In this episode, Sheryl Haitana talks with industry leaders about the evolution of dairy genetics in New Zealand. LIC Chief Executive, David Chin discusses Breeding Worth and the rise of the KiwiCross cow, while Mike Wilson, General Manager of NEDAP Oceania explains how wearable tech improves herd health and fertility. Fonterra Strategic Advisor, Malcolm Ellis shares an intergenerational view, highlighting the Dairy Exporter’s role in guiding farmers through decades of change. Buy the Dairy Expo...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 70
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 here Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Dairy Exporter editor Sheryl Haita...
Jun 05, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 69
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 uncertainties around Chinese demand, emerging markets like Nigeria, and the impact of upcoming tariff decisio...
May 29, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 68
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 between farm owners, contract milkers and sharemilkers. Hamish Pirie, a seasoned search and rescue volunteer...
May 22, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 67
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 nutrient absorption, while Sheryl emphasises the risks of low-fat processed foods with added sugars. To...
May 15, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 66
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 approach to growth and financial sustainability. Guests: Dan and Gina Duncan, Share milkers, Waikato ...
May 08, 2025•52 min•Season 5Ep. 65
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. Simon Le Heron, CEO of Canterbury Grasslands, shares how standardising systems across his large-scale, pastur...
May 01, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 64
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 wearables on 100,000+ cows to share learnings you can apply to your farm system. Rosanne Megaw shares her and ...
Apr 24, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 63
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 introduces a new bulk milk urea (BMU) tool that provides near real-time insights into dietary nitrogen surpl...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 62
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 of understanding the ETS and how it can help farmers navigate the future of low-emissions agriculture. Anne Lee a...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 61
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 diversification, including strategic investments and staying informed on market trends. Guests include: David Jen...
Apr 03, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 60
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 Martin, General Manager of Pipfruit at FarmRight, talks about modern growing systems and new apple v...
Mar 27, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 59
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 student Mamehgol Yousefidashliboroun from the University of Canterbury joins to talk about her research in...
Mar 20, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 58
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, about the legal aspects of succession, highlighting who the stress often falls on and when. Additional...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 5Ep. 57
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 Davidson, veterinarian and CEO of Dairy Smart, talks about antibiotic stewardship and how AI is revolutioni...
Mar 06, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 56
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 Research Scientist, Agriculture Victoria Research Peter Raedts, Researcher, University of Tasmania Mark Neal, Head of Dat...
Feb 27, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 55
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-Founder and General Manager, GENEZ Rosanna Dixon, Senior Agri Manager, LIC Mitchell Koot, Genetic Product Manager...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 54
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 Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Gallagher Insurance co...
Feb 13, 2025•53 min•Season 4Ep. 53
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 Davison, Senior Manager of global market insights, High Ground Dairy Cristina Alvarado, Head of dairy insig...
Feb 06, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 52
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 Exporter LIC Veterinary Epidemiologist, Kara Dawson, discusses how Johne’s disease spreads and what research is being ...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 53
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 Scientist and Nutritionist Kathryn Wright, Registered Councilor Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exp...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 50
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 Wisconsin Lucy Hall, DairyNZ Nicole Wheadon, DairyNZ Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, ...
Jan 16, 2025•53 min•Season 4Ep. 49
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 regulations. Also hear from from Dr Raj Bhula - the Gene Technology Regulator in Australia. Australia’s system has been used...
Dec 12, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 48
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 Blott, general manager commercial, LIC Jason Schrier, international dairy development manager, LIC Hos...
Dec 05, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 47
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 & Nicky Anderson, North Canterbury Dairy Farmers Trudi Ballantyne, Director, Stem Rural Hosts: Sh...
Nov 28, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 45
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 Educator, DairyNZ Chris Lewis, Managing Director, BakerAg Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporte...
Nov 21, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 45
Farm ownership is becoming a harder goal to achieve, especially for the next generation who might not have the capital to meet increasing land prices. In this episode hear from Sarah How, Co-Founder of Landify, on how the platform is setting up young growers with established farmers; Conrad Wilkshire from Property Brokers about how the property market is gaining momentum this spring; and CEO of Pāmu Mark Leslie, on their new pathways programme. Guests include: Sarah How, Co-Founder, Landify Conr...
Nov 14, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 44
Drench resistance is already a widespread problem in the sheep industry, so how can dairy farmers stay ahead of the game, to avoid the same fate? Regular testing and monitoring are the keys to staying ahead, according to our guests in this episode, who discuss the tools and technology available to farmers right now. Guests include: Greg Mirams, Founder & Managing Director, Techion Richard Fowler, Rotorua Dairy Farmer Lance Price, Farm Manager Ginny Dodunski, Programme Manager, Wormwise Hosts...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 43
Learning to live with Kikuyu is the reality for more farmers in the upper North Island. Featured in the brand new Dairy Exporter Summer issue, Natalie and Andre Meier share their learnings from managing the subtropical grass on their farm. Also hear from Northland consultant Kim Robinson who gives her top tips for management of a Kikuyu system. Guests include: Natalie & Andre Meier, Bay of Plenty Farmers Kim Robinson, Agribusiness Consultant & Director, AgFirst Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Edi...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 42
With mating underway it’s important to look at your pasture management systems to make sure your herd is eating well. Keeping quality while there is a surplus and then keeping an eye out on when to slow down your round is important to future proof feed supply. Guests include: Mark Williams, Farm Systems Specialist, DairyNZ Robbie Ferris, GM of Piriaka Farms and Chair of Pasture Summit Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media DairyNZ’...
Oct 24, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 39
