Talking Dairy

DairyNZ

Talking Dairy is your go-to podcast for New Zealand dairy farmers. You'll hear from farmers, scientists, and experts who share practical tips and insights to help you succeed. It's all about giving you the tools and knowledge to make the best decisions for your farm. Brought to you by DairyNZ, we help farmers lead the world in sustainable dairying by investing in research, new solutions and advocacy. Follow now and stay informed with the latest episodes.

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Tuesday · 13 min
In 10: How to teach pasture decisions across a farm team?
How do you build a team that can assess pasture consistently, spot changing conditions and act early? Host Mark Williams talks with Mick O’Connor from Dairy Holdings about how to strengthen pasture decisions across your farm team with lessons learnt from his 20 years in dairy farming and overseeing 10 farms. They discuss teaching pasture assessment, how to build confidence and keep everyone aligned on the grazing plan. The conversation also covers round length, pre-grazing covers, residuals, leaf stage and monitoring the top of the feed wedge during peak growth. Link to more info: Increasing feed that is grown and eaten on-farm is one of the most effective ways to improve profitability, strengthen farm resilience, and lower emissions intensity. Find out more at and access pasture management tools at: Homegrown feed | DairyNZ Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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October 7 · 36 min
What makes a dairy-beef calf worth buying? | Ep. 135
What does a beef finisher need from the calves you breed? Annie O’Callaghan of Temataa Station and Jo Sheridan of Owl Farm bring together two sides of the dairy-beef supply chain. They discuss Owl Farm’s dairy-beef programme, Annie’s experience buying and finishing calves, and how genetics, colostrum, calf health and traceability influence value. They also cover finding the right buyer, agreeing on a fair price and building relationships before mating. Their experiences show why breeding decisions need to work for the dairy farm, calf rearer and beef finisher. Links to more info Dairy Beef Opportunities programme Beef-on-dairy guidance Dairy-beef case studies Owl Farm Facebook page Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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September 30 · 21 min
In 10: Keeping pasture and profit goals on track through change
How do you keep your pasture and profit goals on track when your farming situation changes? In 2024, Leighton and Hayley Parker hosted around 280 people at a Pasture Summit event on their Canterbury farm. Their business stood out for strong cost control and profitability, high pasture use and production, and improved reproductive performance. Two years on, they’re farming somewhere different. Leighton shares how their plans are tracking, what has changed, and where they’re heading next. Join the 2026 Pasture Summit Spring Events: North Island: Tuesday 24 November, hosted by Todd and Renee Halliday in Reporoa, Bay of Plenty South Island: Thursday 26 November, hosted by James and Laura Bawden in Hinds, Canterbury Find out more and register for Pasture Summit. Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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September 22 · 28 min
When does extra feed stop paying its way? | Ep. 134
Kim Robinson from Agfirst and Dr Paul Edwards from DairyNZ join Willie McKnight to discuss findings from a multi-season trial comparing different supplementary feeding systems. They explore the full cost of producing extra milksolids, from feed costs through to the wider impacts on your farm system, and share insights to help you assess whether extra feed is delivering value for your business. Links to more info Marginal milk research, tools and resources Supplement Price Calculator FeedChecker Calculator Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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September 15 · 16 min
In 10: What do new plantain trial results mean for dairy farmers?
New results from a four-year trial show plantain reduced annual nitrate leaching by an average of 33% while maintaining milk production. In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, Kate Fransen from DairyNZ and Canterbury farmer Andy Macfarlane discuss what the findings mean for dairy farmers, how the research compares with on-farm experience, and the practical considerations when including plantain in a farm system. Find out more about the research Get tools and resources on plantain Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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September 8 · 42 min
Ahuwhenua Trophy: Are you more ready than you think? | Ep. 133
In this episode, Julian Reti Kaukau sits down with Ahuwhenua judges Rito (Basil) Tapuke and Peter Ettema to get a behind-the-scenes look at what judges notice when they visit a farm. They explain why bigger does not necessarily mean better, what stands out beyond the numbers, and how strong governance, clear decision-making and alignment between owners, trustees and farm teams can shape performance. The kōrero also explores what Māori farming businesses can gain from entering the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition, including the chance to share their story, gain fresh insights and recognise what is already working well. Most importantly, Basil and Peter challenge the idea that your farming business needs to have everything sorted before entering. They explain the support available to entrants and why opening the gate to a fresh perspective could show that you are more ready than you think. Thinking about entering? Ahuwhenua Trophy entries close 2 December 2026. Young Māori Farmer Award entries close 29 January 2027. Find out more and enter here. Questions? Contact the DairyNZ Māori agribusiness team at maoriagribusiness@dairynz.co.nz Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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September 3 · 12 min
In 10: The next phase of Forage Value Index research
In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, Jac McGowan talks with DairyNZ's Forage Value Index (FVI) research project manager, Janet Montgomery, about the next phase of FVI research. Find out what researchers aim to find, the plans for the FVI tool, and the trial that’s underway to gather more evidence about ryegrass cultivar performance. Links: What's important in your pasture and how do you decide which cultivars to use? Share your feedback here. Find out more about the Forage Value Index research project. Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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August 25 · 25 min
Will your pastures thrive in the future? | Ep. 132
What helps pastures persist through changing conditions? One year into the Resilient Pastures Programme, we look at what's being learnt so far and how farmers are helping shape research designed to improve pasture persistence, productivity and resilience. Hear from scientists Dr Elena Minnee and Dr Lydia Farrell, and Northland farmer Allister McCahon about the challenges driving this work, the early insights emerging from the programme, and what they could mean for future pasture decisions on your farm. Find out more about this research: Resilient Pastures Programme | DairyNZ The Resilient Pastures programme is a seven-year initiative led by DairyNZ with MPI through the Primary Sector Growth Fund and industry partners Beef + Lamb New Zealand. It focuses on enhancing pasture performance and persistence on dairy, sheep and beef farms across the upper North Island. Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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August 13 · 11 min
In 10 Spring check-in: How to stay ahead of mastitis
In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, you’ll hear how a few timely checks can help you stay ahead of mastitis as cows calve, settle into milking, and move through spring. DairyNZ’s Dr Jane Lacy-Hulbert shares practical guidance on what to watch for, when to involve your vet, and how better information can support clearer decisions on farm. You’ll also hear how refreshed mastitis management resources can help you find the right advice faster, whether you’re focused on prevention, teat health, early detection or treatment options. For more information, visit: Managing teat health Detecting mastitis Treating mastitis Ask DAiSY Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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August 9 · 25 min
What farmers need from the next Government | Ep. 131
In this episode, Tracy Brown, DairyNZ board chair, Brian Anderton, DairyNZ government relations manager, and Leighton Parker, dairy farmer and Dairy Environment Leader, discuss what farmers are asking for ahead of the 2026 General Election, and how those needs have shaped DairyNZ’s six priorities for practical, evidence-backed policy that supports sustainable growth. Find out more: Read about the priorities for the next Government Find out more about Dairy Environment Leaders Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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August 4 · 31 min
Foot-and-mouth disease travel risk and simple biosecurity tips | Ep. 130
Before someone steps onto your farm after travelling overseas, what do you ask them? Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) isn’t in New Zealand, and we all want to keep it that way. But with outbreaks overseas and more people travelling or visiting farms, now is a good time to check your visitor process is clear and easy to follow. In this episode, Fi Roberts, DairyNZ head of biosecurity, and Mitch Cooper, DairyNZ senior technical and policy advisor and dairy vet, discuss FMD readiness, travel-related risk, and the practical steps you can take to help protect your herd, your people and your business. Find out more: Foot and mouth disease | DairyNZ Visitor biosecurity management | DairyNZ Overseas travel - risk assessment. A biosecurity risk assessment that covers visiting overseas farms, what to consider before returning to New Zealand, and what to do on arrival. Biosecurity resources and tools | DairyNZ Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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July 23 · 16 min
In 10: The simple check that can sharpen your down cow plan
When a cow goes down, a clear plan helps you act early, support her recovery and keep your team moving during one of the busiest times of the season. In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, Mitch Cooper shares what to do when a cow goes down, how to spot when things are changing, and why clear communication can make a real difference at calving. You’ll also learn about the “pattern of two” — a simple way to know when to reassess, ask for help, or take a closer look at your transition cow care. It’s a useful listen if you want to support better cow recovery, reduce pressure on your team and make clear decisions during calving. View the latest information on down cow management Like this episode? You might also like these: Down cow care: Thriving after calving: Key cow care and recovery tips | Ep. 82 | DairyNZ New transition cow advice: Transition cow care advice and what rumination data tells us | DairyNZ Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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July 14 · 8 min
In 10: Planning your next step (Live at People Expo)
You don’t need all the answers to start thinking about what comes next. Recorded live at People Expo, this Talking Dairy In 10 episode puts progression and succession in the spotlight, with Jac McGowan joined by Greg Duncan from Dairy Australia. Whether you’re thinking about your own next step, the future of your farm business, or the people coming through, this short episode is a good starting point for those important conversations. Find out more about People Expo Listen to 2026 People Expo keynote speaker James Laughlin’s Talking Dairy In 10 episode Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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July 7 · 23 min
Thinking about solar? Start here | Ep. 129
Power costs continue to rise, and a lot of farmers are asking the same question: could solar work on my farm? In this episode, you’ll hear from Chris McArthur from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) Solar on Farms programme and Rhys Mackenzie, a dairy farmer who’s making the move to solar on his farm. Together, they talk through what solar and batteries can realistically do on a dairy farm, where they add value, and what you need to think about before you invest. You’ll get independent advice from Chris McArthur, alongside practical on-farm insight from Rhys Mackenzie as he shares what sparked the decision, what surprised him, and what he’d tell other farmers thinking about solar. Find out more: Read the farm case study: Fairbank Farms Watch Fairbank Farms' experience with solar on farm Sign up to find out about EECA Solar on farms news and open days Read: Practical guidance for solar on farms | Inside Dairy Solar power on-farm information | DairyNZ EECA Solar helpline for farmers A dedicated solar helpline for farmers and growers, providing independent, practical guidance to help you make informed decisions. Call the team on 0800 300 643, or email us at solar@eeca.govt.nz Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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June 30 · 14 min
In 10: What you need to know about El Niño and your farm
El Niño is getting a lot of attention, but what could it mean for your farm this season? In this episode, we cut through the noise with WeatherWatch’s Philip Duncan and farm systems expert Steve Veix. They share what to keep an eye on and where to focus your planning, so you’re better prepared for whatever the season brings. Find out more: Plan ahead for El Nino | DairyNZ Weather channels: Rural Weather WeatherWatch NIWA Weather MetService - Te Ratonga Tirorangi New Zealand Weather Forecasts Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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June 23 · 50 min
Take your own chair: Hinehou Timutimu on leadership and possibility | Ep. 128
Earlier this year, Hinehou Timutimu was named the 2026 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year and became the first Māori woman to receive the award. But this episode is about more than an award. It is about the whānau, whenua, values and experiences that shaped her, the doors that were opened for her, and the doors she now wants to open for others. With Brooke Sinclair and Jac McGowan, she reflects on leadership, belonging, courage and what becomes possible when you stay true to who you are. Watch more: Te Karere Pūkāea Read more: Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2026 Announced - Dairy Women's Network New Zealand Farm Environment Trust – Hinehou as a 2023 finalist Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust – Learn about the trust Hinehou leads as General Manager and its work. Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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June 16 · 15 min
In 10: When farmers lead change
Waiuku dairy farmer, and Dairy Environment Leader, Stu Muir has spent years restoring waterways, protecting the land and helping reconnect people with the Lower Waikato River Delta. In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, Stu shares what inspired him to take action on his farm and across the Mangati Stream catchment, where once degraded, weed-choked waterways are now thriving ecosystems. Stu was recently recognised with the first Kaitiaki Award at the Dairy Environment Leaders Forum, honouring his commitment to environmental restoration, kaitiakitanga and community leadership. Hear how Stu’s practical, persistent approach has helped restore waterways, open up a public walkway and build momentum for positive change through the Dairy Environment Leaders network. Are you ready to be a Dairy Environment Leader? Find out more. Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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June 9 · 43 min
New transition cow care advice and what rumination data can tell us | Ep. 127
The weeks around calving can have a big influence on cow health, production and reproductive performance. In this episode, DairyNZ scientist Dr Stacey Hendriks and dairy cattle vet Ryan Luckman discuss the latest advice on transition cow care, including DairyNZ’s updated feeding guidance for springers at target body condition score. They also look at the role of rumination data and wearables — what they can show you, where their limits are, and how they can support better decisions when used alongside good feed management, stockmanship and knowledge of your own herd. Read more: Transition cows | DairyNZ Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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June 2 · 17 min
In 10: What’s next for you on farm and what’s stopping you?
Are you thinking about what’s next for you or your farm business? Planning the next stage in dairy farming is unique to you. Honest conversations and the right tools can bring clarity and arm you with the confidence to move forward. In this episode, high-performance coach and People Expo 2026 headline speaker James Laughlin shares a preview of what he’ll cover at this year’s events. He talks about what can hold us back, how to work through it, and how high-performance leadership can help transform your life and business. He also touches on what holds us back and practical ways to manage this – a snapshot of what he’ll be sharing at the event. If you’re a farm owner, farm manager, contract milker, sharemilker or equity partner, join us at People Expo to explore your next stage and how to get there. Find out more and register here. People Expo 2026 locations and dates: Palmerston North - Tuesday 16 June, 10.30am-2.30pm Te Awamutu - Thursday 18 June, 10.30am-2.30pm Invercargill - Tuesday 30 June, 12.00pm-4.00pm Dunsandel - Thursday 2 July, 12.00pm-4.00pm Hosted by DairyNZ and Dairy Women's Network Find out more about James Laughlin Check out to James’ podcast – Habits of High Performers Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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May 26 · 36 min
Unlock the full potential of your calves | Ep. 126
Are you feeding your calves enough to unlock their full potential? In this episode, you’ll hear what the latest research says about early calf nutrition, and why feeding more milk before weaning can help your heifers hit growth targets sooner and produce more milk later. You’ll also hear from Canterbury farmer Cam Henderson, who’s made the shift to ad-lib feeding. He shares what’s changed, what surprised him, and how the costs stacked up. But this isn’t just about ad-lib systems. DairyNZ’s senior animal care specialist Penny Timmer-Arends shares other feeding approaches that achieve similar results. She discusses the principles behind calf growth, and how to weigh up the trade-offs and choose what fits your farm. You’ll also hear about the risks and how to manage them. Download the Calf Rearing guide Feeding milk to calves | DairyNZ Read more: ‘Feeding more often feels natural and important to me’ | DairyNZ Good as gold: the calves who feed themselves | DairyNZ Laying the right foundation | DairyNZ Inside Dairy - More milk, healthier calves, stronger heifers | DairyNZ Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz 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
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