Episode 69 – The history of the Dairy Exporter
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana and Anne Lee reflect on the centenary — and final issue — of The Dairy Exporter magazine. As editor and deputy editor, they share how the publication evolved from a technical journal into a platform that connected dairy farmers and told the stories behind the New Zealand dairy sector.
Buy the Dairy Exporter 100 Year Collector’s Edition 2025 here
Hosts:
- Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
- Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter
Dairy Exporter editor Sheryl Haitana and deputy editor Anne Lee reflect on the magazine’s centenary — and its final issue after 100 years of continuous publication. As they close the chapter on one of New Zealand’s most enduring rural titles, they share insights into how The Dairy Exporter has evolved with the dairy industry it has served for a century.
Anne recounts the magazine’s early role in delivering research-based knowledge to support on farm productivity, while Sheryl highlights how its focus has broadened to tell the stories of the people behind the pasture. Together, they explore the magazine’s roles as a technical journal and a platform that has connected farmers and the wider dairy sector.
They also discuss some of the fundamental changes, innovations and events that have shaped dairy farming.
With the centenary edition marking the conclusion of The Dairy Exporter, they pay tribute to the farmers, writers, and industry supporters who have shaped its legacy. While the name and format may be changing, Sheryl and Anne remain committed to documenting the resilience, innovation, and people at the heart of New Zealand dairy — just as The Dairy Exporter has done for the past 100 years.
