Anne Lee speaks with Jonathan Mason and Emma Higgins at the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) conference. Jonathan discusses US tariffs, trade dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and Fonterra’s strategic focus on ingredients, food service, and capital returns. Emma explores “business as unusual,” the changing trade landscape, global dairy and beef trends, supply shifts, and emerging opportunities such as beef-on-dairy.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:
Jonathan Mason, New Zealand United States Council Chairman, Zespri Independent Director.
Emma Higgins, Rabobank Senior Agriculture Analyst.

 

Jonathan Mason talks to Anne Lee at the NZIPIM conference about new US tariffs, their potential effects on New Zealand exporters, why impacts differ across sectors, and how changing trade dynamics could create opportunities with markets such as India, the EU and the UK. He also discusses global geopolitical tensions—from Ukraine to East Asia—and, as  a former Fonterra Chief Financial Officer, shares his perspective on Fonterra’s strategic direction, including its focus on ingredients and food service and returning capital to farmers. 

He reflects on his career after Fonterra, and his governance roles with Zespri, Air New Zealand, Westpac and Vector, as well as his more recent not-for-profit work with the NZ US Council and the University of Auckland.

 

Emma Higgins speaks about the concept of “business as unusual” in a rapidly changing global environment. She explains how geopolitical shifts, rising protectionism, and market uncertainty are reshaping trade, supply chains, and opportunities for New Zealand farmers. 

Emma explores what these changes mean for dairy and beef markets, highlighting how global supply, China’s domestic milk production, and strong demand across Asia are influencing milk prices and farmgate returns. She discusses supply trends and that the focus is now on New Zealand’s seasonal production as well as beef-on-dairy opportunities, alternative income streams for US dairy farmers, and the practical lessons for New Zealand producers navigating volatile markets. The conversation emphasises the need for clear-eyed analysis, strategic thinking, and seizing opportunity in uncertain times.

Anne Lee speaks with Jonathan Mason and Emma Higgins at the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) conference. Jonathan discusses US tariffs, trade dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and Fonterra&rsquo;s strategic focus on ingredients, food service, and capital returns. Emma explores &ldquo;business as unusual,&rdquo; the changing trade landscape, global dairy and beef trends, supply shifts, and emerging opportunities such as beef-on-dairy.
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guests:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Jonathan Mason, New Zealand United States Council Chairman, Zespri Independent Director.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Emma Higgins, Rabobank Senior Agriculture Analyst.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Jonathan Mason talks to Anne Lee at the NZIPIM conference about new US tariffs, their potential effects on New Zealand exporters, why impacts differ across sectors, and how changing trade dynamics could create opportunities with markets such as India, the EU and the UK. He also discusses global geopolitical tensions&mdash;from Ukraine to East Asia&mdash;and, as&nbsp; a former Fonterra Chief Financial Officer, shares his perspective on Fonterra&rsquo;s strategic direction, including its focus on ingredients and food service and returning capital to farmers.&nbsp;
He reflects on his career after Fonterra, and his governance roles with Zespri, Air New Zealand, Westpac and Vector, as well as his more recent not-for-profit work with the NZ US Council and the University of Auckland.
&nbsp;
Emma Higgins speaks about the concept of &ldquo;business as unusual&rdquo; in a rapidly changing global environment. She explains how geopolitical shifts, rising protectionism, and market uncertainty are reshaping trade, supply chains, and opportunities for New Zealand farmers.&nbsp;
Emma explores what these changes mean for dairy and beef markets, highlighting how global supply, China&rsquo;s domestic milk production, and strong demand across Asia are influencing milk prices and farmgate returns. She discusses supply trends and that the focus is now on New Zealand&rsquo;s seasonal production as well as beef-on-dairy opportunities, alternative income streams for US dairy farmers, and the practical lessons for New Zealand producers navigating volatile markets. The conversation emphasises the need for clear-eyed analysis, strategic thinking, and seizing opportunity in uncertain times.

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.