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 on stock health, efficiency, and people.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Martin about awards night, his three national merit awards for leadership, financial planning, and livestock management, and the lessons that followed. They also discuss communication, workplace culture, and his message to other farmers considering entering: “You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Martin Keegan, Taranaki dairy farm manager

 

Martin Keegan reflects on his journey to becoming the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Farm Manager of the Year and relives the excitement of the awards process. Farming alongside his fiancée’s family in Taranaki and managing 246 cows on 94 hectares, he shares how focusing on people, communication, and stock performance has shaped his approach to leadership.

He talks about the experience of awards night, winning three national merit awards for leadership, financial planning, and livestock management, and the pride of being part of New Zealand’s dairy sector. Martin also discusses the value of connection and mentorship within the industry, his role encouraging new entrants through the regional committee, and his advice to others considering entering the awards: to do it for the learning, the challenge, and the opportunity to grow.

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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 speaks with Cristina, she shares what global trends could mean for milk prices in the months ahead.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Cristina about the latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) results, softening dairy fats prices, seasonal supply impacts, and growing international interest in New Zealand dairy trade. They also discuss sustainability trends and the global supply chain factors influencing international milk prices.

 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights, NZX

 

Cristina Alvarado shares insights from her recent trips to Singapore and South America, and her observations on global dairy markets as supply continues to grow in key regions. She explains how attending the SGX- NZX Global Dairy Seminar and the International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit highlighted shifting buyer behaviour, sustainability initiatives, and the growing demand for protein-rich and high-quality dairy products. Cristina also outlines trends in global milk pricing, supply and demand dynamics, and how these factors may influence New Zealand’s milk price outlook.

 

She discusses the importance of New Zealand’s reputation for stable, high-quality dairy exports, the role of international trade relationships, and the strategic focus on ingredient markets and product innovation. Looking ahead, she emphasises monitoring global market signals, understanding evolving consumer and buyer trends, and positioning New Zealand dairy for long-term resilience and value.

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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 Lee speaks with Stu about the scale and sophistication of Chinese dairy processing, shifting consumer habits, and how premium ingredients like UHT cream and butter are driving demand. They also discuss global supply growth, New Zealand’s milk price outlook, the shifting focus on ingredient markets over consumer brands, and the role of global trade and currency movements in shaping opportunities for the dairy industry.

 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Stu Davison, Senior Manager, Global Market Insights for HighGround Dairy

 

Stu Davison shares insights from his recent trip to China and his global market observations as milk supply around the world is on the rise.. He explains how visiting large-scale, technologically advanced Chinese dairy and bakery operations has highlighted shifts in consumer habits and premium ingredient demand. Stu also outlines trends in global milk pricing trends, and currency movements and their potential influence on New Zealand’s milk price outlook.

He discusses the strategic focus on ingredient markets over consumer brands and the importance of consistent, high-quality processing to maintain New Zealand’s reputation internationally. Looking ahead, he says the focus is on understanding market signals, adapting to global trends, and positioning New Zealand dairy for long-term value and resilience.

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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 with Peter about the low cost, pasture focused system that keeps their costs down and profitability high. The Smits have refined their approach to pasture management, focusing on residuals, grass quality, and a low stocking rate to maintain resilience through varying payouts. They also discuss their strategic mating plan, long term team stability, and how small, well executed changes continue to lift efficiency across the farm.

 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Peter Smit, Papakaio

 

Peter Smit shares how a decade of development on his Papakaio farm in North Otago has shaped a simple, efficient system built for resilience and low costs. He explains how irrigation upgrades, layout changes, and pasture management, focused on quality, have contributed to strong financial performance and keeping farm working expenses low. Peter also outlines their low stocking rate approach.

He discusses the farm’s two-herd mating strategy, achieving a six-week in-calf rate of 78%, and the value of a stable, experienced team in maintaining consistency. Looking ahead, he says the focus is on continuing incremental improvements, adapting with seasonal conditions, and keeping the system practical, sustainable, and efficient across all aspects of the farm.

 

Read the article featuring the Smits here.

 

For a copy of the field day handout https://www.pasturesummit.co.nz/2025-autumn-events and check out details for the upcoming spring events for the North and South Islands.

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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 from the South Island Dairying Development Centre (SIDDC) and LUDF manager Peter Hancox to review the changes and why they’ve been made. The farm will move to using flexible milking as a tactical tool in the shoulders of the season with the aim to boost milk production through a return to twice-a-day milking during the majority of the season. The farm has also moved away from using plantain as a pure sward and will aim for 10-20% in pastures to get some benefit from nitrate leaching reductions while improving ease of management. Overall the farm is aiming to make a 1% productivity gain year on year, be amongst the top 10% in terms of profitability and emissions efficiency and top 5% for lowest nitrogen leaching losses. 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:

1. Antoinette Archer, SIDDC
2. Peter Hancox, LUDF Farm Manager

 

Peter Hancox talks about navigating a challenging spring at Lincoln University Dairy Farm, explaining how wet conditions, increased supplement use, and adjustments to milking, plantain, and replacement policies are designed to maintain cow health and productivity. He outlines how these strategies are being implemented to meet both production and research objectives.

He reflects on lessons learned from adapting to variable conditions and making informed decisions underpinned by careful monitoring and planning. Looking ahead, Peter says LUDF is focused on optimising herd performance, enhancing pasture and forage management, and delivering the farm’s efficiency goal outcomes.

Antionette explains the way LUDF is integrating research and practical farm management, and discusses the findings of GAP analysis by DairyNZ on the farm’s strategies. She outlines the thinking behind the refined strategies and the aims of the new approaches. She reflects on the value of evidence-based approaches, balancing research goals with day-to-day farm operations, and ensuring findings are practical and applicable for farmers. Looking ahead, Antionette says LUDF is focused on delivering actionable insights, improving animal and pasture performance, and strengthening the farm’s efficiency outcomes.

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Peter McBride sees Fonterra’s proposed sale of its consumer business as a pivotal step in refocusing the co-operative’s strategy and strengthening long-term farmer returns.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with the Fonterra Chairman about the rationale behind the sale to Lactalis, what’s included in the deal, and how it aligns with the co-op’s vision to concentrate on ingredients and foodservice. He explains how the move will help sharpen Fonterra’s focus, unlock value for farmer shareholders, and position the business to compete more effectively in global markets.

 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Peter McBride, Chairman, Fonterra

 

Peter McBride talks about Fonterra’s strategic shift, explaining why the sale of its consumer business to Lactalis is designed to strengthen the co-op’s focus on ingredients and foodservice. He outlines how the move supports farmer returns, simplifies the business, and positions Fonterra for greater global competitiveness, while retaining strong connections to key markets and brands.

He reflects on the journey of rebuilding trust and confidence among farmers, balancing financial performance with long-term sustainability, and making complex strategic decisions underpinned by careful analysis and governance. Looking ahead, Peter says Fonterra is focused on deepening customer relationships, driving innovation in high-value products, and ensuring New Zealand dairy remains resilient and competitive on the world stage.

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Bruce Thorrold sees a wave of scientific opportunity on the horizon, with breakthroughs in methane reduction and genetic innovation set to reshape the future of New Zealand dairying.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Dr Bruce Thorrold, DairyNZ’s former Chief Science Adviser, as he reflects on his career and his move into semi-retirement. Bruce shares insights from his recent presentation at the NZ Institute of Rural Professionals conference, describing a “wave of opportunity” ahead for New Zealand dairy through innovations such as methane vaccines, inhibitors, boluses and high-lipid ryegrass. 

He highlights that for new technologies to succeed, they must not only work technically but also be underpinned by viable business models and gain acceptance from consumers.

 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Dr Bruce Thorrold, former Chief Science Adviser at DairyNZ

 

Bruce Thorrold talks about gene technologies, how the challenges of coexistence between GM and non-GM farming could be managed, and the importance of robust stewardship. He says lessons from international examples can help shape approaches in New Zealand, ensuring both farmer choice and market assurance are achieved. He also reflects on two decades of research leadership, from improving fertility breeding values and advancing genetic gain to driving plantain adoption and nitrate leaching solutions, all underpinned by close collaboration between scientists, farmers and industry.

Looking ahead, Bruce is excited about the role science will continue to play in balancing productivity with environmental responsibility. He emphasises the importance of teamwork across research organisations, agribusiness and farmers in turning promising ideas into practical, effective solutions for the sector. As he steps back from leadership, Bruce remains optimistic about the sector’s ability to adapt, innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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Cow wearables can provide a treasure trove of information, and for South Canterbury farmer Tom Lambie, the technology has delivered some real gems that have led to big gains in productivity and performance.

In this episode of Dairy Country, Anne speaks with Tom Lambie, his contract milker Eric Tao-ey, and veterinarian Ryan Luckman about unlocking the potential of cow wearables. They share how collar data, combined with practical management and nutrition strategies, helped transform the herd’s transition, reproduction and overall performance. From improving body condition scores to smarter once-a-day tactics and heat detection, the trio reveal how technology and teamwork turned insights into results.

 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:

1. Tom Lambie, South Canterbury dairy farmer
2. Eric Tao-ey, Contract milker
3. Ryan Luckman, Veterinarian

 

Ryan Luckman discusses how cow wearables are transforming herd management and animal health. He explains how collar data gives farmers clearer insights into reproduction, body condition, and heat detection, allowing smarter, more proactive decisions. Ryan highlights how this technology, combined with practical nutrition and management strategies, is helping farmers reduce transition challenges, lift reproductive performance, and improve overall productivity. 

From supporting once-a-day milking to refining feeding strategies, he shows how wearables are turning information into results that benefit cows and farmers.

 

Tom Lambie and Eric Tao-ey share how adopting cow wearables has reshaped herd performance on their South Canterbury farm. They explain how collar data has supported better transition management, improved body condition, and stronger reproductive results. 

Tom and Eric explain how combining technology with disciplined once-a-day strategies and practical nutrition decisions improved animal health and farm efficiency. From identifying heat cycles more accurately to streamlining day-to-day management, they share how wearables have provided the insights needed to turn challenges into results.

 

Listen to Ryan Luckman in a previous episode of the podcast here.

Read the article from Dairy Country here.

Find out more about the Barenbrug Better Pastures Together podcast here.

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Focusing on small incremental improvements alongside genetics are what is helping Pāmu deliver strong results and improve animal health.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Pāmu Chief Operating Officer Will Burrett. He discusses Pāmu’s strong annual results, regional integration, and disciplined farm systems, as well as the beef-on-dairy programme. Will explains how genetics, technology, and wearables are improving animal health and productivity, while navigating challenges such as drought and scaling Exeter’s calf rearing facilities.

 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Will Burrett, Chief Operating Officer, Pāmu

 

Will Burrett talks about Pāmu’s strong annual results and the strategy driving them. He explains how a sharper focus on fundamentals, regional integration, and disciplined farm systems has delivered improvements in both financial and physical performance. Will also outlines the growth of Pāmu’s beef-on-dairy programme and its role in creating more value across the supply chain, alongside the company’s increasing use of genetics, technology and wearable tools to support animal health and productivity. 

From managing drought challenges in Taupō to achieving record six-week in-calf rates and scaling calf rearing at Exeter, Will highlights how staying disciplined on the basics while embracing innovation is shaping Pāmu’s future direction.

 

Find out more about the Barenbrug Better Pastures Together podcast here.

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Anne Lee speaks with Jonathan Mason and Emma Higgins at the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) conference. Jonathan discusses US tariffs, trade dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and Fonterra’s strategic focus on ingredients, food service, and capital returns. Emma explores “business as unusual,” the changing trade landscape, global dairy and beef trends, supply shifts, and emerging opportunities such as beef-on-dairy.

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:

1. Jonathan Mason, New Zealand United States Council Chairman, Zespri Independent Director.
2. Emma Higgins, Rabobank Senior Agriculture Analyst.

 

Jonathan Mason talks to Anne Lee at the NZIPIM conference about new US tariffs, their potential effects on New Zealand exporters, why impacts differ across sectors, and how changing trade dynamics could create opportunities with markets such as India, the EU and the UK. He also discusses global geopolitical tensions—from Ukraine to East Asia—and, as  a former Fonterra Chief Financial Officer, shares his perspective on Fonterra’s strategic direction, including its focus on ingredients and food service and returning capital to farmers. 

He reflects on his career after Fonterra, and his governance roles with Zespri, Air New Zealand, Westpac and Vector, as well as his more recent not-for-profit work with the NZ US Council and the University of Auckland.

 

Emma Higgins speaks about the concept of “business as unusual” in a rapidly changing global environment. She explains how geopolitical shifts, rising protectionism, and market uncertainty are reshaping trade, supply chains, and opportunities for New Zealand farmers. 

Emma explores what these changes mean for dairy and beef markets, highlighting how global supply, China’s domestic milk production, and strong demand across Asia are influencing milk prices and farmgate returns. She discusses supply trends and that the focus is now on New Zealand’s seasonal production as well as beef-on-dairy opportunities, alternative income streams for US dairy farmers, and the practical lessons for New Zealand producers navigating volatile markets. The conversation emphasises the need for clear-eyed analysis, strategic thinking, and seizing opportunity in uncertain times.

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