Special Reports
Greater legal scaffolding needed
Sharefarming agreements, including those for contract milkers, would benefit from updates and greater legal clarity to give more certainty for sharefarmers and farm owners. Words Anne Lee.
Going far together
This year’s New Zealand Sharefarmers of the Year know just how important it is to get sharefarming agreements right so that all parties are winning. Words Anne Lee, Photo Stan McDowell.
Finding Security
Buying their first farm has been a roller coaster ride for a young Canterbury couple, but taking on land ownership has put them in the driver’s seat and more firmly in control of their future. Words Anne Lee.
Agreements need new laws
New Zealand’s dairy sector has been forged by globally unique farm operating structures, but, according to some advocates, the laws relating to them are no longer fit for purpose. Words Anne Lee.
Benchmarking the businesses of dairy
DairyBase analysis over the past five seasons (2020/2021 to 2024/25) provides a clear picture of how different dairy business structures are performing, from owner-operators through to sharemilkers and contract milkers, offering useful insights into profitability and other performance measures. Words Felix Rodriguez-Firpo.
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.