Meet our Sustainability Experts: Michelle Good
"As a farmer, building a sustainable farming business is something I’m proud to pass on to my kids."
For Michelle Good, sustainability isn't just part of her job. It's something she lives every day.
As General Manager of On-farm Performance, Michelle helps Fonterra farmers access the tools, technology and insights they need to improve productivity while reducing their farm's emissions. With more than 13 years in the dairy industry, she's also a dairy farmer and proud Fonterra supplier, giving her a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing farmers today.
"We must support farmers by evolving our technology and on-farm practices so they can continue to produce high-quality, nutritious dairy and help protect the long-term future of farming in New Zealand."
A key focus for Michelle and her team is identifying practical solutions that can help farmers improve environmental outcomes while maintaining strong farm performance.
One example is the recent rollout of a carbon removals mapping tool across all Fonterra farms. The tool helps measure the impact of on-farm planting and provides insights into how carbon removals contribute to the emissions footprint of milk production.
Michelle's team is also assessing emerging technologies that could help farmers reduce emissions in the future. "That includes methane inhibitors, effluent treatments, and high-yield, resilient pasture options."
Alongside new technologies, Michelle sees opportunities to build on the strengths of New Zealand's farming systems by improving efficiency on farm.
"The biggest opportunities to reduce emissions intensity on farm are things like improving herd performance through selective breeding and genetic gain. Increasing homegrown feed and optimising cow nutrition also helps cows reach their potential as more efficient milk producers."
For Michelle, the most rewarding part of her role is helping farmers navigate change and sharing insights that can support the long-term success of their businesses.
"I love working alongside and learning from passionate, talented people and being able to share those insights with other Fonterra farmers is a real privilege."