In the Shed with Trev

Driving Performance: Focusing on What Actually Matters

In this episode of In the Shed with Trev, host Sheryl Haitana is joined by Waka Dairies’ Michael Phillips and Andrew “Bubbles” Evans, alongside Fonterra’s Louise Cook, to unpack how high-performing farms are using data to drive real efficiency gains on farm. At Waka Dairies, performance comes down to clear decision-making, strong systems, and a consistent focus on what actually drives profit. From feed and production through to financial metrics and long-term planning, Michael and Bubbles share how they track performance, manage risk, and continuously refine their system to stay ahead. Louise brings a sector-wide view, highlighting what separates top-performing farms from the rest. The difference is not more data, but better use of the right information, focusing on key metrics, acting quickly when things shift, and building systems that deliver repeatable results. This is a practical look at how leading farm businesses are turning data into a performance advantage, lifting productivity, improving profitability, and strengthening sustainability without adding unnecessary complexity. If you’re collecting plenty of data but not always sure what to focus on, this episode will help you cut through and zero in on what actually drives performance on farm. See how Trev can support your farm business at mytrev.com

Making It Stick: Embedding Systems Into Day-to-Day Operations

In this episode of In the Shed with Trev, host Sheryl Haitana is joined by FarmRight’s Mark Cudmore, Tracey Russell and contract milker Jared Crawford to share how data and systems are embedded into the day-to-day running of large dairy operations. Across multiple farms and thousands of cows, the challenge is not collecting more data, it is making sure it is consistent, trusted, and actually used. Mark explains how moving to one system has changed the way he manages 10 farms and 13,000 cows, giving him clear visibility across the business and confidence in the numbers. Jared shares how Trev fits into daily routines on a 2,000 cow operation, from pasture walks through to tracking stock movements. Tracey highlights the role of consistency across teams, and how better visibility improves alignment and accountability. This is a practical look at what it takes to make systems stick, capturing data once, using it properly, and feeding it back into better decisions. The result is stronger performance, less admin, and more time focused on what matters on farm. If you’ve already got systems in place but they’re not being used consistently, this episode shows what it takes to make them stick day to day. Learn more about FarmRight at farmright.co.nz See how Trev can support your farm business at mytrev.com

Getting the Foundations Right: Where Good Systems Start

In this episode of In the Shed with Trev, host Sheryl Haitana is joined by FarmRight’s Ed Tapp and Mahesh De Silva to share how they approach choosing the right digital tools across a complex farming business. Managing dairy, beef, and horticulture operations across New Zealand, FarmRight needs clear, consistent information to keep performance on track, especially when decisions are being made daily across multiple farms. Rather than starting with the technology, Ed and Mahesh explain why the process begins with defining the problem, and why involving the right people early is critical to getting alignment and long-term success. They walk through how FarmRight evaluates new tools, the criteria they use, and how they build internal buy-in well before any rollout begins. This is a practical look at where good systems start, getting the foundations right so the tools you choose actually deliver value day to day on farm. If you're reviewing your current systems or thinking about bringing in new tools, this episode is a good place to start. Learn more about FarmRight at farmright.co.nz [farmright.co.nz] See how Trev can support your farm business at mytrev.com [mytrev.com]

In the Shed with Trev: Official Podcast Trailer

The shed door’s cracking open.....a small taste of what’s coming on In the Shed with Trev. Honest conversations from farmers, rural operators, and people who know the job doesn’t stop at 5 o’clock.

Welcome to In the Shed with Trev

In the Shed with Trev brings farmers and industry together to work through the big calls shaping modern farming. Across New Zealand, there’s a bit of a shift happening. Not so much in what’s being done, but in how early decisions are being made and acted on. As things get more complex, the farms getting ahead tend to be the ones picking things up earlier and responding sooner. Hosted by rural journalist Sheryl Haitana, this series steps inside real farm businesses unpacking what’s working, what’s shifting, and how stronger systems create the clarity to back the right calls at the right time. Because the difference on farm isn’t just what decisions get made, it’s when they get made.