The Post September 2024

Welcome to the September edition of The Post. This month, we place our focus firmly on the dairy industry, New Zealand’s largest export earner. Our first profile features an innovative start-up looking to reduce plastic waste in the dairy industry by swapping traditional plastic bottles for reusable kegs in appropriate situations. The business is well underway, having already eliminated 100,000 plastic bottles by utilising their alternative.

This month, we turn to Aaron Third of Aaron Third Contracting in the mighty Manawatū region for our fencing tip. Aaron generously gave us his time to show how he sets up outriggers on a fence line, a tip that comes in handy on the dairy farm. We are constantly looking for useful fencing tips to benefit the rural community, so if you have any suggestions, send them in, and we’ll get an expert to show you how they do it.

Next, we delve into the Manawatū region, where we met James Stewart of Stewart Dairylands. James and the team have gradually converted from sheep and beef to dairy and have clearly thrived in the industry over the past 20 years. It’s a true family-run operation where they take great pride in caring for their livestock and land, ensuring a sustainable future.

To round out our dairy focus, we explore a niche within the dairy industry, located just south of Auckland, in the rural township of Clevedon. Clevedon Buffalo Co. products may be well known to the food enthusiasts among us, but less is known about their day-to-day operations. Richard and Helen Dorresteyn established the business in 2007 and have since produced many award-winning products, from yoghurt to buffalo cheese. Despite nearing 20 years in operation, there is clearly plenty of potential for growth in the market for buffalo products.

Our State of the Industry article this month focuses on dairy. We talk to key leaders and individuals within the industry as they share their insights and experiences.

We intend to continue supplying you with the best stories, activities and techniques in agriculture. If you have anything that you would like us to share, please get in touch.