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Scott and Stacey Mackereth have built a fast-growing dairy business on clear communication, strong relationships and a focus on developing their people. In this week’s DAIRY Country Podcast, CountryWide Media Senior Journalist Anne Lee speaks with the 2026 National Share Farmers of the Year about their progression journey, contract milking 1400 cows for Fortuna Group at Edendale in Southland, and what it took to win at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Scott and Stacey Mackereth, 2026 National Share Farmers of the Year Scott shares his path from 50/50 sharemilking in the Coromandel in a $3.60 payout year to farming in the United States, consulting in the Waikato and moving to Southland. He now oversees farms for Fortuna Group and holds equity in three Clydevale farms run by contract milkers. Scott explains why contract milking can be a strong stepping stone, and how the couple set up their own contract milkers for success. That includes making a good accountant a prerequisite and holding regular meetings to compare spending against budget. Stacey, a qualified counsellor, explains how they use the Te Whare Tapa Whā wellbeing model to care for their team, from hot lunches during calving to anonymous feedback on their performance as bosses. The couple also talk about using WhatsApp groups and video tutorials to train staff, two of whom have gone on to manage their own farms. They finish with advice for anyone thinking about entering the awards. Entries close early December.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ https://www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The national dairy herd grew last season for the first time in five years, and production passed 2 billion kgMS for the first time on record. In this week’s Dairy Country Podcast, CountryWide Media Senior Journalist Anne Lee speaks with DairyNZ Head of Economics and Insights Mark Storey about what the latest New Zealand Dairy Statistics show about the national herd, from regional cow numbers to production per cow and on-farm performance. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Mark Storey, Head of Economics and Insights, DairyNZ Mark discusses record per cow production of 428kgMS, South Canterbury’s growth in cow numbers of 4%, and the fact the expected wave of new conversions isn’t showing up in the numbers yet. Anne and Mark also discuss a record six-week in-calf rate of 70.2%, herd testing reaching its highest level since the early 2000s and the rise of contract milking. Continuing the numbers theme, Mark and Anne talk about the importance of DairyBase and how DairyBase data supports benchmarking and scenario modelling, including El Niño analysis that put the break-even milk price for a strong El Niño at $8.90/kgMS. Mark explains AI’s role in speeding up that work, and what changes are coming to the DairyBase app and the Econ Tracker.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2025-26: https://www.dairynz.co.nz/resources/resource-list/new-zealand-dairy-statistics-2025-26-pdf/ DairyNZ Economic Tracker Tool: https://www.dairynz.co.nz/resources/tools/dairynz-econ-tracker-tool/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After several tough springs, Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) has had a much better start to the season, with good pasture growth and utilisation, cows calving on the milking platform and milksolids tracking ahead of target. Anne Lee speaks with LUDF Demonstration Lead Antoinette Archer and Farm Manager Peter Hancox about the season so far, the farm’s mating plan and the decisions coming out of its latest focus day.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Antoinette Archer, Demonstration Lead, Lincoln University Dairy Farm Peter Hancox, Farm Manager, Lincoln University Dairy Farm   Antoinette explains why the farm has moved from 10-in-7 milking back to a tactical twice-a-day system, and why it is speeding up regrassing to as much as 25% of the platform this season to tackle weeds and lift pasture production. Peter discusses the farm’s all-AI mating plan using collars, sexed semen and beef across the bottom 40% of the herd, plus a run of 21 sets of twins this spring. They also cover how rising feed, fertiliser and fuel prices are affecting the farm’s budget, along with the beef-on-dairy panel at the focus day. That panel looked at Pāmu’s push to rear more of its calves, the development of a finishing value index (FVI), and why strong relationships along the supply chain are key to making beef-on-dairy work.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skim milk powder has long been the by-product of the dairy world, but strong global demand for protein has turned it into one of the main drivers of the market. Anne Lee speaks with HighGround Dairy’s Stu Davison about the forces behind the latest Global Dairy Trade jump of more than 4%. They cover skim milk powder prices topping US$4000/t for the first time since 2022, and why milkfat prices are falling while powders are rising.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy   Stu explains how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, protein-enhanced foods and the shift towards milk protein concentrate and ultra-filtered milk have tightened global skim supplies. He also explains why the Middle East bought its largest GDT volumes since 2012. Speaking from Singapore after visits to Indonesia and China, he shares what he saw on the ground: falling milk production in China, cautious Chinese consumers, and new desert dairy farms in Inner Mongolia and Algeria that New Zealand will have to compete with. Anne and Stu also discuss Europe’s surprisingly resilient milk supply, the growing stocks of butter, and milk price futures trading above $10/kgMS. Stu explains the role of the weak Kiwi dollar and the risk to prices if El Niño doesn’t cut milk supply as much as the market expects. He also makes the case for a disciplined hedging policy over trying to pick the market.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Maegan Legg, Committee Chair, New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards   Maegan shares how entering the awards in 2020 helped her and husband Terry set goals beyond sharemilking, leading to the purchase of a 56-hectare block of land. She explains how preparing an entry strengthens communication and planning on farm, and how the awards have evolved, including the extended age range for Dairy Trainee of the Year and the new Alumni of the Year and First Farm awards. With national committee positions opening up, she also has advice for anyone on the fence about entering. “Just do it.”   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A record dairy production season coupled with last year’s increase in the levy farmers pay to DairyNZ boosted the organisation’s income to more than $90m,  Anne Lee speaks with DairyNZ CEO Campbell Parker about how the organisation is investing farmers’ money, rebuilding reserves and deciding where funding is needed most across research, science, farmer engagement and industry programmes.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Campbell Parker, CEO, DairyNZ   Campbell shares details on DairyNZ’s major areas of investment, including its resilient pastures, dairy beef opportunities and the responsible dairy programmes. He explains work being carried out in biosecurity, DairyBase, genetics and farmer training along with how farmers are using AI (artificial intelligence). Campbell talks about how DairyNZ ensures there are robust checks and balances around research and co-funded programmes, and why farmer feedback will be important as the organisation develops its strategy for the next five years.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Profitability in dairy farming comes down to getting both sides of the equation right, and Hugh and Anna Edward have built a system around tight cost control, strong pasture management and making every kilogram of feed count. Anne Lee speaks with the Putaruru couple about their journey from sharemilking to owning two adjoining farms, running 650 cows across 350 hectares and running separate, his and her, Jersey and Friesian herds through the season.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Hugh and Anna Edward, South Waikato Farmers   Hugh and Anna discuss how they manage their first grazing round and the focus they have on driving intakes of high quality pasture by closely monitoring both pre-grazing covers and post-grazing residuals. They use supplements judiciously to get a high milksolids response for every kilogram of bought-in drymatter and have a strong focus on buying fed in at the best possible price. They explain what’s behind their impressive six-week in-calf rate of 84% with planning for that starting early in the previous autumn.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Steve Allen, retiring Tatua Co-operative Chairman   Steve discusses the thinking behind Tatua’s decision to stand alone, the co-operative’s focus on adding value to farmers’ milk and its disciplined approach to growth, investment and retaining earnings. He also reflects on the importance of leadership and culture, the role of the board in choosing a chief executive and allocating capital, and why he remains positive about the future of New Zealand food and dairy. Find out more about the Better Pastures Together podcast by Barenbrug here: https://barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm ownership can feel like a long way off for young dairy farmers, but Abbi Ayre and Frikkie Terblance are steadily working their way towards the goal. Anne Lee speaks with the West Coast/Top of the South Dairy Industry Award winners about their journey from early careers and contract managing to leasing farms and working towards ownership, while also discussing the personal challenges they have faced along the way.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Abbi Ayre and Frikkie Terblance, West Coast Contract Milkers   Abbi shares her experience of burnout early in her dairy career and her journey through postpartum psychosis following the births of her children, while Frikkie talks about the impact it had on their family and the lack of support available for partners. They discuss the importance of recognising the warning signs, finding practical tools to protect mental wellbeing and building connections within rural communities. The couple also explain how they have used technology such as virtual fencing to manage their farms, the lessons they have learnt from different ownership models and why keeping business arrangements simple and aligned is key to achieving their goal of owning their own farm.   Read the article featuring Abbi Ayre and Frikkie Terblance here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/from-burnout-to-balance/ Find out more about the Better Pastures Together podcast by Barenbrug here: https://barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Greg Delaney, General Manager, Southern Dairy Hub Dr Dawn Dalley, Scientist, DairyNZ   Dawn explains how the future herd produced more than 520kg of milksolids per cow compared with 470kg for the standard herd, while using close to 40% of the  supplementary feed last season. In terms of total production, on a per hectare basis, production in the lower stocked, future herd is getting close to that of the standard herd. The future herd production was less than 100kg MS/ha lower than the standard herd. They also discuss grass-based wintering, body condition score changes and the wider potential benefits of running a lower-stocked, high genetic merit system. Greg and Dawn talk about the Hub’s new 1000-square-metre standoff pad, its design and how it’s being used to improve animal welfare during calving. The farm’s HubWatch weekly farm data updates are now available for the new season.  Dawn and Greg also give an update on the process underway to determine the Southern Dairy Hub’s future strategic direction.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pain relief is becoming an increasingly important part of dairy cattle welfare, with more options available to farmers than there were a decade ago. Anne Lee speaks with Northland veterinarian Rory Dean about how cattle experience and show pain, why they can be difficult to assess as prey animals and how commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help cows recover from painful and inflammatory conditions.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Rory Dean, Northland Veterinarian   Rory explains how drugs such as ketoprofen and meloxicam work, and their role in managing lameness, mastitis and difficult calvings. Anne and Rory also discuss pain relief for calves, including during disbudding and when treating conditions such as pneumonia, navel ill, joint ill and diarrhoea, as well as the importance of early intervention and pre-emptive analgesia. They explore the different roles of anti-inflammatory drugs, local anaesthetics and sedatives, why pain relief needs to be combined with appropriate treatment and nursing care, and the importance of following label instructions and veterinary advice to avoid overdosing and side effects.   Read the article from the latest issue of the DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/the-right-pain-relief/   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burnout can creep up on farmers when the pressure to keep going and the constant stream of decisions never lets up. Anne Lee speaks with former police crisis negotiator and wellbeing specialist Lance Burdett about what happens when the brain becomes overloaded, why overthinking can be more damaging than working hard and how farmers can recognise when stress is becoming burnout.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Lance Burdett, Wellbeing specialist   Lance discusses why simply pushing harder is not the answer, the importance of taking regular breaks and getting away from the farm, and practical ways to calm an overactive brain, including breathing, walking, writing and talking. Anne and Lance also explore how technology can add to the mental load when it is not managed carefully, the importance of choosing the tools that are genuinely useful and why changing the way we think about stress, learning and new challenges can help protect our wellbeing.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm ownership can seem out of reach for young dairy farmers, but Biddy and Braden Barnes have shown it’s still possible with hard work, careful planning and the right opportunities. Anne Lee speaks with the Canterbury couple about their journey from contract milking and share milking to buying their first farm, and how winning the Fonterra and ASB First Farm Loan in conjunction with the NZ Dairy Industry Awards helped give them the confidence and financial backing to take the next step.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Biddy and Braden Barnes, 2026 Fonterra and ASB First Farm Loan Winners   Biddy and Braden discuss how they built equity through herd ownership, calf rearing and property, the challenges of finding a farm in a competitive market and why they chose to purchase a 200ha dry-stock property near Sheffield with plans to convert it into a 750-cow dairy farm. Anne, Biddy and Braden also explore the different pathways into farm ownership, the opportunities and risks of contract milking and share farming, the importance of understanding farm contracts and why seeking advice and support can help young farmers make informed decisions.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Share farming and contract milking agreements are a fundamental part of New Zealand’s dairy industry, but are the contracts and legislation governing them still fit for purpose? Anne Lee speaks with The Sharefarming Consultants’ Louise Gibson and AgFirst’s Lycinda Lett about the challenges facing farm owners, contract milkers and share farmers, and why they believe the legal framework needs a refresh.   Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Louise Gibson, Co-Founder, The Sharefarming Consultants Lycinda Lett, Consultant, AgFirst   Louise and Lycinda discuss gaps in the Sharemilking Agreements Act, the growing use of contract milking and the risks of relying on contract law. Anne, Louise and Lycinda also explore the importance of clear agreements and farm policies, power imbalances, disputes and mediation, guaranteed minimum returns and withheld milk payments, as well as the changes Louise and Lycinda believe could provide greater security and support successful business partnerships.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DNA testing is transforming dairy breeding by giving farmers greater confidence in parentage and allowing more accurate genetic information to be fed into breeding models. Anne Lee speaks with CRV myDNA Programme Manager Connie McFarlane about how DNA testing and genomics are helping farmers improve herd performance, from verifying calf parentage to increasing the reliability of breeding values and genetic indexes.    Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Connie McFarlane, myDNA Programme Manager, CRV    Connie explains why around one in four calves can be mismatched to their dams without DNA testing, and how tissue sampling and genomic analysis provide a much clearer picture of an animal's true genetic potential. Anne and Connie also discuss how farmers are using genomic information to identify replacement heifers and select cows for beef or sexed semen, the importance of building larger genomic reference populations, how DNA testing is accelerating genetic gain in both dairy cows and bulls, and the future opportunities for genomic traits including hoof health, mastitis resistance and genetic defect screening.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.