DAIRY Country

• Episode 84 - Lincoln University Dairy Farm insights

  Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) is refocussing its strategy and making changes to several of its farm practices this season including the 10-in-seven milking regime, establishing and using plantain and its replacement rate policy. In this episode, Anne Lee catches up with Antoinette Archer from the South Island Dairying Development Centre (SIDDC) and LUDF manager Peter Hancox to review the changes and why they’ve been made. The farm will move to using flexible milking as a tactical tool in the shoulders of the season with the aim to boost milk production through a return to twice-a-day milking during the majority of the season. The farm has also moved away from using plantain as a pure sward and will aim for 10-20% in pastures to get some benefit from nitrate leaching reductions while improving ease of management. Overall the farm is aiming to make a 1% productivity gain year on year, be amongst the top 10% in terms of profitability and emissions efficiency and top 5% for lowest nitrogen leaching losses. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Antoinette Archer, SIDDC Peter Hancox, LUDF Farm Manager Peter Hancox talks about navigating a challenging spring at Lincoln University Dairy Farm, explaining how wet conditions, increased supplement use, and adjustments to milking, plantain, and replacement policies are designed to maintain cow health and productivity. He outlines how these strategies are being implemented to meet both production and research objectives. He reflects on lessons learned from adapting to variable conditions and making informed decisions underpinned by careful monitoring and planning. Looking ahead, Peter says LUDF is focused on optimising herd performance, enhancing pasture and forage management, and delivering the farm’s efficiency goal outcomes. Antionette explains the way LUDF is integrating research and practical farm management, and discusses the findings of GAP analysis by DairyNZ on the farm’s strategies. She outlines the thinking behind the refined strategies and the aims of the new approaches. She reflects on the value of evidence-based approaches, balancing research goals with day-to-day farm operations, and ensuring findings are practical and applicable for farmers. Looking ahead, Antionette says LUDF is focused on delivering actionable insights, improving animal and pasture performance, and strengthening the farm’s efficiency outcomes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  29:23

  --------

  29:23
• Episode 83 - Fonterra's focus shift

  Peter McBride sees Fonterra’s proposed sale of its consumer business as a pivotal step in refocusing the co-operative’s strategy and strengthening long-term farmer returns. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with the Fonterra Chairman about the rationale behind the sale to Lactalis, what’s included in the deal, and how it aligns with the co-op’s vision to concentrate on ingredients and foodservice. He explains how the move will help sharpen Fonterra’s focus, unlock value for farmer shareholders, and position the business to compete more effectively in global markets. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Peter McBride, Chairman, Fonterra Peter McBride talks about Fonterra’s strategic shift, explaining why the sale of its consumer business to Lactalis is designed to strengthen the co-op’s focus on ingredients and foodservice. He outlines how the move supports farmer returns, simplifies the business, and positions Fonterra for greater global competitiveness, while retaining strong connections to key markets and brands. He reflects on the journey of rebuilding trust and confidence among farmers, balancing financial performance with long-term sustainability, and making complex strategic decisions underpinned by careful analysis and governance. Looking ahead, Peter says Fonterra is focused on deepening customer relationships, driving innovation in high-value products, and ensuring New Zealand dairy remains resilient and competitive on the world stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  39:26

  --------

  39:26
• Episode 82 - Bruce Thorrold on change

  Bruce Thorrold sees a wave of scientific opportunity on the horizon, with breakthroughs in methane reduction and genetic innovation set to reshape the future of New Zealand dairying. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Dr Bruce Thorrold, DairyNZ’s former Chief Science Adviser, as he reflects on his career and his move into semi-retirement. Bruce shares insights from his recent presentation at the NZ Institute of Rural Professionals conference, describing a “wave of opportunity” ahead for New Zealand dairy through innovations such as methane vaccines, inhibitors, boluses and high-lipid ryegrass. He highlights that for new technologies to succeed, they must not only work technically but also be underpinned by viable business models and gain acceptance from consumers. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Dr Bruce Thorrold, former Chief Science Adviser at DairyNZ Bruce Thorrold talks about gene technologies, how the challenges of coexistence between GM and non-GM farming could be managed, and the importance of robust stewardship. He says lessons from international examples can help shape approaches in New Zealand, ensuring both farmer choice and market assurance are achieved. He also reflects on two decades of research leadership, from improving fertility breeding values and advancing genetic gain to driving plantain adoption and nitrate leaching solutions, all underpinned by close collaboration between scientists, farmers and industry. Looking ahead, Bruce is excited about the role science will continue to play in balancing productivity with environmental responsibility. He emphasises the importance of teamwork across research organisations, agribusiness and farmers in turning promising ideas into practical, effective solutions for the sector. As he steps back from leadership, Bruce remains optimistic about the sector’s ability to adapt, innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  27:15

  --------

  27:15
• Episode 81 - Wearable lessons

  Cow wearables can provide a treasure trove of information, and for South Canterbury farmer Tom Lambie, the technology has delivered some real gems that have led to big gains in productivity and performance. In this episode of Dairy Country, Anne speaks with Tom Lambie, his contract milker Eric Tao-ey, and veterinarian Ryan Luckman about unlocking the potential of cow wearables. They share how collar data, combined with practical management and nutrition strategies, helped transform the herd’s transition, reproduction and overall performance. From improving body condition scores to smarter once-a-day tactics and heat detection, the trio reveal how technology and teamwork turned insights into results. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Tom Lambie, South Canterbury dairy farmer Eric Tao-ey, Contract milker Ryan Luckman, Veterinarian Ryan Luckman discusses how cow wearables are transforming herd management and animal health. He explains how collar data gives farmers clearer insights into reproduction, body condition, and heat detection, allowing smarter, more proactive decisions. Ryan highlights how this technology, combined with practical nutrition and management strategies, is helping farmers reduce transition challenges, lift reproductive performance, and improve overall productivity. From supporting once-a-day milking to refining feeding strategies, he shows how wearables are turning information into results that benefit cows and farmers. Tom Lambie and Eric Tao-ey share how adopting cow wearables has reshaped herd performance on their South Canterbury farm. They explain how collar data has supported better transition management, improved body condition, and stronger reproductive results. Tom and Eric explain how combining technology with disciplined once-a-day strategies and practical nutrition decisions improved animal health and farm efficiency. From identifying heat cycles more accurately to streamlining day-to-day management, they share how wearables have provided the insights needed to turn challenges into results. Listen to Ryan Luckman in a previous episode of the podcast here. Read the article from Dairy Country here. Find out more about the Barenbrug Better Pastures Together podcast here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  39:48

  --------

  39:48
• Episode 80 - Optimisation driving dairy performance

  Focusing on small incremental improvements alongside genetics are what is helping Pāmu deliver strong results and improve animal health. In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Pāmu Chief Operating Officer Will Burrett. He discusses Pāmu’s strong annual results, regional integration, and disciplined farm systems, as well as the beef-on-dairy programme. Will explains how genetics, technology, and wearables are improving animal health and productivity, while navigating challenges such as drought and scaling Exeter’s calf rearing facilities. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Will Burrett, Chief Operating Officer, Pāmu Will Burrett talks about Pāmu’s strong annual results and the strategy driving them. He explains how a sharper focus on fundamentals, regional integration, and disciplined farm systems has delivered improvements in both financial and physical performance. Will also outlines the growth of Pāmu’s beef-on-dairy programme and its role in creating more value across the supply chain, alongside the company’s increasing use of genetics, technology and wearable tools to support animal health and productivity. From managing drought challenges in Taupō to achieving record six-week in-calf rates and scaling calf rearing at Exeter, Will highlights how staying disciplined on the basics while embracing innovation is shaping Pāmu’s future direction. Find out more about the Barenbrug Better Pastures Together podcast here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  42:35

  --------

  42:35

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About DAIRY Country