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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.

In this special episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp 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.

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.

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.

From employees to farm owners, a South Canterbury couple say their biggest return on investment has come from great relationships and a dedicated approach to what they call financial hygiene. Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.

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.

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.

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.