Talking Dairy is your go-to podcast for New Zealand dairy farmers. You'll hear from farmers, scientists, and experts who share practical tips and insights to he...
Summer yarns: ‘Dairy farming saved my life’ | Bonus episode
Welcome to the first of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit a moment from the inspiring story of Emma Walton, a young contract milker from Waikato. Hear how dairy farming not only saved her life but also gave her purpose and strength. Emma shares her top strategies for coping with stress and why she thinks farming is more than just a job. Listen to the full episode here: 'Dairy farming saved my life' | DairyNZ Support resources and links:Rural Support Trust: Help and support for rural NZ0800 787 254FarmstrongNeed to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE)Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected] Samaritans 0800 726 666Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
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Choosing the right supplements for your situation | Ep. 91
What’s your game plan when pasture growth slows down or a dry spell hits? Do you know which supplement will give you the best value for money? And how do you balance cost and risk when planning for the future? In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ’s Mark Williams, and Rakaia dairy farmer, Enda Hawe, discuss how to choose the right supplements for your circumstances. They cover the concept of marginal milk and how it can be used to ensure your feed strategy is financially sound. And they discuss the how to make the most of DairyNZ’s Supplement Price Calculator and the FeedChecker to guide decision making. Find out what steps you can take now to minimise the impact of future feed shortages. Find out more:Summer Smarts | DairyNZSummer management - DairyNZSupplement Price Calculator - DairyNZFeedChecker calculator - DairyNZUsing supplementary feeds profitably - DairyNZ Facts and FiguresHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
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DairyNZ’s new Chair talks challenges, change, and the future of farming | Ep. 90
In Episode 90 of Talking Dairy, we’re joined by Tracy Brown, the new Chair of DairyNZ.Tracy is a proud advocate for farmers and rural communities, bringing years of hands-on experience and leadership to the role.In this episode, Tracy shares her inspiring journey in the dairy sector and her vision for the future of New Zealand’s world-leading dairy sector. Hear how she plans to steer DairyNZ to deliver greater value for farmers.Read more about Tracy Brown, DairyNZ ChairHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
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How to stop lameness in its tracks | Ep. 89
Do we really know the cost of lameness? And more importantly, what can we do to stop it? In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan speaks with Winston Mason, a Veterinarian and Epidemiologist at EpiVets, and Frank Portegys, Senior Area Manager at DairyNZ for the King Country region. They cover the common causes of lameness, the direct and indirect costs, and effective strategies for reducing its impact. Find out what the early signs of lameness are and why quick action can make all the difference. Tools and resources:Identifying lame cows - DairyNZLameness Scoring Shed PosterHealthy Hoof video Find a Healthy Hoof Provider - 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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Dairy’s economic outlook and what it means for farmers | Ep. 88
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover recent financial shifts that have farmers feeling cautiously optimistic. Over the past few seasons, dairy farmers have been grappling with high costs, increasing interest rates, and unexpected drops in milk price forecasts. But with improvements in the forecast milk price and the cost of borrowing starting to ease, could there be brighter times ahead?Joining us are Mark Storey, Head of Economics, and Mark Speight, Farm Systems Specialist at DairyNZ. They break down what these financial changes mean for your farm’s bottom line and discuss how farmers can balance input costs with sustainable profitability. Plus, we’ll hear insights into the impact of extreme weather on farm systems, how regions like Southland are coping with a tough spring, and strategies to future-proof farms for the seasons ahead.Whether you’re looking to understand the financial landscape or explore practical tips on resilience, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you navigate the current season and beyond.Access tools and resources:Budgeting resources and templates View the Econ Tracker Disclaimer: The content in this podcast includes general commentary on market trends. It should not be considered as investment advice. Certain transactions, such as those involving futures, options, and high-yield securities, carry significant risks and may not be appropriate for all investors. We advise seeking independent legal or financial guidance before making any investment decisions.Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Talking Dairy is your go-to podcast for New Zealand dairy farmers. You'll hear from farmers, scientists, and experts who share practical tips and insights to help you succeed. It's all about giving you the tools and knowledge to make the best decisions for your farm. Brought to you by DairyNZ, we help farmers lead the world in sustainable dairying by investing in research, new solutions and advocacy. Follow now and stay informed with the latest episodes.