DAIRY Country Spring 2026

Entries for the new season of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards opened on October 5, and outgoing National Committee Chair Maegan Legg joins Anne Lee to talk about how the programme has helped launch farming careers, from expert judges’ feedback to the networks entrants build.

Tatua Cooperative chairman Steve Allen is stepping down after nearly 30 years on the board, including a long tenure as chairman. Anne Lee speaks with Steve about his journey from farming a small 160-cow herd to growing his farming business and becoming involved in the governance of one of New Zealand’s smallest and most specialised dairy co-operatives. They talk about the decisions that allowed Tatua to remain independent through deregulation and the formation of Fonterra.

The Southern Dairy Hub is exploring what the future of dairy farming could look like through a side-by-side comparison of high genetic merit cows run at a 0.5 cows per hectare lower stocking rate than a more traditional herd. Anne Lee speaks with Southern Dairy Hub Acting General Manager Greg Delaney and DairyNZ Senior Scientist Dr Dawn Dalley about the latest results from the demonstration farm, including higher milk solids production per cow with significantly less supplementary feed.

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.

Dr Terry Hughes will be remembered as a leading academic and farm consultant, supporting the South Island dairy sector at a pivotal time in its history. Words Dr Jim Gibbs.

South Waikato farmers, Hugh and Anna Edward, showcase the impact of strong operational discipline and smart equity growth. From cost-focused sharemilking beginnings to expanding their two-dairy system, providing a practical blueprint for profitable, modern dairy farming. Words Anne Lee, Photos Emma McCarthy.

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.

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.

From a Canterbury operation milking more than 8,000 cows to the farm of the 2025 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year, Ecolab’s world-first Next Gen Solids cleaning technology is taking the heavy lifting – and the guesswork – out of shed hygiene. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

While calving can be a demanding time for cows, calves and staff alike, good preparation and planning can significantly reduce pressure when things ramp up – helping to keep people and animals safe, healthy and on track. Words Penny Timmer-Arends & Dr Stacey Hendriks, DairyNZ.