A volatile start to 2026 has put global dairy markets back in the spotlight, with a sharp lift in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction offering some early-year optimism for farmers.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy to unpack what’s behind the 6.3% rebound in the GDT index after a prolonged run of declines. Stu explains how aggressive buying from the Middle East, shifting oil prices and heightened geopolitical tension have combined to drive short-term support across powders and milk fats, despite global milk supply continuing to run hot.

 

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:
Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy

 

Stu breaks down what’s happening across key regions, including strong production growth in the US and Europe, steady but subdued demand from China, and the implications for New Zealand as the season moves into its tail. He also looks ahead to the months and seasons to come, outlining why oversupply remains the dominant risk, what that means for milk price expectations, and how tools such as futures and higher-value processing will be critical for farmers navigating another year of volatility.

A volatile start to 2026 has put global dairy markets back in the spotlight, with a sharp lift in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction offering some early-year optimism for farmers.
In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy to unpack what&rsquo;s behind the 6.3% rebound in the GDT index after a prolonged run of declines. Stu explains how aggressive buying from the Middle East, shifting oil prices and heightened geopolitical tension have combined to drive short-term support across powders and milk fats, despite global milk supply continuing to run hot.
&nbsp;
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Stu breaks down what&rsquo;s happening across key regions, including strong production growth in the US and Europe, steady but subdued demand from China, and the implications for New Zealand as the season moves into its tail. He also looks ahead to the months and seasons to come, outlining why oversupply remains the dominant risk, what that means for milk price expectations, and how tools such as futures and higher-value processing will be critical for farmers navigating another year of volatility.

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.