DAIRY Country
Pasture, people, power growth
Tough times hit Mick and Kirsten O’Connor’s equity growth plans at a perilous time, but they powered through thanks to great systems and supportive farm owners who want their farms to grow farmers too.
Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.
What does Sharefarming Success look like?
Where do you focus to set yourself up for success in a sharefarming arrangement? Jordain Beattie from NZAB and Louise Gibson from the Sharefarming Consultants have teamed up to share insights from both the financial and practical sides of the equation. Words Louise Gibson & Jordain Beattie.
From banking billions to dairying dream
Once in charge of US$1 billion daily in international currency markets, Charlotte Aitken swapped the rat race for milking cows on the West Coast. Words Anne Hardie, Photos Jules Anderson.
Little habits build big equity
From employees to farm owners, a South Canterbury couple say their biggest return on investment has come from great relationships and a dedicated approach to what they call financial hygiene. Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.
Homegrown feed still the backbone
Latest DairyBase data shows that pasture and crop harvested remain one of the strongest drivers of operating profit per hectare nationwide for both owner-operators and sharemilkers. Words Jodie Goudswaard, DairyBase Manager, DairyNZ.
How low will it go?
As the 2026 Global Dairy Trade (GDT) Index starts to show its colours, it is evident that global markets are transitioning downwards from a peak in May 2025. High Ground Dairy’s, Stu Davison, says we are firmly in the midst of a commodity market cycle, moving from the most recent peak toward the next trough. Words Stu Davison.
Shared success
New Zealand dairy is a great sector to work in – particularly right now. We do dairy very well due to the sector collaborating and sharing success. Words Tracy Brown.