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How can technology help farmers make better decisions without adding more complexity? In this episode, Wade and Grant are joined by large animal veterinarian and agri-tech advisor Krispin Kannan to explore how wearables, milk sensing technology, pasture measurement, and herd analytics are changing the way dairy farmers monitor performance and manage their businesses. The conversation looks at how data can uncover hidden issues, support better decision-making, and help farmers focus on the outcomes that matter most: production, reproduction, and animal health. The team discuss the practical application of herd data, including rumination monitoring, cycling rates, mating performance, transition management, and body condition scoring. Krispin also shares his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence in ag and how AI could help farmers and advisors connect data from multiple sources to identify opportunities and challenges more efficiently. If you're interested in technology, herd performance, and the future of data-driven farming, this episode is well worth a listen.

What if there was a different way to manage calving that could reduce labour pressure, simplify farm systems, and significantly reduce the number of non-replacement calves? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by DairyNZ's Principal Scientist Paul Edwards to explore the concept of extended lactation and what it could mean for the future of dairy farming. The conversation examines how changing the traditional 12-month calving cycle affects herd management, labour requirements, farm efficiency, and overall system performance. The team discusses findings from DairyNZ's extended lactation research, including the 24-month calving interval being trialled at Scott Farm and the opportunities and challenges of managing cows at different stages of lactation. Paul also shares insights into flexible milking, animal welfare, technology adoption, and the role data and wearables could play in future farm systems. If you're interested in challenging traditional thinking and exploring practical solutions to some of the dairy sector's biggest challenges, this is an episode worth tuning into.  To find out more about the study visit, visit www.dairynz.co.nz/research/science-projects/extended-lactation-study/ or to receive updates on DairyNZ’s extended lactation research, sign up to their newsletter at: Website: Extended Lactation registration of interest

How do you position your farm business for growth in an increasingly complex financial environment? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by Scott Wishart, co-founder of NZAB, to unpack what really drives lending decisions and why strategy is one of the most valuable assets a farm business can have. The conversation explores how regulation has changed rural banking, what credit managers are looking for, and why clearly identifying risks and building a robust plan can make all the difference when seeking funding. The team also discuss the growing role of non-bank finance, private credit, equity partnerships, and other capital solutions available to farmers looking to grow, invest, or navigate change. Scott shares insights into succession planning, the challenges of funding long-term opportunities that sit outside traditional banking frameworks, and why patient capital may play an increasingly important role as farm ownership transitions over the coming years. To learn more about NZAB, visit www.nzab.co.nz.

One of our most interesting podcasts yet! Cameron Bagrie, former Chief Economist at ANZ and now Managing Director of Bagrie Economics, joins Matt and Wade in this episode to discuss some of the most important strategic factors that New Zealand agriculture will face in the short- to medium-term. Cameron unpacks the global and local forces reshaping New Zealand's economy, from geopolitics and trade through to energy security, productivity, and inflation.  The conversation explores why the rules that have guided growth in recent decades are changing and what that means for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. The team discuss why Cameron believes the rural sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery and what needs to happen to maintain that momentum. They explore the importance of reducing energy costs, continuing to invest in infrastructure, and ultimately increasing productivity, while also creating an environment that encourages the next generation to take and manage risk.

How do you keep an arable farming business profitable in an environment of changing markets, tightening regulations, and unpredictable weather? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by David Birkett, Canterbury arable farmer, to explore how he uses data, irrigation, and a simplified cropping system to make better decisions and build resilience into his operation. David shares how his rotation balances productivity with practical constraints like harvest timing, soil traffic, and seasonal risk. The team unpack David’s approach to nutrient management, including organic matter testing, nitrogen mass budgeting, and simple on-farm strip trials to validate decisions. They also dive into precision agriculture, discussing the value of yield monitoring, satellite imagery, and variable rate applications, and why understanding the numbers remains critical for decision-making. David also shares insights from his governance roles with FAR and Federated Farmers, covering seed certification, traceability, biosecurity, research funding, and the future of New Zealand’s arable sector.

What goes into developing the maize hybrids and forage products farmers rely on every season? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by Andrew Powell, Head of Portfolio & Research, to explore the journey from paddock to portfolio and the years of research, testing, and decision-making behind every bag of Pioneer seed. Drawing on his upbringing on a Taranaki dairy farm and a career spanning forage, sales, marketing, portfolio management, and seed production, Andrew shares how Pioneer develops products for New Zealand farmers. The team unpack the realities of modern plant breeding, from global germplasm sourcing and predictive breeding technologies through to the extensive testing processes used to identify products suited to New Zealand conditions. They explain how farmer feedback, research, and seed production work together to shape the hybrids and forages available years into the future. Andrew dives into the challenges of balancing breeding priorities, why genetic trade-offs are unavoidable, and what it takes to deliver products that perform in the paddock. If you've ever wondered how new hybrids make it to market and what the future of seed development looks like, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode, Kyle Gardyne, Pioneer Seed Applied Technology Manager, sits down with Matt and Wade for the launch of a new seed-applied biological treatment. In maize production, the foundations for yield and feed quality are set early. Establishment influences crop uniformity and ultimately determines how well a hybrid expresses its genetic potential. With spring conditions becoming increasingly unpredictable, securing a strong, consistent start for your business has never been more important. Learn how Lumidpat can help improve early plant vigour and establishment in challenging conditions.

Dr Grant Matthews, our new Farm Systems Manager for the South Island, joins us in this episode to bring his perspective to a question many dairy farmers are asking: how do we build farm systems that stay productive, simple, and resilient? Grant shares his background and the shift from large-animal veterinary work into dairy nutrition and farm systems, explaining why focusing on what goes into the cow can change everything downstream. We get specific about the South Island, from Canterbury through to Southland, where maize silage and maize grain are becoming more realistic options thanks to shorter-maturity maize hybrids. This episode serves as an introduction to Dr Grant Matthews and sets the scene for practical farm systems conversations. If you’re based in the South Island and interested in getting in touch with Grant, you can find his contact details at www.pioneer.co.nz/contact-us/find-your-local-pioneer-rep

How do you run a high‑input dairy system that performs without burning out your people or drowning in feed complexity? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by Nic and Kirsty Verhoek to unpack how they’ve kept a high‑input system productive while simplifying the ration, lowering risk, and protecting time. They walk through the numbers behind the change, using Feed Checker to compare diets on ME, protein, and cost, and explain how they’ve built a stable maize‑based ration with flexible protein and energy on top.  The team explain how lifting pasture and silage quality has helped protect milk production, how wearables and smartphone tools reduce key‑person risk and support better decision‑making, and what “no hungry minutes” really means for cow performance and condition. They also dive into liveweight targets, tightly controlled young stock growth, and the breeding and welfare decisions behind polled genetics and a future without bobby calves.

What does it take to run a 1,000‑cow free stall barn system in New Zealand while keeping milk solids, cow health, and staff workload on track? Matt and Wade sit down with Arjun Singh of Lawwal Holsteins to unpack the realities of running a large-scale free-stall operation, from feeding and effluent management to staff routines and daily decision-making. Arjun explains to achieve over 800 milk solids per cow from his autumn herd requires attention to detail, tight targets, and good data.  The conversation covers how maize silage is the backbone of a TMR diet, rations are adjusted using milk dockets, milk urea, and wearable data. We also dive into Lawwal Holsteins' breeding strategy, combining North American genetics with NZ index lines. Arjun also speaks to their upcoming event “Land at Lawwal”, an on-farm sale, open day, and fundraiser happening on Friday, April 24. For more information, visit https://issuu.com/lawwalholsteins/docs/_land_at_lawwal_by_lawwal_holsteins.

In the first official episode of Season 4, Matt and Wade sit down with James and Debbie Stewart of Stewart Dairylands, a fifth‑generation family farm that has been operating in Hiwinui (Manawatū-Whanganui region) for more than 120 years. Together the team explore the farm’s evolution from sheep and beef to a high‑performing dairy operation, with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, succession planning, and building a resilient future for the next generation.  The Stewarts run an 850‑cow herd across linked platforms, utilising grass and silage, targeted in‑shed feeding, and a feed pad, all supported by smart technology such as collar systems, milk quality apps, and real‑time data to guide daily decisions. James and Debbie also share their involvement alongside family, with Hiwinui Country Estate, a boutique lodge offering luxury accommodation, events, and weddings.   This episode delivers insights into how the Stewarts are shaping Stewart Dairylands in to forward‑thinking farming business.  Find out more about Stewart Dairylands at www.stewartdairylands.nz

Season 4 is here, and we’re kicking things off by sharing what’s in store for the year ahead. Wade and Matt reflect on a huge Season 3, including the Rural Roadie - three weeks on the road, north to south, getting on farm and pulling up seats for awesome unplanned chats. This season, we’re leaning into real stories while building stronger synergy across the Feed for Thought podcast and our wider content. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear from you. Hit subscribe, share the podcast with a mate, and join us as we return to the airwaves.

A quiet reset is reshaping New Zealand’s rural property market, and the signals are clear: liquidity is back, vendors are willing, and buyers are disciplined. In this episode, Matt and Wade sit down with Conrad Wilkshire, General Manager of Property Brokers. The conversation digs into why month-on-month sales have returned to the 10-year median, what’s powering renewed confidence, and how dairy is leading big-ticket transactions while sheep and beef rebuild on firm ground. Tune in to discover what is driving the rural property market reset.

In this episode, Matt and Wade welcome Chris Lewis of Baker AG to explore the “sweet spot” in dairy systems and how top operators focus not just on producing more, but on converting resources more efficiently. Drawing on two decades of Dairy System Monitoring, Chris explains how benchmarking pasture, milk, and costs at 10-day intervals enables real-time planning, scenario modelling for feed shortages, and a clear view of how today’s decisions impact the season.  Chris explains that efficiency, not just high production per hectare, defines success. The discussion breaks down feed and non-feed costs per kilogram of milk solids, highlights how the margin curve favours disciplined management, while signalling the risks of pushing beyond the optimal limit. Chris highlights that the top farms, ranked by EBIT per hectare, succeed through adjustments and systems tailored to their resources. The data shows that high-performing farms can achieve greater productivity while also improving environmental outcomes.

Join us for a special podcast celebrating 50 years since the signing of the seed production and distribution agreement between Pioneer® Hi-Bred International Incorporated and the Yates family. We’re joined by our Founder Philip Yates, Managing Director Will Yates, and Raewyn Densley to reflect on this 50-year journey. We follow the story from importing maize genetics to building a domestic seed production facility and partnering with Gisborne growers to produce New Zealand grown maize seed. Raewyn Densley talks to how maize silage has shaped dairy systems in New Zealand. Through setbacks, grit, and a long-term view, the Yates' family remain committed to enhancing the future of New Zealand agriculture. It’s been a privilege for the Yates family to represent the Pioneer brand in New Zealand over the past five decades. They sincerely thank the farmers who’ve planted Pioneer maize seed, along with the merchants, contractors, consultants, and the Pioneer team who’ve supported them throughout the years.