Special Reports
Little habits build big equity
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.
Pasture, people, power growth
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.
Tools for growth
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.
From banking billions to dairying dream
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.
Young beef protein solution
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.
Awaking the sleepy beef-on-dairy giant
Pāmu’s beef-on-dairy strategy is maturing from concept to large-scale operational reality, with the state-owned enterprise on track for its aspirational target of rearing all non-replacement dairy calves by 2030. Words Kara Tait.
Paddock to plate productivity
Taranaki dairy farmer LeAnne Blakelock has launched a Rose Gold Veal brand in an attempt to reduce bobby calves and connect her dairy business closer to the beef value chain. Words Sheryl Haitana, Photos Natalie Waugh.
Growing the beef pie
Advancing beef-on-dairy will create win–win opportunities for dairy and beef farmers to improve returns and make emissions savings for the pastoral sector. Words Anne Lee.
Berf-on-Dairy Progeny sire list
A sire list for the Dairy–Beef Progeny Test 2025 mating will be published on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s website in October. Words Sandra Taylor.
Wearable lessons
Cow wearables can provide a treasure trove of information, and for South Canterbury farmer Tom Lambie, the technology has delivered some real gems that have led to big gains in productivity and performance.
Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.