Public articles

Bruce Thorrold sees a wave of scientific opportunity on the horizon, with breakthroughs in methane reduction and genetic innovation set to reshape the future of New Zealand dairying.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Dr Bruce Thorrold, DairyNZ’s former Chief Science Adviser, as he reflects on his career and his move into semi-retirement. Bruce shares insights from his recent presentation at the NZ Institute of Rural Professionals conference, describing a “wave of opportunity” ahead for New Zealand dairy through innovations such as methane vaccines, inhibitors, boluses and high-lipid ryegrass.

He highlights that for new technologies to succeed, they must not only work technically but also be underpinned by viable business models and gain acceptance from consumers.

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.

In this episode of Dairy Country, Anne speaks with Tom Lambie, his contract milker Eric Tao-ey, and veterinarian Ryan Luckman about unlocking the potential of cow wearables. They share how collar data, combined with practical management and nutrition strategies, helped transform the herd’s transition, reproduction and overall performance. From improving body condition scores to smarter once-a-day tactics and heat detection, the trio reveal how technology and teamwork turned insights into results.

Focusing on small incremental improvements alongside genetics are what is helping Pāmu deliver strong results and improve animal health.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Pāmu Chief Operating Officer Will Burrett. He discusses Pāmu’s strong annual results, regional integration, and disciplined farm systems, as well as the beef-on-dairy programme. Will explains how genetics, technology, and wearables are improving animal health and productivity, while navigating challenges such as drought and scaling Exeter’s calf rearing facilities.

Anne Lee speaks with Jonathan Mason and Emma Higgins at the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) conference. Jonathan discusses US tariffs, trade dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and Fonterra’s strategic focus on ingredients, food service, and capital returns. Emma explores “business as unusual,” the changing trade landscape, global dairy and beef trends, supply shifts, and emerging opportunities such as beef-on-dairy.

In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with William Morrison from Morrison Farming about supplying beef genetics to the dairy industry. He explains how decades of performance recording have produced easy-calving, fast-growing cattle, why reliability matters most for dairy farmers, and what to expect from the upcoming Ardo Hereford sale on 23 September.

In this episode, Anne Lee talks with North Canterbury sharemilkers Holly and Aaron Jackson about their dramatic reduction in mastitis early in their career and how they’ve managed to maintain award winning milk quality year after year ever since. They also share a very personal motivation for doing all they can to minimise antibiotic resistance.

Holly and Aaron explain their use of innovative diagnostics so they can manage milk quality at a quarter level not just at an udder level. They share the practical systems they now use, from incubating their own samples to managing the herd pre and post-calving and at dry-off.

In an open letter to New Zealand farmers, Aro Hā Wellness Retreat Co-Founder Damian Chaparro says it’s good to be hardworking, but not privately exhausted. Words Damian Chaparro.

Putting collars on 3,000 cows in the Wairarapa has improved health, for both the cows and the staff managing them. Words Sheryl Haitana.

Seaward Downs is a small Southland farming community on the banks of the Mataura River some 8kms Southwest of Edendale and half an hour from Invercargill.

In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Beef + Lamb NZ Head of Genetics Dr Jason Archer about the opportunities and challenges of using beef genetics over dairy cows.

Jason explains the importance of the bull not the breed when it comes to using beef genetics over dairy. A focus on traceability throughout the supply chain will improve outcomes for dairy farmers, rearers and finishers, he says. Jason also explains the Dairy Beef Progeny Test programme.

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.

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.