Smaller herds group SMASH now holds field days nationwide
An equity partnership with a former manager gave one 200-cow farm a clear succession path.
|November 3, 2026Listen to the full interview:
SMASH, set up in the Waikato in 2010 to focus on smaller herds and family farms, now runs events from Northland to Southland.
SMASH (Smaller Milk and Supply Herds) founding member Noldy Rust says the group never limited events to small-herd farmers. “Farmers love sharing ideas with each other,” he says.
He says field days start with the host farmer’s story and leave time for networking.
DairyNZ funds SMASH and has been its partner from the start.
He and his wife Bev formed an equity partnership with their former manager on their 200-cow farm. “It was a way in for him and it was a way up for us.”
He says the lesson from SMASH succession seminars is not to leave it too late and to get professional help.
To learn more, visit smashdairy.co.nz
Watch the full interview:
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