Feed for Thought

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Andy Slater on driving productivity beyond cow numbers

2026-10-2641:11

How do you continue improving farm performance when expansion is no longer an option? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by Taranaki dairy farmer Andy Slater to explore how a focus on pasture utilisation, feed management, and clear farm systems has helped lift productivity while keeping the operation simple and enjoyable to run. Andy shares why Jerseys remain the foundation of the herd, how maize silage fits into the feeding system, and why spring nutrition starts well before mating. T...

The Business of Wagyu: Building Value from Farm to Plate

2026-10-1251:04

How do you build a premium beef system that consistently delivers quality from paddock to plate? Matt and Wade are joined by Michael Schat of Wydeacres Wagyu Ltd to explore how his Canterbury feedlot operates and the systems behind a high-value Wagyu programme, run in conjunction with Southern Stations. Michael discusses the role of contracts in reducing risk, his journey from dairy farming to dairy-beef and Wagyu-cross cattle, and how every part of the supply chain contributes to the final p...

Krispin Kannan on Turning Cow Data into Better Decisions

2026-09-2801:00:33

How can technology help farmers make better decisions without adding more complexity? In this episode, Wade and Grant are joined by large animal veterinarian and agri-tech advisor Krispin Kannan to explore how wearables, milk sensing technology, pasture measurement, and herd analytics are changing the way dairy farmers monitor performance and manage their businesses. The conversation looks at how data can uncover hidden issues, support better decision-making, and help farmers focus on the out...

Paul Edwards on Rethinking Calving: Is Extended Lactation the Future?

2026-09-1455:15

What if there was a different way to manage calving that could reduce labour pressure, simplify farm systems, and significantly reduce the number of non-replacement calves? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by DairyNZ's Principal Scientist Paul Edwards to explore the concept of extended lactation and what it could mean for the future of dairy farming. The conversation examines how changing the traditional 12-month calving cycle affects herd management, labour requirements, farm effici...

Capital, Strategy and Succession with Scott Wishart

2026-08-3155:12

How do you position your farm business for growth in an increasingly complex financial environment? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by Scott Wishart, co-founder of NZAB, to unpack what really drives lending decisions and why strategy is one of the most valuable assets a farm business can have. The conversation explores how regulation has changed rural banking, what credit managers are looking for, and why clearly identifying risks and building a robust plan can make all the differen...

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