The Dairy Exporter Podcast

• Episode 69 - The history of the Dairy Exporter

  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. Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 here Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Dairy Exporter editor Sheryl Haitana and deputy editor Anne Lee reflect on the magazine’s centenary — and its final issue after 100 years of continuous publication. As they close the chapter on one of New Zealand’s most enduring rural titles, they share insights into how The Dairy Exporter has evolved with the dairy industry it has served for a century. Anne recounts the magazine’s early role in delivering research-based knowledge to support on farm productivity, while Sheryl highlights how its focus has broadened to tell the stories of the people behind the pasture. Together, they explore the magazine’s roles as a technical journal and a platform that has connected farmers and the wider dairy sector. They also discuss some of the fundamental changes, innovations and events that have shaped dairy farming. With the centenary edition marking the conclusion of The Dairy Exporter, they pay tribute to the farmers, writers, and industry supporters who have shaped its legacy. While the name and format may be changing, Sheryl and Anne remain committed to documenting the resilience, innovation, and people at the heart of New Zealand dairy — just as The Dairy Exporter has done for the past 100 years. SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Episode 68 - Dairy market update: Supply growth, tariff impacts, and consumer demand

  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. Guests: Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights, NZX Stu Davison, Analyst, HighGround Dairy Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights at NZX, outlines the key factors underpinning the recent strength in global dairy prices, including reduced product availability and consistent demand – particularly from China and Southeast Asia. Lower milk production in major regions such as Europe, alongside continued disruption to shipping routes following the Suez Canal conflict, has reinforced demand for New Zealand and European dairy products. Cristina explains that the legacy of previous tariffs is still influencing buying decisions, with some countries preferring to source from markets perceived as more stable trade partners. In the United States, dairy producers are facing fresh challenges around herd replacement, as older cows are culled and heifers are redirected into beef production due to better returns. Looking ahead, Cristina expects global product volumes to remain tight through July, with increased supply likely from August onwards as seasonal production ramps up. However, she cautions that the market remains sensitive to developments such as the upcoming July tariff decision and delayed stock data from China. Despite some recent volatility, dairy futures are tracking positively, with the 2025 – 26 milk price contract recently closing at $9.93 – just shy of the $10 mark. Cristina sees a mood of cautious optimism in the market but emphasises that global supply dynamics and consumer demand will continue to drive pricing in the months ahead. Stu Davison, Analyst at HighGround Dairy, outlines key global dairy trends heading into the second half of 2025. Global milk production is forecast to grow by around 1.5%, led by stronger output from the US, Argentina, and New Zealand. In New Zealand, a favourable milk price outlook and improved reproductive performance are expected to support a strong spring peak. Meanwhile, Europe is seeing higher milk solids output despite flat volumes, driven by efficiency gains as farmers focus on feeding and breeding for solids. Stu notes that global trade dynamics remain uncertain. China continues to be a key watchpoint, with low domestic milk prices, declining production, and rising exports of whole milk powder. Limited access to reliable economic data raises questions about the strength of Chinese demand. In Southeast Asia, government stimulus – particularly in Indonesia – is driving increased dairy imports, though its sustainability is unclear. Emerging markets like Nigeria are showing promising growth, with rising dairy imports despite high inflation. Tariff developments are also top of mind, particularly around US-EU trade, which could influence buying patterns. While global demand is holding firm and dairy futures remain positive, Stu cautions that ongoing geopolitical risks and changing consumption trends will be key to market performance in the months ahead. Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 here SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Episode 67 - Stronger farms: Legal support and life-saving technology

  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. Guests: Louise Gibson, Managing Director, The Sharefarming Consultants Hamish Pirie, Search and Rescue volunteer Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Louise Gibson, Managing Director of The Sharefarming Consultants, discusses the challenges facing contract milkers, many of whom report their roles have hindered rather than helped their career progression. She highlights the need for legal reform to provide better protection for contract milkers, including updates to the Sharemilking Act and clearer dispute resolution options. Louise emphasises the value of conducting independent farm and housing audits at the start of a contract to set clear expectations and avoid future disputes. Ongoing housing inspections are equally important—not just to ensure cleanliness, but to identify maintenance needs and check compliance with Healthy Homes standards. Independent consultants can provide objective assessments, helping both parties understand their responsibilities. Regular communication is key to successful partnerships. Louise recommends monthly meetings where farm owners and contract milkers are treated as equal business partners, with shared accountability. She also urges contract milkers to review their agreements annually, use tools like the DairyNZ Contract Milking Premium calculator, and seek professional advice before agreeing to new terms. When farm systems change—such as increased production targets or labour demands—Louise advises contract milkers to assess the impact on their business and negotiate fair compensation, using evidence like rosters and budgets. Strong, respectful communication is at the heart of productive, long-term arrangements. Hamish Pirie, a long-serving search and rescue volunteer, is on a mission to encourage farmers to carry personal locator beacons (PLBs) as part of their daily routine. With over 20 years of experience, including time on the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter, he has witnessed first-hand how PLBs can dramatically improve survival outcomes in remote emergencies. While many associate PLBs with tramping or boating, Hamish stresses they are just as vital for farmers, who often work alone and out of mobile phone range. A PLB can summon emergency services quickly—often within 30 minutes—bringing advanced medical support directly to the scene. Unlike phones, which depend on reception and the ability to explain your location, PLBs transmit precise GPS data via satellite, allowing rescuers to pinpoint someone’s position even in dense bush or rugged terrain. He urges farmers to keep the device on their person, not in a vehicle or pack, so it’s accessible even if injured. Compact, easy to use, and with a long battery life, PLBs are a one-off investment for invaluable peace of mind. For Hamish, the message is clear: in a crisis, a beacon can mean the difference between life and death. Buy the Dairy Exporter Autumn Issue here SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Episode 65 - Scaling with purpose: Dan and Gina Duncan’s farming story

  In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks to Dan and Gina Duncan, former Share Farmers of the Year, sharing their journey from valuation to dairy farming. They discuss scaling their business and managing debt wisely. The couple highlight the value of consistent systems, cost control, and investing in herd quality. They offer advice to young farmers on embracing responsibility and taking a long-term approach to growth and financial sustainability. Guests: Dan and Gina Duncan, Share milkers, Waikato Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Dan and Gina Duncan are successful sharemilkers and former Share Farmers of the Year, known for their strategic approach to scaling farm operations and building equity. With backgrounds in valuation and a passion for agriculture, they transitioned into dairy farming and have since managed multiple farms while raising a young family. In this conversation, Dan and Gina share their journey through the early challenges of farm ownership, including periods of financial strain and personal sacrifice. They emphasise the value of surrounding themselves with experienced mentors and the importance of clear financial goals, consistent systems, and cost control. The couple view debt as a positive tool when managed wisely and credit family support as a key factor in their success. They discuss practical strategies such as minimising supplement use, budgeting for dry seasons, and investing in herd quality. Equipment and technology decisions are made based on return on investment rather than appearances. Dan and Gina encourage young farmers to embrace responsibility, seek growth, and take a long-term view of farm development and financial sustainability. Read more about Dan and Gina’s journey here. Buy the Dairy Exporter Autumn Issue here SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Episode 64 - The path to sustainable dairy: Efficiency, innovation, and technology

  This episode highlights insights from industry leaders driving sustainability in dairy farming. Malcolm Ellis, Fonterra’s Strategic Advisor, discusses improving animal productivity to reduce emissions, introducing the Co-operative Difference payment. Scott Townshend, CEO of Trev, explains how data and feed conversion efficiency help farmers boost profitability while reducing input costs. Simon Le Heron, CEO of Canterbury Grasslands, shares how standardising systems across his large-scale, pasture-based operation optimises land use and feed conversion. Together, these experts show how innovation, technology, and efficiency are essential to achieving both environmental and financial gains in New Zealand’s dairy industry. Guests: Malcolm Ellis, Strategic Advisor, Fonterra Scott Townshend, CEO, Trev Simon Le Heron, CEO, Canterbury Grasslands Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Malcolm Ellis is Fonterra’s Strategic Advisor and a key figure in the co-operative’s efforts to reduce emissions intensity across its dairy supply chain. With a strong background in pastoral farming and on farm productivity, he plays a central role in aligning Fonterra’s sustainability goals with practical opportunities for farmers. In this interview, Malcolm introduces Fonterra’s new Co-operative Difference payment, offering an additional one to five cents per kilogram of milk solids for meeting emissions efficiency benchmarks. He explains how this incentive is directly linked to animal productivity and overall farm efficiency, forming part of a wider emissions intensity reduction strategy launched in November 2023. He highlights a 165kgMS gap between the top and bottom quartile cows – representing a 42% production efficiency opportunity and a potential 16% methane reduction. Rather than reducing cow numbers, he stresses the importance of lifting animal efficiency through improved fertility, feed conversion and genetic selection. Malcolm also discusses the role of tools like Trev and the Farm Insights Report in helping farmers track progress and unlock both environmental and financial gains. Scott Townshend, CEO of Trev, a digital farm reporting platform helping New Zealand farmers make better, data-driven decisions across their systems. With growing pressure to produce lower-emissions milk, Scott emphasises that improving efficiency, rather than chasing emissions targets in isolation, is the smarter, more sustainable path. In this interview, he explains how feed conversion efficiency (FCE) is a practical, easy-to-understand metric that links productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Scott shares that farms using Trev have achieved an average annual lift of 4.6kgMS per tonne of drymatter, equating to around $90,000 in added revenue and a likely drop in input costs. He highlights how real-time data enables farmers to act in-season rather than retrospectively, improving decision-making on feed use, mob management, and culling. Regional benchmarking within Trev also allows users to see how they stack up against peers, encouraging knowledge sharing without judgment. Ultimately, Scott sees Trev as a support tool – empowering farmers to refine their systems and continue leading the world in efficient, sustainable dairy production. Simon Le Heron, CEO of Canterbury Grasslands, a large-scale dairy business milking 24,000 cows across Waikato, Canterbury, and Southland. With a focus on pasture-based, low-cost systems, Simon believes simplicity, consistency and discipline are key to long-term profitability. In this interview, he explains how a standardised approach – what he calls a “McDonald’s menu” – allows the business to train staff effectively and maintain performance across multiple regions. Weekly pasture walks, wedge tracking via Agrinet, and consistent measurement of comparative stocking rate help maximise grass harvested per hectare, while minimising supplementary inputs. Comparative stocking rate is their most important metric, with a target in the low- to mid-80s seen as the sweet spot for feed and financial efficiency. While individual cow data is becoming more valuable, the business remains focused on optimising land use and feed conversion. Simon sees promise in data and technology, particularly with over 20 years of pasture growth records. As environmental limits tighten, he encourages farmers to find efficiency gains that benefit both the bottom line and compliance, helping keep New Zealand dairy globally competitive. Buy the Dairy Exporter Autumn Issue here SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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