How to build a win-win contract milking agreement that lasts | Ep. 117

Talking Dairy

Talking Dairy
How to build a win-win contract milking agreement that lasts | Ep. 117
Feb 03, 2026
DairyNZ

With the right structure, tools, and communication, contract milking and variable order sharemilking agreements become pathways for equity growth and stronger farm businesses. 

This episode brings you practical insights on what makes those agreements successful for both parties.

DairyNZ senior business specialist Paul Bird, and contract milker Hayden Scott, share their experience and insights on aspects such as setting fair rates, managing cashflow in your first season, and having conversations that build trust. 

They also explore the expectations and pressures on each side, and how to align them so the business relationship stays strong over time.


Learn more about contract milking

Learn more about setting up a contract milking agreement

Download the DairyNZ Contract Milking Premium Calculator. 

A monthly cashflow budget takes your annual cash budget and spreads your income and expenses across the year giving you a month-by-month basis picture. 

Enrol in a Dairy Training Contract Milking Course

Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz

Connect with DairyNZ

Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected



Episode Artwork How to build a win-win contract milking agreement that lasts | Ep. 117 24:20 Episode Artwork Precision Dairy Farming Series: Inside Ireland’s dairy tech trends | Ep. 3 11:43 Episode Artwork How farmers are using artificial intelligence and what the future holds | Ep. 116 34:46 Episode Artwork Precision Dairy Farming Series: Farmers adopting tech – wins, challenges, and lessons | Ep. 2 18:59 Episode Artwork The latest on facial eczema: Risks, research and real solutions | Ep. 115 38:49 Episode Artwork Precision Dairy Farming Series: Revisit the highlights and join the conversations shaping dairy tomorrow | Ep. 1 18:21 Episode Artwork Best of 2025: Building a high BW herd - one decision at a time 36:19 Episode Artwork What's the return on your levy investment? Findings from an independent report. | Ep. 114 18:20 Episode Artwork In 10: How we're rethinking cow wellbeing with wearables 11:19 Episode Artwork In 10: Small changes that can get hours back in your week 11:19 Episode Artwork Cow wellbeing at the leading edge | Ep. 113 35:45 Episode Artwork In 10: The power of connection (and a good lunch): The SMASH story 10:15 Episode Artwork Money on the table: How to make it work for you | Ep. 112 23:29 Episode Artwork Less admin, more insights: How benchmarking your business just got easier | Ep. 111 17:00 Episode Artwork In 10: A Pasture Summit sneak peek – what’s on this spring? 12:50 Episode Artwork Insights on maximising your homegrown feed | Ep. 110 29:38 Episode Artwork In 10: Smooth sailing ahead? 7:36 Episode Artwork Navigating the path to farm ownership in 2025 | Ep. 109 28:34 Episode Artwork In 10: New N loss research shows lower amount of plantain still makes big impact 11:00 Episode Artwork Work smarter, not harder: Insights from productive dairy farm workplaces | Ep. 108 34:05 Episode Artwork In 10: At the crossroads of science and farming - get ready for the global dairy tech event of the year 11:14 Episode Artwork The power of partnership: Farmers, iwi and communities joining forces to improve water quality | Ep. 107 32:41 Episode Artwork In 10: Experts answer your questions for Biosecurity Awareness Month 14:41 Episode Artwork How our collective strength helps shape practical regional policy | Ep. 106 34:19 Episode Artwork In 10: DairyNZ’s RMA – National Freshwater Framework submission on behalf of dairy farmers 9:19