DAIRY Country

Episode 118 - Can grass replace winter crops?

Fraser Tasker has spent the past several years refining a grass-based wintering system on his Mid Canterbury dairy support block, replacing traditional fodder beet and kale wintering for his mixed-age cows. Anne Lee speaks with Fraser about what prompted the change, how the system operates and the practical lessons he's learnt along the way. Host: * Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: * Fraser Tasker, Canterbury farmer   Fraser was one of three farmers who spoke at a Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) focus day along with scientists studying pasture based wintering systems for the South Island. Anne and Fraser discuss some of the information shared at the focus day and dig more deeply into Fraser’s dairy operation. He explains how the cocksfoot pastures and separate fescue dominant pastures are managed and the improvements he’s seen in animal health and welfare, simplified management and nitrogen losses. He discusses how he balances multiple stock classes on the support block, costs of the system and why he believes grass wintering works for his situation.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ [https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 117 - DairyNZ's extended lactation study

Extended lactation is emerging as a potential option for dairy farmers looking to reduce labour pressure, improve flexibility and significantly cut the number of non-replacement calves being born each year. Anne Lee speaks with DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Paul Edwards about the research behind the system and the results emerging from farmlet trials at Scott Farm and a new study in Northland. Host: * Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: * Dr Paul Edwards, Senior Scientist, DairyNZ   Paul explains how a 24-month calving interval works in a pasture-based system, where half the herd calves in alternate springs, and discusses its impacts on milk production, feed demand, profitability and cow performance. He also shares insights into the opportunities extended lactation could create for replacement rates and beef-on-dairy, and why researchers believe the system is worth continuing to explore as a future option for some New Zealand dairy farmers.   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ [https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 116 - Truly integrated farming

Willesden Farms is a diverse Canterbury farming business, spanning more than 6,500 hectares across Banks Peninsula, Kaitorete Spit and the Canterbury Plains. Anne Lee speaks with General Manager Matt Iremonger about the evolution of the farming operation, its recent dairy expansion and the role innovation is playing in improving both productivity and environmental outcomes. Host: * Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: * Matt Iremonger, Willesden farms   Matt discusses the development of an 800-cow composting barn in Kaituna Valley and explains why the system was chosen to help manage challenging weather conditions, protect soils and improve animal welfare. He shares insights from the farm’s first season using the facility, including how it performed during significant rainfall events, the opportunities it creates for nutrient management and feed utilisation, and the role it plays in supporting the wider farming system. Matt also talks about Willesden Farms’ long-standing commitment to biodiversity, extensive native bush restoration projects, partnerships with local rūnanga and how the business balances environmental stewardship with strong commercial performance across its dairy, sheep and beef enterprises. Read the article from the Winter 2026 issue of CountryWide here: https://country-wide.co.nz/truly-integrated-farming/ [https://country-wide.co.nz/truly-integrated-farming/] Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ [https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 115 - From banking billions to dairying dream

West Coast dairy farmer Charlotte Aitken has taken an unconventional path to farm ownership, moving from a career in international banking in London to running her own dairy farm near Karamea. Anne Lee speaks with Charlotte about her journey into dairy farming, the financial discipline that underpins her business and the management decisions that have helped her build a profitable farming operation. Host: * Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: * Charlotte Aitken, West Coast Dairy Farmer   Charlotte discusses how she transitioned into the dairy industry later in life, working her way through farm roles before purchasing her own farm on the West Coast of the South Island. She explains how her background in finance influences the way she manages costs, production and investment decisions, and shares insights into breeding strategies, facial eczema management and maximising value from every calf born on the farm. Charlotte also talks about adopting virtual fencing technology, trialling new ideas and why she believes innovation and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking are key to long-term success. Read the article from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/from-banking-billions-to-dairying-dream/ [https://dairycountry.co.nz/from-banking-billions-to-dairying-dream/] Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ [https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 114 - What happened at LUDF this season?

Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) has completed another challenging season, with wet spring and summer conditions affecting pasture utilisation, feed management and production across the farm. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Antoinette Archer and Peter Hancox about the season, the farm’s wintering strategy and the management decisions made to prepare for the year ahead. Host: * Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: * Antoinette Archer, Partnership and Demonstration Lead, LUDF * Peter Hancox, Farm Manager, LUDF   Antoinette Archer explains that LUDF finished the season slightly below its milk production targets after two consecutive wet years created difficult growing conditions for the farm’s pasture-based system. She says wet spring conditions reduced pasture utilisation and increased the need for supplementary feed, while weed pressure and lower dry matter content in some paddocks affected the amount of feed cows were able to harvest. Antoinette discusses the farm’s production results, nitrogen use, feed inputs and the steps being taken to improve pasture quality and performance heading into next season. Peter Hancox discusses how weather conditions shaped management decisions throughout the year, from reduced irrigation demand during a wet summer to increased supplement use during a cold, dry autumn when pasture growth slowed significantly. He also explains LUDF’s approach to drying cows off based on condition score, winter grazing management and preparing the herd for calving. The pair also outline plans for LUDF’s upcoming Focus Day that’s being held off farm, where farmers will hear about pasture-based wintering systems, benchmarking opportunities and practical lessons from both LUDF and other Canterbury farming businesses. Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ [https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.