Soaring costs, election and potential dairy downturn overshadow farmers’ decade-high profits, new survey finds

Monique SteeleRNZ·16 Sep, 2026 11:38 PM4 mins to readFederated Farmers' farm confidence survey found that 39% of dairy farmers expect a downturn next year. Photo / RNZ, Gianina SchwaneckeFederated Farmers' farm confidence survey found that 39% of dairy farmers expect a downturn next year. Photo / RNZ, Gianina SchwaneckeBy Monique Steele of RNZMany New Zealand farmers are looking at next year’s books with pessimism, even dairy farmers, despite profits this year reaching their highest level in a decade, a new survey shows. Industry group Federated Farmers surveyed 634 farms for its 35th biannual