Talking Dairy

• Finding your farming family | Ep. 98

  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? You’re not alone - and there is a way to build your network, grow your skills, and find your place in the sector.In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re exploring the power of community and how NZ Young Farmers is helping young people in the ag sector feel supported, connected, and inspired.We’re joined by Waikato farmer Robin Buser, who made a move from corporate life to dairy farming - and found his “farming family” through NZ Young Farmers. He shares how saying yes to joining a club changed the game for him, both personally and professionally.Also with us is Lynda Coppersmith, CEO of NZ Young Farmers, who reflects on how the organisation has evolved to support the next generation and why partnerships - like the one with DairyNZ - are key to building a stronger future for dairy.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Robin built confidence, community, and direction through his local NZ Young Farmers clubWhat NZ Young Farmers is doing to support today’s young people in agWhy joining NZ Young Farmers can be a win for both employees and employersWhat’s next for NZ Young FarmersWhy now is the perfect time to get involvedWhether you’re just starting out, keen to grow your leadership skills, or looking to back the next wave of talent - this episode is for you.Find out more about NZ Young Farmers Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

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• Breeding for the long game | Ep. 97

  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 and more visible. But what about the traits that take time?In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan and Dr Rhiannon Hancock, a scientist at NZ Animal Evaluation, talk about why low heritability traits deserve a place in your breeding strategy – especially if you’re playing the long game.Rhiannon explains how even small genetic gains in these areas can build over time, leading to big wins for herd productivity and long-term profitability. Find out:Why heritability mattersWhy slow progress is still real progressPractical tips for long-term herd improvementListen for the full story behind the science. This episode was inspired by the myth-busting story in the Feb-April edition of Inside Dairy – available at dairynz.co.nz/inside-dairy Resources for more information on this topic:Is focusing on low-heritability traits valuable when making breeding decisions? | DairyNZAnimal - Breeding Decisions | DairyNZBreeding Worth | DairyNZBull Search | DairyNZ Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

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• Smart dry-off strategies | Ep.96

  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 resistance on the rise, selective dry cow therapy has become an important tool for protecting both herd health and the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics. The key is making smart, informed decisions that safeguard milk quality while keeping cows healthy.In this episode, we’re joined by Mitch Cooper, a Veterinarian and DairyNZ’s Senior Technical & Policy Advisor, and Veronica Oostveen, a Southland dairy farmer and DairyNZ Area Manager. They break down the latest research and share practical strategies to help you:Use data to make smarter treatment decisionsCut antibiotic use without compromising cow healthManage dry-off risks effectivelyApply proven strategies that have dropped somatic cell countsVeronica shares how selective dry cow therapy has improved her herd’s health and performance, and Mitch explains why responsible antibiotic use matters for our future.Tune in for the latest research and insights. Find the DairyNZ tools and resources mentioned in this episode:Dry cow strategies | DairyNZdairynz-guideline-14-dry-cow-strategy.pdfdairynz-technote-14-dry-cow-strategy.pdfHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

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• $10 payout - now what? | Ep. 95

  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 - better milk prices, easing interest rates, and a bit more breathing room financially. But what does that actually mean for your farm? And, more importantly, how can you make the most of it? In this episode of Talking Dairy, we take a close look at how the season has played out and what’s on the horizon. Mark Storey, Head of Economics at DairyNZ, and Paul Bird, Senior Business Specialist , break down the key trends shaping farm finances right now. They unpack why this $10 payout isn’t quite a record in real terms, and why it’s important to invest extra income wisely. We also discuss the challenges still at play, including dry conditions in many regions and what that means for feed and milk production. With farmers feeling more positive about the future, we look at what’s driving that confidence and what risks - both locally and internationally - could shake things up next season. With a new season just around the corner, now is the time to be thinking ahead. What financial moves should you be making? How can you set your farm up to stay resilient, no matter what’s coming? Tune in to find out.  Find the DairyNZ business tools mentioned in this episode: All DairyNZ business tools  Cashflow budget tools for different suppliers DairyNZ Economic Tracker tool Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

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• On the move: Reducing stress during transport | Ep. 94

  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 once they’re on the truck? And are you confident they’re set up for a smooth journey?In this episode, we’re talking about simple, practical ways to help your cull cows travel well. Dr. Stacey Hendriks and Penny Timmer-Arends share three key things that make a big difference. They also explain what happens beyond the farm gate and why good preparation matters. Transport can be tough on cows, but with a few easy steps, you can help them arrive in good shape. Tune in to hear what farmers are already doing and pick up some practical tips to make transport easier on your cows. Useful linksTransporting stock | DairyNZHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

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