Dairy NZ: Matamata-Piako Climate Resilience & Adaptations

DairyNZ partnered with Lincoln University and The Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company to assess the
preparedness of dairy farmers for climate change adaptation. Models were used to project pasture
persistence, farm performance and heat stress under a changing climate using a case study farm in the Matamata-Piako district, which was scaled up to assess impacts at district level.

The modelling project evaluated the effects of gradual climate change over the rest of this century, with a specific focus on ryegrass persistence, pasture growth rates, farm profitability and heat stress for cows. The insights gained from this study helped in developing adaptations that farmers can implement to reduce the effects of climate change.