I suspected that there is a significant problem in the New Zealand dairy industry with regard to high fatigue/stress levels. In researching this project I discovered that there has been very little work done in New Zealand with regard to fatigue/stress and none that looked at the dairy industry in particular. This may be due to the fact that it is impossible to measure these factors within humans accurately. Or it could have been over looked as a problem of any significance My main objective in writing this report is to find hard data to demonstrate what the stress/fatigue levels are and to quantify what the likely cost are to the New Zealand dairy farmer.

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.