Ep 8: Building a strong farm business - With Chris Deroles
Farming’s tough on more than just the land - it takes a toll on people, too. In this chat, we talk about how health issues like vertigo and tinnitus can hit farmers hard, what role medication and treatments like acupuncture can play, and how staying on top of your own health matters just as much as your cows’. We also discuss farm safety rules, the environment, working together as an industry, and how tech can actually make life easier. There’s talk of family farming, syndicate ownership, and why good pasture and consistent feed still sit at the heart of healthy, productive herds.TakewaysNavigating health challenges can be complex and frustrating.Personal experiences with vertigo can significantly impact daily life.Medication can have unexpected effects on mental health and mood.Acupuncture may provide relief for certain health issues.Health and safety regulations can create challenges infarming.Environmental concerns are increasingly relevant in farming practices.Collaboration within the farming industry can lead to better outcomes.Technology is transforming modern farming practices.Family dynamics play a crucial role in farming businesses.Syndicate ownership offers an alternative to traditionalfarming methods.KeywordsHealth challenges, vertigo, tinnitus, acupuncture, health and safety, environmental concerns, farming practices, technology in farming, family business, pasture management.
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36:36
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36:36
Ep 7: Farm tech & wearables - The future of cow monitoring
In this episode, we’re pleased to welcome Ben Matthews back, as we take a look at cow wearables and how they’re starting to fit into everyday farming. We run through the types of gear out there, from collars to monitoring systems, and what they can actually tell you about cow health and nutrition.  It’s not just about collecting numbers. The real value comes when the data helps farmers make better calls, whether that’s spotting an issue earlier or finding ways to run the herd more efficiently.We also discuss the challenge of selecting tech that suits your farm and why it matters that different systems work together rather than adding more headaches.We also touch on where monitoring technology might head next and its potential impact on dairy farming.TakeawaysCow wearables provide valuable data for improving farm efficiency.Different types of wearables include boluses, collars, and ear tags.Rumination minutes are a key metric for cow health.Data analysis helps in making informed decisions about cownutrition.Integration of technology is crucial for effective farm management.Farmers should trial different software to find the bestfit.Collaboration between tech companies can enhance data insights.Research is ongoing to improve the accuracy of wearable technology.The future of cow monitoring looks promising with AI advancements.Choosing the right technology depends on specific farm needs.
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28:53
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28:53
Ep 6: Nutrition Tips & Tricks: The Science of Ketosis in Dairy Cows
Ketosis can be a hidden problem in dairy herds, knocking milk production and cow health long after calving. In this episode, Shaun Balemi explains what really goes on inside the cow’s liver, why blood testing matters, and how diet plays a big part in keeping cows on track. He covers practical points like transition feeding, protein quality, and managing over-conditioned cows before calving. Shaun also shares how new tech can help farmers keep an eye on cow health and behaviour, making it easier to spot issues early and stay ahead of ketosis.Takeaways:Ketosis is the buildup of ketone bodies in the blood.Liver health is crucial for managing ketosis in cows.Nutritional factors significantly influence ketosis development.Signs of ketosis include reduced appetite and rapid condition loss.Blood testing is essential for monitoring ketosis levels.Technological advancements can aid in predicting ketosis in cows.Identifying triggers for ketosis can help in prevention strategies.Transition feeding is critical for cow health post-calving.The quality and quantity of protein in the diet affect the risk of ketosis.Managing over-conditioned cows is vital to prevent ketosis.
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45:48
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45:48
Ep 5: Cow Condition – What It Is, Why It Matters & How to Manage It
In this episode, Shaun and Tangaroa Walker dig into the science and practicality of cow condition and nutrition in dairy farming. Shaun emphasises the need for farmers to monitor cow condition closely and to understand the different types of fat in cows. They cover the impact of feeding practices, the role of protein, and the challenges of transitioning cows. The hosts share insights on how to improve cow health and efficiency, ultimately leading to better farm profitability.Takeaways Cow condition is crucial for dairy farm success.Monitoring cow condition regularly can prevent issues.Training staff to observe cow condition is beneficial.Nutrition plays a key role in cow health and performance.Different types of fat affect cow health differently.Protein intake is essential for maintaining cow condition.Feeding practices can influence the type of fat cows store.Fodder beet can be both beneficial and problematic.Eliminating variation in cow condition leads to better outcomes.Developing practical farming insights is a continuous journey.
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35:15
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35:15
Ep 6: Building a strong farming business with Chris Deroles
Southland-based farmer Chris Deroles joins Shaun Balemi to share how his multi-farm business Aurum Farming balances profitability, people and performance. With over 3,000 cows, sharemilking structures, in-shed feeding systems and collar technology in place, Chris unpacks the systems that make their operation run smoothly - from consistent pasture allocation and tight feed control to smart tech use and strong staff culture. Learn how they’ve kept empty rates under control with noreproductive intervention, grown a resilient team, and used smart feeding to drive milk production without relying on silage. If you’re looking to build a better farming system without adding more cost, this one’s worth a listen.
myCOW: Dairy nutrition, cow health & practical NZ farming advice
Want to get more milk from your feed? The myCOW Podcast, hosted by Shaun Balemi M.Sc NZARN, is your go-to podcast for practical, science-backed insights that help improve dairy herd performance.
Tune in for expert episodes on mineral supplementation, early lactation, heat stress, cow fertility, transition feeding, and milk production. Whether you're in the shed or out on the farm, myCOW helps you make smarter decisions for healthier cows and better results.
Supported by Agvance Nutrition and other industry leaders.
New Zealand