Shows / Talking Dairy

Talking Dairy
Talking Dairy is your go-to podcast for New Zealand dairy farmers. You'll hear from farmers, scientists, and experts who share practical tips and insights to help you succeed. It's all about giving you the tools and knowledge to make the best decisions for your farm. Brought to you by DairyNZ, we help farmers lead the world in sustainable dairying by investing in research, new solutions and advocacy. Follow now and stay informed with the latest episodes.
Episodes
Talking DairyIn 10: Experts answer your questions for Biosecurity Awareness Month
Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 for bite-size conversations. As we’re nearing the end of Biosecurity Awareness Month, DairyNZ experts Fi Roberts and Mitch Cooper…
Talking DairyHow our collective strength helps shape practical regional policy | Ep. 106
Regional rules might feel like they’re made a long way from the farm gate – yet they directly affect how you farm every day. From nutrient limits to land use…
Talking DairyIn 10: DairyNZ’s RMA – National Freshwater Framework submission on behalf of dairy farmers
Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 for bite-size conversations. This episode brings you an update about DairyNZ’s recent submission on the National Freshwater…
Talking DairyHomegrown advantage: How high-profit farms are also achieving low emissions intensity | Ep. 105
Can your farm be both high profit and low in emissions intensity? What are the top-performing farms doing differently – and what can you learn from them? This…
Talking DairyResilient Pastures: The new research underway to future-proof our grass-fed advantage | Ep. 104
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re talking about pasture – the foundation of New Zealand farming. Farmers in the upper North Island have been noticing…
Talking DairyWearables and repro – what the data tells us | Ep. 103
More farmers are investing in wearable technology to help manage heat detection and ease pressure on skilled people during a busy time on-farm. But do these…
Talking DairyBuilding a high-performing farm team | Ep. 102
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover strategies that help create high-performing dairy teams. You’ll hear from Jane Muir, DairyNZ Senior People…
Talking DairyBuilding a high BW herd - one decision at a time | Ep. 101
What does it take to breed a high performing herd - now and into the future? Earlier this year, DairyNZ and Fonterra co-hosted a series of on-farm events…
Talking DairyBuilt different: Why NZ farmers keep winning at dairy | Ep. 100
Ever wondered how New Zealand dairy became world-class? In this special 100th episode, we go behind the scenes of the science and farmer-led innovation that…
Talking DairyGlobal shifts, local insights – Farmers' Forum preview | Ep. 99
Are you ready to ride the global economic rollercoaster - and come out stronger? In this episode of Talking Dairy, you’ll hear from two of New Zealand’s top…
Talking DairyFinding your farming family | Ep. 98
Wondering how to meet like-minded people or take the next step in your ag career? Want to feel part of something bigger than just your day-to-day job? You’re…
Talking DairyBreeding for the long game | Ep. 97
When it comes to herd improvement, it’s easy to focus on high heritability traits like milk production and liveweight - where the gains are faster and more…
Talking DairySmart dry-off strategies | Ep.96
New Zealand dairy farmers are making great progress in reducing antibiotic use at dry-off - but how do we keep that momentum going? With antimicrobial…
Talking Dairy$10 payout - now what? | Ep. 95
It’s been a season of shifting gears. We started with high costs and cautious optimism, but as the months rolled on, things began looking up - better milk…
Talking DairyOn the move: Reducing stress during transport | Ep. 94
You put a lot of care into your cows, so it’s only natural to want the best for them - even when they leave the farm. But do you know what happens once they’re…
Talking DairyExpert insights to grow productive farm workplaces and what to expect at the People Expos | Ep. 93
Looking for fresh ideas to boost productivity on your farm? Want to build a strong, high-performing team without adding more hours to your day? The People Expo…
Talking DairyTech and data raising the bar on farm efficiency and production | Ep. 92
Missed DairyNZ’s recent on-farm events about building a productive workplace for on-farm efficiency? This episode of Talking Dairy brings the highlights to…
Talking DairySummer yarns: Contract milking 101 | Bonus episode
Welcome to the third and final Talking Dairy summer yarn. In this bonus episode, we revisit the Contract Milking 101 episode with ag consultant Brendon Attrill…
Talking DairySummer yarns: New milking frequency trends and the impact of OAD in early lactation | Bonus episode
Welcome to the second of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit the most downloaded episode of 2024 where Dr. Paul Edwards and Kent…
Talking DairySummer yarns: ‘Dairy farming saved my life’ | Bonus episode
Welcome to the first of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit a moment from the inspiring story of Emma Walton, a young contract…
Talking DairyChoosing the right supplements for your situation | Ep. 91
What’s your game plan when pasture growth slows down or a dry spell hits? Do you know which supplement will give you the best value for money? And how do you…
Talking DairyDairyNZ’s new Chair talks challenges, change, and the future of farming | Ep. 90
In Episode 90 of Talking Dairy, we’re joined by Tracy Brown, the new Chair of DairyNZ. Tracy is a proud advocate for farmers and rural communities, bringing…
Talking DairyHow to stop lameness in its tracks | Ep. 89
Do we really know the cost of lameness? And more importantly, what can we do to stop it? In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan speaks with Winston…
Talking DairyDairy’s economic outlook and what it means for farmers | Ep. 88
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover recent financial shifts that have farmers feeling cautiously optimistic. Over the past few seasons, dairy farmers…
Talking DairyA sharper focus to face the challenges of dairy farming | Ep. 87
Campbell Parker has been leading DairyNZ for a year as Chief Executive. So, what’s his take on the state of New Zealand dairy? And what are his plans for the…
Talking DairyMastering mastitis: Tips to tackle SCC and boost milk quality | Ep. 86
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re talking about one of the biggest challenges on farm – mastitis. What should you do if your herd test shows high somatic…
Talking DairyGene tech and dairy farming – what’s next for NZ farmers | Ep. 85
In Episode 85 of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan chats with Dr Bruce Thorrold, DairyNZ’s Chief Science Advisor, about gene technologies in relation to the dairy…
Talking DairyNew milking frequency trends and the impact of OAD in early lactation | Ep. 84
What milking frequency trends are emerging across different regions? What factors are driving the adoption of once-a-day (OAD) milking in early lactation? And…
Talking DairyWhat actions between calving and mating can improve in-calf rates? | Ep. 83
How can your actions during calving impact success at mating? In this episode of Talking Dairy, we talk about reproduction and look at what actions during…
Talking DairyThriving after calving: Key cow care and recovery tips | Ep. 82
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover the important topic of preventing down cows during the calving period and providing essential care and recovery for…
Talking DairyFarm to boardroom: Cam Henderson on leading DairyNZ | Ep. 81
On this episode of Talking Dairy by DairyNZ, we sit down with Cam Henderson, a dairy farmer and farmer-elected board member of DairyNZ. Cam shares his journey…
Talking DairyWhat cows prefer in winter | Ep. 80
Welcome to Episode 80 of Talking Dairy. Winter can be challenging on dairy farms, and knowing what cows need during these cold, wet months is crucial for their…
Talking DairyProgress on water quality: where are we at and where are we going? | Ep. 79
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we dive into the topic of ongoing water quality improvement efforts by the dairy sector with Aslan Wright-Stow, Senior…
Talking DairyDairyBase celebrates 20-year milestone | Ep. 78
How do you benchmark your farm systems and performance within the sector? DairyBase enables you to better understand your farm system and its performance, by…
Talking DairyKeeping a spring in your step | Ep. 77
Injuries are commonplace on farm, ACC shares that 40% of farm injuries are from a sprain or strain and most of these occur between August to October, aligning…
Talking DairyAnimal care consults | Ep. 76
Animals are at the heart of every farming business. To support the sector in achieving high levels of animal welfare, DairyNZ has been interviewing farmers…
Talking DairyChoosing the best genetics for your herd | Ep. 75
When it comes to breeding more efficient cows, why is genetic gain so important and how can NZAEL’s online tools help? Join us as we talk to Rhiannon Handcock…
Talking DairyAn economic update: a year in review and new season forecasts | Ep. 74
When it comes to budgeting on farm and forecasting spend, how do others do this? Join us as we talk to Mark Storey DairyNZ’s Head of Economics and Louise…
Talking DairyMonitoring waterway health | Ep. 73
When it comes to monitoring waterway health, what makes up a holistic assessment of stream health? In this episode, we talk to DairyNZ Principal Scientist Dr…
Talking DairyPeople leadership and motivating the next generation | Ep. 72
When it comes to leadership and motivating the next generation, how do others do this? Join us for part two of our people leadership series, as we talk Tawera…
Talking DairyWater quality research update | Ep. 71
When it comes to improving water quality, what does best practice look like? And how do you invest in long-term solutions to meet changing regional…
Talking DairyHow to invest in your people and be the best leader possible | Ep. 70
When it comes to managing a team, what does good leadership look like? And how do you invest in developing people when times are financially tough? In this…
Talking DairyGiving Surfing for Farmers a go | Ep. 69
How do you take a break from the farm? This summer farmers across the country, of all ages and stages, are hitting the beach to head along to Surfing for…
Talking DairyNZAEL new fertility trait update | Ep. 68
DairyNZ’s subsidiary NZAEL (New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited) has recently made a new fertility trait update – in this episode we’ll discuss what this…
Talking DairySummer dry planning and management | Ep. 67
With NIWA’s prediction of an El Nino weather pattern and a high likelihood of a drier summer, how are farmers preparing? In today’s episode, we’re talking to…
Talking DairyImproving workplace productivity | Ep. 66
Having more productive dairy workplaces can save hours, shorten the working day, and create more attractive workplaces. But what exactly is workplace…
Talking DairyBetter worm management for healthy heifers | Ep. 65
What’s the best way to manage internal parasites in young dairy stock? Find out how worms limit production in calves, when to start drenching, how to choose…
Talking DairyThe low-down on deferred grazing | Ep. 64
Many farmers are looking for ways to get better value from their pasture, get through NIWA’s predicted El Niño summer, and control on-farm costs. Could…
Talking DairyReducing nitrogen losses in Canterbury | Ep. 63
Canterbury sharemilker Glenn Jones joins us to talk about the options he’s used to reduce nitrogen losses on-farm. He discusses how successful it’s been, the…
Talking Dairy'Dairy farming saved my life' | Ep. 62
To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re sharing the powerful story of Emma Walton, a young Waikato contract milker. Emma not only loves dairy…
Talking DairyTaking the strain out of farming | Ep. 61
What do saloon doors and exosuits have to do with reducing injuries on dairy farms? They’re among a range of practical ideas DairyNZ is trialling to help…
Talking DairyMethane research update from Lye Farm | Ep. 60
How do we reduce methane emissions from cattle within our pasture-based farming system? And when will farmers have solutions ready to use on-farm? In this…
Talking DairyGetting the most from your fert spend | Ep. 59
With farm business viability top of mind and soils still very wet around the country, what are some steps you can take to make sure you’re spending your…
Talking DairyBank’s advice for herd-owning sharemilkers | Ep. 58
What are the main things to consider before approaching the bank for backing to go into herd-owning sharemilking? Sian Mitchell, ANZ agri manager, explains how…
Talking DairySucceeding in herd-owning sharemilking | Ep. 57
Is herd-owning sharemilking in your sights? Already in a HOSM partnership? In this episode, pick up some fresh ideas for both farm owner and sharemilker on how…
Talking DairyWet weather management | Ep. 56
Rain, rain, rain. How are other dairy farmers managing their way through this exceptionally wet winter? Hear from Hauraki Plains farm owner John Garrett…
Talking DairyLive from Fieldays: Coping with cost pressures | Ep. 54
Waikato farm owners Bryce Anderton and Aleisha Broomfield share how the current period of increased farm costs and high inflation is affecting them and how…
Talking DairyLive from Fieldays: How do I make my job offer more attractive? | Ep. 53
In today’s tight labour market, we need to ensure our dairy farm assistant jobs are attractive and competitive – but how? In this episode, find out about…
Talking DairyLive from Fieldays: Striking the balance – mental health and wellbeing | Ep. 55
Our guests Matte Kirk and Kelly Dickey share their thoughts on mental wellness in the rural sector. Are farmers getting better at talking about how they’re…
Talking DairyPlanting – do it once, do it right | Ep. 52
Our guests on this episode are Morrinsville farmer Johan van Ras, planting professional Antony Snodgrass, and DairyNZ’s Aslan Wright-Stow, Senior Manager –…