DAIRY Country

DNA testing is transforming dairy breeding by giving farmers greater confidence in parentage and allowing more accurate genetic information to be fed into breeding models. Anne Lee speaks with CRV myDNA Programme Manager Connie McFarlane about how DNA testing and genomics are helping farmers improve herd performance, from verifying calf parentage to increasing the reliability of breeding values and genetic indexes.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guest:
Connie McFarlane, myDNA Programme Manager, CRV

Connie explains why around one in four calves can be mismatched to their dams without DNA testing, and how tissue sampling and genomic analysis provide a much clearer picture of an animal's true genetic potential. Anne and Connie also discuss how farmers are using genomic information to identify replacement heifers and select cows for beef or sexed semen, the importance of building larger genomic reference populations, how DNA testing is accelerating genetic gain in both dairy cows and bulls, and the future opportunities for genomic traits including hoof health, mastitis resistance and genetic defect screening.

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Global dairy markets have entered a period of correction after two years of exceptionally strong prices, with growing milk production putting downward pressure on key commodities. Anne Lee speaks with HighGround Dairy's Stu Davison about the global forces shaping New Zealand's farmgate milk price, from expanding milk production in the United States to Europe's heatwave, China's changing demand patterns and the latest Global Dairy Trade Pulse results.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guest:
Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy

Stu explains why traders are already pricing weather risk into dairy markets as New Zealand heads towards a potential Super El Niño, and what that could mean for milk production and commodity prices over the coming season. Anne and Stu also discuss the growing competitiveness of US dairy exports, how conflict in the Middle East is influencing global dairy trade and food security, the impact of Europe's large butter and skim milk powder inventories, and why currency movements could play a significant role in New Zealand's milk price outlook.

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As a founder, Jack Jensen has built a large following through his multimedia company Msft Productions, producing content for some big-name companies while inspiring people to embrace adventure, community and the outdoors. Anne Lee talks with Jack about his charity Spark That Chat, formed in response to the loss of a close mate to suicide. Park That Chat is a wellbeing initiative, helping people across New Zealand have more meaningful conversations and build practical tools for resilience.
Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guest:
Jack Jensen, Spark That Chat

Jack explains how Spark That Chat has grown from a social media campaign into a nationwide movement, reaching millions of people through school tours, community events and the rural-focused Cut the Bull campaign. Anne and Jack also discuss why meaningful conversations, movement, breathwork and slowing down are powerful tools for supporting mental wellbeing, and the importance of checking in with friends and family before they reach crisis point. They also explore the unique pressures facing rural communities, how partnerships with organisations such as Farmstrong are helping extend the initiative's reach, and why simple, everyday conversations can make a life-changing difference.

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Karen Fraser has spent years helping dairy farmers improve calf rearing through practical, science-based advice. Anne Lee speaks with the Farmlands Technical Specialist and Calf Experts co-founder about the foundations of successful calf rearing, from colostrum management and the five Qs of colostrum to early-life nutrition and milk feeding.
Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guest:
Karen Fraser, Technical Specialist, Farmlands

Karen explains why collecting calves early, feeding high-quality "gold" colostrum and maintaining excellent hygiene are critical for successful passive transfer of immunity and healthy calves. Anne and Karen also discuss the latest recommendations around feeding higher milk volumes in early life, choosing and using calf milk replacers, practical weaning strategies and the importance of developing the rumen while maintaining strong growth rates. They also explore common calf-rearing mistakes, from colostrum handling to tubing and electrolyte use, and share practical tips to help farmers raise healthier, more productive animals from day one.

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Dr Ajmal Khan has spent more than a decade researching calf rearing, investigating how early-life nutrition and management influence the health, productivity and lifetime performance of dairy animals. Anne Lee speaks with the Bioeconomy Science Institute scientist about his latest research into colostrum management, milk feeding and pre-weaning growth, and why getting those first days and weeks right can have lasting benefits for calf health, milk production, longevity and farm profitability.
Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country
Guest:
Dr Ajmal Khan, Bioeconomy Science Institute

Ajmal explains why collecting calves early and feeding high-quality "gold" colostrum is critical for successful passive transfer of immunity, before sharing findings from his long-term New Zealand research that followed calves through their first four lactations as cows. Anne and Ajmal also discuss the importance of feeding adequate milk during the pre-weaning period, the impact of early growth rates on lifetime milk production, practical weaning strategies and the role of automatic calf feeders. Together they explore how small management decisions during a calf's first weeks can deliver significant gains in animal welfare, productivity, profitability and environmental outcomes.

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