Talking Dairy

• Resilient Pastures: The new research underway to future-proof our grass-fed advantage | Ep. 104

  In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re talking about pasture – the foundation of New Zealand farming.Farmers in the upper North Island have been noticing changes for a while now: pastures that don’t last as long, more pests, and weather that’s harder to predict. These challenges are backed up by DairyNZ data that shows pasture growth in Northland and Waikato has dropped by up to one tonne of dry matter per hectare each decade.To help solve this problem, a new sector-wide research initiative led by DairyNZ was launched in June 2025 - called Resilient Pastures. The goal? Work with farmers to find tools and practical solutions for pasture species, seed mixes, and management practices that can stand up to these changes now and into the future. And for these solutions to be able to be adopted on all types of farms around the country.Host Jac McGowan talks to Senior Scientist Dr Elena Minnee from DairyNZ and Jim Inglis from research partner Beef + Lamb NZ Strategy and Operations about:Why this programme exists and why it’s starting in the NorthThe challenges farmers are facingHow research, farmer experience and government funding are working togetherWhat the programme will do for farmers over the next seven yearsHow the results will save costs and add value wherever you farm in New ZealandThe discussion highlights the significance of pasture in New Zealand's farming systems and the collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable and profitable farming practices.To learn more about the Resilient Pastures research programme, visit Resilient Pastures Programme | DairyNZ Funding partnersMinistry for Primary Industries, through the Primary Sector Growth FundDairyNZBeef+Lamb New ZealandTR Ellet Agricultural Research TrustBarenbrugFonterraHine Rangi TrustNorthland Dairy Development TrustHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

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• Wearables and repro – what the data tells us | Ep. 103

  More farmers are investing in wearable technology to help manage heat detection and ease pressure on skilled people during a busy time on-farm. But do these devices improve reproductive performance – an important factor regularly considered in return on investment calculations? In this episode, Jac McGowan speaks with DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Paul Edwards and CowSmart vet and co-founder Line Ferriman. Together, they break down new independent research that compares reproduction results from herds using wearables and those that don’t.The study shows farmers using wearable tech are adopting new mating approaches like extended or all-AB periods. But does the data show performance gains as well? Listen in to hear about the findings and interesting insights from this research. For more information:Inside Dairy story: A closer look at wearable technology | DairyNZ DairyNZ information: Automated heat detection | DairyNZ DairyNZ Technology and Workplace Practices Survey: Milking Practices and Technology Use | DairyNZCowSmart: CowSmart - Animal Monitoring Data ConsultancyHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

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• Building a high-performing farm team | Ep. 102

  In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover strategies that help create high-performing dairy teams. You’ll hear from Jane Muir, DairyNZ Senior People Specialist, and Fiona Langford, who, along with her husband Thomas, are the 2025 Share Farmers of the Year at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. They share how great leadership, clear communication, and smart planning make all the difference on-farm.Fiona shares how they run their year-round operation with multiple employees, and how they focus on culture, wellbeing and development to keep their people happy and productive. Jane brings insights from the latest DairyNZ Employee Survey and tools like the refreshed Workplace 360 to help you lead with confidence.Whether you’re bringing new employees on or wondering about what you could do to improve your workplace environment, this episode will leave you with practical ideas and plenty of inspiration. Links mentioned in this episode:Try the updated Workplace 360 assessment - see what’s working well and what to improve.Sign up for a free CalvingSmart workshop with Dairy Training - practical, short sessions happening nationwide in June and July.Check out Dairy Training’s Emerging Leadership course - help your next leaders step up on-farm.Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

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• Building a high BW herd - one decision at a time | Ep. 101

  What does it take to breed a high performing herd - now and into the future?Earlier this year, DairyNZ and Fonterra co-hosted a series of on-farm events focused on lifting genetic gain through better breeding decisions. One of those events was held at Clovalley Farms, run by Donovan Croot and Sophie Cookson in South Taranaki. Now, we’re bringing that conversation to you.In this episode of Talking Dairy, hosted by DairyNZ Taranaki Area Manager Talissa Squire, Donovan and Sophie share how they’ve built a herd that ranks in the top 1% nationally for Breeding Worth (BW).  They explain how they’ve applied DairyNZ’s 'Five ways to a high BW herd' in a way that fits their farm, their values and their goals.They talk openly about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve learned along the way.Whether you're just starting out with genetics or already fine-tuning your approach, this is a must-listen for any farmer wanting to breed a better herd.Listen now to learn how to make smarter breeding decisions, improve genetic gain in your herd, and future-proof your business. Resources mentioned in this episode:Breeding Worth - DairyNZ | DairyNZTools - Animal Herd Averages | DairyNZBull Search - DairyNZ | DairyNZBull Team - DairyNZ | DairyNZRanking of Active Sires (RAS) | DairyNZInCalf reproduction gap calculator - DairyNZ | 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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• Built different: Why NZ farmers keep winning at dairy | Ep. 100

  Ever wondered how New Zealand dairy became world-class? In this special 100th episode, we go behind the scenes of the science and farmer-led innovation that made it happen. Join host Jac McGowan as she chats with DairyNZ’s Chief Science Advisor Bruce Thorrold and Chief Executive Campbell Parker. Together, they look back at the science, smarts, and farmer-led research that helped turn a tough industry into a global success.You’ll learn how NZ dairy farmers went from milking on average 147 cows in the ‘80s to becoming the most efficient milk producers in the world. More importantly, you’ll get a glimpse of what’s coming next.Whether you've been farming for years or you're just getting started, this episode will leave you proud to be part of the New Zealand dairy story. More informationHistory of your levy investment | DairyNZ Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected] Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

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