In the Shed with Trev

Scaling the System: Staying in Control as You Grow

In this episode of In the Shed with Trev, host Sheryl Haitana is joined by Alastair Hamilton, Richard Jackson, and Chloe Walker to unpack what really happens when you scale from one farm to many. Growth creates opportunity, but it also creates risk. The moment you step off the farm and into managing multiple operations, visibility drops, decisions slow down, and small issues can quickly turn into costly problems. Across Southland and the Waikato, these operators share what breaks first when you scale, from gaps in reporting and missed issues on farm, through to the challenge of keeping teams aligned and performance consistent across multiple units. They explain how building repeatable systems, creating clear reporting, and using the right tools gives them the visibility to stay ahead and make proactive decisions. This is a practical look at what it takes to stay in control at scale, protecting profitability, avoiding blind spots, and building a business that can grow without falling apart. If you're thinking about scaling or already running multiple farms, this episode shows what you need in place to stay in control and avoid the gaps that cost you. See how Trev can support your farm business at mytrev.com

Lifting the Standard: When Farmers Share Their Numbers

In this episode of In the Shed with Trev, host Sheryl Haitana is joined by Casey Brown from the P3 Trust, monitor farmer Teagan Gray, and Perrin Ag consultant Rhys Dawson to explore what happens when farmers open up their numbers and learn from each other. On the Hauraki Plains, the P3 Trust brings farmers together to share real farm data, compare systems, and see what’s actually driving profit. Teagan shares what it’s like to put your numbers out there, and how that transparency builds confidence and sharpens decision-making. Rhys provides a consultant’s view on what separates high-performing farms, with a clear focus on pasture grown and utilised on farm as a key driver of profit. Casey outlines how access to timely, relevant data helps farmers make faster, more informed decisions when it matters most. This is a practical look at how shared data and benchmarking turn insight into action, helping farmers make better calls, reduce uncertainty, and lift performance over time. If you’re making decisions in isolation or unsure how your farm compares, this episode shows how learning from others and focusing on a few key numbers can quickly lift performance. Learn more about the P3 Trust and monitor farm programme at https://www.dairynz.co.nz/research/regional-projects/hauraki-high-profitability/ See how Trev can support your farm business at mytrev.com

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]