DairyPod

What happens when an entire dairy farm goes under water? In this episode, Dr Stephanie Bullen, Dairy Australia’s National Animal Health & Welfare Lead, speaks with veterinarian Dr Sam Rowe from UniVets Livestock, about his on-the-ground experience working with flood affected farmers across New South Wales dairy regions in May 2025. They discuss impacts on animal health – including mastitis, lameness and disease outbreaks – and the practical strategies that helped some farms fare better than others. The conversation covers ways  farmers can better prepare herd and farm systems in flood and severe wet weather events. For more information and resources, visit Wet Conditions & Floods. Related links Animal Health If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s National Animal Health & Welfare Lead, Dr Stephanie Bullen speaks with Donna Woerz from Debenham Australia, about how dairy farmers can navigate feed shortages in wet and dry conditions. Donna shares insights on why fodder supplies are tight, what practical steps farmers can take to manage their feed budgets and how to get the most out of what’s on hand. From effective fibre to alternative feeds, transition diets and young stock care, this is a practical discussion for making smart, informed feeding decisions through tough seasonal conditions. For more resources to help manage feed and other on-farm challenges, visitDairy Australia – Issues and Emergencies Related links Feeding & Farm Systems If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features an excerpt of a recording from a recent Dairy Australia webinar focused on the key settings and decisions shaping the current dairy season.  Greg Duncan, Dairy Australia’s Farm Business Program Lead, joins farm consultants Fiona Smith and Tom Farran to share practical insights from their work with dairy farmers.   Topics include:  planning and responding to milk price announcements  managing the impacts of drought and flooding  making tactical decisions around herd, feed, water, input costs and cashflow.  For more information and support with your farm business management needs, visit Farm Business  Watch the full webinar: Tactics for the year ahead | Enhancing farm business management  Related links  Contact Us  Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) - DAFF  Help with farm management decisions | Drought support | Farm management | Agriculture Victoria  Issues & Emergencies  Events  If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Analysis and Insights Manager, Eliza Redfern and Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Senior Agricultural Analyst Sean Hickey, explore the Mid-year Situation and Outlook (S&O) report. Eliza and Sean discuss the Dairy Farmland Values Report – a first for the industry – and the key drivers and factors across agriculture that impact land prices across dairying regions. They also look at the grain markets and the current world events influencing grain prices, and what lies ahead.  Access the full S&O report: Situation & Outlook If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au Related links:  Industry ReportsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of DairyPod, dairy farmers Rachael Napier (Murray Dairy Board Chair) and Paul Bennett (Dairy Australia Board member) share how farmers across the country have helped shape Dairy Australia’s new five-year Strategic Plan. Alongside host Greg Duncan (Dairy Australia), Rachael and Paul reflect on the extensive consultation process, the key priorities raised by farmers – including profitability, productivity and sustainability – and how these insights are guiding the organisation’s future direction. Find out more at dairyaustralia.com.au/strategy. This episode features a conversation with: Greg Duncan, Agribusiness Program Lead, Dairy Australia (host) Paul Bennett, farmer, Dairy Australia Board memberRachael Napier, Murray Dairy Board Chair) If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special World Milk Day edition of DairyPod, Dairy Australia’s Karl Ellis is joined by sports commentator and milk enthusiast, Dwayne Russell and proud dairy farmer and AFL fan, Evan Nicholas. Together, they dive into the heart of what makes milk great – from footy fields to farm gates. Hear stories of childhood milk moments, the role of dairy in Aussie sports culture, and the deep pride behind producing one of the world’s most nutritious foods. Pour yourself a glass and join the celebration of the ‘simple greatness’ of milk. Learn more about the ‘simple greatness’ marketing campaign promoting the value of Australian dairy at https://bit.ly/3YUB3dQ. This episode features a conversation with: Karl Ellis, Economic Sustainability and Competitiveness Manager, Dairy Australia Dwayne Russell, sports commentator on Fox Footy and Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)Evan Nicholas, Victorian dairy farmer, Murray region If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, dairy farmers Tania Luckin and Sarah Kelly join Dairy Australia’s Head of Marketing Glenys Zucco to discuss how the industry is being promoted and protected in the public eye. The trio speak about how important it is to have farmers involved in dairy industry promotion for authenticity and transparency, reflecting on the successful Dairy Matters campaign – which ran from 2019 to 2024 – as well as looking ahead to Dairy Australia’s next five-year marketing strategy. To find out more about how Dairy Australia is promoting the industry and how you can get involved, visit dairyaustralia.com.au/promotingdairy or speak to your regional team. This episode features a conversation with: Tania Luckin, South-west Victorian dairy farmer and former Dairy Australia Board member Sarah Kelly, Gippsland dairy farmer and Farmer Ambassador Glenys Zucco, Head of Marketing, Dairy Australia If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over a decade, the Australian dairy industry has been internationally recognised for commitments to tangible goals and targets established through the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework. Dairy farmer Simone Jolliffe joins Dairy Australia’s Rebecca Joyce to discuss these industry-wide commitments on the Framework’s four key sustainability priorities: Enhancing economic viability and livelihoods, improving the wellbeing of people, providing best care for animals, and reducing environmental impact. Simone and Rebecca also delve into the results from the latest dairy industry Sustainability Scorecard, which revealed some great progress being made towards our industry’s goals. Find out more at Industry Sustainability or access the recent scorecard. This episode features a conversation with:  Simone Jolliffe, dairy farmer, Dairy Australia Board member and Australian Dairy Industry Council Sustainability Steering Committee memberRebecca Joyce, Dairy Australia’s Sustainability Implementation Lead If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is part of a series that focuses on Fall Armyworm (FAW), a destructive horticultural and field pest that was detected in Australia in 2020. Queensland dairy farmer, Melvyn Zischke, shares his FAW experience with Dairy Australia’s Dr Brenda McLachlan, Dr Melina Miles (Department of Primary Industries, Queensland) and New South Wales agronomist Peter Beale.  The panel also discuss a range of potential options to minimise the impact of FAW in autumn planted pastures and forage crops, as well as the risks involved. To find out more about FAW and access resources for dairy farmers, visit Fall Armyworm | Dairy Australia.   This episode features a conversation with: Dr Brenda McLachlan, Development & Regional Adaptation Lead, Dairy Australia Dr Melina Miles, Principal Entomologist, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Peter Beale, Senior Agronomist, New South Wales Local Land Services Melvyn Zischke, dairy farmer, Darling Downs, Queensland  Related links Fall armyworm | The Beatsheet If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, South Gippsland dairy farmer Graeme Nicoll joins Mikaela Baker (Dairy Australia) and Kevin Smith (Agriculture Victoria) to share practical insights into how he selects the most productive and profitable ryegrass for his farm using Dairy Australia’s Forage Value Index (FVI).  They discuss how the FVI ratings for Annual, Perennial and Italian ryegrasses are determined using independent data from Pasture Trial Network sites around Australia, and how the FVI continues to evolve. To find out more about the FVI and access the 2025 data, visit Forage Value Index | Dairy Australia. This episode features a conversation with:  Mikaela Baker, Dairy Australia Extension Advisor & Farm Engagement LeadProfessor Kevin Smith, Professorial Fellow, Agriculture Victoria Research and Professor of Pasture Science, The University of Melbourne Graeme Nicoll, dairy farmer, Fish Creek  If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear from New South Wales dairy farmer, Simon Scowen, as he joins Dairy Australia’s National People Lead Mick Fuller to discuss the importance of a safety-first culture in the workplace – particularly when it comes to onboarding and training for new employees.  For more information about employee inductions, visit Getting started | The People in Dairy Related links: Farm safety starter kit | The People in DairyFarm Safety Manual | The People in Dairy 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, hear from Irish dairy farmers Gillian and Neil O’Sullivan as they discuss their farming system and successfully changing from a conventional, monoculture pasture system to a multispecies pasture system.  The couple joins Dairy Australia’s Cath Lescun and Donna Gibson from Gardiner Foundation for this conversation, where they also share the reasons behind making the change. For more information and to access resources across all areas of soil, effluent, water and irrigation management, visit Soils & Water | Dairy Australia.   This episode features a conversation with: Cath Lescun, National Soils & Water Lead, Dairy AustraliaDonna Gibson, Program Manager, Research and Innovation, Gardiner FoundationGillian and Neil O’Sullivan, Irish dairy farmers  If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Carly Potts is joined by Jade Pepper to discuss career opportunities and staff retention within the dairy industry.  Jade is a farmhand and trainee at Wallis Dairy in Bega, New South Wales. She speaks about her pathway into the dairy industry – which came through a school-based apprenticeship with Australian Training Company – as well as the transition from school to the workforce, and ways the industry can support staff retention. To find out about how Dairy Australia provides support with employing and managing people, and building skills for successful careers in dairy farming, contact your regional team or visit People | Dairy Australia. Related links Home - Australian Training Company   If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this DairyPod episode, Dairy Australia’s Cath Lescun sits down with Professor Helen Suter and dairy farmer Simon Scott to discuss how dairy farmers can potentially improve soil health through the use of multispecies pastures.  Hear more about a new University of Melbourne study that examined the forage production of multispecies pastures and the impact on soil properties. The panel discuss the results of this project, and some of the applications it can have for dairy farmers interested in implementing biodiversity in their farming.  For more information and to access resources across all areas of soil, effluent, water and irrigation management, visit Soils & Water | Dairy Australia.   This episode features a conversation with: Cath Lescun, National Soils & Water Lead, Dairy AustraliaHelen Suter, Professor of Soil Science, The University of MelbourneSimon Scott, dairy farmer from Barongarook, Victoria If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2013, the Regional Wellbeing team at the University of Canberra has surveyed Australians in remote, rural and urban areas to better understand community liveability, wellbeing and resilience – crucial research supporting the future of Australian agriculture. In this episode, hear key insights with Gardiner Foundation’s Meghan Lodwick and Professor Jacki Schirmer from the University of Canberra, who is leading this research. The 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey is open until 31 January. Find out more and take the survey: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management. Further information can be found at Home - Regional Wellbeing Survey. If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I’m not only looking at hazards for the adults on farm – I am also now looking out for these hazards for not only my children, but those of my staff and the friends who come to visit.”    Hear from South Australian dairy farmer Jen Stolp, who speaks to Dairy Australia’s National People Lead Mick Fuller about how she and her husband keep their children safe when running a business that is also their backyard.   Jen outlines the policies and procedures their business has in place to create a safe workplace and culture on their farm.   For tools to build and maintain your safety system for children in the workplace, visit Visitors, Children and Traffic | The People in Dairy   Related resources   Farm Safety Manual | The People in Dairy  Farm safety starter kit | The People in Dairy  If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Eliza Redfern and Helen Quinn sit down to dissect the December Situation and Outlook report and Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) results. The pair discuss the impact seasonal conditions had on DFMP results in Victoria and New South Wales, as well as the key challenges and opportunities ahead of the upcoming season. To read the full reports and results, visit Industry Reports | Dairy Australia. If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is part of a series that focuses on Fall Armyworm (FAW), a destructive horticultural and field pest that was detected in Australia in 2020. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Principal Entomologist, Dr Melina Miles, has been investigating FAW since it arrived in the country and discusses the topic with Dairy Australia’s Dr Brenda McLachlan. They explore the potential impact on dairy farm crops and pastures, as well as delve into pest control options to minimise risks and the challenge presented by pesticide resistance. Find out more and access resources at Fall Armyworm | Dairy Australia.   Related links  Fall armyworm | The Beatsheet  If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Head of Marketing Glenys Zucco speaks to Rex James Stockfeed Managing Director, Sam James.  Sam reflects on his personal experiences helping Australian dairy farmers through tough times, the business’ role in the dairy industry and how it has evolved. He also speaks about the business’ recent commitment and involvement in Dairy Australia’s Picasso Cows program as a sponsor, and its benefits to the industry.  To find out more about how Dairy Australia promotes Australian dairy through consumer marketing, school and health and nutrition, visit Promoting Australian Dairy | Dairy Australia. Interested in sponsoring the Picasso Cows program? Send an email to schools@dairyaustralia.com.au.   Related linksPicasso Cows Discover DairyJames Stockfeed & Fertilizers - Home If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is part of a series that focuses on Fall Armyworm (FAW), a destructive horticultural and field pest that was detected in Australia in 2020.   Dairy Australia’s Dr Brenda McLachlan speaks to Nutrien Ag Solutions Principal Agronomist, Dr Ross Pomroy about how to identify and manage FAW.  They also discuss the impact that FAW can have on maize, sorghum and other cereal crops and pastures grown for dairy cattle and the importance of monitoring and reporting if it has been found on farm.  Find out more and access resources at Fall Armyworm | Dairy Australia.   Related links  Fall armyworm | The Beatsheet  If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.