DAIRY Country

Cow prices and livestock values are front of mind across the dairy sector right now, with strong market demand, rising confidence and shifting tax implications all shaping decisions for farmers buying, selling or expanding herds. In this episode of the Dairy Country podcast, Anne Lee speaks with Chris Lewis from BakerAg, Jamie Cunninghame, National Dairy Specialist at PGG Wrightson, and Trudi Ballantyne from Stem Rural about what’s driving current cow values, what it means for farm business decisions, and why understanding both market conditions and tax settings is becoming increasingly important.
Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guests:
Trudi Ballantyne, Stem Rural
Chris Lewis, BakerAg
Jamie Cunninghame, PGG Wrightson

Chris Lewis says confidence is strong across the sector, underpinned by solid milk returns, strong beef prices and relatively favourable feed costs. He says demand is currently being driven largely by farmers looking to top up herds with smaller numbers of quality cows, rather than full herd purchases, while strong prices are also encouraging trading activity. Chris adds that high cow values are creating equity-building opportunities for existing owners and share milkers, but careful attention to debt levels and downside risk remains essential.
Jamie Cunninghame, National Dairy Specialist at PGG Wrightson, says the market was sparked early by conversion demand and has remained consistently firm through the season, with strong competition for quality cows. He says good in-calf heifers and dairy cows are generally trading between $2800 and $3300 a head, with occasional higher outliers depending on quality and scale. Jamie also notes that strong cull cow and beef schedules are helping underpin overall confidence, while farmers who build into larger operations progressively tend to carry less risk than those entering through full herd purchases at current prices.
Trudi Ballantyne from Stem Rural says rising cow values make livestock accounting and tax planning increasingly important, particularly when it comes to understanding the National Standard Cost Scheme versus the herd scheme. She steps listeners through both schemes and explains that the scheme a farmer is on, along with the timing of livestock sales, can have a significant impact on tax outcomes, especially in periods of rising values. Trudi stresses that working with an accountant who truly understands livestock valuation is critical, as incorrect treatment or poor timing decisions can lead to unexpected and potentially large tax liabilities.

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There’s been a lot of talk when it comes to the new wave of dairy conversions but what’s really going on in terms of design and fitout? In this episode Anne Lee speaks with Tambo consultant Luke Palmer about what setups farmers are favouring, what they should be aware of when planning and what costs are on the rise. Tambo is an agribusiness management and consultancy company that has been working with a number of recent and planned conversions. Luke says it’s important to start with a clear understanding of the “why”, whether it’s expansion, succession, or improving system efficiency to guide decisions around design, scale, and investment.
Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guest:
Luke Palmer, Consultant, Tambo

A thorough understanding of environmental compliance requirements is a must as they will likely underpin many design considerations including effluent and off-paddock infrastructure. Luke says today’s conversions are being built with the future in mind, from larger rotary sheds and improved cow flow to layouts that reduce labour and support staff efficiency. He highlights the growing role of automation, real-time data and animal monitoring. Alongside this, there is rising interest in solar energy and flexible, modular systems that allow farms to adapt over time, while early planning remains critical to managing costs, securing contractors, and avoiding delays in a busy pipeline.

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The Science for Farmers tent at the Wānaka A&P Show this year gave farmers a great chance to see and hear about a wide range of research as well as ways that’s being implemented on farms. Dairy Country Podcast host Anne Lee was there and talked to Danny Donaghy of Massey University, Pāmu’s Head of Sustainability Sam Bridgman, and LIC Senior Herd Improvement Specialist Simon Worth. Each shared the ways science and innovation are helping farmers respond to climate pressure, lift system resilience, and future-proof performance.
Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guests:
Danny Donaghy, Professor of Dairy Production Systems & Deputy Head, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University
Simon Worth, Senior Herd Improvement Specialist, LIC
Sam Bridgman, Head of Sustainability, Pāmu

Danny Donaghy shares insights from the Whenua Haumanu research programme, challenging the idea that more pasture diversity is always better. Instead, he outlines a functional approach, selecting a small number of complementary species to improve yield, animal performance and environmental outcomes. His work shows that well-designed mixes can deliver measurable gains, often at lower cost, while helping farmers better manage drought, nitrogen loss and seasonal variability.
Simon Worth outlines LIC’s work on the slick gene, a naturally occurring trait that improves heat tolerance in cattle. He explains how the gene has been progressively bred into high-performing dairy animals, with the goal of delivering commercially viable bulls within the next few years. As temperatures rise, tools like this will become increasingly important, sitting alongside management and system changes to help farmers maintain productivity under heat stress.
Sam Bridgman explains how Pāmu is using detailed climate projections to help farmers understand future risks and adapt accordingly. By using tools to map changes in rainfall, heat and extreme events at a farm level, the work highlights practical, often simple adjustments that can improve resilience. From water management to system design, he emphasises that small, informed changes can strengthen both environmental and financial performance over time.

Find the Ministry for the Environment climate tool mentioned in the episode here: https://map.climatedata.environment.govt.nz/
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A closer look at how wearable technology is reshaping animal health highlights just how quickly on-farm decision making is evolving, and why early intervention is becoming increasingly achievable. Veterinarian at Kaipara Farm Vets, Rory Dean, unpacks a real-time case study, explaining how collar data revealed a sudden drop in rumination and feed intake, signalling a serious internal issue before it became critical.
Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guest:
Rory Dean, Kaipara Farm Vets

Drawing on the example, Rory outlines the way conditions such as caecal dilatation and other “twisted gut” presentations develop, how they impact cow behaviour, and why they can escalate rapidly if left untreated. He explains the diagnostic process, from interpreting data trends to physically identifying gas build-up, and how timely surgical intervention can dramatically improve outcomes. Cases can now be picked up earlier through better use of technology. While tools like collar monitoring provide valuable insights, they are most effective when paired with strong observation skills and prompt action, with early identification and good post-treatment care playing a critical role in recovery.
The discussion also turns to seasonal priorities, including milk quality management and selective dry cow therapy. Rory reinforces the importance of responsible antibiotic use and working closely with veterinarians to make informed, practical decisions, highlighting how combining data, experience, and proactive planning can lead to better animal outcomes and more resilient farming systems.

Read the article featuring Rory here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/alerted-by-the-collar-saved-by-the-vet/
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The episode is dedicated to the late Dr Dave Leathwick, AgResearch parasitologist, scientist and champion for the battle against drench resistance.
A closer look at drench resistance in dairy systems highlights how rapidly conventional parasite control methods are becoming less effective and why farmers need to take a more strategic approach. WormWise programme manager and veterinarian Ginny Dodunski unpacks the latest data and on-farm observations, explaining what drench resistance is, how it develops over time, and why it can remain hidden until it starts affecting animal performance.
Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guest:
Ginny Dodunski, Programme Manager, WormWise

Using recent research and real-world examples, Ginny outlines the increasing presence of resistant Cooperia and Ostertagia in young cattle, including cases where commonly used combination drenches are no longer doing the job. She discusses how drench selection, frequency, and inconsistent dosing, particularly with pour-on products, can contribute to resistance, and why early and accurate testing is essential to understand what is happening onfarm.
The discussion also turns to practical ways farmers can reduce reliance on drenches. Ginny highlights the importance of pasture management, calf nutrition, and grazing strategies in lowering worm challenge. She explains why reducing exposure to worms in the first place can be more effective than trying to treat them later. Alongside the science, she reinforces the value of good decision making and working alongside vets to build more resilient, future proof farming systems.

New Wormwise Handbook:
https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/wormwise-resource-book.pdf
Pamu case studies:
https://www.pamunewzealand.com/pamunewzealand-pmu3/images/2024-Drench-resistance-and-parasite-management-at-P%C4%81mu.pdf
Wormwise resistance report:
https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/convenience-sample-cattle-faecal-egg-count-reduction-tests-new-zealand-2021-2024

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