Simple, repeatable systems are proving to be a winning formula for North Otago couple Peter and Emma Smit. They spoke at a Pasture Summit field day earlier this year and shared just what those systems entail and how they achieve top-performing financial returns. 

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Peter about the low cost, pasture focused system that keeps their costs down and profitability high. The Smits have refined their approach to pasture management, focusing on residuals, grass quality, and a low stocking rate to maintain resilience through varying payouts. They also discuss their strategic mating plan, long term team stability, and how small, well executed changes continue to lift efficiency across the farm.

 

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:
Peter Smit, Papakaio

 

Peter Smit shares how a decade of development on his Papakaio farm in North Otago has shaped a simple, efficient system built for resilience and low costs. He explains how irrigation upgrades, layout changes, and pasture management, focused on quality, have contributed to strong financial performance and keeping farm working expenses low. Peter also outlines their low stocking rate approach.

He discusses the farm’s two-herd mating strategy, achieving a six-week in-calf rate of 78%, and the value of a stable, experienced team in maintaining consistency. Looking ahead, he says the focus is on continuing incremental improvements, adapting with seasonal conditions, and keeping the system practical, sustainable, and efficient across all aspects of the farm.

 

Read the article featuring the Smits here.

 

For a copy of the field day handout https://www.pasturesummit.co.nz/2025-autumn-events and check out details for the upcoming spring events for the North and South Islands.

Simple, repeatable systems are proving to be a winning formula for North Otago couple Peter and Emma Smit. They spoke at a Pasture Summit field day earlier this year and shared just what those systems entail and how they achieve top-performing financial returns.&nbsp;
In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Peter about the low cost, pasture focused system that keeps their costs down and profitability high. The Smits have refined their approach to pasture management, focusing on residuals, grass quality, and a low stocking rate to maintain resilience through varying payouts. They also discuss their strategic mating plan, long term team stability, and how small, well executed changes continue to lift efficiency across the farm.
&nbsp;
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Peter Smit, Papakaio</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Peter Smit shares how a decade of development on his Papakaio farm in North Otago has shaped a simple, efficient system built for resilience and low costs. He explains how irrigation upgrades, layout changes, and pasture management, focused on quality, have contributed to strong financial performance and keeping farm working expenses low. Peter also outlines their low stocking rate approach.
He discusses the farm&rsquo;s two-herd mating strategy, achieving a six-week in-calf rate of 78%, and the value of a stable, experienced team in maintaining consistency. Looking ahead, he says the focus is on continuing incremental improvements, adapting with seasonal conditions, and keeping the system practical, sustainable, and efficient across all aspects of the farm.
&nbsp;
Read the article featuring the Smits <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/gains-grow-in-the-detail/">here</a>.
&nbsp;
For a copy of the field day handout <a href="https://www.pasturesummit.co.nz/2025-autumn-events">https://www.pasturesummit.co.nz/2025-autumn-events</a> and check out details for the upcoming spring events for the North and South Islands.

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.