Talking Dairy

• What's the return on your levy investment? Findings from an independent report. | Ep. 114

  In this episode of Talking Dairy, we unpack the findings of the most in-depth independent return on investment (ROI) ever – commissioned by DairyNZ to provide farmers with more transparency. Join host Jac McGowan as she talks with Dr Alan Pearson from Nimmo Bell, the independent analysts behind the report, and DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown, who commissioned the work.They explain:How $341 million in levy revenue delivered an estimated $2.98 billion in value for farmers between 2020 and 2025.Which initiatives delivered the biggest returns.Why collective investment is critical to keep dairy competitive and ready for the future.What DairyNZ is doing differently to ensure we’re focused on what matters to farmers.If you’ve ever wondered “What's the return on my levy investment?”, this episode gives you the answer and the facts.About the milksolids levySummary of report into DairyNZ levy ROI to farmers Report into DairyNZ levy ROI to farmers 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

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• In 10: How we're rethinking cow wellbeing with wearables

  In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, animal scientist Dr Stacey Hendriks explains how research using wearable technology is building a deeper understanding of cow wellbeing and their experience in pasture-based systems.Hear how scientists are combining a mix of tech and data in innovative ways to enhance research into animal care as they aim to uncover how cows respond to heat stress and other challenges, and test strategies like shade and sprinklers to see what really works. The goal? To create science-based solutions that help farmers confidently manage cow comfort and productivity more effectively in the future. How to support positive welfare in your cows Find out more about Heat Stress in Cows researchRead more about this research in Inside Dairy November-January 2026Meet the scientist: Stacey HendriksHave 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

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• In 10: Small changes that can get hours back in your week

  Every minute in the farm dairy counts. Research shows the right milking routine can save you hours every week. In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, host Jac McGowan chats with Dairy Training tutors Julie Morgan and Pete Morgan about how small changes at milking can make a big difference.They explain how the free MilkSmart workshop can help you fine-tune your milking routine using proven DairyNZ science including MaxT, which can shave minutes off every milking, and in some cases over three hours per week.If you’d like to know how you could get time back in your day, tune in to hear more and then check out Dairy Training to find a MilkSmart workshop near you.MilkSmart - Dairy Training About Dairy TrainingDairy Training is a subsidiary of DairyNZ and registered NZQA provider. With funding from the Tertiary Education Commission and support from DairyNZ, it delivers free training to help farmers build capability.Courses are expertly designed, teaching practical skills farmers can use immediately. Dairy Training also delivers popular DairyNZ-designed workshops such as MilkSmart and CalvingSmartCheck out dairytraining.co.nz to find courses and workshops available near you.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

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• Cow wellbeing at the leading edge | Ep. 113

  How is the great animal care already happening on your farm helping New Zealand dairy stay ahead of global market expectations?In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore why animal care matters for New Zealand’s dairy competitiveness and how farmers have helped shape DairyNZ’s research right from the start.You’ll hear from Penny Timmer-Arends and Dr Stacey Hendriks as they explain what markets and consumers are asking for, how NZ compares internationally, and what influences cow comfort and welfare in our pasture-based farm systems.Penny and Stacey also discuss the challenges to good cow welfare that farmers are managing, like heat stress, comfortable lying surfaces and seasonal staffing pressure. They explain how current DairyNZ research – including work using wearable tech – is building better insights into how cows experience their environment, so farmers can make informed decisions, and our sector can stay future-ready.This episode gives you a practical overview of where animal care expectations are heading and the science that supports farmers to stay ahead. Links to more information mentioned in this episode:Animal Welfare - DairyNZ | DairyNZResearch - Science Projects - Heat Stress | DairyNZResearch - Science Projects - United States Mega Dairies | DairyNZThe development of a tool to assess cow quality of life based on system-level attributes across pastoral dairy farms - ScienceDirectDownload the Preventing and managing lameness guide 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

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• In 10: The power of connection (and a good lunch): The SMASH story

  In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, host Jac McGowan chats with Noldy Rust, Chair of SMASH (Smaller Milk and Supply Herds), and Frank Portegys from DairyNZ, about how this grassroots initiative is helping farmers connect, learn, and grow stronger businesses together.SMASH began as a local idea to celebrate and support smaller herd farmers. Partnering with DairyNZ, it’s grown into a nationwide network, offering practical learning open to everyone.Find out what’s coming up on the SMASH calendar and what to expect when you head along to their events (we also heard there might be a good lunch there too).Learn more about SMASH or find an event: SMASH NZ About DairyNZ collaboration with sector partnersAt DairyNZ, we work alongside trusted partners to stretch your levy further, supporting better farming, stronger communities, and a more resilient dairy sector. These partnerships aren’t just about funding. We roll up our sleeves too, offering time, tools and expertise to help deliver what matters most to farmers. By collaborating with sector leaders, we make an impact where it counts – reducing duplication, promoting better farming practices, and maintaining our independence and credibility. Together, we’re building a future that’s practical and inclusive, and maintains our competitive edge. Partnerships with organisations like SMASH reflect our shared commitment to delivering real value for New Zealand dairy farmers. Together, we’re shaping a sector that’s connected, capable and ready for the future. Find out more about DairyNZ partnerships.  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

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