Talking Dairy artwork

Talking Dairy

114 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago -

Talking Dairy podcast gets into the minds of Kiwi dairy farmers, scientists and experts, providing fresh ideas to help you progress in dairying. Brought to you by DairyNZ. Subscribe now and be first to hear the latest episodes.

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Episodes

An economic update: a year in review and new season forecasts | Ep. 74

April 18, 2024 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MB

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 Collingwood – a South Waikato farmer, about the latest economic insights and newly updated DairyNZ Econ Tracker tool.

Monitoring waterway health | Ep. 73

April 03, 2024 21:00 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MB

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. Craig Depree, who shares his approach on ecosystem health and what environmental factors influence freshwater management.  

People leadership and motivating the next generation | Ep. 72

March 19, 2024 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

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 Nikau a retired professional rugby league player, who is now farmer, businessman and community leader, and Tina Ngatai who sits on several boards across the agricultural and horticultural sectors, to hear their views on leadership and how they go about involving the next generation within the farming sector. 

Water quality research update | Ep. 71

March 05, 2024 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

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 regulations? Join us as we talk to DairyNZ Senior Water Quality Scientist Dr Katrina Macintosh and AgResearch Senior Scientist Dr Richard Muirhead about DairyNZ’s key research initiatives and how these projects can provide solutions to improve water quality. Notes Inside Dairy October-November 2023 (referenced at 6.37)

How to invest in your people and be the best leader possible | Ep. 70

February 13, 2024 19:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

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 people leadership series, we’re talking to different farm businesses across the country to get their perspectives on leading successful teams, and how to attract and retain the best talent. For this episode, we to talk to Southland share farmers Leo Panaligan and Hazel Baquita to understand their views on what makes up good leadership.

Giving Surfing for Farmers a go | Ep. 69

January 23, 2024 19:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

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 Farmers sessions. DairyNZ is proud to come on board as Surfing for Farmers “Grassroots partner” to support farmers coming together off-farm to catch up, have fun and boost their health and wellbeing.  We’re talking to Southland dairy farmers Rob Black and Katrina Thomas to share more about what Surfing for Farmers is all about.  Rob tells ...

NZAEL new fertility trait update | Ep. 68

December 18, 2023 00:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

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 change will mean and how it will benefit farmers. Our guests are Ee Cheng Ooi from Abacus Bio, vet and geneticist who worked with NZAEL to develop the new fertility estimated breeding value, NZAEL quantitative geneticist, Melissa Stephen, who recently completed her PhD on early-in-life predictors of an animal’s genetic merit for fertility...

Summer dry planning and management | Ep. 67

November 30, 2023 22:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

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 dairy farmer Trevor Hamilton, who has dairy farm operations across the North and South Islands, and Kevin McKinley, DairyNZ regional partner in the Bay of Plenty.  Trevor and Kevin will share their strategies for preparing for a dry summer including how to manage cow condition and pasture quality. More information: Summer management Su...

Improving workplace productivity | Ep. 66

November 14, 2023 23:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

Having more productive dairy workplaces can save hours, shorten the working day, and create more attractive workplaces. But what exactly is workplace productivity and how can we measure it? What practices and technologies are farmers using, and are they effective at improving productivity? DairyNZ’s Senior Scientist, Callum Eastwood and Research Engineer, Brian Dela Rue have been researching practices and technologies used to improve the productivity and efficiency of our dairy farm workplac...

Better worm management for healthy heifers | Ep. 65

October 31, 2023 19:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MB

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 the right drench – but importantly, why we need to focus on management factors other than drench. Our guests are Ginny Dodunski, Wormwise programme manager and vet, and Emma Poole, Wormwise facilitator, vet, farm owner and 2023 Young Farmer of the Year.    More information: Wormwise.co.nz Wormwise Facebook page Heifer health Video: Get ...

The low-down on deferred grazing | Ep. 64

October 17, 2023 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MB

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 deferred grazing provide a solution for some farmers?  In this episode, you’ll get the low-down on this cheap and flexible form of pasture conservation. Our guests are DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Wendy Griffiths and Waikato farmer Ian Butler, who’s used deferred grazing on his farm. Ian is also a DairyNZ Extension Partner in the Waikato. We...

Reducing nitrogen losses in Canterbury | Ep. 63

October 02, 2023 01:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

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 challenges he’s faced along the way, what he’s learned, and his advice for other farmers. Glenn was one of the partner farmers in a DairyNZ project set up to help dairy farmers in the Selwyn catchment reduce their nitrogen losses by 30%, while maintaining profitability. Notes Selwyn and Hinds - Meeting a Sustainable Future - DairyNZ 

'Dairy farming saved my life' | Ep. 62

September 19, 2023 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

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 farming, but says it saved her life. Find out why farming has been the key to her recovery, why she’s passionate about lifting mental wellbeing in the rural sector, how she copes with stress on the farm, her ambitions, and more. Notes Rural Support Trust: Help and support for rural NZ (rural-support.org.nz) 0800 787 254 Home - Farmstro...

Taking the strain out of farming | Ep. 61

September 05, 2023 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11 MB

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 farmers avoid sprains and strains, particularly around calving time. Hear about the designs and prototypes, including a new easy-entry calf trailer and a flexible breast rail, from DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Callum Eastwood and Waikato dairy farmer Marcus Graham. Notes This project has been made possible through $900,000 of co-funding b...

Methane research update from Lye Farm | Ep. 60

August 29, 2023 21:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

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 episode, recorded at DairyNZ’s Lye Farm, you’ll hear about the options being tested by our scientists, including feeding methane inhibitors to calves from birth. DairyNZ principal scientist Dr Jane Kay and technical team leader Olivia Jordan take us on a walk around Lye Farm’s world-class research facilities, explain when you might start...

Getting the most from your fert spend | Ep. 59

August 15, 2023 23:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

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 fertiliser dollar wisely? In this episode, hear solid advice from two legends of the fert industry: Dr Ants Roberts, chief scientist at Ravensdown, and Warwick Catto, science strategy manager at Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd. They discuss trends in fertiliser use, whether you can afford to skip soil testing, the best time to apply nitrogen fer...

Bank’s advice for herd-owning sharemilkers | Ep. 58

August 02, 2023 01:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

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 to get yourself into as strong a position as possible to secure the bank’s support. She also covers the loan approval process, how and why the bank takes security over the cows, GST loans, loan structures, coping with profit ups and downs, and more. Notes Sharemilking and contract milking arrangements - DairyNZ Budgeting tools - Dai...

Succeeding in herd-owning sharemilking | Ep. 57

July 18, 2023 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

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 to succeed in this popular business structure. Our guests are Waikato sharemilker Rachel Bunnik and Dairy Farms NZ CEO Craig McBeth, who discuss what they like about the agreement, how the financials work, common challenges, keeping the relationship sweet, doing your due diligence, and much more. Show notes Sharemilking and contrac...

Wet weather management | Ep. 56

July 05, 2023 23:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Rain, rain, rain. How are other dairy farmers managing their way through this exceptionally wet winter? Hear from Hauraki Plains farm owner John Garrett, Cambridge farm owner Marc Gascoigne, and Northland herd owning sharemilker Carl MacDonald, who explain how they're trying to minimise soil damage while still adequately feeding the cows. They discuss round lengths, cow comfort, team morale, mental health, lessons from previous wet winters, and more. Notes Wet weather management - DairyNZ ...

Live from Fieldays: Striking the balance – mental health and wellbeing | Ep. 55

June 20, 2023 22:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

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 feeling? Why is getting off the farm so important? How do Matte (former dairy farmer, Pioneer area manager) and Kelly (sharemilker, Rural Support Trust facilitator) stay in top form? The pair also talk about the great work of Surfing For Farmers, which they both help to run in Raglan, on Waikato's west coast. Links Where to get help - D...

Live from Fieldays: How do I make my job offer more attractive? | Ep. 53

June 20, 2023 22:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

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 DairyNZ’s new tools to help farm employers know if their job role 'meets the market' and what factors could be tweaked to create a bigger pool of applicants. Our guests are DairyNZ’s Geoff Taylor and Pouarua Farms CEO Jenna Smith. Useful links Know the Market project - DairyNZ Job competitiveness calculator - DairyNZ

Live from Fieldays: Coping with cost pressures | Ep. 54

June 20, 2023 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

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 they’re coping. Speaking live at Fieldays 2023, Bryce and Aleisha talk about the impacts on their businesses, actions they’ve taken to maintain profitability, the role of cost control, advice for other farmers, and their go-to tools and resources. Useful links Budget Case Studies Budgeting when inflation is high Dairy operating profit...

Planting – do it once, do it right | Ep. 52

June 06, 2023 21:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Our guests on this episode are Morrinsville farmer Johan van Ras, planting professional Antony Snodgrass, and DairyNZ’s Aslan Wright-Stow, Senior Manager – Environment.  Hear their perspectives on how to successfully undertake a planting project on the farm, including some common mistakes to avoid, tips on prep and maintenance, what we can learn from science and research, and what benefits (some unexpected) you’re likely to see. Shownotes Planting waterways - DairyNZ DairyNZ Riparian Pl...

Mental health: ‘Don’t be afraid to open up’ | Ep. 51

May 23, 2023 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

Overwhelmed by workload pressure, self-doubt and a fear of what others expected of him, fifth generation farmer Sam Spencer-Bower stopped being able to function. It took six months before his wife – and Sir John Kirwan – helped convince him to get help. In this episode, Sam kindly joins us to share his mental health journey: the underlying causes, learning to talk about it, the road to recovery, and the skills he’s developed to cope with the stresses of the job, so he can keep on enjoying ...

Plantain proving its worth | Ep. 50

May 09, 2023 22:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

Rotorua farm owner Steve Holdem joins us to share his experience with Ecotain plantain: what’s worked well, what he and wife Paula have learned about maintaining it, and how it’s saving them from reducing their stocking numbers.  Also on the podcast is DairyNZ’s Kate Fransen, who’ll give a clear overview of what a decade’s research has taught us about plantain. New results show even better than expected leaching reductions can be achieved. Notes Plantain - DairyNZ DairyNZ Podcast: 'Planta...

Breeding Worth – how do we know it’s really working? | Ep. 49

April 26, 2023 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

It’s difficult to see the benefit of genetic gain in a herd from one season to the next. When you see an improvement in farm performance, how do you know that's a result of better genetics? How can you be confident that breeding for genetic gain actually works? Hear DairyNZ's Bruce Thorrold discuss learnings from the Holstein-Friesian Strain Trial. He also talks through the value of genomics and high-quality data, strengthening the fertility Breeding Worth, keeping up with our overseas comp...

Better science solutions for Kiwi dairy farms | Ep. 48

April 11, 2023 22:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

For many of the biggest challenges facing Kiwi dairy farmers, the answers lie in solid, farm-tested research. So, what are the big focus areas for DairyNZ’s science team right now? What work is underway to give farmers the tools they need? And how do our scientists ensure new solutions are actually going to work well on-farm?  DairyNZ’s Bruce Thorrold and Bridget Maclean join us to answer those questions, as well as explaining who’s in the science team at DairyNZ, their proudest research ac...

A newbie’s perspectives on dairy farming | Ep. 47

April 04, 2023 22:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

What’s it like coming into the dairy sector with no experience? How can farm employers make it a softer landing for newbies and increase our chances of them succeeding and remaining in farming? What can we learn from seeing dairy farming through the eyes of a new employee?  Step on up John Gibson, who’s in his second season and has just taken on a 2IC role in Te Pahu, west of Hamilton. Hear John's story of leaving behind Government and retail work in Wellington for a new career in dairy far...

Farming at the frontier | Ep. 46

March 28, 2023 19:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

What might NZ dairy farming look like in 2030? What strategies and technologies could Kiwi farmers adopt to get ahead of our global competitors, like US mega-dairies?  DairyNZ researchers are on the case, seeking answers to those questions and more through an exciting project called Frontier Farms. It’s all about identifying the key challenges our farm systems need to address – and coming up with solutions – to remain globally competitive. Our guests in this episode are DairyNZ senior scien...

Tailwinds, headwinds and opportunities for NZ dairy | Ep. 45

March 14, 2023 20:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB

Covid-19, the Ukraine War and extreme weather events have created ongoing disruption globally and locally, with knock-on effects for New Zealand’s dairy sector. So, what can we expect in the coming seasons with farm costs, interest rates, labour supply and demand for dairy? What are the challenges and opportunities for farmers to be thinking about? And what are some emerging trends that could affect dairy farming?  Our guests in this episode are DairyNZ head of economics Mark Storey and for...

Recovering from an extreme weather event | Ep. 44

March 07, 2023 20:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

It’s been an incredibly tough time for farmers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. For many, the recovery will be long and challenging.  We thought it would be helpful to hear from one farmer who’s been through something similar and can talk about what the recovery looked like. Dean Bailey was sharemilking in Manawatu when, in February 2004, a devastating flooding event left his farm submerged beneath two metres of water. It was six months before they were milking cows again on the farm. Dean w...

Milk alternatives – will they cut our lunch? | Ep. 43

February 21, 2023 00:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

There’s a lot of conversation circling about milk alternatives and their potential impact on global dairy consumption and NZ dairy farming. But what do we mean by ‘milk alternatives’? What are the differences between plant alternatives and precision fermentation? Also, where are milk alternatives at and what are the facts – and the myths – about new and existing products?  Here to shed some light on the matter is Warren McNabb, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the Riddet Institute, Mass...

Managing a profit squeeze (Part 2) | Ep. 42

February 07, 2023 20:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

How are Kiwi dairy farmers managing their way through the current economic climate to maintain their profitability? In Part 2 of this series, you’ll hear from Waikato owner operator John Bluett, and Canterbury herd-owning lower-order sharemilker Kylie Marriott. John and Kylie share their approach to coping with cost increases, how they calculate profit from various inputs, how they budget when things are changing so quickly, and what they’ve learned from previous tough times. Notes DairyNZ...

Managing a profit squeeze (Part 1) | Ep. 41

January 23, 2023 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

How are farmers managing their way through the current economic climate to maintain profitability? Over the next two episodes, you’ll hear from a group of farmers who have kindly agreed to talk about their approach. We’ll ask them how they’re coping, how they calculate their profit from various inputs, like supplements, and how they go about budgeting when things are changing so quickly. In this first episode, we’re joined by farmers Dan King and Marc Jones. Dan and his wife Kate are owner/o...

Contract milking part 3: employing a contract milker | Ep. 40

January 10, 2023 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

In this episode we wrap up our three-part series on contract milking. You’ll find out what a farm owner needs to know when it comes to employing a contract milker. How do you make your expectations clear, how do settle your new contract milker in well, and how do you support them to keep growing in their skillset? Bringing the answers are farm owner and ag consultant Brendan Attrill, and Waikato contract milker Rachael Foy. Notes Contract milking 101 | Ep. 37 Contract milking part 2: inves...

Contract milking part 2: investigating a job offer | Ep. 39

December 13, 2022 22:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

How do you figure out if a contract milking position is the right one for you? What things should you be asking the farm owner, what do you look for on the farm, and what are some common mistakes to avoid? In this episode, the second of our three-part series on contract milking, you’ll get the low-down on investigating a job offer from DairyNZ business specialist Paul Bird and ANZ agri manager Sian Mitchell. Also, check out the excellent new contract milking short course launched recently b...

Bonus Episode: Fieldays 2022 – From Philippines vet to NZ dairy farmer

December 08, 2022 01:00 - 12 minutes - 8.77 MB

In this live podcast recorded at Fieldays 2022, we catch up with Waikato farm manager Christopher Vila, who won last year’s NZ Dairy Manager of the Year Award. Chris shares his journey of moving to NZ from the Philippines and beginning a new career as a dairy farmer. He also tells us about his experience taking part in the NZDIA programme, his thoughts on career-changing, his views on the Kiwi dairy sector, and what he does to stay well.    Notes New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards From farm ...

Bonus Episode: Fieldays 2022 – From OE to winning opportunity

December 08, 2022 01:00 - 14 minutes - 9.69 MB

In this live podcast recorded at Fieldays 2022, we’re joined by Zoe Bryson, who came third in the NZ Dairy Trainee of the Year Award earlier this year, after winning this category at the Central Plateau regional Awards. Find out how Zoe’s OE from Scotland to NZ has turned into a thriving dairy career, what she loves about farming down here in the Southern Hemisphere, what she’s gained from the Dairy Industry Awards, and her aspirations. Notes New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Zoe Bryson NZ...

Bonus Episode: Fieldays 2022 – Climate action for my family’s future

December 08, 2022 01:00 - 13 minutes - 9.18 MB

In this live podcast recorded at Fieldays 2022, our guest is Northland third-generation dairy farmer Andrew Booth, who’s gone from climate change sceptic to Climate Change Ambassador. How did Andrew end up in the Ambassador role and what does it look like? What changes are he and his family making on their farm to reduce emissions? And what kinds of challenges are they facing up there in the North? Andrew answers those questions and more.    Notes DairyNZ Climate Change Ambassadors Andrew ...

Bonus Episode: Fieldays 2022 – Shaping up our workplaces

December 08, 2022 01:00 - 13 minutes - 9.01 MB

In this live podcast recorded at Fieldays 2022, Bay of Plenty farm manager Dayna Rowe shares her thoughts on why we need to shape up our farm workplaces to stay competitive with other sectors. Dayna, who originally planned to be an actor, is on a mission to make dairy farming the best place to work – and it starts with her own workplace. Find out how she ended up in dairy farming, how she’s making her farm a great workplace, what she does to get off-farm, and more.  Notes The Great Future...

Testing a lower footprint while retaining profit | Ep. 38

November 29, 2022 19:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

A lower stocking rate, less nitrogen fertiliser and less imported feed – those are the characteristics of a ‘future farm’ being tested down at Dairy Trust Taranaki. Researchers are into their third season comparing a successful current farm system with a farm system that’s designed to meet the regulations and emissions pricing coming at dairy farmers. So, have they been able to make the future farm system work at a similar profitability to the current farm? And what’s happened with greenhous...

Contract milking 101 | Ep. 37

November 15, 2022 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

How do you prepare to go from being a farm worker to a contract milker? What are some things to be aware of, what are the foundations for success, and how do you avoid the common mistakes? This episode is the first of a three-part series on contract milking, which we’ll be rolling out over the next few months. Joining us for the first episode to offer some top-notch practical advice are farm owner and ag consultant Brendan Attrill and Waikato contract milker Rachael Foy.   Notes Sharemilkin...

Growing the next generation of dairy farmers | Ep. 36

November 01, 2022 19:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MB

We all know that attracting and retaining great staff is an ongoing challenge for the dairy sector. A group of Canterbury dairy farmers have put their heads together and come up with one solution to the problem – they’ve set up a training programme to attract young university graduates into dairying, fast-track them in their careers, and give them skills and support to succeed. Each graduate is matched with a reputable farmer, paid a competitive salary, and paid to attend 25 modules covering...

Government’s emissions pricing proposal is not what sector proposed | Ep. 35

October 18, 2022 22:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MB

The Government has released its agriculture emissions pricing proposal. While the Government has accepted the sector’s recommendation for a farm-level split-gas approach, that’s where the similarities end. So, what does the Government’s proposal mean for dairy farmers? How does it differ to what the sector, through He Waka Eke Noa, recommended? And will the Government’s plan lead to reductions in methane, and without significantly affecting farmers’ businesses and the New Zealand economy? In...

Getting the most from your accountant | Ep. 34

October 11, 2022 19:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MB

As a dairy farmer, how do you go about choosing an accountant who truly understands your specific needs and challenges? How can you take full advantage of their knowledge and expertise? And what are some common mistakes rural accountants see farmers making, and on the flipside, things farmers are often good at in this area? Answering those questions and more in this episode is Nigel McWilliam, chartered accountant and director at MBS Advisors in Morrinsville, Waikato. Nigel is a dairying spe...

Tools for coping with farm stress | Ep. 33

September 26, 2022 22:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

Taranaki dairy farmer Kane Brisco nearly walked away from farming, worn down by the constant physical and mental strains of the job. But at his lowest, he started figuring out practical ways to cope with stress and recharge his passion for life on the land. In this episode, Kane shares the tools he’s developed – ranging from breathwork to boxing – to operate at his best. Notes Farm Fit NZ DairyNZ wellbeing webpages Chapters: 1:00 - Kane's background and how he ended up in dairy farming  4:...

Young farm manager’s winning approach | Ep. 32

September 13, 2022 23:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MB

With entries for the 2023 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards about to open, we catch up with one of this year’s winners, north Waikato farmer Jimmy Cleaver. He took away the regional trophy for Auckland/Hauraki Farm Manager of the Year, as well as a stack of regional and national merit awards, including the DairyNZ People & Leadership Award. So, what makes the 23-year-old such a standout so early in his career? Why is managing people – and giving others a chance to get ahead in dairy farming ...

How fodder beet’s use has evolved based on farm experiences and research findings | Ep. 31

August 23, 2022 20:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MB

Fodder beet offers many benefits as an alternative crop to brassicas, but it also presents risks and challenges. So, what can we learn from recent research about how to deal with those risks and challenges? How have farmers adapted their feeding practices over time? And do we have all the answers or is there more research required? In this episode DairyNZ senior scientist Dawn Dalley summarises recent research findings, and North Canterbury dairy farmer and veterinarian Trish McIntosh joins ...

Bonus Episode: Farmers' Forum Series - Better together

August 16, 2022 20:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

Recorded on 15 June 2022. We have some real challenges ahead of us as a country over the coming decades when it comes to improving water quality, increasing biodiversity, and reducing emissions. We all want to see improved environmental outcomes, we all have a role to play, and we can’t do it alone. Working together constructively will be the key to our success, but to do this we need to build strong relationships that are based on trust, integrity, and mutual understanding. Hear more about ...

Looking in new places for dairy staff | Ep. 30

August 10, 2022 21:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Three years ago, Quinn Morgan was a self-described city slicker, working as a personal trainer in Perth and spending hours sitting in traffic. But then, after a wedding in NZ, Covid’s arrival, and some encouragement from farming family members, Quinn ended up reluctantly taking a job in dairy farming back in NZ. Fast forward to 2022, and he’s now leading a team of eight on a Pamu dairy farm in the Taupō area, raising his young family with a rural lifestyle and progressing quickly with his ne...