signals to guide the cattle.
The close links between farming practice, research and industry—often facilitated by sector organisations such as DairyNZ—support the rapid implementation of these technologies in everyday farm operations.
Fascinating landscapes with unique flora and fauna
In addition to the professional insights, the trip also gave me the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s rich natural landscapes. The country’s numerous national parks demonstrate the exceptional diversity of its natural environment, which I was able to experience during several hikes and kayaking tours. The South Island in particular is characterised by striking contrasts: at lower elevations, moss-covered rainforests can be found, while higher regions are dominated by snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
The large number of endemic plant and animal species is especially remarkable. Alongside fascinating tree species, I was particularly impressed by the flightless ratites that are found exclusively in New Zealand. This natural diversity is complemented by a varied coastline with secluded bays and by regions shaped by active volcanic processes, especially on the North Island. Despite the long journey, I still have the feeling that I discovered only a fraction of New Zealand’s natural richness.
Hospitality makes the journey unique
A major highlight of the trip was the personal exchange with farmers, researchers and their families. Through research institutions and individual private contacts, invitations to private celebrations emerged surprisingly quickly. This openness enabled in-depth conversations that went well beyond New Zealand’s agricultural sector. Cultural topics also played an important role, including discussions about Māori culture and the experiences of European immigrants and their descendants.
The country’s history as a society shaped by immigration continues to influence social interaction today and contributes significantly to its pronounced hospitality. Cultural diversity is widely perceived as a strength, making New Zealand an especially attractive country to me from both a professional and a personal perspective. Hospitality is just one of the qualities I would like to adopt from the “Kiwis” and experience again in person whenever the opportunity arises.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trip was a unique experience that gave me a more global perspective on agriculture and on the way we live together in Europe. I am certain that these experiences will have a positive influence on my further personal and professional development.
My sincere thanks go to the DLG, whose support through the DLG Young Talents Award made this research trip possible.