Veronica Oostveen

Bringing over a decade of experience in the dairy sector to her DairyNZ role since 2024, Veronica understands the needs and challenges farmers experience as a farmer herself.

Originally from the USA, Veronica moved to New Zealand in 2010 to study at the University of Otago.

“I pivoted from public relations to a career contract milking in Southland when I met my now husband at university. Over the years, we’ve converted two farms and added 50:50 sharemilking and equity farming within our family business. We now operate two large-scale farms in Western Southland and juggle a young family."

“As a dairy farmer myself, I understand the new challenges and opportunities facing the industry and I'm excited to be a part of it and offer the support that I would also want to receive. DairyNZ is exploring science, benchmarking, economics, policy, and so much more to accelerate the modern-day farmer, I'm excited to be a part of it."

Veronica helps to facilitate events, regional groups, and provides support to farmers in her region through sharing DairyNZ’s tools and resources with them. She also networks with other industry professionals to create partnerships and bring a ‘whole package’ experience to farmers. She believes in the farmer-to-farmer relationship as being integral for knowledge sharing and weaves this into her facilitation at events.

Veronica's strategy for supporting farmers provides insights into the region from across the sector and farm systems. By forming her own network group and maintaining regular contact with various providers, she ensures that resources and expertise are effectively shared.

“I also value farmers’ feedback and enjoy hearing their insights after events or visits. This collaborative approach, where farmers help each other and share what works or doesn't, is key to fostering a supportive farming community.”

• Find out more about DairyNZ’s other Lower South Island regional team members.
• Check out our nationwide regional teams.