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Dairy Australia’s Carbon Farming Extension Advisor, Scott Jardine, speaks with West Victorian dairy farmer Brad Collins about how taking a practical approach to understanding and then reducing farm emissions not only improved sustainability on his farm but also boosted profitability and efficiency. Brad shares his experiences - from the motivation to first measure his farm's carbon footprint to implementing carbon management strategies such as solar-powered irrigation, soil health improvements and feed optimisation. He explains the lessons he learned and how he sees a clear alignment and benefits between sustainability and profit with plans to continue improving his learning. For more information about measuring and managing farm carbon, reach out to the local Dairy Australia team or visit Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Dairy Australia. Farmers can also register for one to one, personalised session with a farm carbon expert at:Managing Farm Carbon one to one support | Dairy Australia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Development & Regional Adaptation Lead, Kristen Davis, speaks with National Milk Quality & Biosecurity Lead, Zoe Vogels, about the vital role of milk quality and her enduring passion for the dairy industry.Zoe reflects on her background as a dairy veterinarian and outlines her current role at Dairy Australia, where she leads the annual Milk Quality Awards. She explains what the awards measure and why they matter. The conversation also offers practical guidance for improving milk quality, explores the impacts of mastitis, highlights key biosecurity considerations, and discusses the innovations shaping the future of milk quality.Find more information and resources on milk quality and the 2025 Milk Quality Award winners, at dairyaustralia.com.au/milking/milk-quality-and-mastitis  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Cath Lescun, National Soils & Water Lead at Dairy Australia, chats with Dr James Hills, Livestock Production Centre Leader at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, to discuss the essentials of irrigation planning and management.   They cover the key steps and checks before irrigating — from preparation and pressure testing to understanding soil types – along with practical tools and methods for assessing soil moisture, calculating how much water to apply, understanding readily available water (RAW) and getting irrigation scheduling right.  A timely update for dairy farmers, whether already irrigating or holding off due to seasonal conditions.  For more information, resources and support on soils and irrigation contact your local Dairy Australia team or visit  dairyaustralia.com.au/soils-and-water/irrigation  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s National Animal & Health Welfare Lead, Dr Stephanie Bullen speaks in depth with veterinary surgeon Dr Mac Kneipp about his early experience growing up on a sheep and cattle property to his research findings and advice for dairy farmers managing cattle with pinkeye.   Dr Kneipp shares insights into the causes of pinkeye in cattle — including evidence linking the condition to eye damage, not just bacterial infection — and offers practical advice to help dairy farmers manage and reduce the risk of pinkeye on farm.  For more information and resources on animal care, visit dairyaustralia.com.au/animals/health-and-welfare.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Extension Advisor Shannon Logan catches up with South Australian farmer Alex Dohnt and Western Australian farmer Jordyn Dyke to talk about their recent experiences during farm visits from the Young Dairy Network (YDN) Ireland tour.  They discuss what they learned from visiting Irish dairy farms - exploring the differences and similarities to Australian systems- and share the cultural experiences, new networks made and the practical ideas and fresh perspectives they are excited to bring home.   For more information about local Young Dairy Network and events contact the Dairy Australia regional teams or visit dairyaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Principal Scientist John Penry and University of Sydney’s Professor Richard Trethowan discuss one of DairyUP’s groundbreaking projects: research into Kikuyu ryegrass and how it could benefit Australian dairy systems. Backed by the largest dairy R&D investment in NSW in recent years, this multi-year study explores the genetic diversity, biomass development, nutritional value, and disease resistance of Kikuyu strains. With early results showing promising disease resistance and a potential edge in nutrition, tune in for the latest project update. DairyUP is a $16 million collaboration rejuvenating dairy research across Australia—funded by the NSW and federal governments, universities, and industry. You can read more about the DairyUp Exploring genetic variability of Kikuyu research project update here.For more information on the most common pasture species and varieties commonly grown on dairy farms in Australia visit Pasture Options| Dairy Australia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected]  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 [email protected]  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 [email protected]  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 [email protected] Related links:  Industry Reports See 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 [email protected]   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 [email protected]  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 [email protected]  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 [email protected]  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 [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.