2022/23 the most expensive dairy season in a decade - DairyNZ Economic Survey6 June 2024 6 June 2024 3 minute read 3 minute read By: By: DairyNZ OceaniaMark Storey, DairyNZ head of economicsThe DairyNZ Economic Survey for the season 2022/23 continues to emphasise that dairy farmers, like others in New Zealand, have been battling with inflation, with the report showing an ongoing change in the make-up of expenses and the impacts this has had on dairy farm businesses. “For owner-operators we saw operating expenses increased by about 5 percent in the 2022/23 season, up to $6.67 per kg/MS, which is the highest it has been in the last 10 seasons,” explains Storey. “Positively, for the 2022/23 season we saw an above-average milksolid payout received again, with it sitting at $8.68 per kg/MS. “We also noted the ongoing shift in the make-up of costs farmers are facing, with a large increase in interest costs in 2022/23. “A range of advisors and rural professionals are available to support farmers plan and adjust their business for the next season, especially as the dairy environment continues to fluctuate.”The full DairyNZ Economic Survey is online at dairynz.co.nz.