In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Fonterra’s Jim van der Poel about the evolution of New Zealand’s dairy industry. Jim reflects on the formation of Fonterra, capital structure reform, and the creation of DairyNZ, while highlighting the enduring value of the co-operative model and the Dairy Exporter’s role in guiding farmers through change.

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

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

Guest:
Jim Van Der Poel, Retired Dairy Leader

 

Dairy leader Jim Van Der Poel reflects on the evolution of New Zealand’s dairy co-operative model and the key structural decisions that have shaped Fonterra’s journey. He explains how the milk price underpins farm value while dividends influence the share value, and why ensuring those returns are aligned is critical to maintaining trust and engagement from farmers.

Jim unpacks the rationale behind the shift to Trading Among Farmers, introduced to manage redemption risk, preserve farmer control, and allow flexibility for future capital structure changes. He shares insights into the merger of co-ops, the sacrifices made by early directors, and the enduring strength of collective decision-making driven by what’s best for the industry.

He also traces the origins of DairyNZ back to the deregulation of the Dairy Board, and how its formation, through the merging of Dexcel and Dairy InSight, has helped ensure ongoing research, extension, and farmer-driven progress. Jim highlights the importance of active farmer participation and the continued economic significance of dairy to New Zealand’s future.

 

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/.

 

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In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Fonterra&rsquo;s Jim van der Poel about the evolution of New Zealand&rsquo;s dairy industry. Jim reflects on the formation of Fonterra, capital structure reform, and the creation of DairyNZ, while highlighting the enduring value of the co-operative model and the Dairy Exporter&rsquo;s role in guiding farmers through 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>
Hosts:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter</li>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter</li>
</ol>
Guest:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Jim Van Der Poel, Retired Dairy Leader</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Dairy leader Jim Van Der Poel reflects on the evolution of New Zealand&rsquo;s dairy co-operative model and the key structural decisions that have shaped Fonterra&rsquo;s journey. He explains how the milk price underpins farm value while dividends influence the share value, and why ensuring those returns are aligned is critical to maintaining trust and engagement from farmers.
Jim unpacks the rationale behind the shift to Trading Among Farmers, introduced to manage redemption risk, preserve farmer control, and allow flexibility for future capital structure changes. He shares insights into the merger of co-ops, the sacrifices made by early directors, and the enduring strength of collective decision-making driven by what&rsquo;s best for the industry.
He also traces the origins of DairyNZ back to the deregulation of the Dairy Board, and how its formation, through the merging of Dexcel and Dairy InSight, has helped ensure ongoing research, extension, and farmer-driven progress. Jim highlights the importance of active farmer participation and the continued economic significance of dairy to New Zealand&rsquo;s future.
&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.