The Dairy Exporter Podcast
It’s been your mainstay in dairy farming since 1925 as your trusted source of adding value to your dairy business, now it’s time for the Dairy Exporters’s seasonal stories to exclusive weekly interviews to come straight to your ears with this brand-spanking new podcast. It’s here you can seek out the guidance, inspiration and smarts it takes to dairy farm into the future to be outstanding in your field on The Dairy Exporter Podcast hosted by Editor &Deputy Editor of Dairy Exporter, Sheryl Haitana & Anne Lee and her fellow journalists. Get in touch with our Editor of Dairy Exporter on email sheryl@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 Exporter Podcast by hitting the subscribe button now and join our Dairy Exporter 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. Visit the website to subscribe: www.dairyexporter.co.nz
Episodes
In this episode, hear from LeAnne Blakelock - a Taranaki dairy farmer turning a long-standing challenge into a high-value opportunity by launching a rose veal brand from her non-replacement calves.
Drawing on her background in accounting and food production, LeAnne explains how she and husband Ian use targeted genetics and growth programmes to produce high-welfare veal. She also shares insights on calf care, rural mental heal...
In this episode, Anne Lee chats with Dr John Roche, New Zealand Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser and Chief Departmental Science Adviser at MPI, to mark 100 years of dairy innovation.
From the early days of walk-through sheds to today’s AI-enabled systems, they explore how farmer-led ingenuity, scientific research and trusted rural media like Dairy Exporter have driven progress on pasture-based farms.
In this episode, Anne Lee and Sheryl Haitana reflect on the innovation, resilience and spirit that have shaped New Zealand’s dairy industry. From breakthroughs like the herringbone shed to the rise of virtual fencing, they explore how grassroots ingenuity and trusted rural media have driven on farm progress.
FMG’s Chief Marketing Officer, Pete Frizzell, marks 120 years of the mutual insurer, sharing how FMG has su...
In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Fonterra’s Jim van der Poel about the evolution of New Zealand’s dairy industry. Jim reflects on the formation of Fonterra, capital structure reform, and the creation of DairyNZ, while highlighting the enduring value of the co-operative model and the Dairy Exporter’s role in guiding farmers through change.
Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 here
Host...
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana talks with industry leaders about the evolution of dairy genetics in New Zealand. LIC Chief Executive, David Chin discusses Breeding Worth and the rise of the KiwiCross cow, while Mike Wilson, General Manager of NEDAP Oceania explains how wearable tech improves herd health and fertility. Fonterra Strategic Advisor, Malcolm Ellis shares an intergenerational view, highlighting the Dairy Exporter’...
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana and Anne Lee reflect on the centenary — and final issue — of The Dairy Exporter magazine. As editor and deputy editor, they share how the publication evolved from a technical journal into a platform that connected dairy farmers and told the stories behind the New Zealand dairy sector.
Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 here
Hosts:
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks with Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights at NZX, and Stu Davison, Analyst at HighGround Dairy. Cristina outlines the factors behind strong global dairy prices, including tight supply and steady demand from China and Southeast Asia, while Stu highlights forecasted milk production growth driven by the US, Argentina, and New Zealand.
They discuss uncertainties around Chinese demand, e...
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks to Louise Gibson and Hamish Pirie. Louise Gibson, Managing Director of The Sharefarming Consultants, provides some great tips and ideas on setting up on a new farm and how to document what’s onfarm at the outset. She also talks about the need for better legal protections, independent audits, and regular communication to build strong farm partnerships between farm owners, contract milkers...
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks to Anneline Padayachee and they explore the challenges farmers face and the evolving nutrition landscape, especially around red meat, dairy and sustainable diets. They discuss how protein is often overemphasised and the changing views on dietary fats, particularly from dairy products.
Anneline highlights the importance of understanding the food matrix and nutrient absorption, while Sheryl emph...
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks to Dan and Gina Duncan, former Share Farmers of the Year, sharing their journey from valuation to dairy farming. They discuss scaling their business and managing debt wisely. The couple highlight the value of consistent systems, cost control, and investing in herd quality. They offer advice to young farmers on embracing responsibility and taking a long-term approach to growth and financial sus...
This episode highlights insights from industry leaders driving sustainability in dairy farming. Malcolm Ellis, Fonterra’s Strategic Advisor, discusses improving animal productivity to reduce emissions, introducing the Co-operative Difference payment. Scott Townshend, CEO of Trev, explains how data and feed conversion efficiency help farmers boost profitability while reducing input costs. Simon Le Heron, CEO of Canterbury Gras...
This episode showcases some of the highlights from the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2025, held in Timaru in April. Jason Archer of Beef + Lamb NZ explains how beef genetics boost the value and sustainability of dairy-origin calves. Rebecca Furzeland shares insights from her large-scale calf rearing business focused on quality, health, and teamwork. Ryan Luckman draws on data from cow wearables on 100,000+ cows to share lea...
In this episode, DairyNZ scientist Dr Kirsty Verhoek explains how heat stress affects cow comfort and productivity, and how the Grazing Heat Load Index (GHLI) improves on traditional measures like the Temperature Humidity Index. Dr Paul Edwards discusses how GHLI, combined with digital technologies, helps farmers identify regional heat stress risks and take timely action. Dr Roshean Woods introduces a new bulk milk urea (BMU) tool ...
In this episode, Sam Mander, director of AgriIntel, walks listeners through the New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), giving a 101 on the scheme and outlining its opportunities for farmers. He discusses carbon credits, forestry models, and earning NZUs, including how to earn NZU’s from agroforestry and riparian planting. Sam highlights the financial and environmental benefits of understanding the ETS and how it ...
In this episode, David Jensen, a dairy farmer and kiwifruit grower, shares his experience transitioning to kiwifruit cultivation. He discusses challenges like labour shortages, investment costs, and the evolving kiwifruit market, as well as the impact of political policies on agriculture. David highlights the importance of understanding farming dynamics and key factors for successful diversification, including strategic investments...
In this episode, we explore a shift from traditional dairy to innovative crops in New Zealand agriculture. Lee Matheson, Managing Director of Perrin Ag, discusses the challenges and opportunities of land use change, focusing on crops like hemp and chestnuts. Gavin Tayles, COO of FarmRight, shares insights on their transition to high-value horticulture, particularly large-scale apple orchards. Red Martin, General Manager of Pipfruit...
In this episode we explore the transformative power of AI in the dairy industry. Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop discusses how AI is revolutionising his dairy farm, from optimising herd genetics to improving decision-making in farm management. He shares his journey from scepticism to embracing AI, and how his venture, Perfect Cow Breeding Solutions, helps other farmers do the same. PhD student Mamehgol Yousefidashliboroun from...
Farm succession is one of the toughest challenges for farming families, with many young farmers struggling through the process. Rural counselor Kathryn Wright discusses the emotional complexities of succession, strategies for managing family dynamics, and tips for approaching these crucial conversations. Sheryl Haitana also speaks with Sandy Van Den Heuvel, Director of BlackmanSpargo Rural Law, about the legal aspects of succession...
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana interviews Braden Coates and Hayley Ireland, dairy farmers from South Waikato, who share their inspirational journey overcoming Braden’s life-changing rugby injury and journey to farm ownership. They discuss their resilience, teamwork, and commitment to sustainable farming, as well as their success in the Te Ara Miraka Excellence Programme. Additionally, Ben Davidson, veterinarian and CEO of Da...
In this episode, we hear from experts at the Australasian Dairy Science Symposium, discussing the latest in dairy innovation, from benchmarking farm performance to using DNA technology for pest management. Plus, Glenn Jones shares insights from the Australian Dairy Conference and what’s coming up for farmers at this year’s SIDE event.
Guests include:
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