DairyPod

In this episode, WestVic Dairy Extension Advisor Debbie Twiss speaks with dairy farmers Victoria Burleigh and Luke Davison about their experiences using genomic testing data as part of their herd management strategies.    The couple – who farm at Nullawarre in Victoria’s south-west – started genomic testing of their herd in 2020. They share how and why they got started, their business decisions based on this new data that saw improved profitability, as well as some practical examples into the business applications of heifer genomics for others to consider.  You can find out more about heifer genomics and genomic testing visit Genetics | Dairy Australia  Further information:   Visit the Datagene website.   Phone Datagene on 1800 841 848 for information about the sustainability index.   Contact your local extension program provider to register your interest in upcoming dairy industry genomics courses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we hear from Sarah Crosthwaite – a dairy farmer and mental health social worker from the Kiewa Valley in North-east Victoria. In 2023, Sarah was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship that has allowed her to travel the world and see what other countries are doing when it comes to mental health promotion, particularly in the agricultural sector.   Sarah speaks with Gardiner Foundation Communications Manager, Meghan Lodwick, about what she has learnt and the impact of her Nuffield experience.  To find out more about the Nuffield Scholarship and apply for the 2025 intake, visit gardinerfoundation.com.au/nuffield   Read more about Sarah’s story: From dairy farmer to mental health advocate | Dairy Australia Trigger warning: This episode contains themes that may be upsetting for some of our listeners. If this does raise personal issues for you, there is help and you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The availability of a skilled workforce remains one of the top challenges facing Australian agriculture. The shortages have wide-ranging impacts – from farm output to work-life balance, and succession. Join Dairy Australia’s National People Lead, Mick Fuller and DairySA’s Extension Coordinator and Workforce Attraction Project Lead, Alberta Badu-Yeboah as they chat to South Australian dairy farmer Sarah Moore about finding and attracting staff, including backpackers, to dairy farms.  A former backpacker – now farm manager – Sarah shares her perspective on what makes a backpacker a great farming employee. The conversation explores what a talent community is, how to engage with backpackers specifically and how to make the most of the time they’re on farm to ensure a great experience for the employer and employee. This episode is part of a DairyPod workforce attraction series providing insights and guidance to help farmers successfully recruit and retain the right people for dairy farm jobs. To find out more about how Dairy Australia is supporting farmers with employing and managing people and to access employment resources, visit People, Skills & Capability | Dairy Australia Related links: The People in DairySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dairy Australia’s Project Manager, Carly Potts brings an inspirational conversation to this DairyPod episode as she speaks with Young Dairy Network Conference guest presenter, Samantha Bloom.  Samantha is a three-time World Para Surfing champion, author and inspiration behind the #1 Australian box-office movie, Penguin Bloom – the movie adapted from the international bestselling book, Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little Bird Who Saved a Family. Following an accident that led to her spinal injury, Samantha shares her story with an inspiring degree of positivity and brutal honesty of her personal challenges. She talks about her journey through depression and anger, and how the kindness of others and the process of telling her story helped her find meaningful purpose again. Today, her passion is fundraising to help others affected by spinal cord injuries as well as an enviable determination to win her fourth World Para Surfing championship.   To find out more about Dairy Australia’s national events – including the Young Dairy Network calendar – visit Cows, Courage and Curiosity - A Young Dairy Network Event | Dairy Australia  Other related links:   NSW YDN sign up page: dairyaustralia.com.au/dairynsw/about-us/dairy-nsw-young-dairy-network  More about Sam: Home | Sam Bloom  Trigger warning: This episode does contain themes that may be upsetting for some of our listeners. If this does raise personal issues for you, there is help and you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at beyondblue.org.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Development & Regional Adaptation Lead – Feedbase and Nutrition Dr Josie Garner speaks with Feedworks’ ruminant nutrition experts Pip Gale and Ian Sawyer about how to prepare for feed gaps with non-forage fibre sources.  This recent webinar on byproducts feeding looks at the considerations for farmers when feeding non-forage fibre sources to dairy cows, including variation in nutrient values. It also provides guidance on how best to utilise byproducts such as almond hulls and palm kernel, as well as associated risks to be aware of when it comes to storage, mould and contaminants.  To learn more about how Dairy Australia is supporting farmers in feedbase and nutrition, visit Feeding & Farm Systems | Dairy Australia   Watch the full webinar: Byproducts feeding webinar (youtube.com)  Other related links:   Byproducts Report | Dairy Australia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we share a recent Dairy Australia webinar discussion about heat stress in cows and how to keep your herd cool during extreme heat.   Join Dairy Australia's Development and Regional Adaptation Lead, Dr Josie Garner, as she delves into the physiology of heat stress and outlines practical short-term and long-term heat stress management strategies that farmers can implement on farm.  Watch the full webinar: Managing cows through heat (youtube.com)  Related links:   Managing in Hot Conditions | Dairy Australia  Raising the Roof | Dairy Australia  Strategies For Managing Heat Stress | Dairy Australia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered about what it might take to be a dairy Farmer Ambassador? In this DairyPod episode, guest presenter Chloe Brown – a dairy farmer and host of the More Than Milk podcast – speaks to Gippsland dairy farmer, Trish Hammond and Dairy Australia’s Marketing Engagement Lead, Jess Phillips. They discuss the importance of having dairy farmers involved in promoting the industry, and how Dairy Australia’s ambassador program supports farmers to confidently to turn their passion for the industry into promotion. To find out more about being a dairy Farmer Ambassador in 2024, you can email Dairy Australia’s Marketing Engagement Lead Stephanie Tarlinton at stephanie.tarlinton@dairyaustralia.com.au or visit Farmer Ambassadors | Dairy Australia Listen to the More Than Milk podcast: Episodes | More Than Milk (morethanmilkpodcast.com)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian dairy industry has seen significant improvements in herd genetics over the last 40 years, largely due to technology advancements and industry uptake.  In this episode, we bring you a recent webinar with DataGene CEO Matt Shaffer and DairyTas Extension Team Lead Officer Liz Mann discussing the major changes, turning points and learnings from the last 40 years.  They also discuss the value of the collaboration between DairyBio Animals research and DataGene – driving continued improvements in herd fertility, health, productivity and sustainability for farm businesses. The conversation also touches on the future of genomics research and continuous innovation for farmers to derive even more from breeding values.  To learn more about how Dairy Australia is supporting our farmers in the genetics space, please visit Genetics | Dairy AustraliaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This DairyPod episode is part of a series providing insights and guidance to help farmers successfully recruit and retain the right people for dairy farm jobs. Hear from dairy farmers, Andrew and Cassandra Kath from Kathleigh Farms, as they speak to Dairy Australia’s National People Lead Mick Fuller and Murray Dairy Workforce Attraction Project Lead, Melva Tyson. The couple – from Rochester in Victoria’s north – reflect on their dairy farming journey and how they have built their employer ‘brand’ over the years. They discuss what they have learnt during this process, the must-haves in building the right employment brand and how leadership styles play a role in business success. To find out more about how Dairy Australia is supporting farmers with employing and managing people and to access employment resources, visit People, Skills & Capability | Dairy Australia Other useful links: Browse Learning: Farming With My Team (dairyaustralia.com.au) The People in Dairy | Dairy Australia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Head of Innovation, Emily Samyue, leads a discussion about ag tech and its benefits for the dairy industry. Joined by Michael Macolino from SVG Thrive, Aurora Dairies’ Matt Makin and Devon Soutar from Alternate Energy Innovations, they share their ag tech experiences and offer advice to those who are looking to adopt innovative technology on their farm.  Visit Investing in Innovation | Dairy Australia to find out more about how Dairy Australia is supporting the dairy industry in its research and innovation investments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Industry Analysts Eliza Redfern and Isabel Dando speak to Agriculture Victoria Farm Business Economist, Natalie Nelson, about the annual Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) in context of the release of the latest In Focus and Situation & Outlook reports.  The DFMP provides a comprehensive physical and financial analysis of 250 dairy farms across Australia. Hear from Natalie about the 2022-23 project results and key trends, and what we can expect going forward. If you would like to learn more about the Dairy Farm Monitor project, visit dairyaustralia.com.au/dfmp   Other useful links:  Australian Dairy Industry In Focus | Dairy Australia Situation and Outlook | Dairy AustraliaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is the third in a series focusing on seasonal dry conditions and related challenges for the dairy industry.   Discussing this season’s fodder harvest, Dairy Australia’s Development Lead – Feedbase and Nutrition, Dr Josie Garner is joined by The Australian Fodder Industry Association Vice Chair Jason Palmer. They also provide an outlook of the hay market moving into 2024, including availability and pricing.  If you would like to access Dairy Australia’s industry reports – including our weekly hay report – visit Industry Reports | Dairy Australia    Find out more at Drought Support | Dairy Australia or visit the Dairy Australia events calendar to get in touch with your regional team and find out about the related events that are taking place in your area.     Additionally, Fodder for the Future is designed to support the development of complementary farming systems, and optimise the use of both irrigated and dryland resources across the southern Murray-Darling Basin. Find out more at Fodder for the Future | Dairy Australia  Other useful links:     Working through a dry season – impacts on feed grain - DairyPod - Omny.fm  Working through a dry season – feedbase considerations - DairyPod - Omny.fm   Drought, disaster and rural support - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)    Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)    Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)    For social support and wellbeing, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the website.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is the second in a series focusing on seasonal dry conditions and related challenges for dairy farmers and industry.  Hear from Dairy Australia’s Development Lead – Feedbase and Nutrition, Dr Josie Garner, and Rural Bank Agricultural Analyst Sean Hickey, as they discuss the current season of feed grain production and how this is expected to impact prices moving forward.   They also look at feed grains from a global perspective and examine how the re-entry of China into the Australian barley market is expected to evolve.   If you would like to access Dairy Australia’s industry reports – including our weekly grain report – visit Industry Reports | Dairy Australia   Find out more at Drought Support | Dairy Australia or visit the Dairy Australia events calendar to get in touch with your regional team and find out about the related events that are taking place in your area.    Other useful links:    Working through a dry season – feedbase considerations - DairyPod - Omny.fm  Drought, disaster and rural support - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)   Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)   Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)   For social support and wellbeing, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the website.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we share a recent Dairy Innovation webinar discussion about research into calf vitality and the role genetics, and effective record keeping, plays in the birth of a healthy calf.  Dairy Australia's Regional Extension Officer, Liz Mann speaks with Agriculture Victoria's PhD student Michelle Axford about the research. They are joined by Tori Tuckett, a dairy farmer from Western Victoria, to share her insights about the role that farmers can play in research and the benefits for enhanced outcomes at calving. If you would like to find out more about leading bioscience research in dairy, visit dairyaustralia.com.au/dairybio. If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Development Lead – Feedbase and Nutrition, Dr Josie Garner, sits down with Farm Business Performance Lead, Neil Webster to discuss strategies around preparing for dry weather.   Neil and Josie highlight the importance of feed budgeting and how to use it. They also look at how to use Dairy Australia’s hay reports to make informed decisions when purchasing fodder as well as interpreting feed test reports and why it’s important to buy feed tested fodder.   This is the first in a series of DairyPod episodes that will focus on seasonal dry conditions and how farmers can prepare and plan for related challenges.  Find out more at Drought Support | Dairy Australia or visit the Dairy Australia website to get in touch with your regional team and find out about the related events that are taking place in your area.   Additionally, Fodder for the Future is designed to support the development of complementary farming systems, and optimise the use of both irrigated and dryland resources across the southern Murray-Darling Basin. Find out more at Fodder for the Future | Dairy Australia Other useful links:   Drought, disaster and rural support - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)  Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)  Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)  For social support and wellbeing, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you looking for support in recruitment of workers on your dairy farm? In this episode, Dairy Australia’s National People Lead Mick Fuller is joined by Dairy NSW Project Officer – Workforce Attraction and Retention, Tania Ketteringham and Aurora Dairies Talent Lead Michael Gliddon, to discuss how farmers can successfully attract workers to their business. The conversation takes into account the current unemployment rates, what job seekers are looking for, writing a great job advert and where to advertise to reach the right people. This is the first in a series of DairyPod episodes that will focus on providing insights and guidance to help farmers successfully recruit and retain the right people for dairy farm jobs. To find out more about how Dairy Australia is supporting farmers in attracting and retaining staff and to access employment resources, visit People, Skills & Capability | Dairy AustraliaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In September 2023, the Bureau of Meteorology declared an El Niño climate pattern for Australia. This is linked with an increased risk of drought, heatwaves and bushfires – and unfortunately, we have already seen the bushfire season arrive in southeastern parts of the country. In this episode, Dairy Australia National Animal Health and Fertility Lead, Zoe Vogels, speaks with Craig Wood, a veterinarian in Victoria’s Terang/Mortlake region and CFA Deputy Group Officer (Camperdown Group), about how dairy farmers can prepare for bushfires. This includes how to keep your young stock and cows safe, how to keep staff safe and informed, take into consideration power and water supply, and the importance of planning ahead. You can find bushfire preparedness resources at Preparing for Bushfires | Dairy Australia and Bushfire Hub | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, DairyTas Regional Extension Officer Liz Mann is joined by DairyBio researcher Dan Isenegger to discuss some of the research being undertaken as part of the DairyBio Forages program. Delving into the DairyBio Forages research program, they discuss gene editing technology, forage species in focus and the impact that this work could have for future dairy farms. DairyBio is a $55-million partnership between the Victorian government, Dairy Australia and the Gardiner Foundation, with a dedicated purpose of delivering improved on farm productivity and profitability to Australian farmers through the use of bioscience. This includes breeding more productive cows and forage pastures that are resilient to future environments; increasing the rate of genetic gain in profitability in plants and animals; and the development of the Sustainability Index to help farmers breed dairy cows that will lower emissions. You can find out more about the DairyBio Forages program at dairybio.com.au/forage Have a suggestion or idea for future episodes? You can email us at dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Industry Analyst, Eliza Redfern, delves into one of the highlights from the September Situation and Outlook report with Australian Fodder Industry Association Board Director, Brad Griffiths. Discussing the fodder market, the conversation covers some of the conditions that are changing on the ground. We also gain Brad’s perspective on what the future impacts are likely to be and what it means for future hay prices. If you would like to read the full September 2023 Situation and Outlook report, you can find it at dairyaustralia.com.au/sando Have a suggestion or idea for future episodes? You can email us at dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this third-in-a-series Dairypod episode on energy savings, Jarrod Leak, CEO at Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity, explores renewable energy sources for dairy farms. Jarrod is firstly joined by Karin Stark, Founder for the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Stephen Soutar, Engineering Manager at Alternate Energy Innovations to discuss how to get the most out of a solar PV system on farm.The second half of this episode he speaks with Samantha Lamond, Head of Energy 360, about the growing use of organic waste from across the agricultural industry to produce biogas as another renewable energy source.Find out more about ways to save energy on farm, at Energy | Dairy Australia You can find our other energy saving Dairypod podcast episodes here: Saving energy on farm - getting started - DairyPod Saving energy on farm - considerations when investing - DairyPod Have a suggestion or idea for future episodes? You can email us at dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.