DairyPod
Business & Finance
About
DairyPod is an agriculture industry podcast delivering insights and advice from trusted voices in Australian dairy.Episodes feature a rotating panel of expert hosts, dairy farmers, industry advisors and thought leaders. Together they explore engaging topics tailored for Australian dairy farmers and our unique farming conditions.Produced by Dairy Australia, a national services body working towards shaping a profitable and sustainable dairy industry.
Episodes
- Making succession a core part of farm planning
Internationally respected specialist in leadership and organisational psychology, Dr. Nollaig Heffernan, joins Dairy Australia’s Extension Advisor and Farm Engagement Lead, Mikaela Barca, to discuss proactive ways that farmers can pr…
- Fuel and Fertiliser Disruptions: Focusing on what farmers can control
Dairy Australia’s National Feedbase Lead, Ruairi McDonnell has a conversation with experienced farm consultant, Phil Shannon, discussing the ways in which farmers are responding to fuel and fertiliser supply disruptions caused by the…
- Reporting emissions - a shared approach from farm to market
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Carbon Farming Extension Advisor, Scott Jardine, speaks with Burra Foods’ Sustainability Manager, Warren Landles, about the drivers and benefits of reporting on greenhouse gas emissions. …
- Reducing emissions - another avenue to profitability
Dairy Australia’s Carbon Farming Extension Advisor, Scott Jardine, speaks with West Victorian dairy farmer Brad Collins about how taking a practical approach to understanding and then reducing farm emissions not only improved sustain…
- Milk quality: driving value across the industry
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Development & Regional Adaptation Lead, Kristen Davis, speaks with National Milk Quality & Biosecurity Lead, Zoe Vogels, about the vital role of milk quality and her enduring passion for the dairy i…
- Practical checks for improved irrigation outcomes
In this episode, Cath Lescun, National Soils & Water Lead at Dairy Australia, chats with Dr James Hills, Livestock Production Centre Leader at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, to discuss the essentials of irrigation planning an…
- Managing Pinkeye in dairy herds
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s National Animal & Health Welfare Lead, Dr Stephanie Bullen speaks in depth with veterinary surgeon Dr Mac Kneipp about his early experience growing up on a sheep and cattle property to his research…
- Young farmers’ dairy experience in Ireland
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Extension Advisor Shannon Logan catches up with South Australian farmer Alex Dohnt and Western Australian farmer Jordyn Dyke to talk about their recent experiences during farm visits from the Young…
- Research update – Kikuyu’s potential
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Principal Scientist John Penry and University of Sydney’s Professor Richard Trethowan discuss one of DairyUP’s groundbreaking projects: research into Kikuyu ryegrass and how it could ben…
- Animal health in wet conditions: Lessons from flooding
What happens when an entire dairy farm goes under water? In this episode, Dr Stephanie Bullen, Dairy Australia’s National Animal Health & Welfare Lead, speaks with veterinarian Dr Sam Rowe from UniVets Livestock, about his on-the-gro…
- Practical feeding tips for challenging conditions
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s National Animal Health & Welfare Lead, Dr Stephanie Bullen speaks with Donna Woerz from Debenham Australia, about how dairy farmers can navigate feed shortages in wet and dry conditions. Donna share…
- Enhancing farm business management – Tactics for the year ahead
This episode features an excerpt of a recording from a recent Dairy Australia webinar focused on the key settings and decisions shaping the current dairy season. Greg Duncan, Dairy Australia’s Farm Business Program Lead, joins…
- Situation & Outlook – Mid-year 2025
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Analysis and Insights Manager, Eliza Redfern and Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Senior Agricultural Analyst Sean Hickey, explore the Mid-year Situation and Outlook (S&O) report. Eliza and Sean discuss th…
- Farmers have their say: Dairy Australia’s five-year plan
In this episode of DairyPod, dairy farmers Rachael Napier (Murray Dairy Board Chair) and Paul Bennett (Dairy Australia Board member) share how farmers across the country have helped shape Dairy Australia’s new five-year Strategic Pla…
- Milk, mates & match day: A World Milk Day special
In this special World Milk Day edition of DairyPod, Dairy Australia’s Karl Ellis is joined by sports commentator and milk enthusiast, Dwayne Russell and proud dairy farmer and AFL fan, Evan Nicholas. Together, they dive into the hear…
- The value of promoting our industry
In this episode, dairy farmers Tania Luckin and Sarah Kelly join Dairy Australia’s Head of Marketing Glenys Zucco to discuss how the industry is being promoted and protected in the public eye. The trio speak about how important it is…
- Dairy’s commitment to long-term sustainability
For over a decade, the Australian dairy industry has been internationally recognised for commitments to tangible goals and targets established through the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework. Dairy farmer Simone Jolliffe joi…
- Fall Armyworm: Risks and management
This episode is part of a series that focuses on Fall Armyworm (FAW), a destructive horticultural and field pest that was detected in Australia in 2020. Queensland dairy farmer, Melvyn Zischke, shares his FAW experience with Dairy Australi…
- Making research-based ryegrass choices
In this episode, South Gippsland dairy farmer Graeme Nicoll joins Mikaela Baker (Dairy Australia) and Kevin Smith (Agriculture Victoria) to share practical insights into how he selects the most productive and profitable ryegrass for his fa…
- Farm safety: Employee onboarding and induction
Hear from New South Wales dairy farmer, Simon Scowen, as he joins Dairy Australia’s National People Lead Mick Fuller to discuss the importance of a safety-first culture in the workplace – particularly when it comes to onboardin…
- Benefits of a multispecies pasture system
In this episode, hear from Irish dairy farmers Gillian and Neil O’Sullivan as they discuss their farming system and successfully changing from a conventional, monoculture pasture system to a multispecies pasture system. The cou…
- Dairy pathways: Transition from school to workforce
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Carly Potts is joined by Jade Pepper to discuss career opportunities and staff retention within the dairy industry. Jade is a farmhand and trainee at Wallis Dairy in Bega, New South Wales. She…
- Improving soil health and function
In this DairyPod episode, Dairy Australia’s Cath Lescun sits down with Professor Helen Suter and dairy farmer Simon Scott to discuss how dairy farmers can potentially improve soil health through the use of multispecies pastures. …
- Wellbeing and farmer resilience
Since 2013, the Regional Wellbeing team at the University of Canberra has surveyed Australians in remote, rural and urban areas to better understand community liveability, wellbeing and resilience – crucial research supporting the fu…
- Farm safety: Protecting kids, staff and visitors
“I’m not only looking at hazards for the adults on farm – I am also now looking out for these hazards for not only my children, but those of my staff and the friends who come to visit.” Hear from S…
- Situation and Outlook – December 2024
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Eliza Redfern and Helen Quinn sit down to dissect the December Situation and Outlook report and Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) results. The pair discuss the impact seasonal conditions had on DFMP…
- Fall Armyworm: Impact and control
This episode is part of a series that focuses on Fall Armyworm (FAW), a destructive horticultural and field pest that was detected in Australia in 2020. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Principal Entomologist, Dr Melina…
- Cows and connections: Local business supporting dairy
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Head of Marketing Glenys Zucco speaks to Rex James Stockfeed Managing Director, Sam James. Sam reflects on his personal experiences helping Australian dairy farmers through tough times, the bu…
- Fall Armyworm: Understanding and detection
This episode is part of a series that focuses on Fall Armyworm (FAW), a destructive horticultural and field pest that was detected in Australia in 2020. Dairy Australia’s Dr Brenda McLachlan speaks to Nutrien Ag Solutions…
- Shaping Dairy Australia’s strategic plan
With the development of the 2025 – 2030 Dairy Australia Strategic Plan currently underway, dairy farmer and incoming Dairy Australia Chair, Paul Roderick, and Managing Director David Nation, talk about the importance of farmer input…
- Soil nutrient management: What you need to know
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Libby Swayn and Cath Lescun discuss soil nutrient management practices with Agriculture Victoria’s Dairy Industry Development Officer, Rachael Campbell. They look at the key principles to follow when appl…
- Farm safety: Mental health and wellbeing
In this episode, Western Victorian dairy farmer Rachael McGrath speaks to Dairy Australia’s National People Lead, Mick Fuller, about workplace safety and the connection with mental wellbeing. Rachael opens up about her past experience with…
- After a dry season – maintaining animal health
In this episode, Dairy NSW Extension Advisor and Farm Engagement Lead, Jane Woolacott, sits down with Bega veterinarian Peter Alexander to discuss some of the animal health issues that can arise following a dry season. The pair ident…
- Building a dairy business: Learnings and reflection
In this episode, Tasmanian farmer Joey Hammond speaks with Dairy Australia’s Agribusiness Program Lead Greg Duncan – reflecting on what he has learned 12 months on from setting up a new farm with wife Tamara. Joey shares how they planned f…
- People capability key to long-term success
Victoria’s Goulburn Valley dairy farmers Charlotte and Mark Stevens discuss the importance of developing the skills and capabilities of their employees. The couple join Dairy Australia’s National People Lead, Mick Fuller and Murray Dairy’s…
- After a dry season – feedbase planning
In this episode, Murray Dairy Extension Team Lead Bec Wyper speaks with Pinion Advisory’s Jason Lynch about how farmers can get the most out of the spring growing season after a significant dry period. Jason outlines the importance of plan…
- Promoting why bone health matters
Healthy Bones Action Week (HBAW) is a long-running Dairy Australia community initiative that aims to educate Australians about the importance of bone health, and the things we need to do to build and protect our bones – including encouragi…
- The dairy diary of an elite athlete
Col Pearse is a Paralympic swimmer who grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Victoria’s Murray region. In this episode, Col speaks to Dairy Australia’s Health Communications Advisor and dietitian Kristina Gorgievska about sports nutrition,…
- Responding to the shift in settings
This episode is from a recent webinar that discusses the issues and decisions facing dairy farmers as they head into a new season. Dairy Australia's Agribusiness Program Lead, Greg Duncan, is joined by farm business management consult…
- How efficient farm practices drive emission reductions
In this episode, DairyTas Extension Team Lead Liz Mann is joined by Dr Richard Rawnsley from Fonterra and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture. Listen to Liz and Richard as they discuss different climate myths and provide guidance on whe…
- Caring for down cows
In this episode, we revisit a podcast that focuses on down cows and how to maximise their chances of recovery. Hear from vet Phil Poulton, who completed a PhD on the subject, as he speaks to Dairy Australia’s National Lead – Animal Health…
- Becoming a high performing dairy business
In this episode, we share key insights and guidance from Nollaig Heffernan, an independent management consultant specialising in leadership and organisational psychology. Nollaig joins Dairy Australia’s Bernie Baxter to discuss what…
- International trade – a west perspective
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s General Manager – Sustainable Dairy, Charlie McElhone speaks with Western Australian dairy farmer Michael Partridge about the trade and export opportunities available to farmers, and the relevance for the…
- Situation and Outlook – May 2024
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Analysis and Insights Manager, Eliza Redfern and Head of Economics, Data and Insights, John Droppert, discuss the May Situation and Outlook (S&O) report. Eliza and John highlight the recently completed Na…
- The business of genomics
In this episode, WestVic Dairy Extension Advisor Debbie Twiss speaks with dairy farmers Victoria Burleigh and Luke Davison about their experiences using genomic testing data as part of their herd management strategies. The couple – who far…
- Mental health in agriculture
In this episode, we hear from Sarah Crosthwaite – a dairy farmer and mental health social worker from the Kiewa Valley in North-east Victoria. In 2023, Sarah was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship that has allowed her to travel the world and s…
- Employing backpackers in your business
The availability of a skilled workforce remains one of the top challenges facing Australian agriculture. The shortages have wide-ranging impacts – from farm output to work-life balance, and succession. Join Dairy Australia’s National Peopl…
- Finding your purpose following adversity
Dairy Australia’s Project Manager, Carly Potts brings an inspirational conversation to this DairyPod episode as she speaks with Young Dairy Network Conference guest presenter, Samantha Bloom. Samantha is a three-time World Para Surfing cha…
- Byproducts feeding – optimising non-forage fibre sources
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Development & Regional Adaptation Lead – Feedbase and Nutrition Dr Josie Garner speaks with Feedworks’ ruminant nutrition experts Pip Gale and Ian Sawyer about how to prepare for feed gaps with non-forage…
- Heat stress management for cool cows
In this episode, we share a recent Dairy Australia webinar discussion about heat stress in cows and how to keep your herd cool during extreme heat. Join Dr Josie Garner, as she delves into the physiology of heat stress and outl…