Talking Dairy

In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker breaks down the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report, which captures the standout results from the 2024/25 season. You’ll hear how farmers produced record milk volumes from fewer cows, lifted productivity to new highs, and helped drive export earnings to more than $27 billion.
Campbell explains what’s behind the numbers, why the sector’s fundamentals are strong, and how the current season is tracking. If you want a quick, straight-talking snapshot of how dairy is really performing — and why your work continues to underpin the New Zealand economy — this episode is for you.
Download the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report
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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

Recorded live at the Precision Dairy Farming Conference 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, this episode features Craig Piggott, founder and CEO of Halter. 
Craig shares how he went from working at Rocket Lab to building virtual fencing technology that’s transforming pasture-based farming. He explains how Halter’s technology gives farmers precise control over grazing, lifts productivity, and creates more flexibility whether the goal is higher profit or better work–life balance. 
From early prototypes tested on his parents’ farm to a 300+ strong team and international growth, this is a story about grit, farmer-led innovation, and what precision tech could unlock next for dairy farm systems. 
View the conference highlights, proceedings and more 
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]
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

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 DairyNZ’s summer trial at Scott Farm is testing common mitigation tools, and assessing their return on investment, to find the best solutions.
Animal scientist Dr Charlotte Reed and senior animal care specialist Jac McGowan break down the research and share their early insights and observations from the trials. They also share current information and practical solutions you can use right now to keep your cows comfortable and productive in the heat.
 
Heat Stress research and current information
DairyNZ invests in heat stress research to give you evidence behind the solutions that improve cow comfort, protect performance, and support sustainable, future‑ready farm systems.
Read more about heat stress research in action at DairyNZ
Get current information for reducing heat stress in your dairy cows
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]
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

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 search for the next associate director to join the DairyNZ Board gets underway.  
If you’re a dairy farmer who’s ready to grow your governance skills and contribute to the dairy sector, this episode offers some great insights into what you need to know.  
Greg is the 15th associate director on DairyNZ’s Board, since the initiative was introduced in 2013. The associate directorship is a one-year position that offers levy-paying farmers the chance to get first-hand governance experience.   
Find out about the DairyNZ associate director role and how to apply 
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]
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

With the right structure, tools, and communication, contract milking and variable order sharemilking agreements become pathways for equity growth and stronger farm businesses. 
This episode brings you practical insights on what makes those agreements successful for both parties.
DairyNZ senior business specialist Paul Bird, and contract milker Hayden Scott, share their experience and insights on aspects such as setting fair rates, managing cashflow in your first season, and having conversations that build trust. 
They also explore the expectations and pressures on each side, and how to align them so the business relationship stays strong over time.

Learn more about contract milking
Learn more about setting up a contract milking agreement
Download the DairyNZ Contract Milking Premium Calculator. 
A monthly cashflow budget takes your annual cash budget and spreads your income and expenses across the year giving you a month-by-month basis picture. 
Enrol in a Dairy Training Contract Milking Course
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]
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