Talking Dairy

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
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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

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

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

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