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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.
125 Episodes
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Can a small amount of plantain in pasture really reduce nitrogen loss on-farm? New research from trials at Lincoln and Massey Universities suggests it can, and the results might surprise you. Kate Fransen shares the latest findings from DairyNZ’s Plantain Potency and Practice Programme and an update on what’s working, how farmers are using it effectively, and what’s next for the programme. Find out more about this research programme: Plantain Potency and Practice Programme - DairyNZ | D...
Why is it that some workplaces seem to flow better than others? In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ researchers Dr Lucy Hall and Brian Dela Rue share insights on how time is used on-farm from 10 in-depth workplace productivity case studies across New Zealand. You’ll hear practical ways people are working smarter, not harder, and how small changes can free up time, boost productivity and keep business profitable. And, if you’re thinking of making some changes or fine-tuning operations, t...
Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 for bite-size conversations. In this update about the International Precision Dairy Farming Conference, host Jac McGowan chats with DairyNZ Head of Science, Nicolas Lyons. They unpack what precision dairy farming really means, why this global event is a big deal for New Zealand, and how technology can make farming easier, more efficient, and sustainable. Hear about the world-class speakers, on-farm tours, and why this is a must-attend event for farmers who ...
What’s going to improve our water quality and keep enabling productivity? In this episode, we discuss practical and proven solutions from key catchments. Johan van Ras, Ron Pellow and Justin Kitto share what’s worked, from stream planting and edge-of-field mitigations to simple farm system changes that reduce nitrogen loss. You’ll hear how farmers, iwi and communities made progress together through the Sustainable Catchments programme, and how you can apply the same ideas on your farm. ...
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 join us to answer some common questions about biosecurity. Find out about practical tips for protecting your farm this spring, how prepared is NZ for biosecurity incursions, what are we keeping an eye on overseas, and how farmer voices are influencing biosecurity policy. DairyNZ’s Strong Biosecurity Systems Programme aims ...
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 rules, the decisions made at your regional council table can change what you can and can’t do on-farm. In this episode, you’ll hear from some of DairyNZ’s regional policy team – David Cooper, Carina Ross, and Shaun Hazelton – on the big changes happening in policy right now and why your voice matters in these processes. Hear how Da...
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 Framework under the Resource Management Act reform. DairyNZ’s Principal Policy Advisor, David Cooper, joins us to share what we said, why, and what it could mean for your farm. Read more about our work on freshwater policy reform for farmers View the submission Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at...
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 episode of Talking Dairy explores new research that reveals how some of New Zealand’s most profitable dairy farms are also achieving lower greenhouse gas emissions intensity. It’s part of the Emissions and Profitability Project – a joint effort between DairyNZ, DairyBase, Fonterra and LIC – based on data from around 8,000 farms. Host Ja...
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 changes for a while now: pastures that don’t last as long, more pests, and weather that’s harder to predict. These challenges are backed up by DairyNZ data that shows pasture growth in Northland and Waikato has dropped by up to one tonne of dry matter per hectare each decade. To help solve this problem, a new sector-wide research initiativ...
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 devices improve reproductive performance – an important factor regularly considered in return on investment calculations? In this episode, Jac McGowan speaks with DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Paul Edwards and CowSmart vet and co-founder Line Ferriman. Together, they break down new independent research that compares reproduction resul...
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 Specialist, and Fiona Langford, who, along with her husband Thomas, are the 2025 Share Farmers of the Year at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. They share how great leadership, clear communication, and smart planning make all the difference on-farm. Fiona shares how they run their year-round operation with multiple employees, and how they f...
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 focused on lifting genetic gain through better breeding decisions. One of those events was held at Clovalley Farms, run by Donovan Croot and Sophie Cookson in South Taranaki. Now, we’re bringing that conversation to you. In this episode of Talking Dairy, hosted by DairyNZ Taranaki Area Manager Talissa Squire, Donovan and Sophie share how the...
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 made it happen. Join host Jac McGowan as she chats with DairyNZ’s Chief Science Advisor Bruce Thorrold and Chief Executive Campbell Parker. Together, they look back at the science, smarts, and farmer-led research that helped turn a tough industry into a global success. You’ll learn how NZ dairy farmers went from milking on average 1...
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 economists, Brad Olsen and Cameron Bagrie. They’ll break down what’s happening in global trade and explain what it means for your dairy farm. From rising tensions between the US and China, to big changes in shipping, and Fonterra’s next moves - this is the stuff that shapes your business. You’ll find out how global politics are changing t...
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 not alone - and there is a way to build your network, grow your skills, and find your place in the sector. In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re exploring the power of community and how NZ Young Farmers is helping young people in the ag sector feel supported, connected, and inspired. We’re joined by Waikato farmer Robin Buser, who made...
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 visible. But what about the traits that take time? In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan and Dr Rhiannon Hancock, a scientist at NZ Animal Evaluation, talk about why low heritability traits deserve a place in your breeding strategy – especially if you’re playing the long game. Rhiannon explains how even small genetic gains in these...
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 resistance on the rise, selective dry cow therapy has become an important tool for protecting both herd health and the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics. The key is making smart, informed decisions that safeguard milk quality while keeping cows healthy. In this episode, we’re joined by Mitch Cooper, a Veterinarian and DairyNZ’s Senior Tech...
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 prices, easing interest rates, and a bit more breathing room financially. But what does that actually mean for your farm? And, more importantly, how can you make the most of it? In this episode of Talking Dairy, we take a close look at how the season has played out and what’s on the horizon. Mark Storey, Head of Economics at DairyNZ, ...
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 on the truck? And are you confident they’re set up for a smooth journey? In this episode, we’re talking about simple, practical ways to help your cull cows travel well. Dr. Stacey Hendriks and Penny Timmer-Arends share three key things that make a big difference. They also explain what happens beyond the farm gate and why good preparat...
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 is back, packed with insights to help you create a farm workplace that runs smoothly and delivers results. In this episode of Talking Dairy, we talk to event partner Dairy Women’s Network CEO Jules Benton and leading economist and key speaker Shamubeel Eaqub. Jules shares what’s in store, why these expos are a must-attend for far...
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