Tough times hit Mick and Kirsten O’Connor’s equity growth plans at a perilous time, but they powered through thanks to great systems and supportive farm owners who want their farms to grow farmers too. Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.

Creating significant wealth and building equity in the dairy sector is not just a possibility, it’s exciting and achievable with a clear strategy, disciplined action and an understanding of some basic principles. Paul Bird (DairyNZ) and Lynaire Ryan (Agribusiness Education) join forces to outline* Steps to Wealth Creation in the New Zealand Dairy Industry. Words Lynaire Ryan & Paul Bird.

Once in charge of US$1 billion daily in international currency markets, Charlotte Aitken swapped the rat race for milking cows on the West Coast. Words Anne Hardie, Photos Jules Anderson.

Mīti smokey kānuka and honey beef bites were a hit at the Fieldays, a protein snack that could be one of the solutions to the dairy industry’s non-replacement calves. Words Sheryl Haitana.

New Zealand dairy is a great sector to work in – particularly right now. We do dairy very well due to the sector collaborating and sharing success.

As the 2026 Global Dairy Trade (GDT) Index starts to show its colours, it is evident that global markets are transitioning downwards from a peak in May 2025.

Where do you focus to set yourself up for success in a sharefarming arrangement? Jordain Beattie from NZAB and Louise Gibson from the Sharefarming Consultants have teamed up to share insights from both the financial and practical sides of the equation. Words Louise Gibson & Jordain Beattie.

From landing in New Zealand with $3,000 to now owning interests in multiple farms, Southland dairy farmer, Ryan Laverock, is giving back to the next generation as part of BNZ’s First Farm programme by mentoring aspiring dairy farmers into their first herd or farm.

Calf scours is arguably one of the most common diseases of newborn calves, and the consequences on animal welfare – as well as the heart break for those managing the calves – can be devastating. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Stock doesn’t work around holidays. Many farmers go years without a proper break. This is why a growing number of dairy farming families have found the ultimate solution that works around milking, staff rosters and unpredictable weather – taking their motorhome on the road for short stints. Words Lucinda Diack.

For two dairy farming families in traditionally drier climates of Central Otago and North Canterbury, pasture management is crucial. They share their learnings on how they have changed their farm system with the introduction of Halter. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp. Photos Jay French & Tom Powell.

Drench resistance has plagued sheep farmers for years. Mary Bowron from Wormwise stresses that with an estimated one in three farms facing triple drench resistance, this could mean losses of around $80,000 annually. Words Mary Bowron.

With calving on the horizon, pelletised mineral supplements help dairy farmers keep their herds healthy and productive. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Creating pastures to sustain a profitable farm system has been central to the Armstrong family’s expansion and improvement of their Taranaki operation over the past three generations. Now as the fourth generation take on their roles and the Newells take on contract milking the dairy farms, pasture performance remains a top priority. Words & Photos Anne Lee.

The combination of a shrinking milk pool, increasing geopolitical volatility, and heavy market concentration in China, is placing unprecedented pressure on dairy exporters. Malinda Wynyard’s 2025 Kellogg Report explores the fertile ground for innovation, differentiation and strategic global positioning into emerging markets. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

The Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm in Taranaki is giving farmers valuable insights into the levers they could pull to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), sharing what’s working and what tactics they should assess with caution. Words Anne Lee.

A Waikato school dairy farm’s tertiary collaboration is proving a successful model for sharing best practice with farmers and bringing on the next generation. Words Anne Lee.

As nutrient regulations tighten, farmers need solutions that are effective, practical and proven at scale. DairyNZ’s plantain programme is putting a dent in nitrate leaching. Words Dr Kate Fransen.

Could a 24-month calving interval ease spring workload and reduce non-replacement calves? After two years of research, DairyNZ is now working with a commercial farm to test the system – and early signs are promising. Words Dr Paul Edwards.

A panel discussion at the summer South Island Pasture Summit was packed with valuable take-home messages. Words Anne Lee.