In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with Mick and Kirsten O’Connor from Grass Gobblers to explore their journey from sharemilking to equity partnership and the simple, grass-focused system that has supported their business growth. Milking 1,000 cows near Burnham, the couple were hosts to the spring Pasture Summit field day. They share how a low-cost, pasture-based approach, combined with strong team culture and clear long-term goals, has enabled them to build a scalable and repeatable farming model. The conversation outlines the thinking behind their system, why simplicity drives consistency, and how focusing on pasture utilisation and animal performance underpins profitability.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:
Mick and Kirsten O’Connor, Grass Gobblers

 

Mick and Kirsten also reflect on the financial discipline required to grow equity, including navigating a major payout downturn after expanding herd ownership. They discuss how detailed budgeting, reinvestment and the ability to rear and lease back stock with Dairy Holdings through their career with the company has helped them progress into equity partnership. They highlight the importance of understanding business performance, analysing opportunities through clear return targets and aligning partnerships around shared values and expectations. The discussion also touches on building strong farm teams and supporting staff progression, alongside practical advice for farmers entering the sector, emphasising patience, communication and surrounding yourself with the right people.

For more from the Pasture Summit field day  https://www.pasturesummit.co.nz/2025-spring-events

 

Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts

In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with Mick and Kirsten O&rsquo;Connor from Grass Gobblers to explore their journey from sharemilking to equity partnership and the simple, grass-focused system that has supported their business growth. Milking 1,000 cows near Burnham, the couple were hosts to the spring Pasture Summit field day. They share how a low-cost, pasture-based approach, combined with strong team culture and clear long-term goals, has enabled them to build a scalable and repeatable farming model. The conversation outlines the thinking behind their system, why simplicity drives consistency, and how focusing on pasture utilisation and animal performance underpins profitability.
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Mick and Kirsten O&rsquo;Connor, Grass Gobblers</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Mick and Kirsten also reflect on the financial discipline required to grow equity, including navigating a major payout downturn after expanding herd ownership. They discuss how detailed budgeting, reinvestment and the ability to rear and lease back stock with Dairy Holdings through their career with the company has helped them progress into equity partnership. They highlight the importance of understanding business performance, analysing opportunities through clear return targets and aligning partnerships around shared values and expectations. The discussion also touches on building strong farm teams and supporting staff progression, alongside practical advice for farmers entering the sector, emphasising patience, communication and surrounding yourself with the right people.
For more from the Pasture Summit field day&nbsp; <a href="https://www.pasturesummit.co.nz/2025-spring-events">https://www.pasturesummit.co.nz/2025-spring-events</a>
&nbsp;
Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: <a href="https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts">https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts</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.