The Post January 2026

Imagine eating ice cream made from cow milk farmed just one kilometre down the road, or investing in rubber matting that is transforming the farms it’s laid on. This January, we dive into New Zealand’s dairy industry, from locally grown gelato ice cream in Matamata, to a Central Otago dairy farm fi nding its footing after a tough couple of years.

We headed down to Matamata to meet two Kiwi businesses working in tandem for the same goal – feeding New Zealand from our own land. John Vosper owns Jersey Girl Organics, which produces A2 Jersey milk for local gelato business Kōwhai Creamery and beyond.

Next, we catch up with Paul and Kyllee Henton, dairy farmer and veterinarian respectively, who shared with us their dairy operation at White River Dairies in Central Otago. Long-term dairy farmers, the couple have diversifi ed their farming operation by starting Agri-Tech Imports, designing and manufacturing durable rubber matting that benefi ts not just their farm but farms around the country.

Trent Anderson of Anderson Fencing and Earthworks in Dunedin shows us how he joins sheep netting without using a crimp, a technique that looks good and maintains strength

Veterinarian Neil Chesterton shares an article he wrote about how farmers can stay on top of cow lameness using his ‘find it, fix it, fight it’ strategy.

Matangi local Stu Joyce chats to us about his ‘pole shed with a personality’, a unique and custom-made Goldpine shed which not only looks good but benefits his entire lifestyle property.

This month’s State of the Industry provides a current snapshot of New Zealand’s dairy sector, with insights from key leaders and contributors helping shape where it’s headed.