Milk payment parameters are used to determine the value of a farm’s milk to the Co-operative and can result in each farm being paid slightly differently per milk solid, relative to the Co-operative average.
These parameters currently include the fat and protein composition of the milk, volume, and achievement of Te Pūtake (Step 1) and Te Puku (Step 2) under The Co-operative Difference.
The Co-operative Difference Payment is made at the end of the year in the final retro payment.
THE BASE
This is the first step in the journey.
To achieve Te Pūtake, you’ll need to meet the achievements in each of the focus areas below.
When you reach Te Pūtake, you’ll receive 7 cents per kgMS on base price for all milk supplied during the season.
Complete your Food Safety Practices & Procedures online by 31 May 2025.
Have a Farm Environment Plan in place with at least three out of five key practices achieved.
Have and implement an Animal Wellbeing Plan developed with your vet.
Complete the DairyNZ Workplace 360 Assessment and achieve 100% on the foundation level.
THE MID-POINT
This is the midpoint of the journey.
To achieve Te Puku, you’ll need to achieve Milk Quality Excellence on at least 30 days during the season. These can be any 30 days; they don’t need to be consecutive.
You’ll then receive an additional 3 cents for every kgMS supplied during the season that meets the Excellence standard. This payment is in addition to the base price and the Te Pūtake component of the Co-operative Difference payment.
THE SUMMIT
This is the top of the journey.
Te Tihi is about celebrating those in the Co-operative who consistently deliver the highest quality milk. To achieve Te Tihi, a minimum of 90% of the days that you supply milk during the season must be at the Excellence standard.
There is no additional payment for Te Tihi, it is simply about recognising those at the top of their game.
Keep track of your achievements on your Co-operative Different dashboard, or speak to your local On Farm Excellence Technical Partner for support.
For a copy of your latest Payment Summary, this is now available online here.