In this episode, David Jensen, a dairy farmer and kiwifruit grower, shares his experience transitioning to kiwifruit cultivation. He discusses challenges like labour shortages, investment costs, and the evolving kiwifruit market, as well as the impact of political policies on agriculture. David highlights the importance of understanding farming dynamics and key factors for successful diversification, including strategic investments and staying informed on market trends.

 

Guests include:
David Jensen, Kiwifruit Orchard Owner

Hosts:
Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter

 

David Jensen, a dairy farmer and kiwifruit grower, discusses the shift from dairy farming to kiwifruit cultivation in New Zealand. He explores the challenges of labour shortages, high investment costs, and the fluctuating dynamics of the kiwifruit market. While dairy farming remains a viable option, Jensen highlights the growing appeal of diversification in agriculture. He identifies the hurdles farmers face in transitioning to new crops, such as understanding market trends and securing the right investments. Jensen advocates for a strategic approach to diversification, stressing the importance of staying informed about the agricultural sector and aligning business decisions with both market opportunities and policy changes. He believes that successful diversification relies on thoughtful planning, investment, and support from the right financial and governmental structures.

Listen to the episode on solar HERE

 

Buy the Dairy Exporter Autumn Issue here

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In this episode, David Jensen, a dairy farmer and kiwifruit grower, shares his experience transitioning to kiwifruit cultivation. He discusses challenges like labour shortages, investment costs, and the evolving kiwifruit market, as well as the impact of political policies on agriculture. David highlights the importance of understanding farming dynamics and key factors for successful diversification, including strategic investments and staying informed on market trends.
&nbsp;
Guests include:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">David Jensen, Kiwifruit Orchard Owner</li>
</ol>
Hosts:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter</li>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
David Jensen, a dairy farmer and kiwifruit grower, discusses the shift from dairy farming to kiwifruit cultivation in New Zealand. He explores the challenges of labour shortages, high investment costs, and the fluctuating dynamics of the kiwifruit market. While dairy farming remains a viable option, Jensen highlights the growing appeal of diversification in agriculture. He identifies the hurdles farmers face in transitioning to new crops, such as understanding market trends and securing the right investments. Jensen advocates for a strategic approach to diversification, stressing the importance of staying informed about the agricultural sector and aligning business decisions with both market opportunities and policy changes. He believes that successful diversification relies on thoughtful planning, investment, and support from the right financial and governmental structures.
Listen to the episode on solar <a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/episode-35-is-solar-a-bright-future-for-farming/">HERE</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/shop/autumn-2025/">Buy the Dairy Exporter Autumn Issue here</a>
SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER&nbsp; - <a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/sign-up/">EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY)</a>
SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER&nbsp; - <a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/shop/">MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)</a>

DAIRY Country is your mainstay in dairy farming as your trusted source for adding value to your dairy farming business with seasonal on farm stories and exclusive technical advice weekly with your host, Anne Lee.

Formally the NZ Dairy Exporter since 1925, DAIRY Country is part of the CountryWide network based in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Get in touch with our Anne Lee - anne@countrywidemedia.co.nz if you have a great insight to share with our
thousands of readers and listeners in New Zealand and around the world.

Don’t miss our weekly episodes of the DAIRY Country Podcast by hitting the subscribe button now and join our DAIRY Country weekly email newsletter to get the latest in-depth stories in your mailbox so you are always ahead of the game in the
business of dairy farming into the future.

DAIRY Country is your mainstay in dairy farming as your trusted source for adding value to your dairy farming business with seasonal on farm stories and exclusive technical advice weekly with your host, Anne Lee.
Formally the NZ Dairy Exporter since 1925, DAIRY Country is part of the CountryWide network based in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Get in touch with our Anne Lee - anne@countrywidemedia.co.nz if you have a great insight to share with our thousands of readers and listeners in New Zealand and around the world.
Don&rsquo;t miss our weekly episodes of the DAIRY Country Podcast by hitting the&nbsp;subscribe button now and <a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/sign-up/">join our DAIRY Country weekly email newsletter</a> to get the&nbsp;latest in-depth stories in your mailbox so you are always ahead of the game in the business of dairy farming into the future.