Podcasts

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.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks to Andrea Dixon, General Manager of the Southern Dairy Hub, and Dawn Dalley, Senior Scientist at DairyNZ. Andrea provides a background on the farm’s history, how it’s set up, what’s on the agenda over the coming season and HubWatch - an easy to access, online way of getting the latest information from the Southern Dairy Hub.

Dawn explains the latest side-by-side herd study which is comparing a “standard herd” run at a 3.1 cows/ha stocking rate with a”future herd” of high genetic merit cows run at a lower stocking rate of 2.9 cows/ha. She gives an update on the first season’s results and shares insights from other studies including research on wintering practices with interesting insights into the importance of soil wetness compared with pugging depth.

In this episode, hear from LeAnne Blakelock - a Taranaki dairy farmer turning a long-standing challenge into a high-value opportunity by launching a rose veal brand from her non-replacement calves.

Drawing on her background in accounting and food production, LeAnne explains how she and husband Ian use targeted genetics and growth programmes to produce high-welfare veal. She also shares insights on calf care, rural mental health, and the need for stronger links between the dairy and beef sectors.

In this episode, Anne Lee chats with Dr John Roche, New Zealand Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser and Chief Departmental Science Adviser at MPI, to mark 100 years of dairy innovation.

From the early days of walk-through sheds to today’s AI-enabled systems, they explore how farmer-led ingenuity, scientific research and trusted rural media like Dairy Exporter have driven progress on pasture-based farms.

In this episode, Anne Lee and Sheryl Haitana reflect on the innovation, resilience and spirit that have shaped New Zealand’s dairy industry. From breakthroughs like the herringbone shed to the rise of virtual fencing, they explore how grassroots ingenuity and trusted rural media have driven on farm progress.

FMG’s Chief Marketing Officer, Pete Frizzell, marks 120 years of the mutual insurer, sharing how FMG has supported rural communities through risk, reinvestment and long-term commitment to farmer wellbeing.

In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Fonterra’s Jim van der Poel about the evolution of New Zealand’s dairy industry. Jim reflects on the formation of Fonterra, capital structure reform, and the creation of DairyNZ, while highlighting the enduring value of the co-operative model and the Dairy Exporter’s role in guiding farmers through change.

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana talks with industry leaders about the evolution of dairy genetics in New Zealand. LIC Chief Executive, David Chin discusses Breeding Worth and the rise of the KiwiCross cow, while Mike Wilson, General Manager of NEDAP Oceania explains how wearable tech improves herd health and fertility. Fonterra Strategic Advisor, Malcolm Ellis shares an intergenerational view, highlighting the Dairy Exporter’s role in guiding farmers through decades of change.

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana and Anne Lee reflect on the centenary — and final issue — of The Dairy Exporter magazine. As editor and deputy editor, they share how the publication evolved from a technical journal into a platform that connected dairy farmers and told the stories behind the New Zealand dairy sector.

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks with Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights at NZX, and Stu Davison, Analyst at HighGround Dairy. Cristina outlines the factors behind strong global dairy prices, including tight supply and steady demand from China and Southeast Asia, while Stu highlights forecasted milk production growth driven by the US, Argentina, and New Zealand.

They discuss uncertainties around Chinese demand, emerging markets like Nigeria, and the impact of upcoming tariff decisions. Together, they provide a concise outlook on key trends shaping the dairy market in 2025.

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks to Louise Gibson and Hamish Pirie. Louise Gibson, Managing Director of The Sharefarming Consultants, provides some great tips and ideas on setting up on a new farm and how to document what’s onfarm at the outset. She also talks about the need for better legal protections, independent audits, and regular communication to build strong farm partnerships between farm owners, contract milkers and sharemilkers.

Hamish Pirie, a seasoned search and rescue volunteer, advocates for farmers to carry personal locator beacons (PLBs) for rapid emergency response, especially in remote areas where phones fail. He highlights the life-saving benefits of keeping a PLB on your person at all times. Together, they offer essential advice on improving farm safety, wellbeing, and working relationships.