The report produced by DairyNZ and Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), found that the sector produced more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
The 2.02 billion kilograms of milksolids was up 4.5% on the previous season, from 21.8 billion litres of milk, which was up 3.5%.
The results also showed a significant long-term improvement in milk composition, with milksolids increasing from 8.48% of milk in 2000/01 to 9.27% in 2025/26.
Meanwhile, the number of herds fell by 102 to 10,268, while overall cow numbers increased by just 1% to 4.72 million.
The report showed strong farmer uptake of herd improvement tools, which contributed to the record-breaking year.
In 2025/26, 83.3% of cows and 78.7% of herds were herd tested, the highest proportions since the early 2000s.
Herd-tested cows achieved record results for milk volume, milkfat and protein yields, and milkfat and protein percentages. The report also highlighted that the national somatic cell count, also fell to a record low of 149,000 cells/mL, which indicates improvements in udder health and milk quality.
Artificial breeding reached its highest level in three decades, with 84.8% of cows mated through artificial breeding in 2025/26.
DairyNZ Chief Executive Campbell Parker said the results were a reflection of farmers’ continued focus on improving on-farm performance.
“Surpassing two billion kilograms of milksolids is a significant milestone for New Zealand dairy. It reflects the skill, investment and day-to-day management of farmers, alongside long-term gains in genetics, reproduction, animal health and farm systems,” he said.
“The figures show productivity and milk quality moving in the right direction. This matters for the competitiveness and resilience of farm businesses and the wider dairy sector.”
LIC Chief Executive David Chin said the results showed farmers were recognising the value of data and superior genetics in understanding and improving herd performance.
“Record participation in herd testing and artificial breeding gives farmers more information and more options to accelerate genetic gain,” he said.
