Money in milk – but is the cream in marketing cattle?
There is more than one way to make money from dairy cattle. As New Zealand’s registered breeders showcase elite animals at the NZ DairyEvent, premium cattle sales, embryos and genetics are creating valuable new income opportunities alongside commercial milk production.
From championship-winning cows selling for premium prices to sought-after embryos and decades of successful stud sales, the gap between commercial and pedigree farming may be narrowing. The message from some of the country’s leading breeders is clear: the best show cows are often highly productive, functional herd cows too – and there can be serious money in marketing the genetics behind them.
Achieving farm ownership without becoming a nomad
For many New Zealand sharemilkers, achieving farm ownership has traditionally meant moving from farm to farm. Johan Geerts wanted a different path. Supported by Dairy Holdings' unique progression model, he has been able to grow his equity while remaining in the same community and investing in his future. Alongside the construction of a new 54-bail rotary dairy at Riverside Farm, this story explores innovative career pathways, succession planning, modern dairy infrastructure and the partnerships helping develop New Zealand's next generation of farm owners.
Moving Forward
When the Fraser family decided it was time to replace decades of dairy shed upgrades with a purpose-built rotary, they left nothing to chance. Their new 50-bail rotary dairy in South Taranaki combines practical design, automation and future-ready technology to improve efficiency, cow flow and working conditions. From in-shed feeding and automated washing systems to thoughtful construction details that will serve future generations, this project highlights how careful planning and trusted contractors can deliver a dairy built for the long term.
On top of the world…
When Peter, Susanne and Kevin Gretener decided it was time to modernise their Bay of Plenty dairy farm, they chose robotic milking over expanding their existing rotary. Installing six DeLaval V310 robotic milking systems has transformed labour efficiency, cow management and the family's work-life balance while supporting higher milk production. Their story explores the planning, technology and practical farm design behind one of New Zealand's standout robotic dairy operations, demonstrating how automation is reshaping the future of pasture-based dairy farming.
How Committed are we to ‘Sustainability’
Kaipaki Dairies is proving sustainability in dairy farming is about more than a single initiative. Alongside a high-performing 620-cow dairy operation, Paul and Sue Bardoul have built an on-farm milk processing business focused on reusable bottles, refillable pails and direct supply to local cafés, businesses and communities.
Girls can do anything
When Bridie Virbickas returned home to manage the family farm, her parents wondered if the workload would consume her. A decade later, she has helped transform Matuku Farms into a modern, people-focused dairy operation — proving that passion, persistence and smart decisions can create a future where both cows and farmers thrive.
Family Pulls Together
When Tony and Shirley Thomas tragically passed away, their family faced the challenge of protecting the legacy they had built at Pineview Dairy Farm. Three years later, Nigel, Alison and Sharon Thomas have transformed the business with a new 60-bail rotary dairy, improved infrastructure and a shared commitment to moving forward together.
A Precious Gift: Time
After years of battling an ageing herringbone dairy and long milking hours, the Preest family’s new 54-bail rotary has delivered more than improved efficiency — it has given them back the one thing every farmer values most: time. The Waikato family operation is now positioned for future growth, with a dairy designed around their people, their cows and their long-term vision.
Unexpectedly Good…
When Brendan and Katya Caird bought Riverholme Farm with six existing dairy robots, they planned to replace them with a conventional cowshed. Instead, after seeing how rapidly robotic technology was evolving, they chose to invest in the system — discovering unexpected benefits in labour efficiency, animal health and farm flexibility.
Adapt or Die
Faced with declining arable returns and an uncertain future, fourth-generation farmer Marty Skurr made a bold decision: adapt or risk being left behind. Within 12 months, Riverview Farm moved from mixed arable production into dairy, creating a new 54-bail rotary operation while continuing the family’s successful Minchins Milling business.
Hitting the high notes
For Gary and Jeri Rose, building a new dairy was about more than replacing an ageing rotary. It was about creating a smarter, more efficient future for their team. With trusted contractors, clever cost-saving decisions and a focus on functionality, their new 36-a-side herringbone dairy has delivered valuable time back into the farming day.
Organic operation goes robot
When Peter and Yvonne Arnold’s 46-year-old rotary reached the end of its working life, they chose a different path. By converting an existing herringbone shed into a robotic milking facility, their organic South Taranaki operation has gained valuable time, improved flexibility and unlocked new production potential.
‘I Knew straight away…’
After years of milking 1000 cows through two ageing herringbones, the Rowe family knew something had to change. A visit to an operational 70-bail rotary helped them visualise a different future, leading to a purpose-built dairy designed around efficiency, cow flow and a better work-life balance for their team.