DAIRY Country

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana and Anne Lee reflect on the centenary — and final issue — of The Dairy Exporter magazine. As editor and deputy editor, they share how the publication evolved from a technical journal into a platform that connected dairy farmers and told the stories behind the New Zealand dairy sector.  Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 h...

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks with Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights at NZX, and Stu Davison, Analyst at HighGround Dairy. Cristina outlines the factors behind strong global dairy prices, including tight supply and steady demand from China and Southeast Asia, while Stu highlights forecasted milk production growth driven by the US, Argentina, and New Zealand.  They discuss unc...

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks to Louise Gibson and Hamish Pirie. Louise Gibson, Managing Director of The Sharefarming Consultants, provides some great tips and ideas on setting up on a new farm and how to document what’s onfarm at the outset. She also talks about the need for better legal protections, independent audits, and regular communication to build strong farm partnerships be...

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks to Anneline Padayachee and they explore the challenges farmers face and the evolving nutrition landscape, especially around red meat, dairy and sustainable diets. They discuss how protein is often overemphasised and the changing views on dietary fats, particularly from dairy products. Anneline highlights the importance of understanding the food matrix and nut...

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks to Dan and Gina Duncan, former Share Farmers of the Year, sharing their journey from valuation to dairy farming. They discuss scaling their business and managing debt wisely. The couple highlight the value of consistent systems, cost control, and investing in herd quality. They offer advice to young farmers on embracing responsibility and taking a long-term a...

This episode highlights insights from industry leaders driving sustainability in dairy farming. Malcolm Ellis, Fonterra’s Strategic Advisor, discusses improving animal productivity to reduce emissions, introducing the Co-operative Difference payment. Scott Townshend, CEO of Trev, explains how data and feed conversion efficiency help farmers boost profitability while reducing input costs. Sim...

This episode showcases some of the highlights from the South Island Dairy Event  (SIDE) 2025, held in Timaru in April. Jason Archer of Beef + Lamb NZ explains how beef genetics boost the value and sustainability of dairy-origin calves. Rebecca Furzeland shares insights from her large-scale calf rearing business focused on quality, health, and teamwork. Ryan Luckman draws on data from cow wear...

In this episode, DairyNZ scientist Dr Kirsty Verhoek explains how heat stress affects cow comfort and productivity, and how the Grazing Heat Load Index (GHLI) improves on traditional measures like the Temperature Humidity Index. Dr Paul Edwards discusses how GHLI, combined with digital technologies, helps farmers identify regional heat stress risks and take timely action. Dr Roshean Woods introduc...

In this episode, Sam Mander, director of AgriIntel, walks listeners through the New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), giving a 101 on the scheme and outlining its opportunities for farmers. He discusses carbon credits, forestry models, and earning NZUs, including how to earn NZU’s from agroforestry and riparian planting. Sam highlights the financial and environmental benefits o...

In this episode, David Jensen, a dairy farmer and kiwifruit grower, shares his experience transitioning to kiwifruit cultivation. He discusses challenges like labour shortages, investment costs, and the evolving kiwifruit market, as well as the impact of political policies on agriculture. David highlights the importance of understanding farming dynamics and key factors for successful diversificati...

In this episode, we explore a shift from traditional dairy to innovative crops in New Zealand agriculture. Lee Matheson, Managing Director of Perrin Ag, discusses the challenges and opportunities of land use change, focusing on crops like hemp and chestnuts. Gavin Tayles, COO of FarmRight, shares insights on their transition to high-value horticulture, particularly large-scale apple orchards. Red...

In this episode we explore the transformative power of AI in the dairy industry. Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop discusses how AI is revolutionising his dairy farm, from optimising herd genetics to improving decision-making in farm management. He shares his journey from scepticism to embracing AI, and how his venture, Perfect Cow Breeding Solutions, helps other farmers do the same. PhD studen...

Farm succession is one of the toughest challenges for farming families, with many young farmers struggling through the process. Rural counselor Kathryn Wright discusses the emotional complexities of succession, strategies for managing family dynamics, and tips for approaching these crucial conversations. Sheryl Haitana also speaks with Sandy Van Den Heuvel, Director of BlackmanSpargo Rural Law, ab...

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana interviews Braden Coates and Hayley Ireland, dairy farmers from South Waikato, who share their inspirational journey overcoming Braden’s life-changing rugby injury and journey to farm ownership. They discuss their resilience, teamwork, and commitment to sustainable farming, as well as their success in the Te Ara Miraka Excellence Programme. Additionally, Ben D...

In this episode, we hear from experts at the Australasian Dairy Science Symposium, discussing the latest in dairy innovation, from benchmarking farm performance to using DNA technology for pest management. Plus, Glenn Jones shares insights from the Australian Dairy Conference and what’s coming up for farmers at this year’s SIDE event.   Guests include: Kathryn Guthridge, Senior Re...

In this episode, we discuss pregnancy scanning results across the country, with some farmers reporting low not-in-calf rates. We also explore the importance of planning for next season’s mating, selecting the right bull team, and how advancements in breeding technology, including sexed semen, are helping farmers improve herd efficiency and productivity.   Guests include: Ben Watson, Co-...

This episode we take a deep dive into the changes affecting rising insurance premiums and advice on how to navigate the changes including a new insurance model called parametric insurance that will help farmers insure in the face of extreme weather events.   Guests include: Brett Borrell, Commercial and Rural Manager, Gallaghers Insurance Lucie Douma, Head of Client Strategy and Advice, FMG H...

In this episode, we explore the rise in global dairy prices underpinned by China’s expanding appetite for our dairy products with growing demand for high-protein foods. We also discuss the economic impact of trade tensions and how farmers can navigate this market volatility. Plus, the importance of future policy settings in the face of an unpredictable global landscape. Guests include: Stu D...

Johne’s disease is a devastating disease for farmers to deal with, however it is not uncommon and is both preventable and treatable with a conversation with your vet.  Guests include: Kara Dawson, Veterinary Epidemiologist, LIC Sonja Coombes, Veterinarian, Selwyn Rakaia Vets Steve Skelton, Waikato Farmer Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Export...

Managing physical and mental health is constantly becoming more important in our day to day lives. In this episode hear from food scientist and nutritionist, Dr. Anneline Padayachee about the importance of nutrition from dairy. We also hear from Kathryn Wright, a registered rural councilor, about how to work towards goals and focus on the positive. Guests include: Dr Anneline Padayachee, Food Scie...

Deputy Editor Anne Lee attended the Australasian Dairy Science Symposium in November, and got the chance to talk to some of the researchers speaking at the conference. Hear the latest research in areas like managing heat stress, stacking mitigations to reduce N losses, and getting enough sleep.  Guests include: Dr Angela Lees, The University of Queensland Dr Jennifer Van Os, University of Wis...

A new bill has been introduced to parliament this week outlining the proposed regulatory regime for genetic technologies and genetically modified organisms.  In this episode hear from Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) science advisor Dr Emily Parker on the bill’s proposal for a tiered, risk-based approach to licensing and what could be exempt from the regula...

BVD is a significant problem in the dairy industry. In this episode we talk to the US-based scientist who carried out a world first by gene editing BVD resistance into a bovine embryo, cloning it and producing a live BVD resistant calf. Also hear more about LIC’s new partnership in an American gene editing project. Guests include: Dr Aspen Workman, scientist,  US Meat Animal Research Center Emma B...

Having control over your finances puts you more firmly at the helm when it comes to the direction of travel of your farm business. Hear how a North Canterbury couple budgets and then monitors with good systems and communication so they and their two sons can meet the goals they’ve set together. We also hear from an accountant on how to manage tax so there are no surprises. Guests include: Duncan &...

Financial literacy is almost like learning another language, and in the summer issue of  Dairy Exporter the special report focusses on where to start and what is to gain from improving financial literacy in our farm businesses. From understanding debt management, to growing your funds through compounding, in this episode we break down the key terms and tools. Guests include: Paul Bird, Financial E...