Lynaire Ryan from Agribusiness Education and Paul Bird from DairyNZ are focused on helping farmers build long-term wealth by improving financial understanding and making better use of the tools available within the dairy industry. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the pair about the pathways available to farmers, how different operating structures support progression, and why the sector continues to offer strong opportunities for those starting out or looking to grow.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:
Lynaire Ryan, Agribusiness Education
Paul Bird, Senior business specialist, DairyNZ

Lynaire and Paul explain how principles such as profitability, return on assets and the power of compounding underpin successful wealth creation, and why being in the top half of performance is critical. They discuss practical steps including building a savings base, investing in high-performing assets, and using leverage carefully, while also outlining the importance of measuring progress through indicators like equity growth. Alongside the financial concepts, they highlight the role of skills, discipline and reputation in unlocking opportunities, and how consistent decision-making over time can lead to significant gains both on-farm and beyond.

 

Read the article featuring Lynaire and Paul here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/tools-for-growth/

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

Lynaire Ryan from Agribusiness Education and Paul Bird from DairyNZ are focused on helping farmers build long-term wealth by improving financial understanding and making better use of the tools available within the dairy industry. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the pair about the pathways available to farmers, how different operating structures support progression, and why the sector continues to offer strong opportunities for those starting out or looking to grow.
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Lynaire Ryan, Agribusiness Education</li>
<li aria-level="1">Paul Bird, Senior business specialist, DairyNZ</li>
</ul>
Lynaire and Paul explain how principles such as profitability, return on assets and the power of compounding underpin successful wealth creation, and why being in the top half of performance is critical. They discuss practical steps including building a savings base, investing in high-performing assets, and using leverage carefully, while also outlining the importance of measuring progress through indicators like equity growth. Alongside the financial concepts, they highlight the role of skills, discipline and reputation in unlocking opportunities, and how consistent decision-making over time can lead to significant gains both on-farm and beyond.
&nbsp;
Read the article featuring Lynaire and Paul here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/tools-for-growth/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/tools-for-growth/</a>
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

Episode 105 - Tools for growth

Ben Watson and Charlotte Gray from Genez are focused on improving outcomes for dairy and beef farmers by turning dairy-origin non-replacement calves into a more valuable part of the system through better beef genetics. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the pair about how the business has developed, where their genetics come from, and how they are working with both beef breeders and dairy farmers to lift performance across the supply chain.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:
Ben Watson, General Manager, Genez
Charlotte Gray, Genetics Business Manager, Genez

 

Ben Watson and Charlotte Gray explain why a more strategic approach to mating, maintaining calving ease and short gestation traits but with a much greater focus on growth performance, improves both on farm efficiency and downstream returns. They discuss the development of breeding programmes like Kakahu Stud’s composite Changus (Charolais x Angus), the role of data such as days to weaning and carcase weight, and how their latest catalogue is designed to help farmers make more informed decisions. They also outline practical considerations, including building a mating plan, improving traceability and accessing emerging premium programmes, while highlighting how advances in genetics, technology and market demand are creating new opportunities for dairy beef.

Find out more about Genez’s latest catalogue here: https://www.genez.co.nz/bull-catalogue-page

 

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

Ben Watson and Charlotte Gray from Genez are focused on improving outcomes for dairy and beef farmers by turning dairy-origin non-replacement calves into a more valuable part of the system through better beef genetics. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the pair about how the business has developed, where their genetics come from, and how they are working with both beef breeders and dairy farmers to lift performance across the supply chain.
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ben Watson, General Manager, Genez</li>
<li aria-level="1">Charlotte Gray, Genetics Business Manager, Genez</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Ben Watson and Charlotte Gray explain why a more strategic approach to mating, maintaining calving ease and short gestation traits but with a much greater focus on growth performance, improves both on farm efficiency and downstream returns. They discuss the development of breeding programmes like Kakahu Stud&rsquo;s composite Changus (Charolais x Angus), the role of data such as days to weaning and carcase weight, and how their latest catalogue is designed to help farmers make more informed decisions. They also outline practical considerations, including building a mating plan, improving traceability and accessing emerging premium programmes, while highlighting how advances in genetics, technology and market demand are creating new opportunities for dairy beef.
Find out more about Genez&rsquo;s latest catalogue here: <a href="https://www.genez.co.nz/bull-catalogue-page">https://www.genez.co.nz/bull-catalogue-page</a>
&nbsp;
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

Episode 104 - Genez: Smarter beef genetics for dairy

Eldon and Roseanne Megaw have built a career in dairy through contract milking while steadily growing equity in property and farm partnerships. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the couple about their journey from early farm experiences and managing roles through to investing in residential property and stepping into an equity partnership at Aranui, a fully irrigated Canterbury farm.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:
Eldon and Roseanne Megaw, South Canterbury Farm Owners

 

Eldon and Roseanne Megaw explain how they balanced contract milking responsibilities with property management to diversify income and build financial resilience. Eldon and Roseanne discuss the strategies that have guided their success, including building strong relationships with farm owners and peers, maintaining efficiency and financial discipline, and creating systems and standards for their farm teams. They also share how patience, resilience and flexibility have allowed them to seize opportunities both inside and outside the farm gate, from investing in houses and subdivisions to exploring other income streams, all while staying focused on long-term goals and equity growth.

Read the article featuring Eldon and Roseanne Megaw from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/little-habits-build-big-equity/

 

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

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

Eldon and Roseanne Megaw have built a career in dairy through contract milking while steadily growing equity in property and farm partnerships. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the couple about their journey from early farm experiences and managing roles through to investing in residential property and stepping into an equity partnership at Aranui, a fully irrigated Canterbury farm.
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Eldon and Roseanne Megaw, South Canterbury Farm Owners</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Eldon and Roseanne Megaw explain how they balanced contract milking responsibilities with property management to diversify income and build financial resilience. Eldon and Roseanne discuss the strategies that have guided their success, including building strong relationships with farm owners and peers, maintaining efficiency and financial discipline, and creating systems and standards for their farm teams. They also share how patience, resilience and flexibility have allowed them to seize opportunities both inside and outside the farm gate, from investing in houses and subdivisions to exploring other income streams, all while staying focused on long-term goals and equity growth.
Read the article featuring Eldon and Roseanne Megaw from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/little-habits-build-big-equity/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/little-habits-build-big-equity/</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>
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

Episode 103 - Little habits build big equity

A Brix test may mean high sugar for the horticulture sector but when it comes to measuring pasture quality, farmers are being told to look to traditional feed quality analysis by scientists who have been looking into the measure. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Dr Beverley Thomson of On-Farm Research at Poukawa, Hawke’s Bay about her study comparing Brix as a measure of pasture quality with traditional laboratory based analysis including metabolisable energy (ME), drymatter (DM), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF).

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:
Dr Beverley Thomson, On-Farm Research

 

Brix has become increasingly popular with some farmers as a tool to give a simple and immediate measure of pasture quality with some citing it as a way to measure nutrient density for pasture. However, Beverely explains her study found high Brix levels in low quality pastures with higher DM and the measure was an unreliable indicator. She talks through the study and how it was set up using plots comparing conventional ryegrass/clover species with plantain/clover and with multi-species, diverse pastures. She details when the measurements were taken through the season and the results of the study. 

Read the article featuring Dr Beverly Thomson from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/brix-might-not-be-best/

 

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

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

A Brix test may mean high sugar for the horticulture sector but when it comes to measuring pasture quality, farmers are being told to look to traditional feed quality analysis by scientists who have been looking into the measure. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Dr Beverley Thomson of On-Farm Research at Poukawa, Hawke&rsquo;s Bay about her study comparing Brix as a measure of pasture quality with traditional laboratory based analysis including metabolisable energy (ME), drymatter (DM), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF).
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Dr Beverley Thomson, On-Farm Research</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Brix has become increasingly popular with some farmers as a tool to give a simple and immediate measure of pasture quality with some citing it as a way to measure nutrient density for pasture. However, Beverely explains her study found high Brix levels in low quality pastures with higher DM and the measure was an unreliable indicator. She talks through the study and how it was set up using plots comparing conventional ryegrass/clover species with plantain/clover and with multi-species, diverse pastures. She details when the measurements were taken through the season and the results of the study.&nbsp;
Read the article featuring Dr Beverly Thomson from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/brix-might-not-be-best/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/brix-might-not-be-best/</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>
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

Episode 102 - Brix might not be best

In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with Stu Davison of HighGround Dairy to unpack the sharp turnaround in global dairy markets and what is driving the recent surge in prices on the Global Dairy Trade platform. Drawing on his day-to-day market analysis, Stu explains why strong global milk production has not translated into weaker prices and how sentiment, geopolitics and supply chain disruption have shifted the tone of 2026.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:
Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy

 

Bringing both global perspective and practical insight to the discussion, Stu breaks down the unusual strength in skim milk powder, the narrowing gap with whole milk powder and the role of protein demand in tightening supply. He outlines how Chinese buying patterns, trade tensions with Europe, Middle Eastern uncertainty and energy market volatility are layering complexity onto already interconnected markets. It is a clear-eyed conversation about volatility, risk management and why, in a year like this, budgeting for uncertainty may matter more than trying to outguess the market.

 

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

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with Stu Davison of HighGround Dairy to unpack the sharp turnaround in global dairy markets and what is driving the recent surge in prices on the Global Dairy Trade platform. Drawing on his day-to-day market analysis, Stu explains why strong global milk production has not translated into weaker prices and how sentiment, geopolitics and supply chain disruption have shifted the tone of 2026.
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;
Bringing both global perspective and practical insight to the discussion, Stu breaks down the unusual strength in skim milk powder, the narrowing gap with whole milk powder and the role of protein demand in tightening supply. He outlines how Chinese buying patterns, trade tensions with Europe, Middle Eastern uncertainty and energy market volatility are layering complexity onto already interconnected markets. It is a clear-eyed conversation about volatility, risk management and why, in a year like this, budgeting for uncertainty may matter more than trying to outguess the market.
&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>
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

Episode 101 - A market turn no one predicted

In this episode, Anne Lee chats with Jordain Beattie and Louise Gibson who break down what successful sharefarming really looks like and what it takes to build equity through contract milking and sharefarming pathways. Together, they unpack the realities behind the numbers, the importance of setting clear goals and how strong planning can help farmers step confidently into business ownership while managing risk and maintaining long-term sustainability.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:
Jordain Beattie, Client Director, NZAB
Louise Gibson, Co-Founder, The Sharefarming Consultants

 

Jordain brings a financial and strategic lens to the conversation, sharing why understanding your numbers is about far more than budgeting. She says setting clear equity goals, tracking business performance and planning for tax and reinvestment can help farmers stay on track and make confident, informed decisions as opportunities arise.

Louise shares practical, on-the-ground insights into the operational and contractual side of sharefarming, including managing labour, understanding agreement details and recognising potential risks around herd ownership and contract structures. She highlights the value of asking questions, seeking professional advice and surrounding yourself with the right support network to help build a resilient and rewarding farming career.

 

Read the article featuring Louise Gibson and Jordain Beattie from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/what-does-sharefarming-success-look-like/

 

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

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

In this episode, Anne Lee chats with Jordain Beattie and Louise Gibson who break down what successful sharefarming really looks like and what it takes to build equity through contract milking and sharefarming pathways. Together, they unpack the realities behind the numbers, the importance of setting clear goals and how strong planning can help farmers step confidently into business ownership while managing risk and maintaining long-term sustainability.
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jordain Beattie, Client Director, NZAB</li>
<li aria-level="1">Louise Gibson, Co-Founder, The Sharefarming Consultants</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Jordain brings a financial and strategic lens to the conversation, sharing why understanding your numbers is about far more than budgeting. She says setting clear equity goals, tracking business performance and planning for tax and reinvestment can help farmers stay on track and make confident, informed decisions as opportunities arise.
Louise shares practical, on-the-ground insights into the operational and contractual side of sharefarming, including managing labour, understanding agreement details and recognising potential risks around herd ownership and contract structures. She highlights the value of asking questions, seeking professional advice and surrounding yourself with the right support network to help build a resilient and rewarding farming career.
&nbsp;
Read the article featuring Louise Gibson and Jordain Beattie from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/what-does-sharefarming-success-look-like/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/what-does-sharefarming-success-look-like/</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>
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

Episode 100 - Sharefarming Success: Planning, Risk & Growth

In this special episode, Sarah sits down with Andrew MacPherson and Cara Sheridan to unpack the arrival of Bovillus Cryptium, a new vaccine for calves targeting cryptosporidiosis, and what it means for farmers managing calf health in New Zealand. The discussion sets the scene for why this vaccine is a game changer, how it can improve calf welfare and long-term performance, and why proactive planning with your vet is key to getting the most from it. With spring 2026 calving approaching, now is the time to understand how to integrate this new tool into your farm systems.

Host:
Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

Guests:
Andrew MacPherson, Technical Advisor, MSD Animal Health
Cara Sheridan, Ruminant Technical Vet Manager, MSD Animal Health

 

Andrew MacPherson from MSD Animal Health New Zealand explains how the vaccine works by stimulating maternal antibodies for passive transfer to calves, reducing the risk of disease and improving growth outcomes. He outlines practical advice for farmers on administration timing, integrating the vaccine with existing protocols like Rotavac Corona, and the importance of planning early with their vets to maximise its benefits.

 

Cara Sheridan, MSD’s Ruminant Technical Vet Manager in Ireland, shares insights from the vaccine’s use in Ireland since mid-2024. She highlights the positive impact on calf health, reduced labour, and improved farm management, alongside the importance of quality colostrum and effective calf-rearing practices. Cara’s experience demonstrates how this preventive tool can reduce reliance on antibiotics while supporting animal welfare and performance, offering practical lessons for New Zealand farmers.

In this special episode, Sarah sits down with Andrew MacPherson and Cara Sheridan to unpack the arrival of Bovillus Cryptium, a new vaccine for calves targeting cryptosporidiosis, and what it means for farmers managing calf health in New Zealand. The discussion sets the scene for why this vaccine is a game changer, how it can improve calf welfare and long-term performance, and why proactive planning with your vet is key to getting the most from it. With spring 2026 calving approaching, now is the time to understand how to integrate this new tool into your farm systems.
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide</li>
</ul>
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Andrew MacPherson, Technical Advisor, MSD Animal Health</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cara Sheridan, Ruminant Technical Vet Manager, MSD Animal Health</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Andrew MacPherson from MSD Animal Health New Zealand explains how the vaccine works by stimulating maternal antibodies for passive transfer to calves, reducing the risk of disease and improving growth outcomes. He outlines practical advice for farmers on administration timing, integrating the vaccine with existing protocols like Rotavac Corona, and the importance of planning early with their vets to maximise its benefits.
&nbsp;
Cara Sheridan, MSD&rsquo;s Ruminant Technical Vet Manager in Ireland, shares insights from the vaccine&rsquo;s use in Ireland since mid-2024. She highlights the positive impact on calf health, reduced labour, and improved farm management, alongside the importance of quality colostrum and effective calf-rearing practices. Cara&rsquo;s experience demonstrates how this preventive tool can reduce reliance on antibiotics while supporting animal welfare and performance, offering practical lessons for New Zealand farmers.

Episode 99 - New Crypto Vaccine Hits NZ

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>

Episode 98 - Pasture, People, Power Growth

The Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award is designed to recognise leadership, contribution and future-focused thinking within the dairy sector, while also encouraging others to step forward and get involved.

In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with award recipient Jo Sheridan to unpack her experience as the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, going through the Dairy Women’s Network process and what the recognition has meant both personally and professionally. The discussion sets the scene for why awards like this matter, how they can help bring clarity on your direction and why you don’t need to sit back and wait to be nominated. Self-nomination and backing yourself is a great way to open doors to new opportunities across the sector. Applications and nominations for 2026 close on February 28.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:
Jo Sheridan, Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2025

 

Jo also discusses her work as Demonstration Manager at Owl Farm, which is run as a joint-venture between St Peter’s Cambridge school and Lincoln University. She outlines why future-focused farm systems, youth engagement and clear progression pathways are critical to the long-term success of dairy. She shares insights from a recent Fonterra study tour to the United States, including what global customers value, how technology and genetics are accelerating change, and what New Zealand farmers can learn from international systems. The conversation also covers how Owl Farm is tracking this season, what the data is showing around production and reproduction, and why continuous monitoring, adaptability and people development are central to building resilient farm businesses.

 

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

The Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award is designed to recognise leadership, contribution and future-focused thinking within the dairy sector, while also encouraging others to step forward and get involved.
In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with award recipient Jo Sheridan to unpack her experience as the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, going through the Dairy Women&rsquo;s Network process and what the recognition has meant both personally and professionally. The discussion sets the scene for why awards like this matter, how they can help bring clarity on your direction and why you don&rsquo;t need to sit back and wait to be nominated. Self-nomination and backing yourself is a great way to open doors to new opportunities across the sector. Applications and nominations for 2026 close on February 28.
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jo Sheridan, Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2025</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Jo also discusses her work as Demonstration Manager at Owl Farm, which is run as a joint-venture between St Peter&rsquo;s Cambridge school and Lincoln University. She outlines why future-focused farm systems, youth engagement and clear progression pathways are critical to the long-term success of dairy. She shares insights from a recent Fonterra study tour to the United States, including what global customers value, how technology and genetics are accelerating change, and what New Zealand farmers can learn from international systems. The conversation also covers how Owl Farm is tracking this season, what the data is showing around production and reproduction, and why continuous monitoring, adaptability and people development are central to building resilient farm businesses.
&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>

Episode 97 - Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2025

Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) has been taking another look at establishing plantain and how to combat weed pests.

In this episode, Anne Lee finds out more about the approach from Farm Source Technical Ag Specialist Russell Hamilton and catches up with LUDF Partnership and Demonstration Lead Antoinette Archer about how the farm is performing in a tricky, cooler summer season. The conversation explores why treating pasture as a crop is critical to maximising both quality and total production, how setting clear objectives upfront shapes renewal and management decisions, and how onfarm monitoring and data are being used to guide timely responses as seasonal conditions shift.

 

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:
Russell Hamilton, Technical Ag Specialist, Farm Source
Antoinette Archer, Partnership and Demonstration Lead, LUDF

 

Russell outlines the importance of viewing each paddock as its own crop, assessing performance, identifying constraints and setting a clear plan to lift long-term productivity. LUDF wanted to improve plantain establishment and longevity by addressing weed pressure, soil fertility and pasture renewal sequencing, he explains. Russell steps through the use of an Italian ryegrass cropping phase to reset paddocks and allow the use of the right herbicides in a timely way to reduce weed seed banks and create the right conditions for ryegrass, clover and plantain-based pastures. He highlights how getting establishment right upfront can significantly increase lifetime pasture yield and farm profitability.

 

Antoinette provides a seasonal update from LUDF, describing what has been a tricky year to manage with cooler, wetter conditions limiting pasture growth rates and reducing energy levels in pasture. She explains how close monitoring of pasture, cow condition and milk production has enabled the team to assess conditions early and act, including the decision to move to a three-in-two milking schedule and begin putting autumn management plans in place. Antoinette also outlines how these learnings will be shared with farmers at the LUDF Focus Day on March 4, where the team will unpack the season’s challenges, decisions and practical takeaways in more detail.

 

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

Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) has been taking another look at establishing plantain and how to combat weed pests.
In this episode, Anne Lee finds out more about the approach from Farm Source Technical Ag Specialist Russell Hamilton and catches up with LUDF Partnership and Demonstration Lead Antoinette Archer about how the farm is performing in a tricky, cooler summer season. The conversation explores why treating pasture as a crop is critical to maximising both quality and total production, how setting clear objectives upfront shapes renewal and management decisions, and how onfarm monitoring and data are being used to guide timely responses as seasonal conditions shift.
&nbsp;
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Russell Hamilton, Technical Ag Specialist, Farm Source</li>
<li aria-level="1">Antoinette Archer, Partnership and Demonstration Lead, LUDF</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Russell outlines the importance of viewing each paddock as its own crop, assessing performance, identifying constraints and setting a clear plan to lift long-term productivity. LUDF wanted to improve plantain establishment and longevity by addressing weed pressure, soil fertility and pasture renewal sequencing, he explains. Russell steps through the use of an Italian ryegrass cropping phase to reset paddocks and allow the use of the right herbicides in a timely way to reduce weed seed banks and create the right conditions for ryegrass, clover and plantain-based pastures. He highlights how getting establishment right upfront can significantly increase lifetime pasture yield and farm profitability.
&nbsp;
Antoinette provides a seasonal update from LUDF, describing what has been a tricky year to manage with cooler, wetter conditions limiting pasture growth rates and reducing energy levels in pasture. She explains how close monitoring of pasture, cow condition and milk production has enabled the team to assess conditions early and act, including the decision to move to a three-in-two milking schedule and begin putting autumn management plans in place. Antoinette also outlines how these learnings will be shared with farmers at the LUDF Focus Day on March 4, where the team will unpack the season&rsquo;s challenges, decisions and practical takeaways in more detail.
&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>

Episode 96 - LUDF: Maximising Pasture, Plan, Grow

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
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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.

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