Public articles
Episode 73 – How farmers, science and media shaped NZ’s dairy story
In this episode, Anne Lee chats with Dr John Roche, New Zealand Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser and Chief Departmental Science Adviser at MPI, to mark 100 years of dairy innovation.
From the early days of walk-through sheds to today’s AI-enabled systems, they explore how farmer-led ingenuity, scientific research and trusted rural media like Dairy Exporter have driven progress on pasture-based farms.
Episode 72 – Key innovations driving New Zealand’s dairy industry
In this episode, Anne Lee and Sheryl Haitana reflect on the innovation, resilience and spirit that have shaped New Zealand’s dairy industry. From breakthroughs like the herringbone shed to the rise of virtual fencing, they explore how grassroots ingenuity and trusted rural media have driven on farm progress.
FMG’s Chief Marketing Officer, Pete Frizzell, marks 120 years of the mutual insurer, sharing how FMG has supported rural communities through risk, reinvestment and long-term commitment to farmer wellbeing.
Episode 71 – A century of dairy unity: The rise of New Zealand’s co-ops
In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Fonterra’s Jim van der Poel about the evolution of New Zealand’s dairy industry. Jim reflects on the formation of Fonterra, capital structure reform, and the creation of DairyNZ, while highlighting the enduring value of the co-operative model and the Dairy Exporter’s role in guiding farmers through change.
Episode 70 – The evolution of herd improvement: Insights from industry leaders
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana talks with industry leaders about the evolution of dairy genetics in New Zealand. LIC Chief Executive, David Chin discusses Breeding Worth and the rise of the KiwiCross cow, while Mike Wilson, General Manager of NEDAP Oceania explains how wearable tech improves herd health and fertility. Fonterra Strategic Advisor, Malcolm Ellis shares an intergenerational view, highlighting the Dairy Exporter’s role in guiding farmers through decades of change.
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.
Dairy industry timeline
1871 - 2025 timeline of the dairy industry.
Innovation in Good Company
Celebrating 100 years of the spirit of progress in New Zealand dairying.
FMG 120 years
This year FMG celebrates 120 years of working alongside New Zealand dairy farmers and their rural communities.
Farming Foundations
Revisit the pivotal moments in our agricultural history that influenced land use and farming practices—laying the groundwork for today’s thriving dairy sector.
Key Innovations
In the early 1920s the New Zealand dairy sector was rapidly becoming a powerhouse for the Dominion with exports of dairy produce primarily to England earning the country valuable income.
Farm Systems
Trace the development of New Zealand’s world-renowned pastoral farming systems and spot some of the key faces and names who have played an integral role in shaping how we farm today.
Tui’s Annual
Rural women connected via the Tui pages in The Dairy Exporter, sharing recipes and home hints, and insights into their way of life.