Talking Dairy

What can dairy learn from the way horticulture uses robotics and automation? 
In this episode, we're joined by Professor Mike Duke from the University of Waikato, recorded at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference where he was a keynote speaker. He works in horticulture robotics, and his insights translate to the challenges faced on farm. Mike talks about how new thinking around automation, data and design could shape the future of dairy, what dairy already does well, and where there’s room to go further. 
View the conference highlights, proceedings and more  
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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 Hazelton from DairyNZ share insights into how to set your effluent system up to improve productivity, make the most out of valuable nutrients and protect your business over the long-term. This conversation looks at what’s involved in establishing good systems, what’s worth prioritising, and why autumn is a smart time to get things in shape. 
Links mentioned in this episode and more:
Get DairyNZ info about effluent management and operation
Download the effluent management plan poster 
Find DairyNZ accredited effluent system design companies
How does your effluent system stack up? Do your own Warrant of Fitness.
Effluent Training Courses - DairyNZ
Find out more about AgVice and Debbie Care
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]
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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 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch. In this episode, Dr Claudia Kamphuis cuts through the noise around data and shows you how to turn information into something of value. Drawing on her keynote presentation from the conference, she explains how smarter data use is speeding up breakthroughs and what that means for your everyday decisions.
You’ll hear why the real challenge isn’t collecting data, but knowing what to keep, what to ignore, and how to use it with confidence. Claudia shares practical insights on dealing with data overwhelm, connecting with the right people, and taking small steps that make technology work for you.
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

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 why hitting BCS targets before calving has such a big flow on effect—supporting recovery after calving, earlier cycling, stronger reproductive performance, and more milk in the vat next season. And DairyNZ farm systems specialist, Mark Williams, brings the farm system view: how to condition‑score your herd accurately, plan dry‑off dates with confidence, and choose feeding and drafting strategies that move the cows who need it most.
You’ll also learn about practical tools that make these decisions easier, including the dry off calculator, feed budgeting tool, and the BCS app many farmers now rely on to track progress through autumn.
Links mentioned in this episode and more:
Milk On or Dry Off Calculator
Body Condition Score (BCS) Dry-Off Calculator
BCS App
InCalf - Reproduction gap calculator 
Autumn smarts - Essential autumn tools for farm success 
FeedRight Module 26 - Allocate autumn pastures correctly (late lactation)
FeedRight Module 27 - Measure and monitor body condition score (BCS) (late lactation)
FeedRight Module 28 - Use crops and supplements profitably (late lactation)
FeedRight Module 29 - Determine nutrient requirements (dry period)
FeedRight Module 30 - Achieve body condition score (BCS) targets at calving (dry period)
FeedRight Module 31 - Manage winter pastures and crops correctly (dry period)
View all FeedRight Technotes
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

Recorded live at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, this episode features vet Kirsty Ashcroft from Anexa, who led a farmer panel sharing their experiences with wearable technology.  
Kirsty highlights the importance of starting with the basics in the first season, avoiding alert fatigue, and working closely with vets to turn data into earlier identification, better decisions, and stronger animal health outcomes.  
Kirsty also explains why successful adoption isn’t about the device itself, but about how you use it, who supports you, and how well the data fits your farm’s needs. 
View the conference highlights, proceedings and more  
 
Did you know? 
Since this episode was recorded, DairyNZ has begun a three-year research programme on cow wearables, shaped by farmers, to help turn data into practical insights. The work focuses on benchmarking, understanding normal behaviour, improving key decisions at calving and mating, identifying resilient cows, and exploring how wearables can support pasture management — all aimed at helping farmers get more value from their investment. You can read more about this in the Feb-April 2026 Inside Dairy.  
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