Farmers are turning out more milk with fewer cows

New figures from DairyNZ and Livestock Improvement Corporation show production of milk solids is up 2.9 percent - to 1.94 billion kilograms.

That's despite a point-five percent fall in cow numbers - to 4.68 million.

DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says it reflects farmer's hard work around performance and adaptability.

He says they have a good focus on genetics, better cow selection, feeding quality and home grown feed - as well as the overall efficiency within farms.