Driven by our desire to do better with less and become more efficient producers of milk, we identified a need in the market for independent herd improvement consultancy.

Consultancy that was personal and unique to you, your farm, and your herd.  Our tailored herd improvement solutions begin with a comprehensive herd audit and analysis which forms the basis of your overall herd improvement strategy – a strategy we develop and own together.

a black and white photo of mark in a field with his herd

Independent Herd Improvement Solutions for New Zealand Dairy Farmers.

At Wingman, we specialise in providing independent herd improvement consultancy to help drive your herd’s performance.  Whether you’re looking to develop a tailored herd improvement strategy, conduct a thorough herd audit and analysis, or simply talk about who’s in your bull team this season, our expertise can guide you.  Backed by herd ownership experience, breeding to improve specific traits and using strategic livestock transactions to help accelerate the genetic gain in your animals is our bread and butter.

  • Our approach is simple.

  • We listen.

  • We understand.

  • We've been there.

  • We're all in - for you and your herd.

Our Services

  • a generic phone of a desk with a computer and some reports on herd analysis

    Herd Data Analysis

    We can conduct thorough a herd data analysis from anywhere, at any time – all we need is access to your herd data. Our in-depth analysis covers key areas like BW and PW, breed splits, liveweight, fertility, udders, and other TOP traits.

    By examining your herd from every angle, we provide valuable insights into its strengths and weaknesses, helping to identify key areas for improvement. We’ll then create tailored strategies for you that lead to practical, easily implementable actions out on farm.

  • black and white photo of mark on a farm with a herd of bulls

    On-Farm Visits

    On-farm visits are a key part of what we’re about at Wingman. No one will ever know your herd as well as you, and it’s important for us to spend the time with you and your cows in the paddock.

    ‘Seeing is believing’ they say, and we want to see what your Ideal Cow looks like so we can help you breed more just like her.

  • black and white photo of two men talking about herd management

    Independent Advice

    Our 100% independence is what sets us apart from any company selling you BW, bulls or a bull team.

    We’re capable of working within AB providers or across them to ensure you get what’s best for you, your herd and your business.

    We’re also happy to look at herds or individual lines of animals on your behalf either through either a herd data analysis, in-paddock assessment, or a combination of the two.

LEARN MORE

A bull team based on minimums

Together, we identify valuable traits for your herd and form a bull team that meets or exceeds these criteria.

Our industry has moved from growth.

To efficiency.

Individual cows are more important than ever.

the wingman owners mark and louise in farm gear standing on a farm

Mark and Louise Benns, Co-Founders of Wingman

After successfully exiting dairy farming in 2024 as 50/50 sharemilkers with one of New Zealand’s top herds (#54 on BW and #16 on PW), Mark and Louise established Wingman – a pioneering independent herd improvement consultancy. 

Mark’s passion for agriculture and herd improvement drives him to help farmers understand and articulate the ‘why’ behind their herd.  A member of Livestock Improvement Corporation’s (LIC) Shareholder Reference Group between 2018-2024 enabled Mark to gain unique insights into the herd improvement industry and where the gaps really lie for farmers.  Mark’s focus is on offering tailored herd improvement analyses, strategies and solutions that add real value to dairy farming operations.  Committed to sharing his insights and knowledge to help farmers achieve better herd performance and long terms success is at the heart of what Mark and Wingman are about.

Farmers’ leading the way.

  • “Wingman can add and the finer details I knew weren’t in my tool kit.”

    Cole Townsend

  • “Trusting you on this one - I'm not happy about the status quo.”

    Wynn Brown

  • "Wingman confirmed we are on the right track with our breeding decisions for our farm system."

    Mark Wilson

  • "The impact an independent perspective can provide to your herd delivers excellent return on investment."

    Rhys Roberts, Align Farms

  • "We have really enjoyed Wingman's independent perspective by not selling one particular product"

    Tom and Briana Hoskin

Great day on farm with Fraser and @ambz_carpenter and their farm manager Joel. We’re changing things up a bit for their F/FX herd by selecting a couple of XB bulls for Autumn mating who will perform some key TOP improvement roles for them.
It was a privilege to be asked to sit on the discussion panel at the @jersey_nz conference last week alongside Brent Goldsack from @pwcnz, Lizzie Gurnell from @asbbank and Caleb Higham from OCD. The theme for the panel was sustainability and effici
Megan asked us to do a Wingman Warrant of Fitness on her herd to give her a feel for the lay of the land. Post WoF, she then asked us to give her a hand with scrutinising her ‘long list’ of bulls for next season. 🕵🏻 Her list was fairly
Whilst we might not actually be at the @siafd this week in Kirwee, we’re there in spirit with our friends from Genez. We’ve teamed up with Ben to offer a Wingman Warrant of Fitness as a part of a $1000 herd improvement giveaway. So if
Rainy old afternoon in Otorohanga while we were looking at cows to buy for one of our Wingman farmers. Fingers crossed that’s broken the dry spell and heralds the start of Autumn! 🤞🏻🤞🏻
Full house this week at Hamish and Kelly Martin’s place (Morrinsville) for the @dairynz ‘Improve your Genetic Gain’ fielday. Great to see industry reps from @fonterra.nz, LIC, @crv_nz as well as @dairynz there to emphasise the imp

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Wingman numbers.

15,350+ cows

23 herds

26 different bulls

Est. June 2024