In the Shed

Driving Performance: Focusing on What Actually Matters

In this episode of In the Shed with Trev, Waka Dairies’ Michael Phillips and Andrew “Bubbles” Evans, and Fonterra’s Louise Cook, unpack how high-performing farms are using data to drive real efficiency gains on farm.

At Waka Dairies, performance comes down to clear decision-making, strong systems, and a consistent focus on what actually drives profit. From feed and production through to financial metrics and long-term planning, Michael and Bubbles share how they track performance, manage risk, and continuously refine their system to stay ahead.


Louise Cook from Fonterra brings a sector-wide view, highlighting what separates top-performing farms from the rest. The difference is not more data, but better use of the right information, focusing on key metrics, acting quickly when things shift, and building systems that deliver repeatable results.


This is a practical look at how leading farm businesses are turning data into a performance advantage, lifting productivity, improving profitability, and strengthening sustainability without adding unnecessary complexity.


If you’re collecting plenty of data but not always sure what to focus on, this episode will help you cut through and zero in on what actually drives performance on farm.

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What you'll hear

  • How Waka Dairies dramatically reduced reliance on imported feed
  • Why top-performing farms focus on per cow performance before adding more cows
  • Why the best farmers are acting faster, not collecting more data
  • The warning signs leading operators watch for when performance starts slipping
  • How strong systems help farms stay ahead of volatility and rising costs
  • The link between homegrown feed, profitability, and lower emissions
  • How top operators turn information into repeatable results
  • What separates farms thriving under pressure from the ones standing still

Who's in the Shed?

Sheryl Haitana, Host
With a background in ag journalism and communications, Sheryl Haitana leads SpadeWorks Communications and focuses on New Zealand’s primary sector. She brings strong industry knowledge and hands-on experience, offering a practical perspective on farm businesses, people and day-to-day operations.

Michael Phillips, Waka Dairies, Owner
A fourth-generation farmer at Waka Dairies near Dannevirke, Michael Phillips oversees the business as owner-operator. He focuses on building a resilient, high-performing system through strong decision-making, investment in the right tools, and keeping the business aligned for the next stage.

Andrew “Bubbles” Evans, Waka Dairies, Operations Manager

Operations Manager at Waka Dairies, Andrew “Bubbles” Evans plays a key role in the day-to-day running of the dairy business, with a strong focus on per cow production, efficiency, and system performance. A long-standing member of the team, he has helped drive Waka Dairies’ shift toward a more sustainable, high-performing farm system built around animal welfare and homegrown feed.

Louise Cook, Fonterra, Programme Manager On-farm Performance

Louise Cook works in Fonterra’s On-Farm Excellence On-farm Performance team looking at the tools, data and services Fonterra can offer to farmers to support the profitable productive achievement of emissions intensity reduction. She’s passionate about supporting farmers to navigate the new regulatory environment.

A few takeaways worth chewing on

  • Chasing more cows is not always the fastest way to lift profit
  • The farms staying ahead are usually the ones picking up problems early
  • Every missed grazing, delayed decision, or wasted weather window has a cost
  • Good systems create consistency when seasons and payouts become unpredictable
  • Homegrown feed still does the heavy lifting in high-performing farm systems
  • The gap between average and top-performing farms is often execution, not ambition
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