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

Owl Farm at St Peter’s School, Cambridge is a venture by Lincoln University and seven commercial partners to demonstrate good practice on a working farm, while encouraging farmers and young people to succeed in the dairy industry.

Before sharemilkers Christopher and Siobhan O’Malley, of Lauriston, mid-Canterbury, started dairy farming they knew nothing of the generosity of New Zealand’s rural communities.

Canterbury milk processor Synlait is looking to expand into own-branded consumer products after posting a record net profit.

The butter boom is rolling on, says ASB senior rural economist Nathan Penny.

Westland Milk Products (WMP) chairman Pete Morrison says the proposed changes to the governance structure of the cooperative will impose more accountability on the board.

Neil and Glenda Gray are proudly continuing a 112-year family dairy business at Turua on the Hauraki Plains.

Global dairy companies including Fonterra are lining up to snare Australia’s largest dairy processor.

The Irwin family -- Geoff, Lee and son Steve -- milk 330 cows on 83ha at Kiwitahi, near Morrinsville, in what Geoff describes as “a relaxed farming system”.

The Hound reckons while most in farming are focused on the election on September 23, another interesting poll is in view for the Fonterra board on October 31.