This special episode of CountryWide explores the first independent evaluation of Halter’s virtual fencing and herding technology, now used on more than 600,000 dairy and beef cows across New Zealand, the United States and Australia. An AgFirst and Transform Agri study of ten high-performing dairy farms shows clear gains in pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, animal performance and environmental outcomes. 

Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with James Allen from AgFirst, Julian Gaffney from Transform Agri and Halter’s Head of Corporate Farming, Steve Crowhurst, to unpack the findings, including an average 13 percent lift in farm profit before tax and how top operators are using the system.

Guests:

• James Allen, AgFirst
• Julian Gaffney, Transform Agri
• Steve Crowhurst, Head of Corporate Farming, Halter

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

James Allen is focused on helping dairy farmers unlock productivity and profitability through data-driven farm management. Drawing on his work with AgFirst and experience evaluating technologies like Halter, he examines how decisions around pasture, labour, and herd management influence performance on high-performing farms. 

Through research, farm benchmarking, and collaboration with farmers and advisors, James uncovers the practical strategies that lead to measurable gains in pasture utilisation, milk production, and environmental outcomes. He highlights the value of critical analysis, evidence-based decision making, and continuous learning, showing how farmers can combine technology and strong management to achieve sustainable, high-performing systems.

Julian Gaffney helps dairy farmers turn data into practical strategies that boost both productivity and sustainability. With experience at Transform Agri and working alongside high-performing farms, he examines how tools like Halter can optimise pasture use, labour efficiency, animal health, and environmental outcomes. Collaborating closely with farmers and research teams, Julian highlights the management changes and daily practices that lead to real, measurable improvements onfarm. He champions evidence-based decisions, effective staff engagement, and ongoing refinement, showing how combining technology with thoughtful management can deliver stronger performance, greater farm efficiency, and long-term resilience in New Zealand’s dairy sector.

Steve Crowhurst helps dairy farmers leverage technology to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability on farm. As Halter’s Head of Corporate Farming, he draws on experience with farms across New Zealand and overseas to show how virtual fencing and herding can optimise pasture use, labour, and animal performance. Working closely with farmers and research teams, Steve highlights the practical ways technology supports smarter, data-driven decisions that deliver measurable results. He champions innovation, adaptability, and strong farm management, demonstrating how combining advanced tools with thoughtful practices can unlock performance gains and build long-term resilience in New Zealand’s dairy sector.

Find out more about Halter here.

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