Talking Dairy
Episodes
Precision Dairy Farming Series: What can dairy learn from horticulture robotics? | Ep. 7
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What can dairy learn from the way horticulture uses robotics and automation? In this episode, we're joined by Professor Mike Duke from the Unive...
Tips for future-proofing your effluent system | Ep. 121
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ha...
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Smarter data for everyday decisions | Ep. 6
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded live at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in ÅŒtautahi Christchurch. In this episode, Dr Claudia Kamphuis cuts through the noise ar...
Improve next season’s production with these smart autumn moves | Ep. 120
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Farmers' learnings on how to get the most from wearable tech | Ep. 5
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded live at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in ÅŒtautahi Christchurch, this episode features vet Kirsty Ashcroft from Anexa, who led ...
Turn good into great with 3 moves for wealth creation | Ep. 119
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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. T...
In 10: One for the books – Campbell Parker on the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker breaks down the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report, which captures the s...
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Craig Piggott on building Halter | Ep. 4
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded live at the Precision Dairy Farming Conference 2025 in ÅŒtautahi Christchurch, this episode features Craig Piggott, founder and CEO of Halter...
Heat stress research to find the best solutions: Trial update from Scott Farm | Ep. 118
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
In 10: The role that makes a difference and opens doors
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
How to build a win-win contract milking agreement that lasts | Ep. 117
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With the right structure, tools, and communication, contract milking and variable order sharemilking agreements become pathways for equity growth and ...
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Inside Ireland’s dairy tech trends | Ep. 3
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Experience the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference.  In this episode, you’ll hear from Teagasc researchers Dr Bern...
How farmers are using artificial intelligence and what the future holds | Ep. 116
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is suddenly everywhere — including on dairy farms.In this episode, you’ll hear from DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Callum Eas...
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Farmers adopting tech – wins, challenges, and lessons | Ep. 2
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Revisit the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference. Â This episode features Sharn Roskam and Stuart Taylor, who were par...
The latest on facial eczema: Risks, research and real solutions | Ep. 115
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Facial eczema is one of the toughest animal health challenges facing livestock farmers. It’s estimated to cost the dairy and red meat sectors $330 m...
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Revisit the highlights and join the conversations shaping dairy tomorrow | Ep. 1
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you joined us in Christchurch or couldn’t make it, this episode is your chance to relive the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dai...
Best of 2025: Building a high BW herd - one decision at a time
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More farmers listened to this episode in 2025 than any other. Tune in to find out why it was so popular... What does it take to build a top herd? Sou...
What's the return on your levy investment? Findings from an independent report. | Ep. 114
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what you’re really getting for the DairyNZ levy you pay? In this episode of Talking Dairy, we unpack the findings of the most in-depth...
In 10: How we're rethinking cow wellbeing with wearables
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, animal scientist Dr Stacey Hendriks explains how research using wearable technology is building a deeper under...
In 10: Small changes that can get hours back in your week
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every minute in the farm dairy counts. Research shows the right milking routine can save you hours every week. In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10,...
Cow wellbeing at the leading edge | Ep. 113
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How is the great animal care already happening on your farm helping New Zealand dairy stay ahead of global market expectations?In this episode of Talk...
In 10: The power of connection (and a good lunch): The SMASH story
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, host Jac McGowan chats with Noldy Rust, Chair of SMASH (Smaller Milk and Supply Herds), and Frank Portegys fro...
Money on the table: How to make it work for you | Ep. 112
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With Fonterra’s sale of global consumer and associated businesses, Mainland Group, to Lactalis now approved, many shareholder farmers will soon rece...
Less admin, more insights: How benchmarking your business just got easier | Ep. 111
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore the latest DairyBase upgrades that make benchmarking faster and easier. DairyBase, our farm benchmarking...
In 10: A Pasture Summit sneak peek – what’s on this spring?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, get the inside scoop from Pasture Summit directors Robbie Ferris and Al Rayne. They reveal what’s happening ...
Insights on maximising your homegrown feed | Ep. 110
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want to make the most of your homegrown feed? This episode of Talking Dairy is a chance to catch up on what was shared at our recent Progressing Dairy...
In 10: Smooth sailing ahead?
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Milk price forecasts are holding steady, but costs remain high. What does that mean for your bottom line this season? DairyNZ economist Ben Marmont un...
Navigating the path to farm ownership in 2025 | Ep. 109
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Owning a dairy farm is still one of the biggest aspirations people hold. In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan talks with Blair Robinson from ...
In 10: New N loss research shows lower amount of plantain still makes big impact
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can a small amount of plantain in pasture really reduce nitrogen loss on-farm? New research from trials at Lincoln and Massey Universities suggests it...
Work smarter, not harder: Insights from productive dairy farm workplaces | Ep. 108
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it that some workplaces seem to flow better than others? In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ researchers Dr Lucy Hall and Brian Dela Rue ...
In 10: At the crossroads of science and farming - get ready for the global dairy tech event of the year
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 for bite-size conversations. In this update about the International Precision Dairy Farming Conference, host Jac McGowa...
The power of partnership: Farmers, iwi and communities joining forces to improve water quality | Ep. 107
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What’s going to improve our water quality and keep enabling productivity? In this episode, we discuss practical and proven solutions from key catchm...
In 10: Experts answer your questions for Biosecurity Awareness Month
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 for bite-size conversations.  As we’re nearing the end of Biosecurity Awareness Month, DairyNZ experts Fi Roberts and...
How our collective strength helps shape practical regional policy | Ep. 106
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Regional rules might feel like they’re made a long way from the farm gate – yet they directly affect how you farm every day. From nutrient limits ...
In 10: DairyNZ’s RMA – National Freshwater Framework submission on behalf of dairy farmers
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 for bite-size conversations. This episode brings you an update about DairyNZ’s recent submission on the National Fres...
Homegrown advantage: How high-profit farms are also achieving low emissions intensity | Ep. 105
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can your farm be both high profit and low in emissions intensity? What are the top-performing farms doing differently – and what can you learn from ...
Resilient Pastures: The new research underway to future-proof our grass-fed advantage | Ep. 104
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re talking about pasture – the foundation of New Zealand farming.Farmers in the upper North Island have been ...
Wearables and repro – what the data tells us | Ep. 103
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More farmers are investing in wearable technology to help manage heat detection and ease pressure on skilled people during a busy time on-farm. But do...
Building a high-performing farm team | Ep. 102
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover strategies that help create high-performing dairy teams. You’ll hear from Jane Muir, DairyNZ Senior Peopl...
Building a high BW herd - one decision at a time | Ep. 101
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to breed a high performing herd - now and into the future?Earlier this year, DairyNZ and Fonterra co-hosted a series of on-farm even...
Built different: Why NZ farmers keep winning at dairy | Ep. 100
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how New Zealand dairy became world-class? In this special 100th episode, we go behind the scenes of the science and farmer-led innovatio...
Global shifts, local insights – Farmers' Forum preview | Ep. 99
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to ride the global economic rollercoaster - and come out stronger?In this episode of Talking Dairy, you’ll hear from two of New Zealan...
Finding your farming family | Ep. 98
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wondering how to meet like-minded people or take the next step in your ag career? Want to feel part of something bigger than just your day-to-day job?...
Breeding for the long game | Ep. 97
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to herd improvement, it’s easy to focus on high heritability traits like milk production and liveweight - where the gains are faster a...
Smart dry-off strategies | Ep.96
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand dairy farmers are making great progress in reducing antibiotic use at dry-off - but how do we keep that momentum going? With antimicrobial...
$10 payout - now what? | Ep. 95
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a season of shifting gears. We started with high costs and cautious optimism, but as the months rolled on, things began looking up - bette...
On the move: Reducing stress during transport | Ep. 94
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You put a lot of care into your cows, so it’s only natural to want the best for them - even when they leave the farm. But do you know what happens o...
Expert insights to grow productive farm workplaces and what to expect at the People Expos | Ep. 93
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for fresh ideas to boost productivity on your farm? Want to build a strong, high-performing team without adding more hours to your day? The Pe...
Tech and data raising the bar on farm efficiency and production | Ep. 92
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Missed DairyNZ’s recent on-farm events about building a productive workplace for on-farm efficiency?  This episode of Talking Dairy brings the high...
Summer yarns: Contract milking 101 | Bonus episode
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the third and final Talking Dairy summer yarn. In this bonus episode, we revisit the Contract Milking 101 episode with ag consultant Brendo...
Summer yarns: New milking frequency trends and the impact of OAD in early lactation | Bonus episode
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the second of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit the most downloaded episode of 2024 where Dr. Paul Edwards ...
Summer yarns: ‘Dairy farming saved my life’ | Bonus episode
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit a moment from the inspiring story of Emma Walton, a young co...
Choosing the right supplements for your situation | Ep. 91
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What’s your game plan when pasture growth slows down or a dry spell hits? Do you know which supplement will give you the best value for money? And h...
DairyNZ’s new Chair talks challenges, change, and the future of farming | Ep. 90
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 90 of Talking Dairy, we’re joined by Tracy Brown, the new Chair of DairyNZ.Tracy is a proud advocate for farmers and rural communities, b...
How to stop lameness in its tracks | Ep. 89
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do we really know the cost of lameness? And more importantly, what can we do to stop it? In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan speaks with Win...
Dairy’s economic outlook and what it means for farmers | Ep. 88
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover recent financial shifts that have farmers feeling cautiously optimistic. Over the past few seasons, dairy f...
A sharper focus to face the challenges of dairy farming | Ep. 87
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Campbell Parker has been leading DairyNZ for a year as Chief Executive. So, what’s his take on the state of New Zealand dairy? And what are his plan...
Mastering mastitis: Tips to tackle SCC and boost milk quality | Ep. 86
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re talking about one of the biggest challenges on farm – mastitis. What should you do if your herd test shows...
Gene tech and dairy farming – what’s next for NZ farmers | Ep. 85
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 85 of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan chats with Dr Bruce Thorrold, DairyNZ’s Chief Science Advisor, about gene technologies in relation to th...
New milking frequency trends and the impact of OAD in early lactation | Ep. 84
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What milking frequency trends are emerging across different regions? What factors are driving the adoption of once-a-day (OAD) milking in early lactat...
What actions between calving and mating can improve in-calf rates? | Ep. 83
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can your actions during calving impact success at mating? In this episode of Talking Dairy, we talk about reproduction and look at what actions du...
Thriving after calving: Key cow care and recovery tips | Ep. 82
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover the important topic of preventing down cows during the calving period and providing essential care and reco...
Farm to boardroom: Cam Henderson on leading DairyNZ | Ep. 81
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talking Dairy by DairyNZ, we sit down with Cam Henderson, a dairy farmer and farmer-elected board member of DairyNZ. Cam shares his...
What cows prefer in winter | Ep. 80
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Episode 80 of Talking Dairy. Winter can be challenging on dairy farms, and knowing what cows need during these cold, wet months is crucial ...
Progress on water quality: where are we at and where are we going? | Ep. 79
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we dive into the topic of ongoing water quality improvement efforts by the dairy sector with Aslan Wright-Stow, Seni...
DairyBase celebrates 20-year milestone | Ep. 78
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you benchmark your farm systems and performance within the sector? DairyBase enables you to better understand your farm system and its performa...
Keeping a spring in your step | Ep. 77
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Injuries are commonplace on farm, ACC shares that 40% of farm injuries are from a sprain or strain and most of these occur between August to October, ...
Animal care consults | Ep. 76
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Animals are at the heart of every farming business. To support the sector in achieving high levels of animal welfare, DairyNZ has been interviewing fa...
Choosing the best genetics for your herd | Ep. 75
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to breeding more efficient cows, why is genetic gain so important and how can NZAEL’s online tools help? Join us as we talk to Rhianno...
An economic update: a year in review and new season forecasts | Ep. 74
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 L...
Monitoring waterway health | Ep. 73
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to monitoring waterway health, what makes up a holistic assessment of stream health?In this episode, we talk to DairyNZ Principal Scient...
People leadership and motivating the next generation | Ep. 72
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 tal...
Water quality research update | Ep. 71
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
How to invest in your people and be the best leader possible | Ep. 70
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Giving Surfing for Farmers a go | Ep. 69
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Surfin...
NZAEL new fertility trait update | Ep. 68
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
DairyNZ’s subsidiary NZAEL (New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited) has recently made a new fertility trait update – in this episode we’ll discus...
Summer dry planning and management | Ep. 67
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Improving workplace productivity | Ep. 66
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having more productive dairy workplaces can save hours, shorten the working day, and create more attractive workplaces. But what exactly is workplace ...
Better worm management for healthy heifers | Ep. 65
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The low-down on deferred grazing | Ep. 64
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. C...
Reducing nitrogen losses in Canterbury | Ep. 63
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
'Dairy farming saved my life' | Ep. 62
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Taking the strain out of farming | Ep. 61
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Methane research update from Lye Farm | Ep. 60
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Getting the most from your fert spend | Ep. 59
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Bank’s advice for herd-owning sharemilkers | Ep. 58
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What are the main things to consider before approaching the bank for backing to go into herd-owning sharemilking? Sian Mitchell, ANZ agri manager, exp...
Succeeding in herd-owning sharemilking | Ep. 57
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 sharemilk...
Wet weather management | Ep. 56
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rain, rain, rain. How are other dairy farmers managing their way through this exceptionally wet winter? Hear from Hauraki Plains farm owner John Garre...
Live from Fieldays: Striking the balance – mental health and wellbeing | Ep. 55
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Live from Fieldays: Coping with cost pressures | Ep. 54
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Waikato farm owners Bryce Anderton and Aleisha Broomfield share how the current period of increased farm costs and high inflation is affecting them an...
Live from Fieldays: How do I make my job offer more attractive? | Ep. 53
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ou...
Planting – do it once, do it right | Ep. 52
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our guests on this episode are Morrinsville farmer Johan van Ras, planting professional Antony Snodgrass, and DairyNZ’s Aslan Wright-Stow, Senior Ma...
Mental health: ‘Don’t be afraid to open up’ | Ep. 51
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Overwhelmed by workload pressure, self-doubt and a fear of what others expected of him, fifth generation farmer Sam Spencer-Bower stopped being able t...
Plantain proving its worth | Ep. 50
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 abou...
Breeding Worth – how do we know it’s really working? | Ep. 49
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Better science solutions for Kiwi dairy farms | Ep. 48
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Dai...
A newbie’s perspectives on dairy farming | Ep. 47
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Farming at the frontier | Ep. 46
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Tailwinds, headwinds and opportunities for NZ dairy | Ep. 45
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Covid-19, the Ukraine War and extreme weather events have created ongoing disruption globally and locally, with knock-on effects for New Zealand’s d...
Recovering from an extreme weather event | Ep. 44
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...