Getting Sorted for End of Season - Your Guide to Getting Ahead

The end of the season always seems to roll around faster than expected. Between drying off, staff changes, winter crop tidy-ups and getting ready for the new season, it can feel like everything lands at once.

That’s why getting a few key tasks sorted early can make a real difference – especially when it comes to your Co-operative Difference achievement and your Farm Dairy Records (FDRs).

This year, we’re focused on making things clearer and easier, so you know exactly what needs doing and when.

“Farmers told us the challenge wasn’t the intent of Farm Dairy Records – it was the time and complexity,” says Matt Randal, Head of OFE Delivery. “Our focus has been on making the process clearer, more connected and easier to manage across the season.”

One big change made this year is that FDRs are open year-round, meaning you can input data and start completing them whenever it suits you. And if you need a hand along the way, we’re right here to help.

Why early is easier

Most farmers tell us the same thing: the more they can tick off early, the smoother the end of season feels. Getting ahead means:

• No last-minute scrambling for forms or records
• It’s easier to capture details in the moment than to rely on memory later
• No stressful admin before you plan to take time off once cows are dried off
• More time to work through things properly
• Fewer reminders and less noise when the season is already busy
• A cleaner run into their assessment and the new season It’s all about taking the pressure off – for you and your team.

Tools to make it easier

We know every farm runs differently, so the Co-op has invested in building a range of tools to help you save time and choose the approach that works best for you and your farm.

FDRs on-the-go lets you update your Farm Dairy Records anytime leading up to 30 June 2026, reducing double-handling and making it easier to capture information as it happens.

The Dairy Diary App brings everything into one place. You can upload evidence, record fertiliser, ag-chemical, effluent and animal treatments, and complete your monthly FDR numbers and hygiene checks. All uploads sync automatically with your online checklist and are shared with QCONZ.

Our Assessment Checklist helps you track your readiness throughout the season by ticking off tasks as you go. Uploading documents at least seven days before your visit gives your assessor time to review them – something farmers have told us saves a lot of time on the day.

With Data Connections, you can link industry partner apps such as LIC MINDA and Ballance to reduce duplication and streamline how your farm data flows between systems. All you need are the right access permissions and your farm login details.

Farmers tell us these tools make the whole process simple and take a lot of the admin sting out of the process – especially the checklist, which clearly shows what to expect before the assessor arrives.

As Marie Todd from Walton, Waikato, shared: “Overall, our shed inspection was brilliant. Paperwork is so much easier online. Connecting LIC Minda and Ballance, being able to upload documents, it's very helpful and especially not having to double handle everything.”

You’re not doing this alone

If you hit a snag or aren’t sure where to next, just reach out. The team is here and ready to help:

Farm Support and Relationship Advisors (FSRA)

FSRAs are available over the phone or through drop-in sessions at your local Farm Source store. They can provide comprehensive support with Co-operative Difference requirements, Farm Dairy Records tasks, and preparation for your annual assessment.

Sustainable Dairy Advisor (SDA)

If you need help with your Carbon Removals declarations, SDAs are available to guide you through the process. They can also support you with any efficiency-related questions

The Service Centre – 0800 65 65 68

This team can help you with general queries about your Co-operative Difference and Farm Dairy Records tasks, as well as any questions related to the website or digital tools.

The My Co-op App

The app includes guides, reminders, and quick links – a great go-to for end-of-season questions and support. Every team across the Co-op is working together to help make sure you have the right information at the right time.

Make this your easiest end of season yet

A bit of early planning can take the pressure out of the months ahead. Whether you’re working through your Co-operative Difference requirements or tidying up your Farm Dairy Records, start early, chip away, and reach out when you need support. We’re here to help you finish the season well – and set up for a strong start to the next one.

What’s coming up

Here are some of the key dates to keep in mind:

Early May 2026

• 2026/27 Food Safety Plan (Practices and Procedures) are open

31 May 2026

This is a key milestone day. This is the deadline to submit your 2025/26 Co-operative Difference Achievements, covering:

• Carbon Removals Declaration
• Monthly Hygiene Checks
• Food Safety Plan (Practices and Procedures)
• Farm Environment Plan Review
• Workplace 360 Assessment
• Animal Wellbeing Plan

1 June 2026

2026/27 New season begins

• 2026/27 Season’s Monthly Hygiene Checks open
• 2026/27 Season’s Farm Dairy Assessment Checklist available

A full planner is available at nzfarmsource.co.nz/seasonplanner if you’d like something you can quickly refer to.