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.
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Ep 5: Cow Condition – What it is, why it matters & how to manage it
In this episode, Shaun Balemi and Tangaroa Walker dig into the science and practicality of cow condition - what it is (hint: it's not just fat), how it impacts production and reproduction, and how to manage it pre- and post-calving. They cover condition scoring, protein vs fat reserves, transition challenges, staff training, and real-world tools like walk-over scales. A no-fluff conversation packed with practical takeaways.
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Ep 4: Farm Tech & Wearables – What’s worth it? With Ben Matthews
In this episode, Shaun Balemi is joined by agri-tech engineer Ben to launch a new segment on farming innovation. They unpack the latest in cow wearables, sensor data, geofencing and how tech is (actually) helping – or sometimes hindering – real NZ dairy farmers. From practical decision-making to reducing admin and managing staff time, this episode sets the scene for future tech-focused conversations.
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Ep 3: Stocking Rate vs Farm Profit – A practical chat with Ben Croft
What happens when you drop cow numbers and focus on feeding them better? In this episode, Shaun Balemi sits down with Ben Croft, a seasoned Canterbury dairy farmer, to unpack how reducing stocking rate improved cow condition, simplifiedmanagement, and increased farm profit. They talk body condition scoring, feed strategies, and how fewer, better-fed cows delivered more milk and less stress.Real data. Real decisions. Real farmer talk.
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Ep 1: Welcome to the myCOW Podcast
In this first episode of the myCOW Podcast, nutritionist Shaun Balemi and Farm4Life founder Tangaroa Walker bring you straight-talking insights on dairy nutrition, cow health, and what it really takes to run a profitable New Zealandfarm. They share their background, why the podcast exists, and how it can help you make better decisions on-farm. No fluff, no product pushing, just practical knowledge from people who care deeply about the dairy industry.
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