DAIRY Country

Eldon and Roseanne Megaw have built a career in dairy through contract milking while steadily growing equity in property and farm partnerships. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the couple about their journey from early farm experiences and managing roles through to investing in residential property and stepping into an equity partnership at Aranui, a fully irrigated Canterbury farm. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Eldon and Roseanne Megaw, South Canterbury Farm Owners   Eldon and Roseanne Megaw explain how they balanced contract milking responsibilities with property management to diversify income and build financial resilience. Eldon and Roseanne discuss the strategies that have guided their success, including building strong relationships with farm owners and peers, maintaining efficiency and financial discipline, and creating systems and standards for their farm teams. They also share how patience, resilience and flexibility have allowed them to seize opportunities both inside and outside the farm gate, from investing in houses and subdivisions to exploring other income streams, all while staying focused on long-term goals and equity growth. Read the article featuring Eldon and Roseanne Megaw from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/little-habits-build-big-equity/   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Brix test may mean high sugar for the horticulture sector but when it comes to measuring pasture quality, farmers are being told to look to traditional feed quality analysis by scientists who have been looking into the measure. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Dr Beverley Thomson of On-Farm Research at Poukawa, Hawke’s Bay about her study comparing Brix as a measure of pasture quality with traditional laboratory based analysis including metabolisable energy (ME), drymatter (DM), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF). Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Dr Beverley Thomson, On-Farm Research   Brix has become increasingly popular with some farmers as a tool to give a simple and immediate measure of pasture quality with some citing it as a way to measure nutrient density for pasture. However, Beverely explains her study found high Brix levels in low quality pastures with higher DM and the measure was an unreliable indicator. She talks through the study and how it was set up using plots comparing conventional ryegrass/clover species with plantain/clover and with multi-species, diverse pastures. She details when the measurements were taken through the season and the results of the study.  Read the article featuring Dr Beverly Thomson from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/brix-might-not-be-best/   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with Stu Davison of HighGround Dairy to unpack the sharp turnaround in global dairy markets and what is driving the recent surge in prices on the Global Dairy Trade platform. Drawing on his day-to-day market analysis, Stu explains why strong global milk production has not translated into weaker prices and how sentiment, geopolitics and supply chain disruption have shifted the tone of 2026. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy   Bringing both global perspective and practical insight to the discussion, Stu breaks down the unusual strength in skim milk powder, the narrowing gap with whole milk powder and the role of protein demand in tightening supply. He outlines how Chinese buying patterns, trade tensions with Europe, Middle Eastern uncertainty and energy market volatility are layering complexity onto already interconnected markets. It is a clear-eyed conversation about volatility, risk management and why, in a year like this, budgeting for uncertainty may matter more than trying to outguess the market.   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Anne Lee chats with Jordain Beattie and Louise Gibson who break down what successful sharefarming really looks like and what it takes to build equity through contract milking and sharefarming pathways. Together, they unpack the realities behind the numbers, the importance of setting clear goals and how strong planning can help farmers step confidently into business ownership while managing risk and maintaining long-term sustainability. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Jordain Beattie, Client Director, NZAB Louise Gibson, Co-Founder, The Sharefarming Consultants   Jordain brings a financial and strategic lens to the conversation, sharing why understanding your numbers is about far more than budgeting. She says setting clear equity goals, tracking business performance and planning for tax and reinvestment can help farmers stay on track and make confident, informed decisions as opportunities arise. Louise shares practical, on-the-ground insights into the operational and contractual side of sharefarming, including managing labour, understanding agreement details and recognising potential risks around herd ownership and contract structures. She highlights the value of asking questions, seeking professional advice and surrounding yourself with the right support network to help build a resilient and rewarding farming career.   Read the article featuring Louise Gibson and Jordain Beattie from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/what-does-sharefarming-success-look-like/   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, Sarah sits down with Andrew MacPherson and Cara Sheridan to unpack the arrival of Bovillus Cryptium, a new vaccine for calves targeting cryptosporidiosis, and what it means for farmers managing calf health in New Zealand. The discussion sets the scene for why this vaccine is a game changer, how it can improve calf welfare and long-term performance, and why proactive planning with your vet is key to getting the most from it. With spring 2026 calving approaching, now is the time to understand how to integrate this new tool into your farm systems. Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Guests: Andrew MacPherson, Technical Advisor, MSD Animal Health Cara Sheridan, Ruminant Technical Vet Manager, MSD Animal Health   Andrew MacPherson from MSD Animal Health New Zealand explains how the vaccine works by stimulating maternal antibodies for passive transfer to calves, reducing the risk of disease and improving growth outcomes. He outlines practical advice for farmers on administration timing, integrating the vaccine with existing protocols like Rotavac Corona, and the importance of planning early with their vets to maximise its benefits.   Cara Sheridan, MSD’s Ruminant Technical Vet Manager in Ireland, shares insights from the vaccine’s use in Ireland since mid-2024. She highlights the positive impact on calf health, reduced labour, and improved farm management, alongside the importance of quality colostrum and effective calf-rearing practices. Cara’s experience demonstrates how this preventive tool can reduce reliance on antibiotics while supporting animal welfare and performance, offering practical lessons for New Zealand farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with Mick and Kirsten O’Connor from Grass Gobblers to explore their journey from sharemilking to equity partnership and the simple, grass-focused system that has supported their business growth. Milking 1,000 cows near Burnham, the couple were hosts to the spring Pasture Summit field day. They share how a low-cost, pasture-based approach, combined with strong team culture and clear long-term goals, has enabled them to build a scalable and repeatable farming model. The conversation outlines the thinking behind their system, why simplicity drives consistency, and how focusing on pasture utilisation and animal performance underpins profitability. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Mick and Kirsten O’Connor, Grass Gobblers   Mick and Kirsten also reflect on the financial discipline required to grow equity, including navigating a major payout downturn after expanding herd ownership. They discuss how detailed budgeting, reinvestment and the ability to rear and lease back stock with Dairy Holdings through their career with the company has helped them progress into equity partnership. They highlight the importance of understanding business performance, analysing opportunities through clear return targets and aligning partnerships around shared values and expectations. The discussion also touches on building strong farm teams and supporting staff progression, alongside practical advice for farmers entering the sector, emphasising patience, communication and surrounding yourself with the right people. For more from the Pasture Summit field day  https://www.pasturesummit.co.nz/2025-spring-events   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award is designed to recognise leadership, contribution and future-focused thinking within the dairy sector, while also encouraging others to step forward and get involved. In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with award recipient Jo Sheridan to unpack her experience as the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, going through the Dairy Women’s Network process and what the recognition has meant both personally and professionally. The discussion sets the scene for why awards like this matter, how they can help bring clarity on your direction and why you don’t need to sit back and wait to be nominated. Self-nomination and backing yourself is a great way to open doors to new opportunities across the sector. Applications and nominations for 2026 close on February 28. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Jo Sheridan, Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2025   Jo also discusses her work as Demonstration Manager at Owl Farm, which is run as a joint-venture between St Peter’s Cambridge school and Lincoln University. She outlines why future-focused farm systems, youth engagement and clear progression pathways are critical to the long-term success of dairy. She shares insights from a recent Fonterra study tour to the United States, including what global customers value, how technology and genetics are accelerating change, and what New Zealand farmers can learn from international systems. The conversation also covers how Owl Farm is tracking this season, what the data is showing around production and reproduction, and why continuous monitoring, adaptability and people development are central to building resilient farm businesses.   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) has been taking another look at establishing plantain and how to combat weed pests. In this episode, Anne Lee finds out more about the approach from Farm Source Technical Ag Specialist Russell Hamilton and catches up with LUDF Partnership and Demonstration Lead Antoinette Archer about how the farm is performing in a tricky, cooler summer season. The conversation explores why treating pasture as a crop is critical to maximising both quality and total production, how setting clear objectives upfront shapes renewal and management decisions, and how onfarm monitoring and data are being used to guide timely responses as seasonal conditions shift.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Russell Hamilton, Technical Ag Specialist, Farm Source Antoinette Archer, Partnership and Demonstration Lead, LUDF   Russell outlines the importance of viewing each paddock as its own crop, assessing performance, identifying constraints and setting a clear plan to lift long-term productivity. LUDF wanted to improve plantain establishment and longevity by addressing weed pressure, soil fertility and pasture renewal sequencing, he explains. Russell steps through the use of an Italian ryegrass cropping phase to reset paddocks and allow the use of the right herbicides in a timely way to reduce weed seed banks and create the right conditions for ryegrass, clover and plantain-based pastures. He highlights how getting establishment right upfront can significantly increase lifetime pasture yield and farm profitability.   Antoinette provides a seasonal update from LUDF, describing what has been a tricky year to manage with cooler, wetter conditions limiting pasture growth rates and reducing energy levels in pasture. She explains how close monitoring of pasture, cow condition and milk production has enabled the team to assess conditions early and act, including the decision to move to a three-in-two milking schedule and begin putting autumn management plans in place. Antoinette also outlines how these learnings will be shared with farmers at the LUDF Focus Day on March 4, where the team will unpack the season’s challenges, decisions and practical takeaways in more detail.   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major research effort aimed at cutting nitrogen (N) losses without losing sight of farm viability is putting practical system change under the microscope. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Dr Racheal Bryant, Associate Professor at Lincoln University, about the Low-N Farmlet Trial that’s found stacking a number of N mitigations together on-farm can cut N losses by up to 50%. The multi-year study is part of the DairyNZ-led Low-N Systems research programme with studies involving the Bioeconomy Sciences Institute (formerly AgResearch), Fonterra, AbacusBio and CRV with funding also coming from the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Dr Bryant explains how modelling and onfarm measurement have been used to test combinations of lower nitrogen fertiliser rates, diverse pastures, genetics and all-grass wintering systems, revealing where significant reductions in nitrate leaching are achievable, the trade-offs with profitability (a 7% reduction in some cases), and how farmers can assess which mitigations may work best in their own systems.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Dr Racheal Bryant, Associate Professor, Lincoln University   Dr Bryant steps through how the research has played out on the ground at Lincoln University’s Research Dairy Farm, comparing modelled outcomes with real-world measurements across multiple seasons. She discusses reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, farmer involvement in shaping the work, and what the findings mean for farmers as they weigh environmental targets against production, costs, profitability and long-term system resilience.   DairyNZ Low N farm systems overview: https://www.dairynz.co.nz/research/science-projects/low-n-systems/ DairyNZ link to the live farmlet data: https://connect.dairynz.co.nz/Low-N/LowN_Farmlet_Summary.html Dairy futures Living Lab: https://livinglab.codecrew.nz/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A volatile start to 2026 has put global dairy markets back in the spotlight, with a sharp lift in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction offering some early-year optimism for farmers. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy to unpack what’s behind the 6.3% rebound in the GDT index after a prolonged run of declines. Stu explains how aggressive buying from the Middle East, shifting oil prices and heightened geopolitical tension have combined to drive short-term support across powders and milk fats, despite global milk supply continuing to run hot.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy   Stu breaks down what’s happening across key regions, including strong production growth in the US and Europe, steady but subdued demand from China, and the implications for New Zealand as the season moves into its tail. He also looks ahead to the months and seasons to come, outlining why oversupply remains the dominant risk, what that means for milk price expectations, and how tools such as futures and higher-value processing will be critical for farmers navigating another year of volatility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This special episode of Dairy Country, powered by MSD Animal Health, dives into how SenseHub Dairy is reshaping modern herd management through real-time insights and connected on-farm technology.  Taranaki farmer Ed Whiting shares how adopting SenseHub Dairy has transformed the way he and his family run their system, lifting animal health, streamlining decision-making, and giving them greater confidence through timely, accurate data. Alongside Ed, West Coast sharemilker Terry Swney explains how the technology supports heat detection and herd performance in a challenging climate, while South Island team leader Laura Christensen offers a behind-the-scenes look at the tools farmers are using to monitor rumination, young stock, and milk-quality trends.   Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO, CountryWide Media Guests: Ed Whiting, Taranaki farmer Terry Swney, West Coast sharemilker Laura Christensen, South Island Sales Lead, SenseHub Dairy   Ed Whiting reflects on his journey in adopting technology on his Taranaki farm and how SenseHub Dairy has transformed the way he manages his herd. Farming a mixed operation with 400 cows, 300 beef calves, and a large free-range broiler chicken enterprise, he shares how real-time insights into heat, health, rumination, and milk quality have shaped his approach to herd management and decision-making.  He talks about integrating collars, milk meters, and young stock tags across his operation, fine-tuning feeding regimes, preventing metabolic issues, and monitoring every cow individually. Ed also discusses the value of using technology to connect his team, improve workflow, and make smarter decisions on farm, and encourages other farmers to embrace incremental steps when adopting new systems: start with one tool, learn, and expand from there.   Terry Swney reflects on stepping up to share milking on his West Coast farm and how SenseHub Dairy has helped him manage a 635-cow operation more efficiently. Operating in a low-stocking-rate, pasture-based system, he shares how collars and young stock tags have guided his approach to heat detection, animal health, and rumination, helping him make better decisions while saving time in the shed.  He talks about how the technology has allowed him to fine-tune feeding, prevent health issues, and monitor young stock development, while also highlighting the importance of reliable support and guidance from the SenseHub Dairy team. Terry encourages other farmers to adopt new systems step by step, focusing on learning and practical benefits rather than feeling overwhelmed by the data.   Laura Christensen shares her perspective as MSD Animal Health’s South Island Sales Lead for the SenseHub Dairy brand about how the technology is helping farmers across diverse environments make smarter decisions. She explains how customisable solutions from heat detection and milk monitoring to young stock tracking support herd health, reproductive performance, and feeding management, even in remote or challenging conditions. Laura also highlights the importance of ongoing support, on-farm training, and practical guidance to ensure farmers can confidently integrate technology into their systems. She encourages farmers to approach adoption step by step, focusing on meaningful insights and improvements for individual animals and overall herd performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of dairy is data-driven, with New Zealand farmers exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools can transform efficiency, animal welfare and sustainability. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Cameron Henderson, DairyNZ deputy chair and North Canterbury dairy farmer, Peter Morgan, Waikato dairy farmer, Dr Joao Dorea, Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA, and Dr Claudia Kamphuis from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. They share insights from the Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Christchurch, discussing the role sensors, computer vision, drones and AI are having on farm decision-making, the rise of ‘digital twins’, and the importance of co-design, collaboration and local skills to turn research into practical solutions for New Zealand’s pastoral system.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Cameron Henderson, DairyNZ deputy chair and North Canterbury dairy farmer Peter Morgan, Waikato dairy farmer Dr Joao Dorea, Assistant professor, University of Wisconsin Madison, USA Dr Claudia Kamphuis, Researcher, Wageningen University, Netherlands   Cameron Henderson, DairyNZ deputy chair and North Canterbury dairy farmer, reflects on the Precision DairyFarming Conference in Christchurch and the rapid rise of AI and data-driven tools in New Zealand dairying. He highlights the potential of AI across all aspects of the farm, from effluent and environmental management to herd and staff performance, while stressing the importance of adapting international innovations to New Zealand’s unique pastoral system. Cameron emphasises co-design with farmers to ensure new technologies are practical, integrated and deliver real value, and underscores the need to develop local skills to maintain competitiveness as digital tools reshape decision-making on farms.   Peter Morgan, Waikato dairy farmer, highlights how the shift from limited information to constant data streams is transforming decision-making on dairy farms, with better data quality, actionable insights and practical use improving efficiency, animal welfare and performance. He discusses new tools like sensors, wearables and computer-vision systems, the importance of involving farmers in research and design to ensure technology fits real farm needs. He talks about his own use of AI to help formulate options and to help with decision making onfarm, chat bots and the use of AI agents.   Dr Joao Dorea, Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA, shares insights from his keynote address, exploring how AI and advanced sensors are transforming livestock monitoring. He explains how computer vision, wearable sensors and  drones can be integrated to track individual animals, measure body condition, behaviour and growth, and improve predictive models. Joao highlights how this technology can reduce the need for manual handling, support management decisions, and enhance sustainability by enabling accurate estimates of feed intake and carbon footprint. He also emphasises the importance of rigorous research and data collection to ensure models are reliable and practical for onfarm use.   Dr Claudia Kamphuis, a researcher from Wageningen University in the Netherlands discusses how precision dairy research has evolved from monitoring animal health and labour efficiency to using AI, machine learning and computer vision to handle complex data. She explains the concept of digital twins or digital models of farms, and how they can support onfarm decision making, while noting much of this technology is still in the research stage and depends on companies to develop practical applications. She highlights the need for collaboration between animal scientists, plant scientists and data experts to make sense of large data volumes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race to a net zero dairy farm is on, with Taranaki’s Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm trialling ways to lower emissions while maintaining profitability. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Dr Talia Grala from Fonterra’s On-Farm Excellence team about the progress at the Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm in Taranaki. The 250ha farm is a partnership with Nestlé and is run in conjunction with Dairy Trust Taranaki. The aim is to achieve a commercially viable net-zero system by 2032.  Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Dr Talia Grala, Programme Manager, Fonterra Talia outlines what’s been behind another 4.5% cut in emissions intensity to bring the total emissions intensity reduction to 9.5% compared with the baseline 2021/22 season. She talks about the impact of gains in animal efficiency, the use of sexed semen in reproduction, the benefits of improving animal health and the increase in production resulting from a shift back to twice-a-day milking after using a flexible milking regime the previous season. Talia explains the impact on total emissions of the increased production along with the effect of supplement type. A trial of the EcoPond technology on the farm last season showed it slashed methane emissions from effluent by about 97% and the farm will scale up the use of the technology this season. Talia also shares more about the farm’s innovative silvopasture trial where trees are planted in a grid-like pattern across grazed pasture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South Island dairy land market is heating up, with a record $87,000/ha paid at auction for a Canterbury dairy farm in November. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Paul Mills, director and valuer with Property Advisory, about the momentum in South Island dairy land sales and the shifts shaping this season’s market. He reflects on the lift in Canterbury’s top-tier values, standout sales including the Kyle Park auction, trends across other regions and changes in lending appetite from banks. Paul talks about farmer confidence in Fonterra’s strategy, implications of land prices on succession and farmer expectations for returns on investment. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Paul Mills, Director, Property Advisory Canterbury Paul Mills reflects on recent trends in the South Island dairy property market, sharing his insights on what is driving rising values and heightened activity this season. He explains how strong milk prices, Fonterra’s return of capital to farmers and confidence in the co-op’s strategy are underpinning an optimistic outlook. He digs into the numbers and points out that tier one farms with modern, well-maintained infrastructure are commanding premium prices. Paul discusses standout sales, including the Kyle Park auction, and explores regional differences across Canterbury, North Otago, South Otago, and Southland, as well as the levels of demand across a range of property categories. He talks about the practical and financial realities of dairy conversions and discusses implications rising land values have for succession. He highlights the influence the state of infrastructure can have on values and discusses return on investment. For anyone navigating the current market - buyers or sellers - it’s important to know your numbers and understand your options.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Canterbury dairy farmer Stuart Neill, winner of the 2025 Canterbury Supreme Award at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, reflects on the long-term changes that have shaped his business. Farming 200 hectares near Culverden, he has built a resilient, pasture-focused system anchored in simplicity, environmental stewardship, and strong people management. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stuart about the journey behind the award, the evolution of irrigation on the farm, and the environmental gains from redesigning old tile drains and restoring waterways. They also discuss flexible milking, building a system that works for both cows and staff, and his message to other farmers: meaningful change happens when you’re willing to step back, rethink, and keep improving.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Stuart Neill, 2025 Canterbury Supreme Award Winner   Stuart Neill reflects on his journey as a North Canterbury dairy farmer and celebrates winning the Supreme Award at the 2025 Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Farming on The Mound, he shares how managing 200 fully irrigated hectares with a focus on grass-based milk production, sustainable irrigation, and innovative pasture management has shaped his approach to farm leadership. He talks about the environmental initiatives that have defined his career, from converting border-dyked paddocks to spray irrigation, improving water quality through open drains and strategic plantings, to adopting a 10 (milkings)-in-seven (days) flexible milking system that balances cow health, reproduction, and staff wellbeing. Stuart also reflects on the importance of people, from building the Amuri Employers Group to mentoring staff and fostering strong partnerships, and offers insight into creating a resilient, profitable, and environmentally responsible farm system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taranaki dairy farmer Martin Keegan, winner of the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Farm Manager of the Year, shares how entering the competition became a turning point in his career. Farming alongside his fiancée’s family and managing 246 cows on 94 hectares, he has built a system focused on stock health, efficiency, and people. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Martin about awards night, his three national merit awards for leadership, financial planning, and livestock management, and the lessons that followed. They also discuss communication, workplace culture, and his message to other farmers considering entering: “You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose.”   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Martin Keegan, Taranaki dairy farm manager   Martin Keegan reflects on his journey to becoming the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Farm Manager of the Year and relives the excitement of the awards process. Farming alongside his fiancée’s family in Taranaki and managing 246 cows on 94 hectares, he shares how focusing on people, communication, and stock performance has shaped his approach to leadership. He talks about the experience of awards night, winning three national merit awards for leadership, financial planning, and livestock management, and the pride of being part of New Zealand’s dairy sector. Martin also discusses the value of connection and mentorship within the industry, his role encouraging new entrants through the regional committee, and his advice to others considering entering the awards: to do it for the learning, the challenge, and the opportunity to grow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global supply shifts and changing demand are shaping the outlook for New Zealand dairy prices, according to NZX Dairy Insights Head, Cristina Alvarado, fresh from the SGX-NZX Global Dairy Seminar in Singapore and International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit in Santiago, Chile. Anne Lee speaks with Cristina, she shares what global trends could mean for milk prices in the months ahead. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Cristina about the latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) results, softening dairy fats prices, seasonal supply impacts, and growing international interest in New Zealand dairy trade. They also discuss sustainability trends and the global supply chain factors influencing international milk prices.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights, NZX   Cristina Alvarado shares insights from her recent trips to Singapore and South America, and her observations on global dairy markets as supply continues to grow in key regions. She explains how attending the SGX- NZX Global Dairy Seminar and the International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit highlighted shifting buyer behaviour, sustainability initiatives, and the growing demand for protein-rich and high-quality dairy products. Cristina also outlines trends in global milk pricing, supply and demand dynamics, and how these factors may influence New Zealand’s milk price outlook.   She discusses the importance of New Zealand’s reputation for stable, high-quality dairy exports, the role of international trade relationships, and the strategic focus on ingredient markets and product innovation. Looking ahead, she emphasises monitoring global market signals, understanding evolving consumer and buyer trends, and positioning New Zealand dairy for long-term resilience and value.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global market insights and on-the-ground observations are shaping the perspective of dairy analyst Stu Davison. He recently returned from China and shares what he saw in the evolving bakery and dairy sectors, and what it could mean for New Zealand farmers and milk prices. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stu about the scale and sophistication of Chinese dairy processing, shifting consumer habits, and how premium ingredients like UHT cream and butter are driving demand. They also discuss global supply growth, New Zealand’s milk price outlook, the shifting focus on ingredient markets over consumer brands, and the role of global trade and currency movements in shaping opportunities for the dairy industry.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Stu Davison, Senior Manager, Global Market Insights for HighGround Dairy   Stu Davison shares insights from his recent trip to China and his global market observations as milk supply around the world is on the rise.. He explains how visiting large-scale, technologically advanced Chinese dairy and bakery operations has highlighted shifts in consumer habits and premium ingredient demand. Stu also outlines trends in global milk pricing trends, and currency movements and their potential influence on New Zealand’s milk price outlook. He discusses the strategic focus on ingredient markets over consumer brands and the importance of consistent, high-quality processing to maintain New Zealand’s reputation internationally. Looking ahead, he says the focus is on understanding market signals, adapting to global trends, and positioning New Zealand dairy for long-term value and resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simple, repeatable systems are proving to be a winning formula for North Otago couple Peter and Emma Smit. They spoke at a Pasture Summit field day earlier this year and shared just what those systems entail and how they achieve top-performing financial returns.  In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Peter about the low cost, pasture focused system that keeps their costs down and profitability high. The Smits have refined their approach to pasture management, focusing on residuals, grass quality, and a low stocking rate to maintain resilience through varying payouts. They also discuss their strategic mating plan, long term team stability, and how small, well executed changes continue to lift efficiency across the farm.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Peter Smit, Papakaio   Peter Smit shares how a decade of development on his Papakaio farm in North Otago has shaped a simple, efficient system built for resilience and low costs. He explains how irrigation upgrades, layout changes, and pasture management, focused on quality, have contributed to strong financial performance and keeping farm working expenses low. Peter also outlines their low stocking rate approach. He discusses the farm’s two-herd mating strategy, achieving a six-week in-calf rate of 78%, and the value of a stable, experienced team in maintaining consistency. Looking ahead, he says the focus is on continuing incremental improvements, adapting with seasonal conditions, and keeping the system practical, sustainable, and efficient across all aspects of the farm.   Read the article featuring the Smits here.   For a copy of the field day handout https://www.pasturesummit.co.nz/2025-autumn-events and check out details for the upcoming spring events for the North and South Islands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) is refocussing its strategy and making changes to several of its farm practices this season including the 10-in-seven milking regime, establishing and using plantain and its replacement rate policy.  In this episode, Anne Lee catches up with Antoinette Archer from the South Island Dairying Development Centre (SIDDC) and LUDF manager Peter Hancox to review the changes and why they’ve been made. The farm will move to using flexible milking as a tactical tool in the shoulders of the season with the aim to boost milk production through a return to twice-a-day milking during the majority of the season. The farm has also moved away from using plantain as a pure sward and will aim for 10-20% in pastures to get some benefit from nitrate leaching reductions while improving ease of management. Overall the farm is aiming to make a 1% productivity gain year on year, be amongst the top 10% in terms of profitability and emissions efficiency and top 5% for lowest nitrogen leaching losses.  Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Antoinette Archer, SIDDC Peter Hancox, LUDF Farm Manager   Peter Hancox talks about navigating a challenging spring at Lincoln University Dairy Farm, explaining how wet conditions, increased supplement use, and adjustments to milking, plantain, and replacement policies are designed to maintain cow health and productivity. He outlines how these strategies are being implemented to meet both production and research objectives. He reflects on lessons learned from adapting to variable conditions and making informed decisions underpinned by careful monitoring and planning. Looking ahead, Peter says LUDF is focused on optimising herd performance, enhancing pasture and forage management, and delivering the farm’s efficiency goal outcomes. Antionette explains the way LUDF is integrating research and practical farm management, and discusses the findings of GAP analysis by DairyNZ on the farm’s strategies. She outlines the thinking behind the refined strategies and the aims of the new approaches. She reflects on the value of evidence-based approaches, balancing research goals with day-to-day farm operations, and ensuring findings are practical and applicable for farmers. Looking ahead, Antionette says LUDF is focused on delivering actionable insights, improving animal and pasture performance, and strengthening the farm’s efficiency outcomes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.