Lisa Groen is gradually taking over the reins of the family farm, near Te Aroha, Waikato, ten years on from starting to learn the ropes.

Keith and Tracey Crawford began their dairy careers with big dreams of farm ownership, then still a highly achievable goal for a determined young couple.

A young couple, Will and Kirsten Rolton, in South Waikato, are on a path to farm ownership, supported by smaller herd farmers.

Together with mastitis and infertility, lameness is one of the big three problems on many farms, says vet Neil Chesterton.

Milking 80 cows, taking timber orders online, collecting duck eggs and hosting tourists are all in a day’s work for Te Awamutu farmer Graham Smith.

Dairy farming has changed much in recent years and career progression is not as straightforward as it used to be.

The Smaller Milk and Supply Herds (SMASH) conferences will be held in three North Island venues next month.

Markus Woutersen has just begun his dairy career but his low cost operation is already attracting industry attention.

The Small Milk and Supply Herds (SMASH) conferences are back in 'town' again next week, in Waikato, Manawatu and on the West Coast.

Te Pahu farmer Noldy Rust entered a pasture competition late last year only because the organisers were looking for more entries.