About this event

The International Red Dairy Breeds Federation (IRDBF) is a collective group for the red dairy cattle breeds of the world to unite in purpose and intent. The event, hosted in different countries across the world every 3 years, aims to promote the development and sustainability of red dairy breeds globally, attracting dairy farmers and people who are passionate about the red cow breeds.

The Red Dairy Cow Conference 2026 will be a comprehensive event featuring pre- and post-conference tours across New Zealand and a detailed conference program. We will visit over 10 farms and stop at several tourist attractions along the way, including Rotorua, Queenstown and a cruise on the Doubtful Sound. We will see interesting industry locations such as the Fonterra R&D Centre and have the opportunity to listen to several keynote speakers.

Itinerary

Monday 2nd March – Thursday 5th March

Pre-Conference Tour: Auckland – Palmerston North, North Island

  • Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, travel to Waikato region, farm visits in Ohinewai and Te Aroha, welcome dinner in Hamilton.
  • Day 2: Visit farms in Ohaupo and Tirau, and dinner in Rotorua.
  • Day 3: Explore Māori culture in Rotorua, farm visit in Te Awamutu or tour of Miraka dairy factory, visit New Plymouth.
  • Day 4: Farm visits in Stratford and Kaponga, overnight in Palmerston North.
  • Day 5: Visit Northbrook Farm and Feilding Saleyards, Fonterra R&D Centre, conference program starts.

Friday 6th March – Sunday 8th March

IRDBF 2026 Conference

  • Day 5: Welcome dinner, country reports, overnight in Palmerston North.
  • Day 6: Full day conference with keynote speakers, gala dinner.
  • Day 7: Farm visits, business meetings, closing buffet dinner.

Monday 9th March – Sunday 15th March

Post-Conference Tour: Christchurch – Queenstown, South Island

  • Day 8: Fly to Christchurch, visit Glenmore Farm, overnight in Ashburton.
  • Day 9: Visit Red Cow Farm, sightseeing in McKenzie basin, overnight in Twizel.
  • Day 10: Visit High Country King Salmon, travel to Queenstown.
  • Day 11: Leisure day in Queenstown, travel to Te Anau.
  • Day 12: Cruise on Doubtful Sound, overnight in Te Anau.
  • Day 13: Return to Queenstown, farewell dinner on T.S.S. Earnslaw.
  • Day 14: Departure from Queenstown.

Monday 2nd March – Thursday 5th March

Pre-Conference Tour: Auckland – Palmerston North, North Island

  • Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, travel to Waikato region, farm visits in Ohinewai and Te Aroha, welcome dinner in Hamilton.
  • Day 2: Visit farms in Ohaupo and Tirau, Hobbiton Movie Set tour, dinner in Rotorua.
  • Day 3: Explore Māori culture in Rotorua, farm visit in Te Awamutu or tour of Miraka dairy factory, visit New Plymouth.
  • Day 4: Farm visits in Stratford and Kaponga, overnight in Palmerston North.
  • Day 5: Visit Northbrook Farm and Feilding Saleyards, Fonterra R&D Centre, conference program starts.

Friday 6th March – Sunday 8th March

IRDBF 2026 Conference

  • Day 5: Welcome dinner, country reports, overnight in Palmerston North.
  • Day 6: Full day conference with keynote speakers, gala dinner.
  • Day 7: Farm visits, business meetings, closing buffet dinner.

Monday 9th March – Sunday 15th March

Post-Conference Tour: Christchurch – Queenstown, South Island

  • Day 8: Fly to Christchurch, visit Glenmore Farm, overnight in Ashburton.
  • Day 9: Visit Red Cow Farm, sightseeing in McKenzie basin, overnight in Twizel.
  • Day 10: Visit High Country King Salmon, travel to Queenstown.
  • Day 11: Leisure day in Queenstown, travel to Te Anau.
  • Day 12: Cruise on Doubtful Sound, overnight in Te Anau.
  • Day 13: Return to Queenstown, farewell dinner on T.S.S. Earnslaw.
  • Day 14: Departure from Queenstown.

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