The price of milk

The bullish dairy industry is continuing to drive the country's economy but at an increasingly high environmental cost.

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14th August, 2010

Farming industry

On a frigid afternoon in June, fifth-generation Canterbury sheep farmer Brian Deans stands on the steps of ChristChurch Cathedral and tells an assembly of thousands: "We shouldn't be putting dairying all over the plains." There's a roar of agreement from the throng in Cathedral Square. "Dairying wouldn't stand up to any analysis of the total costs," announces Deans. "We're ripping out all the hedgerows and trees and losing diversity." Another rumble of agreement. Later, Robin Judkins, the entrepreneur celebrated for his hugely successful Coast to Coast multi-sport endurance ...

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