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.

Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 here

 

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

Guests:
David Chin, CEO, LIC
Mike Wilson, General Manager, NEDAP Oceania
Malcolm Ellis, Strategic Advisor, Fonterra

 

LIC Chief Executive David Chin reflects on the evolution of dairy genetics in New Zealand and the legacy of innovation that continues to drive the industry forward. He explains how the introduction of Breeding Worth enabled meaningful comparisons across breeds, paving the way for the rise of the KiwiCross cow and transforming herd improvement strategies nationwide.

David highlights the critical role of data – from phenotypic records to genomic evaluations – as the foundation of breeding progress. With LIC now collecting six terabytes of data each week across half a million animals, he outlines how advances in computing and wearable technologies are accelerating genetic gains at scale.

Looking back on LIC’s roots in the 1939 Herd Improvement Plan, David reflects on the long-term and intergenerational impact of breeding decisions. He also underscores the importance of New Zealand’s dairy sector to the national economy and LIC’s ongoing commitment to delivering productivity and profitability for farmers.

 

Mike Wilson, General Manager of Nedap Oceania, outlines how wearable technologies are transforming dairy herd management by delivering real-time insights into cow health, activity, and fertility. He explains how Nedap’s robust collars and smart tags monitor rumination, eating, and movement, allowing farmers to detect heat, manage health through transition periods, and improve reproductive performance with greater precision.

With global operations across 100+ countries and over seven million animals monitored, Nedap combines durable hardware with intuitive software that offers both herd-level and individual cow analysis. Mike highlights the company’s integration with major platforms and drafting systems, making it easy for farmers to take action on farm.

 

Malcolm Ellis, former Jersey breeder and now part of Fonterra’s senior team, reflects on the remarkable genetic progress of New Zealand’s dairy herd over the past 50 years. Drawing on his intergenerational connection to the Dairy Exporter, Malcolm shares how structured breeding tools like AB, sire proving, and BW transformed productivity and cow performance – changes he describes as revolutionary.

He acknowledges the magazine’s pivotal role in communicating these advancements, celebrating its contribution to informed decision-making on farm. Malcolm also discusses succession planning on his home farm, where his son and partner are now milking crossbred cows, and emphasises the importance of allowing the next generation to shape their own system and breed preferences.

With deep respect for past industry leaders and contributors like Colin Holmes and Ants Roberts, Malcolm highlights how trusted voices in the Dairy Exporter helped farmers navigate change and lift herd improvement nationwide.

 

Quatro by Skellerup gumboots are designed to meet the demands of the toughest days on the farm. Handcrafted from durable rubber, they offer premium protection and long-lasting performance in all conditions. With advanced multi-layer insulation, Quatro boots keep your feet warm even in extreme cold - down to -50°C - making early starts more bearable. The Politech footbed provides essential heel and arch support, while cushioned air pockets in the sole absorb impact and reduce fatigue, so you can stay on your feet longer. An ankle-locking design offers extra stability on uneven ground, and the mud-releasing outsole gives you excellent grip, especially in slippery dairy sheds. Whether you're shifting stock, working in the yards, or hosing out the shed, Quatro gumboots are made to perform all day, every day. Trusted by rural New Zealanders, they're the boots that work as hard as you do. Stay warm, stay steady - find your pair today at https://www.skellerup.co.nz/footwear/quatro/.

 

SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER  - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY)

SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER  - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)

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&rsquo;s role in guiding farmers through decades of change.
<a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/shop/dairy-exporter-100-years/">Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector&rsquo;s Edition 2025 here</a>
&nbsp;
Hosts:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter</li>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter</li>
</ol>
Guests:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">David Chin, CEO, LIC</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mike Wilson, General Manager, NEDAP Oceania</li>
<li aria-level="1">Malcolm Ellis, Strategic Advisor, Fonterra</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
LIC Chief Executive David Chin reflects on the evolution of dairy genetics in New Zealand and the legacy of innovation that continues to drive the industry forward. He explains how the introduction of Breeding Worth enabled meaningful comparisons across breeds, paving the way for the rise of the KiwiCross cow and transforming herd improvement strategies nationwide.
David highlights the critical role of data &ndash; from phenotypic records to genomic evaluations &ndash; as the foundation of breeding progress. With LIC now collecting six terabytes of data each week across half a million animals, he outlines how advances in computing and wearable technologies are accelerating genetic gains at scale.
Looking back on LIC&rsquo;s roots in the 1939 Herd Improvement Plan, David reflects on the long-term and intergenerational impact of breeding decisions. He also underscores the importance of New Zealand&rsquo;s dairy sector to the national economy and LIC&rsquo;s ongoing commitment to delivering productivity and profitability for farmers.
&nbsp;
Mike Wilson, General Manager of Nedap Oceania, outlines how wearable technologies are transforming dairy herd management by delivering real-time insights into cow health, activity, and fertility. He explains how Nedap&rsquo;s robust collars and smart tags monitor rumination, eating, and movement, allowing farmers to detect heat, manage health through transition periods, and improve reproductive performance with greater precision.
With global operations across 100+ countries and over seven million animals monitored, Nedap combines durable hardware with intuitive software that offers both herd-level and individual cow analysis. Mike highlights the company&rsquo;s integration with major platforms and drafting systems, making it easy for farmers to take action on farm.
&nbsp;
Malcolm Ellis, former Jersey breeder and now part of Fonterra&rsquo;s senior team, reflects on the remarkable genetic progress of New Zealand&rsquo;s dairy herd over the past 50 years. Drawing on his intergenerational connection to the Dairy Exporter, Malcolm shares how structured breeding tools like AB, sire proving, and BW transformed productivity and cow performance &ndash; changes he describes as revolutionary.
He acknowledges the magazine&rsquo;s pivotal role in communicating these advancements, celebrating its contribution to informed decision-making on farm. Malcolm also discusses succession planning on his home farm, where his son and partner are now milking crossbred cows, and emphasises the importance of allowing the next generation to shape their own system and breed preferences.
With deep respect for past industry leaders and contributors like Colin Holmes and Ants Roberts, Malcolm highlights how trusted voices in the Dairy Exporter helped farmers navigate change and lift herd improvement nationwide.
&nbsp;
Quatro by Skellerup gumboots are designed to meet the demands of the toughest days on the farm. Handcrafted from durable rubber, they offer premium protection and long-lasting performance in all conditions. With advanced multi-layer insulation, Quatro boots keep your feet warm even in extreme cold - down to -50&deg;C - making early starts more bearable. The Politech footbed provides essential heel and arch support, while cushioned air pockets in the sole absorb impact and reduce fatigue, so you can stay on your feet longer. An ankle-locking design offers extra stability on uneven ground, and the mud-releasing outsole gives you excellent grip, especially in slippery dairy sheds. Whether you're shifting stock, working in the yards, or hosing out the shed, Quatro gumboots are made to perform all day, every day. Trusted by rural New Zealanders, they're the boots that work as hard as you do. Stay warm, stay steady - find your pair today at <a href="https://www.skellerup.co.nz/footwear/quatro/">https://www.skellerup.co.nz/footwear/quatro/</a>.
&nbsp;
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.