Episode 115 - From banking billions to dairying dream

West Coast dairy farmer Charlotte Aitken has taken an unconventional path to farm ownership, moving from a career in international banking in London to running her own dairy farm near Karamea. Anne Lee speaks with Charlotte about her journey into dairy farming, the financial discipline that underpins her business and the management decisions that have helped her build a profitable farming operation. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Charlotte Aitken, West Coast Dairy Farmer   Charlotte discusses how she transitioned into the dairy industry later in life, working her way through farm roles before purchasing her own farm on the West Coast of the South Island. She explains how her background in finance influences the way she manages costs, production and investment decisions, and shares insights into breeding strategies, facial eczema management and maximising value from every calf born on the farm. Charlotte also talks about adopting virtual fencing technology, trialling new ideas and why she believes innovation and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking are key to long-term success. Read the article from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/from-banking-billions-to-dairying-dream/ Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.