Advertise on podcast: Talking Dairy

When the pressure is on, having the right support makes all the difference. In this episode of Talking Dairy, we hear directly from the organisation supporting farmers through challenging times. Rural Support Trust national chair Michelle Ruddell joins DairyNZ people specialist Jane Muir to discuss the common pressures they’re seeing across dairy communities and what they do to ensure the right help is available at the right time. They also share practical insights to help ease the load and reset for the season ahead.    We’re proud to partner with Rural Support Trust.  Whether it’s financial pressure, a weather event, or personal struggles, they’re here to help. And so are we.  Rural Support Trust provides essential support during adverse weather events to help farmers respond and recover. Their team of local rural people understand firsthand the pressures that can mount up. Their network and training can help with a wide range of situations. Our partnership helps ensure farmers, their teams, and their families get the support they need, when they need it most. Together, supporting farmers through every challenge. Find out more about the Rural Support Trust See how your levy is working harder through partnerships  Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

Global conflict can feel a long way from the farm gate until it starts showing up in your fuel bill, freight costs and next season’s budget. In this episode, you hear from DairyNZ economist Mark Storey and farm system specialist Mark Speight about what the escalation of global conflict could mean for your farm business over the months ahead. They share insights into why fuel and freight costs are rising, how long higher costs could stick around, and what that means for inflation, interest rates and farm working expenses. Most importantly, they share practical steps you can take now that are within your control such as stress‑testing budgets, planning for different cost scenarios, keeping cashflow front of mind, and maintaining strong farm system fundamentals. You’ll also hear why New Zealand dairy remains resilient through periods of global volatility, and how your pasture‑based system gives you an advantage compared with many overseas competitors.   Links mentioned in this episode and more: Managing higher fuel costs on-farmPasture assessmentBudgetingStrategies to improve body condition scoreTeam communicationHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

What can dairy learn from the way horticulture uses robotics and automation?  In this episode, we're joined by Professor Mike Duke from the University of Waikato, recorded at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference where he was a keynote speaker. He works in horticulture robotics, and his insights translate to the challenges faced on farm. Mike talks about how new thinking around automation, data and design could shape the future of dairy, what dairy already does well, and where there’s room to go further.  View the conference highlights, proceedings and more   Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

When effluent systems are designed and run well, they support your whole farm.  In this episode of Talking Dairy, Debbie Care from AgVice and Shaun Hazelton from DairyNZ share insights into how to set your effluent system up to improve productivity, make the most out of valuable nutrients and protect your business over the long-term. This conversation looks at what’s involved in establishing good systems, what’s worth prioritising, and why autumn is a smart time to get things in shape.  Links mentioned in this episode and more: Get DairyNZ info about effluent management and operationDownload the effluent management plan poster Find DairyNZ accredited effluent system design companiesHow does your effluent system stack up? Do your own Warrant of Fitness.Effluent Training Courses - DairyNZFind out more about AgVice and Debbie CareHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

Recorded live at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch. In this episode, Dr Claudia Kamphuis cuts through the noise around data and shows you how to turn information into something of value. Drawing on her keynote presentation from the conference, she explains how smarter data use is speeding up breakthroughs and what that means for your everyday decisions. You’ll hear why the real challenge isn’t collecting data, but knowing what to keep, what to ignore, and how to use it with confidence. Claudia shares practical insights on dealing with data overwhelm, connecting with the right people, and taking small steps that make technology work for you. View the conference highlights, proceedings and more   Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

Autumn gives you a short but valuable window to set your herd up well.  In this Talking Dairy episode, DairyNZ scientist, Dr Susanne Meier, explains why hitting BCS targets before calving has such a big flow on effect—supporting recovery after calving, earlier cycling, stronger reproductive performance, and more milk in the vat next season. And DairyNZ farm systems specialist, Mark Williams, brings the farm system view: how to condition‑score your herd accurately, plan dry‑off dates with confidence, and choose feeding and drafting strategies that move the cows who need it most. You’ll also learn about practical tools that make these decisions easier, including the dry off calculator, feed budgeting tool, and the BCS app many farmers now rely on to track progress through autumn. Links mentioned in this episode and more: Milk On or Dry Off CalculatorBody Condition Score (BCS) Dry-Off CalculatorBCS AppInCalf - Reproduction gap calculator Autumn smarts - Essential autumn tools for farm success FeedRight Module 26 - Allocate autumn pastures correctly (late lactation)FeedRight Module 27 - Measure and monitor body condition score (BCS) (late lactation)FeedRight Module 28 - Use crops and supplements profitably (late lactation)FeedRight Module 29 - Determine nutrient requirements (dry period)FeedRight Module 30 - Achieve body condition score (BCS) targets at calving (dry period)FeedRight Module 31 - Manage winter pastures and crops correctly (dry period)View all FeedRight TechnotesHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

Recorded live at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, this episode features vet Kirsty Ashcroft from Anexa, who led a farmer panel sharing their experiences with wearable technology.   Kirsty highlights the importance of starting with the basics in the first season, avoiding alert fatigue, and working closely with vets to turn data into earlier identification, better decisions, and stronger animal health outcomes.   Kirsty also explains why successful adoption isn’t about the device itself, but about how you use it, who supports you, and how well the data fits your farm’s needs.  View the conference highlights, proceedings and more     Did you know?  Since this episode was recorded, DairyNZ has begun a three-year research programme on cow wearables, shaped by farmers, to help turn data into practical insights. The work focuses on benchmarking, understanding normal behaviour, improving key decisions at calving and mating, identifying resilient cows, and exploring how wearables can support pasture management — all aimed at helping farmers get more value from their investment. You can read more about this in the Feb-April 2026 Inside Dairy.   Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

If you want more control, confidence, and options in your business, building strong financial skills is one of the most powerful steps you can take. This episode shows you how to strengthen those skills so you can grow long‑term wealth and stay steady through whatever the season brings. DairyNZ business specialists Sarah Brown and Paul Bird break financial management down into three simple parts: profit, drawings, and investing. You’ll learn how to benchmark your performance and budget with purpose so you can spot opportunities early and stay ahead of rising costs and changing payouts. They also share practical habits to reduce stress, smooth out variability, and avoid surprises - and explain how to invest surplus cash wisely, from essential upkeep to growth opportunities. You’ll also discover levy‑funded tools you can use today - like DairyBase benchmarking, budgeting templates, cashflow tools, and courses such as Mark and Measure and Business by the Numbers - to keep building capability and confidence.  Links mentioned in this episode: Annual Cash Budget TemplatePartial Budget10-year equity forecast toolMonthly Cashflow Budget Fonterra SuppliersGet more DairyNZ business tools and resourcesView DairyNZ business informationDiscover the benefits of benchmarking your business against others - Join DairyBaseUpskill with Dairy Training – find free training options.Mark and Measure is back for 2026 in Taupo (12-14 May) and Hanmer Springs (14-16 July). Find out more and register here.Disclaimer:  The content in this podcast includes general commentary on market trends. It should not be considered as investment advice. Certain transactions, such as those involving futures, options, and high-yield securities, carry significant risks and may not be appropriate for all investors. We advise seeking independent legal or financial guidance before making any investment decisions.   Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker breaks down the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report, which captures the standout results from the 2024/25 season. You’ll hear how farmers produced record milk volumes from fewer cows, lifted productivity to new highs, and helped drive export earnings to more than $27 billion. Campbell explains what’s behind the numbers, why the sector’s fundamentals are strong, and how the current season is tracking. If you want a quick, straight-talking snapshot of how dairy is really performing — and why your work continues to underpin the New Zealand economy — this episode is for you. Download the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

Recorded live at the Precision Dairy Farming Conference 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, this episode features Craig Piggott, founder and CEO of Halter.  Craig shares how he went from working at Rocket Lab to building virtual fencing technology that’s transforming pasture-based farming. He explains how Halter’s technology gives farmers precise control over grazing, lifts productivity, and creates more flexibility whether the goal is higher profit or better work–life balance.  From early prototypes tested on his parents’ farm to a 300+ strong team and international growth, this is a story about grit, farmer-led innovation, and what precision tech could unlock next for dairy farm systems.  View the conference highlights, proceedings and more  Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

Heat stress is a growing challenge on our dairy farms, and the impact on your farm could be bigger than you think. In this episode, you’ll hear how DairyNZ’s summer trial at Scott Farm is testing common mitigation tools, and assessing their return on investment, to find the best solutions. Animal scientist Dr Charlotte Reed and senior animal care specialist Jac McGowan break down the research and share their early insights and observations from the trials. They also share current information and practical solutions you can use right now to keep your cows comfortable and productive in the heat.   Heat Stress research and current information DairyNZ invests in heat stress research to give you evidence behind the solutions that improve cow comfort, protect performance, and support sustainable, future‑ready farm systems. Read more about heat stress research in action at DairyNZ Get current information for reducing heat stress in your dairy cows Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

In this episode of Talking Dairy, Northland farmer and DairyNZ associate director Greg Collins shares an inside look at his year in the role, as the search for the next associate director to join the DairyNZ Board gets underway.   If you’re a dairy farmer who’s ready to grow your governance skills and contribute to the dairy sector, this episode offers some great insights into what you need to know.   Greg is the 15th associate director on DairyNZ’s Board, since the initiative was introduced in 2013. The associate directorship is a one-year position that offers levy-paying farmers the chance to get first-hand governance experience.    Find out about the DairyNZ associate director role and how to apply  Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

With the right structure, tools, and communication, contract milking and variable order sharemilking agreements become pathways for equity growth and stronger farm businesses.  This episode brings you practical insights on what makes those agreements successful for both parties. DairyNZ senior business specialist Paul Bird, and contract milker Hayden Scott, share their experience and insights on aspects such as setting fair rates, managing cashflow in your first season, and having conversations that build trust.  They also explore the expectations and pressures on each side, and how to align them so the business relationship stays strong over time. Learn more about contract milking Learn more about setting up a contract milking agreement Download the DairyNZ Contract Milking Premium Calculator.  A monthly cashflow budget takes your annual cash budget and spreads your income and expenses across the year giving you a month-by-month basis picture.  Enrol in a Dairy Training Contract Milking Course Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

Experience the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference.   In this episode, you’ll hear from Teagasc researchers Dr Bernadette O’Brien and Dr Lisa Parce, who share what Ireland’s pasture-based farmers are doing with precision technology. How are Irish farmers making tech decisions, what motivates them to adopt new tools, and which technologies are becoming more common? Bernadette and Lisa also break down the social and farm-system factors linked to higher adoption, from herd size and labour needs, to environmental regulations and pasture management.    View the conference highlights, proceedings and more  Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected 

Artificial intelligence is suddenly everywhere — including on dairy farms. In this episode, you’ll hear from DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Callum Eastwood and Perrin Ag senior consultant Rachel Durie, who have just completed a report on how dairy farmers are using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). They share what they found, including examples of how farmers are already using GenAI, what’s working well, the risks to watch for, and the opportunities ahead. Find out more about the research into GenAI use on dairy farms & read the report. How are you using GenAI tools on your farm? Take our short survey. Ready to try it? Try DairyNZ's DAiSY tool on the homepage or find out more here. Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected