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The Dairy Exporter Podcast

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The Dairy Exporter Podcast
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  • Episode 72 - Key innovations driving New Zealand’s dairy industry
    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 supported rural communities through risk, reinvestment and long-term commitment to farmer wellbeing. Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 here Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Guest: Pete Frizzell, Chief Marketing Officer, FMG Anne Lee reflects on the technological breakthroughs and grassroots ingenuity that have defined New Zealand’s dairy industry over the past century. Drawing on stories from the Dairy Exporter Centenary magazine, she traces how innovations like the walk-through shed, herringbone, and rotary transformed milking from a labour-intensive chore to a high-output system driven by efficiency and scale. Anne highlights the pivotal role Kiwi farmers and researchers played in inventing and refining technologies such as pulsators, milk powder dryers, and electric fencing, game changers that shaped New Zealand’s global dairy reputation. She discusses how early farmer-driven innovation was closely tied to the rise of co-ops and how the Dairy Exporter magazine became a trusted vehicle for sharing knowledge, shaping belief, and enabling progress long before digital communication. With a nod to the past and an eye to the future, Anne explores the rise of robotics and virtual fencing, questioning what the next generation of game-changing ideas might be. She reflects on the importance of staying connected—through field days, trusted publications, and peer-to-peer learning—as farmers navigate a rapidly evolving world. Sheryl Haitana reflects on the remarkable progress of New Zealand’s dairy industry, from walk-through cow sheds and hand-forked silage to today’s high-tech, high-efficiency systems. In this conversation, she shares personal memories and stories that bring to life the scale of change across generations, including her own family’s recollections of early herringbone sheds and the field days that introduced them. Sheryl highlights the practical challenges farmers once faced and how innovations, like Ronald Sharp’s herringbone design and the first electric fence energisers, unlocked productivity and reshaped what was possible on farm. She explores how Kiwi inventiveness, often born out of necessity, laid the foundation for today’s technologies, and how New Zealand farmers consistently led global advances in milking systems and land development. She also reflects on the role of the Dairy Exporter magazine as a lifeline of trusted information, especially in times when farmers relied on print to connect, trade livestock, and adopt new ideas. As new technologies like virtual fencing and robotics emerge, Sheryl underscores the importance of staying curious, informed, and connected, while honouring the legacy of those who built the industry from the ground up. FMG’s Chief Marketing Officer Pete Frizzell reflects on 120 years of helping rural New Zealanders manage risk, tracing the co-operative insurer’s origins to a group of Otago farmers fed up with overpriced premiums from overseas. He explains how FMG was founded on mutuality, a model still central to its operations today, allowing farmers to collectively own the business, keep premiums affordable, and reinvest profits into rural communities instead of shareholders. Pete unpacks the advantages of FMG’s long-term focus, from backing Farmstrong and melanoma awareness initiatives to innovating with new products like forestry and orchard insurance, and exploring emerging models such as parametric cover. He highlights how the 1978 consolidation of regional mutuals gave FMG national scale and a broader client base, ultimately lowering insurance costs and strengthening the resilience of rural businesses. Reflecting on challenges like Cyclone Gabrielle, Pete shares FMG’s philosophy of being there when it matters most, staying agile in crisis, investing in people, and upholding strong relationships in an increasingly digital world. Looking ahead, he’s focused on balancing sustainability, regulation, and relevance while remaining true to the co-op’s founding purpose of building strong, prosperous rural communities for generations to come. Quatro by Skellerup gumboots are designed to meet the demands of the toughest days on the farm. Handcrafted from durable rubber, they offer premium protection and long-lasting performance in all conditions. With advanced multi-layer insulation, Quatro boots keep your feet warm even in extreme cold - down to -50°C - making early starts more bearable. The Politech footbed provides essential heel and arch support, while cushioned air pockets in the sole absorb impact and reduce fatigue, so you can stay on your feet longer. An ankle-locking design offers extra stability on uneven ground, and the mud-releasing outsole gives you excellent grip, especially in slippery dairy sheds. Whether you're shifting stock, working in the yards, or hosing out the shed, Quatro gumboots are made to perform all day, every day. Trusted by rural New Zealanders, they're the boots that work as hard as you do. Stay warm, stay steady - find your pair today at https://www.skellerup.co.nz/footwear/quatro/. SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • Episode 71 - A century of dairy unity: The rise of New Zealand’s co-ops
    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 Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Guest: Jim Van Der Poel, Retired Dairy Leader Dairy leader Jim Van Der Poel reflects on the evolution of New Zealand’s dairy co-operative model and the key structural decisions that have shaped Fonterra’s journey. He explains how the milk price underpins farm value while dividends influence the share value, and why ensuring those returns are aligned is critical to maintaining trust and engagement from farmers. Jim unpacks the rationale behind the shift to Trading Among Farmers, introduced to manage redemption risk, preserve farmer control, and allow flexibility for future capital structure changes. He shares insights into the merger of co-ops, the sacrifices made by early directors, and the enduring strength of collective decision-making driven by what’s best for the industry. He also traces the origins of DairyNZ back to the deregulation of the Dairy Board, and how its formation, through the merging of Dexcel and Dairy InSight, has helped ensure ongoing research, extension, and farmer-driven progress. Jim highlights the importance of active farmer participation and the continued economic significance of dairy to New Zealand’s future. Quatro by Skellerup gumboots are designed to meet the demands of the toughest days on the farm. Handcrafted from durable rubber, they offer premium protection and long-lasting performance in all conditions. With advanced multi-layer insulation, Quatro boots keep your feet warm even in extreme cold - down to -50°C - making early starts more bearable. The Politech footbed provides essential heel and arch support, while cushioned air pockets in the sole absorb impact and reduce fatigue, so you can stay on your feet longer. An ankle-locking design offers extra stability on uneven ground, and the mud-releasing outsole gives you excellent grip, especially in slippery dairy sheds. Whether you're shifting stock, working in the yards, or hosing out the shed, Quatro gumboots are made to perform all day, every day. Trusted by rural New Zealanders, they're the boots that work as hard as you do. Stay warm, stay steady - find your pair today at https://www.skellerup.co.nz/footwear/quatro/. SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • Episode 70 - The evolution of herd improvement: Insights from industry leaders
    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’s role in guiding farmers through decades of change. Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 here Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Guests: David Chin, CEO, LIC Mike Wilson, General Manager, NEDAP Oceania Malcolm Ellis, Strategic Advisor, Fonterra LIC Chief Executive David Chin reflects on the evolution of dairy genetics in New Zealand and the legacy of innovation that continues to drive the industry forward. He explains how the introduction of Breeding Worth enabled meaningful comparisons across breeds, paving the way for the rise of the KiwiCross cow and transforming herd improvement strategies nationwide. David highlights the critical role of data – from phenotypic records to genomic evaluations – as the foundation of breeding progress. With LIC now collecting six terabytes of data each week across half a million animals, he outlines how advances in computing and wearable technologies are accelerating genetic gains at scale. Looking back on LIC’s roots in the 1939 Herd Improvement Plan, David reflects on the long-term and intergenerational impact of breeding decisions. He also underscores the importance of New Zealand’s dairy sector to the national economy and LIC’s ongoing commitment to delivering productivity and profitability for farmers. Mike Wilson, General Manager of Nedap Oceania, outlines how wearable technologies are transforming dairy herd management by delivering real-time insights into cow health, activity, and fertility. He explains how Nedap’s robust collars and smart tags monitor rumination, eating, and movement, allowing farmers to detect heat, manage health through transition periods, and improve reproductive performance with greater precision. With global operations across 100+ countries and over seven million animals monitored, Nedap combines durable hardware with intuitive software that offers both herd-level and individual cow analysis. Mike highlights the company’s integration with major platforms and drafting systems, making it easy for farmers to take action on farm. Malcolm Ellis, former Jersey breeder and now part of Fonterra’s senior team, reflects on the remarkable genetic progress of New Zealand’s dairy herd over the past 50 years. Drawing on his intergenerational connection to the Dairy Exporter, Malcolm shares how structured breeding tools like AB, sire proving, and BW transformed productivity and cow performance – changes he describes as revolutionary. He acknowledges the magazine’s pivotal role in communicating these advancements, celebrating its contribution to informed decision-making on farm. Malcolm also discusses succession planning on his home farm, where his son and partner are now milking crossbred cows, and emphasises the importance of allowing the next generation to shape their own system and breed preferences. With deep respect for past industry leaders and contributors like Colin Holmes and Ants Roberts, Malcolm highlights how trusted voices in the Dairy Exporter helped farmers navigate change and lift herd improvement nationwide. Quatro by Skellerup gumboots are designed to meet the demands of the toughest days on the farm. Handcrafted from durable rubber, they offer premium protection and long-lasting performance in all conditions. With advanced multi-layer insulation, Quatro boots keep your feet warm even in extreme cold - down to -50°C - making early starts more bearable. The Politech footbed provides essential heel and arch support, while cushioned air pockets in the sole absorb impact and reduce fatigue, so you can stay on your feet longer. An ankle-locking design offers extra stability on uneven ground, and the mud-releasing outsole gives you excellent grip, especially in slippery dairy sheds. Whether you're shifting stock, working in the yards, or hosing out the shed, Quatro gumboots are made to perform all day, every day. Trusted by rural New Zealanders, they're the boots that work as hard as you do. Stay warm, stay steady - find your pair today at https://www.skellerup.co.nz/footwear/quatro/. SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • Episode 69 - The history of 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: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Dairy Exporter editor Sheryl Haitana and deputy editor Anne Lee reflect on the magazine’s centenary — and its final issue after 100 years of continuous publication. As they close the chapter on one of New Zealand’s most enduring rural titles, they share insights into how The Dairy Exporter has evolved with the dairy industry it has served for a century. Anne recounts the magazine’s early role in delivering research-based knowledge to support on farm productivity, while Sheryl highlights how its focus has broadened to tell the stories of the people behind the pasture. Together, they explore the magazine’s roles as a technical journal and a platform that has connected farmers and the wider dairy sector. They also discuss some of the fundamental changes, innovations and events that have shaped dairy farming. With the centenary edition marking the conclusion of The Dairy Exporter, they pay tribute to the farmers, writers, and industry supporters who have shaped its legacy. While the name and format may be changing, Sheryl and Anne remain committed to documenting the resilience, innovation, and people at the heart of New Zealand dairy — just as The Dairy Exporter has done for the past 100 years. Quatro by Skellerup gumboots are designed to meet the demands of the toughest days on the farm. Handcrafted from durable rubber, they offer premium protection and long-lasting performance in all conditions. With advanced multi-layer insulation, Quatro boots keep your feet warm even in extreme cold - down to -50°C - making early starts more bearable. The Politech footbed provides essential heel and arch support, while cushioned air pockets in the sole absorb impact and reduce fatigue, so you can stay on your feet longer. An ankle-locking design offers extra stability on uneven ground, and the mud-releasing outsole gives you excellent grip, especially in slippery dairy sheds. Whether you're shifting stock, working in the yards, or hosing out the shed, Quatro gumboots are made to perform all day, every day. Trusted by rural New Zealanders, they're the boots that work as hard as you do. Stay warm, stay steady - find your pair today at https://www.skellerup.co.nz/footwear/quatro/. SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • Episode 68 - Dairy market update: Supply growth, tariff impacts, and consumer demand
    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, emerging markets like Nigeria, and the impact of upcoming tariff decisions. Together, they provide a concise outlook on key trends shaping the dairy market in 2025. Guests: Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights, NZX Stu Davison, Analyst, HighGround Dairy Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights at NZX, outlines the key factors underpinning the recent strength in global dairy prices, including reduced product availability and consistent demand – particularly from China and Southeast Asia. Lower milk production in major regions such as Europe, alongside continued disruption to shipping routes following the Suez Canal conflict, has reinforced demand for New Zealand and European dairy products. Cristina explains that the legacy of previous tariffs is still influencing buying decisions, with some countries preferring to source from markets perceived as more stable trade partners. In the United States, dairy producers are facing fresh challenges around herd replacement, as older cows are culled and heifers are redirected into beef production due to better returns. Looking ahead, Cristina expects global product volumes to remain tight through July, with increased supply likely from August onwards as seasonal production ramps up. However, she cautions that the market remains sensitive to developments such as the upcoming July tariff decision and delayed stock data from China. Despite some recent volatility, dairy futures are tracking positively, with the 2025 – 26 milk price contract recently closing at $9.93 – just shy of the $10 mark. Cristina sees a mood of cautious optimism in the market but emphasises that global supply dynamics and consumer demand will continue to drive pricing in the months ahead. Stu Davison, Analyst at HighGround Dairy, outlines key global dairy trends heading into the second half of 2025. Global milk production is forecast to grow by around 1.5%, led by stronger output from the US, Argentina, and New Zealand. In New Zealand, a favourable milk price outlook and improved reproductive performance are expected to support a strong spring peak. Meanwhile, Europe is seeing higher milk solids output despite flat volumes, driven by efficiency gains as farmers focus on feeding and breeding for solids. Stu notes that global trade dynamics remain uncertain. China continues to be a key watchpoint, with low domestic milk prices, declining production, and rising exports of whole milk powder. Limited access to reliable economic data raises questions about the strength of Chinese demand. In Southeast Asia, government stimulus – particularly in Indonesia – is driving increased dairy imports, though its sustainability is unclear. Emerging markets like Nigeria are showing promising growth, with rising dairy imports despite high inflation. Tariff developments are also top of mind, particularly around US-EU trade, which could influence buying patterns. While global demand is holding firm and dairy futures remain positive, Stu cautions that ongoing geopolitical risks and changing consumption trends will be key to market performance in the months ahead. Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 here SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY) SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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About The Dairy Exporter Podcast

It’s been your mainstay in dairy farming since 1925 as your trusted source of addingvalue to your dairy business, now it’s time for the Dairy Exporters’s seasonal storiesto exclusive weekly interviews to come straight to your ears with this brand-spankingnew podcast. It’s here you can seek out the guidance, inspiration and smarts it takes to dairy farminto the future to be outstanding in your field on The Dairy Exporter Podcast hostedby Editor &Deputy Editor of Dairy Exporter, Sheryl Haitana & Anne Lee and herfellow journalists.Get in touch with our Editor of Dairy Exporter on [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 Exporter Podcast by hitting thesubscribe button now and join our Dairy Exporter weekly email newsletter to get thelatest in-depth stories in your mailbox so you are always ahead of the game in thebusiness of dairy farming into the future. Visit the website to subscribe: www.dairyexporter.co.nz 
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