Talking Dairy

Heat stress is a growing challenge on our dairy farms, and the impact on your farm could be bigger than you think. In this episode, you’ll hear how DairyNZ’s summer trial at Scott Farm is testing common mitigation tools, and assessing their return on investment, to find the best solutions.
Animal scientist Dr Charlotte Reed and senior animal care specialist Jac McGowan break down the research and share their early insights and observations from the trials. They also share current information and practical solutions you can use right now to keep your cows comfortable and productive in the heat.
 
Heat Stress research and current information
DairyNZ invests in heat stress research to give you evidence behind the solutions that improve cow comfort, protect performance, and support sustainable, future‑ready farm systems.
Read more about heat stress research in action at DairyNZ
Get current information for reducing heat stress in your dairy cows
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

In this episode of Talking Dairy, Northland farmer and DairyNZ associate director Greg Collins shares an inside look at his year in the role, as the search for the next associate director to join the DairyNZ Board gets underway.  
If you’re a dairy farmer who’s ready to grow your governance skills and contribute to the dairy sector, this episode offers some great insights into what you need to know.  
Greg is the 15th associate director on DairyNZ’s Board, since the initiative was introduced in 2013. The associate directorship is a one-year position that offers levy-paying farmers the chance to get first-hand governance experience.   
Find out about the DairyNZ associate director role and how to apply 
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

With the right structure, tools, and communication, contract milking and variable order sharemilking agreements become pathways for equity growth and stronger farm businesses. 
This episode brings you practical insights on what makes those agreements successful for both parties.
DairyNZ senior business specialist Paul Bird, and contract milker Hayden Scott, share their experience and insights on aspects such as setting fair rates, managing cashflow in your first season, and having conversations that build trust. 
They also explore the expectations and pressures on each side, and how to align them so the business relationship stays strong over time.

Learn more about contract milking
Learn more about setting up a contract milking agreement
Download the DairyNZ Contract Milking Premium Calculator. 
A monthly cashflow budget takes your annual cash budget and spreads your income and expenses across the year giving you a month-by-month basis picture. 
Enrol in a Dairy Training Contract Milking Course
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

Experience the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference.  
In this episode, you’ll hear from Teagasc researchers Dr Bernadette O’Brien and Dr Lisa Parce, who share what Ireland’s pasture-based farmers are doing with precision technology. How are Irish farmers making tech decisions, what motivates them to adopt new tools, and which technologies are becoming more common? Bernadette and Lisa also break down the social and farm-system factors linked to higher adoption, from herd size and labour needs, to environmental regulations and pasture management. 
 
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

Artificial intelligence is suddenly everywhere — including on dairy farms.
In this episode, you’ll hear from DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Callum Eastwood and Perrin Ag senior consultant Rachel Durie, who have just completed a report on how dairy farmers are using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
They share what they found, including examples of how farmers are already using GenAI, what’s working well, the risks to watch for, and the opportunities ahead.
Find out more about the research into GenAI use on dairy farms & read the report.
How are you using GenAI tools on your farm? Take our short survey.
Ready to try it? Try DairyNZ's DAiSY tool on the homepage or find out more here.

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