PODCAST · business
DAIRY Country
by CountryWide Network
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 - [email protected] if you have a great insight to share with ourthousands 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 thebusiness of dairy farming into the future.
Episodes
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Episode 133 - Inside the NZ Dairy Industry Awards
Entries for the new season of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards opened on October 5, and outgoing National Committee Chair Maegan Legg joins Anne Lee to talk about how the programme has helped launch farming careers, from expert judges’ feedback to the networks entrants build. Host: Anne Lee,...
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Episode 132 - What's DairyNZ up to?
A record dairy production season coupled with last year’s increase in the levy farmers pay to DairyNZ boosted the organisation’s income to more than $90m, Anne Lee speaks with DairyNZ CEO Campbell Parker about how the organisation is investing farmers’ money, rebuilding reserves and deciding…
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Episode 131 - Couple Goals
Profitability in dairy farming comes down to getting both sides of the equation right, and Hugh and Anna Edward have built a system around tight cost control, strong pasture management and making every kilogram of feed count. Anne Lee speaks with the Putaruru couple about their journey from...
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Episode 130 - The end of an era for Tatua
Tatua Cooperative chairman Steve Allen is stepping down after nearly 30 years on the board, including a long tenure as chairman. Anne Lee speaks with Steve about his journey from farming a small 160-cow herd to growing his farming business and becoming involved in the governance of one of New...
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Episode 129 - From burnout to balance
Farm ownership can feel like a long way off for young dairy farmers, but Abbi Ayre and Frikkie Terblance are steadily working their way towards the goal. Anne Lee speaks with the West Coast/Top of the South Dairy Industry Award winners about their journey from early careers and contract managing…
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Episode 128 - Southern Dairy Hub: More from less
The Southern Dairy Hub is exploring what the future of dairy farming could look like through a side-by-side comparison of high genetic merit cows run at a 0.5 cows per hectare lower stocking rate than a more traditional herd. Anne Lee speaks with Southern Dairy Hub Acting General Manager Greg...
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Episode 127 - The right pain relief
Pain relief is becoming an increasingly important part of dairy cattle welfare, with more options available to farmers than there were a decade ago. Anne Lee speaks with Northland veterinarian Rory Dean about how cattle experience and show pain, why they can be difficult to assess as prey animals...
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Episode 126 - Your brain and burnout
Burnout can creep up on farmers when the pressure to keep going and the constant stream of decisions never lets up. Anne Lee speaks with former police crisis negotiator and wellbeing specialist Lance Burdett about what happens when the brain becomes overloaded, why overthinking can be more…
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Episode 125 - Finding Security
Farm ownership can seem out of reach for young dairy farmers, but Biddy and Braden Barnes have shown it’s still possible with hard work, careful planning and the right opportunities. Anne Lee speaks with the Canterbury couple about their journey from contract milking and share milking to buying...
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Episode 124 - Updates needed to law and agreements
Share farming and contract milking agreements are a fundamental part of New Zealand’s dairy industry, but are the contracts and legislation governing them still fit for purpose? Anne Lee speaks with The Sharefarming Consultants’ Louise Gibson and AgFirst’s Lycinda Lett about the challenges facing...
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Episode 123 - Improving herds through DNA testing
DNA testing is transforming dairy breeding by giving farmers greater confidence in parentage and allowing more accurate genetic information to be fed into breeding models. Anne Lee speaks with CRV myDNA Programme Manager Connie McFarlane about how DNA testing and genomics are helping farmers...
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Episode 122 - Following the milk price signals
Global dairy markets have entered a period of correction after two years of exceptionally strong prices, with growing milk production putting downward pressure on key commodities. Anne Lee speaks with HighGround Dairy's Stu Davison about the global forces shaping New Zealand's farmgate milk…
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Episode 121 - The power of Spark That Chat
As a founder, Jack Jensen has built a large following through his multimedia company Msft Productions, producing content for some big-name companies while inspiring people to embrace adventure, community and the outdoors. Anne Lee talks with Jack about his charity Spark That Chat, formed in...
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Episode 120 - Building better calves from day one
Karen Fraser has spent years helping dairy farmers improve calf rearing through practical, science-based advice. Anne Lee speaks with the Farmlands Technical Specialist and Calf Experts co-founder about the foundations of successful calf rearing, from colostrum management and the five Qs of...
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Episode 119 - Setting calves up for life
Dr Ajmal Khan has spent more than a decade researching calf rearing, investigating how early-life nutrition and management influence the health, productivity and lifetime performance of dairy animals. Anne Lee speaks with the Bioeconomy Science Institute scientist about his latest research into...
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Episode 118 - Can grass replace winter crops?
Fraser Tasker has spent the past several years refining a grass-based wintering system on his Mid Canterbury dairy support block, replacing traditional fodder beet and kale wintering for his mixed-age cows. Anne Lee speaks with Fraser about what prompted the change, how the system operates and…
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Episode 117 - DairyNZ's extended lactation study
Extended lactation is emerging as a potential option for dairy farmers looking to reduce labour pressure, improve flexibility and significantly cut the number of non-replacement calves being born each year. Anne Lee speaks with DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Paul Edwards about the research behind…
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Episode 116 - Truly integrated farming
Willesden Farms is a diverse Canterbury farming business, spanning more than 6,500 hectares across Banks Peninsula, Kaitorete Spit and the Canterbury Plains. Anne Lee speaks with General Manager Matt Iremonger about the evolution of the farming operation, its recent dairy expansion and the role...
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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...
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Episode 114 - What happened at LUDF this season?
Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) has completed another challenging season, with wet spring and summer conditions affecting pasture utilisation, feed management and production across the farm. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Antoinette Archer and Peter Hancox about the season, the farm’s...
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Episode 113 - South Africa’s fight against Foot and Mouth Disease
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is one of the most serious biosecurity threats facing livestock industries worldwide, with South Africa’s recent outbreak highlighting the devastating impact it can have on commercial dairy farms. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Georgie Muller, Steve Moss and...
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Episode 112 - AI & carbon opportunities for farmers
Technology, AI and environmental markets are creating new opportunities for rural businesses and farmers, with platforms designed to simplify recruitment, trading and carbon projects becoming increasingly relevant across the sector. In this episode from the Wānaka A&P Show Agri Exchange, Anne Lee...
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Episode 111 - What rising cow prices mean
Cow prices and livestock values are front of mind across the dairy sector right now, with strong market demand, rising confidence and shifting tax implications all shaping decisions for farmers buying, selling or expanding herds. In this episode of the Dairy Country podcast, Anne Lee speaks with...
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Episode 110 - Inside modern dairy conversions
There’s been a lot of talk when it comes to the new wave of dairy conversions but what’s really going on in terms of design and fitout? In this episode Anne Lee speaks with Tambo consultant Luke Palmer about what setups farmers are favouring, what they should be aware of when planning and what...
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Episode 109 - Designing the dairy farm of the future
The Science for Farmers tent at the Wānaka A&P Show this year gave farmers a great chance to see and hear about a wide range of research as well as ways that’s being implemented on farms. Dairy Country Podcast host Anne Lee was there and talked to Danny Donaghy of Massey University, Pāmu’s Head…
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Episode 108 - Alerted by the collar, saved by the vet
A closer look at how wearable technology is reshaping animal health highlights just how quickly on-farm decision making is evolving, and why early intervention is becoming increasingly achievable. Veterinarian at Kaipara Farm Vets, Rory Dean, unpacks a real-time case study, explaining how collar...
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Episode 107 - The drench resistance wake-up call
The episode is dedicated to the late Dr Dave Leathwick, AgResearch parasitologist, scientist and champion for the battle against drench resistance. A closer look at drench resistance in dairy systems highlights how rapidly conventional parasite control methods are becoming less effective and why...
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Episode 106 - Real data shows real costs
A deep dive into the data on substitution rates based on real measurements reveals just how careful farmers need to be when it comes to budgeting on the returns from supplementary feeding. The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Dr John Roche shared his analysis at a Taranaki Pasture Summit...
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Episode 105 - Tools for growth
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...
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Episode 104 - Genez: Smarter beef genetics for dairy
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...
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Episode 103 - Little habits build big equity
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...
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Episode 102 - Brix might not be best
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...
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Episode 101 - A market turn no one predicted
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...
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Episode 100 - Sharefarming Success: Planning, Risk & Growth
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...
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Episode 99 - New Crypto Vaccine Hits NZ
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...
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Episode 98 - Pasture, People, Power Growth
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…
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Episode 97 - Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2025
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...
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Episode 96 - LUDF: Maximising Pasture, Plan, Grow
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…
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Episode 95 - Low-N Systems in Practice
A major research effort aimed at cutting nitrogen (N) losses without losing sight of farm viability is putting practical system change under the microscope. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Dr Racheal Bryant, Associate Professor at Lincoln University, about the Low-N Farmlet Trial that’s…
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Episode 94 - Dairy, GDT and Geopolitics
A volatile start to 2026 has put global dairy markets back in the spotlight, with a sharp lift in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction offering some early-year optimism for farmers. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy to unpack what’s behind the 6.3% rebound in...
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Special Episode - SenseHub Dairy: Innovating the Way We Manage Cows
This special episode of Dairy Country, powered by MSD Animal Health, dives into how SenseHub Dairy is reshaping modern herd management through real-time insights and connected on-farm technology. Taranaki farmer Ed Whiting shares how adopting SenseHub Dairy has transformed the way he and his…
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Episode 92 - Precision Dairy Farming Conference: AI Transforming Farms
The future of dairy is data-driven, with New Zealand farmers exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools can transform efficiency, animal welfare and sustainability. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Cameron Henderson, DairyNZ deputy chair and North Canterbury dairy farmer,...
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Episode 91 - Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm
The race to a net zero dairy farm is on, with Taranaki’s Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm trialling ways to lower emissions while maintaining profitability. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Dr Talia Grala from Fonterra’s On-Farm Excellence team about the progress at the Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm in...
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Episode 90 - Behind the Numbers: South Island Dairy Sales
The South Island dairy land market is heating up, with a record $87,000/ha paid at auction for a Canterbury dairy farm in November. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Paul Mills, director and valuer with Property Advisory, about the momentum in South Island dairy land sales and the shifts...
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Episode 89 - Farming for People, Profit, and the Planet
North Canterbury dairy farmer Stuart Neill, winner of the 2025 Canterbury Supreme Award at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, reflects on the long-term changes that have shaped his business. Farming 200 hectares near Culverden, he has built a resilient, pasture-focused system anchored in...
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Episode 88 - From Farm to National Stage
Taranaki dairy farmer Martin Keegan, winner of the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Farm Manager of the Year, shares how entering the competition became a turning point in his career. Farming alongside his fiancée’s family and managing 246 cows on 94 hectares, he has built a system focused…
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Episode 87 - Watching the GDT
Global supply shifts and changing demand are shaping the outlook for New Zealand dairy prices, according to NZX Dairy Insights Head, Cristina Alvarado, fresh from the SGX-NZX Global Dairy Seminar in Singapore and International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit in Santiago, Chile. Anne Lee…
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Episode 86 - Navigating Global Dairy
Global market insights and on-the-ground observations are shaping the perspective of dairy analyst Stu Davison. He recently returned from China and shares what he saw in the evolving bakery and dairy sectors, and what it could mean for New Zealand farmers and milk prices. In this episode, Anne…
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Episode 85 - Gains grow in the detail
Simple, repeatable systems are proving to be a winning formula for North Otago couple Peter and Emma Smit. They spoke at a Pasture Summit field day earlier this year and shared just what those systems entail and how they achieve top-performing financial returns. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks...
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Episode 84 - Lincoln University Dairy Farm insights
Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) is refocussing its strategy and making changes to several of its farm practices this season including the 10-in-seven milking regime, establishing and using plantain and its replacement rate policy. In this episode, Anne Lee catches up with Antoinette Archer...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 - [email protected] if you have a great insight to share with ourthousands 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 thebusiness of dairy farming into the future.
HOSTED BY
CountryWide Network
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does DAIRY Country have?
DAIRY Country currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is DAIRY Country about?
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...
How often does DAIRY Country release new episodes?
DAIRY Country has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to DAIRY Country?
You can listen to DAIRY Country on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts DAIRY Country?
DAIRY Country is created and hosted by CountryWide Network.
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