Early 1900s

First milking machines in usage.

1909

Organised herd testing began at the Dalefield Dairy Company, Wairarapa – testing the fat content of milk to stop unscrupulous farmers adding water.

1913

The country’s first lactose factory is built at Edendale, Southland, for the New Zealand Sugar of Milk and Casein Company. A growing market for casein develops, and within a few years 22 factories are producing curd for cheese manufacturing.

1915

The government begins a programme under its Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act to provide potential farming land for 9,500 soldiers returning from WW1.

1918

By the end of WW1, 7600 milking machines had been installed around New Zealand.

1923

New Zealand Dairy Control Board created to market dairy products overseas.

1927

Dairy Research Institute established, the first of New Zealand’s specialised research institutions.

1930

The number of cooperative dairy companies grows to more than 400.

1934

Keeping records of the production from offspring of a cow (progeny testing), and relating this to the bull parent (sire surveying), begins.

1937

Bill Gallagher Senior makes his first electric fence.

1939

Ruakura and Wallaceville research stations set up to help increase animal productivity.