Talking Dairy

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.
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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

In this episode, Tracy Brown, DairyNZ board chair, Brian Anderton, DairyNZ government relations manager, and Leighton Parker, dairy farmer and Dairy Environment Leader, discuss what farmers are asking for ahead of the 2026 General Election, and how those needs have shaped DairyNZ’s six priorities for practical, evidence-backed policy that supports sustainable growth.
Find out more:
Read about the priorities for the next Government
Find out more about Dairy Environment Leaders
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

Before someone steps onto your farm after travelling overseas, what do you ask them?
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) isn’t in New Zealand, and we all want to keep it that way. But with outbreaks overseas and more people travelling or visiting farms, now is a good time to check your visitor process is clear and easy to follow.
In this episode, Fi Roberts, DairyNZ head of biosecurity, and Mitch Cooper, DairyNZ senior technical and policy advisor and dairy vet, discuss FMD readiness, travel-related risk, and the practical steps you can take to help protect your herd, your people and your business.
Find out more:
Foot and mouth disease | DairyNZ
Visitor biosecurity management | DairyNZ
Overseas travel - risk assessment. A biosecurity risk assessment that covers visiting overseas farms, what to consider before returning to New Zealand, and what to do on arrival. 
Biosecurity resources and tools | DairyNZ
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

When a cow goes down, a clear plan helps you act early, support her recovery and keep your team moving during one of the busiest times of the season.
In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, Mitch Cooper shares what to do when a cow goes down, how to spot when things are changing, and why clear communication can make a real difference at calving.
You’ll also learn about the “pattern of two” — a simple way to know when to reassess, ask for help, or take a closer look at your transition cow care.
It’s a useful listen if you want to support better cow recovery, reduce pressure on your team and make clear decisions during calving.
View the latest information on down cow management 
Like this episode? You might also like these:
Down cow care: Thriving after calving: Key cow care and recovery tips | Ep. 82 | DairyNZ
New transition cow advice: Transition cow care advice and what rumination data tells us | DairyNZ
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