Feed for Thought

How do you continue improving farm performance when expansion is no longer an option? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by Taranaki dairy farmer Andy Slater to explore how a focus on pasture utilisation, feed management, and clear farm systems has helped lift productivity while keeping the operation simple and enjoyable to run. Andy shares why Jerseys remain the foundation of the herd, how maize silage fits into the feeding system, and why spring nutrition starts well before mating.
The team also discuss the benefits of in-shed feeding, managing cow condition and health, and the role automation has played in creating a more efficient dairy operation. From upgrading to a rotary shed designed for one-person milking through to refining feeding and farm management systems, Andy shares practical lessons on improving productivity, efficiency, and milk solids performance.

How do you build a premium beef system that consistently delivers quality from paddock to plate? Matt and Wade are joined by Michael Schat of Wydeacres Wagyu Ltd to explore how his Canterbury feedlot operates and the systems behind a high-value Wagyu programme, run in conjunction with Southern Stations. Michael discusses the role of contracts in reducing risk, his journey from dairy farming to dairy-beef and Wagyu-cross cattle, and how every part of the supply chain contributes to the final product.
The team unpack the practical realities of feedlot management, from shed design and bedding systems through to feeding programmes focused on marbling and animal performance. They discuss cattle nutrition, target liveweight gains, manure and nutrient recycling, and how tools like maize silage yield mapping can support feed security and on-farm efficiency.

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.