Talking Dairy
Business & Finance
About
Talking Dairy is your go-to podcast for New Zealand dairy farmers. You'll hear from farmers, scientists, and experts who share practical tips and insights to help you succeed. It's all about giving you the tools and knowledge to make the best decisions for your farm. Brought to you by DairyNZ, we help farmers lead the world in sustainable dairying by investing in research, new solutions and advocacy. Follow now and stay informed with the latest episodes.
Episodes
- Finding opportunities with dairy beef | Ep. 125
New Zealand’s reputation for producing sustainable, high-quality food is closely tied to how animals are cared for across the farming system. One of the sector’s ongoing challenges – and opportunities – is how non‑replacement dairy calves…
- What makes rural advisors great? | Ep. 124
Strong advice plays an important role in confident decision‑making. As farming continues to change, the way advice is shaped, shared, and supported matters more than ever. In this Talking Dairy episode, you’ll hear how strong, well‑connect…
- Support that makes a difference | Ep. 123
When the pressure is on, having the right support makes all the difference. In this episode of Talking Dairy, we hear directly from the organisation supporting farmers through challenging times. Rural Support Trust national chair Michelle…
- Rising costs and the impact on your farm business | Ep. 122
Global conflict can feel a long way from the farm gate until it starts showing up in your fuel bill, freight costs and next season’s budget. In this episode, you hear from DairyNZ economist Mark Storey and farm system specialist Mark Speig…
- Precision Dairy Farming Series: What can dairy learn from horticulture robotics? | Ep. 7
What can dairy learn from the way horticulture uses robotics and automation? In this episode, we're joined by Professor Mike Duke from the University of Waikato, recorded at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference where he was a keynot…
- Tips for future-proofing your effluent system | Ep. 121
When effluent systems are designed and run well, they support your whole farm. In this episode of Talking Dairy, Debbie Care from AgVice and Shaun Hazelton from DairyNZ share insights into how to set your effluent system up to improve prod…
- Precision Dairy Farming Series: Smarter data for everyday decisions | Ep. 6
Recorded live at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch. In this episode, Dr Claudia Kamphuis cuts through the noise around data and shows you how to turn information into something of value. Drawing on her ke…
- Improve next season’s production with these smart autumn moves | Ep. 120
Autumn gives you a short but valuable window to set your herd up well. In this Talking Dairy episode, DairyNZ scientist, Dr Susanne Meier, explains why hitting BCS targets before calving has such a big flow on effect—supporting recovery af…
- Precision Dairy Farming Series: Farmers' learnings on how to get the most from wearable tech | Ep. 5
Recorded live at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, this episode features vet Kirsty Ashcroft from Anexa, who led a farmer panel sharing their experiences with wearable technology. Kirsty highlights the i…
- Turn good into great with 3 moves for wealth creation | Ep. 119
If you want more control, confidence, and options in your business, building strong financial skills is one of the most powerful steps you can take. This episode shows you how to strengthen those skills so you can grow long‑term wealth and…
- In 10: One for the books – Campbell Parker on the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report
In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker breaks down the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report, which captures the standout results from the 2024/25 season. You’ll hear how farmers produced record milk vol…
- Precision Dairy Farming Series: Craig Piggott on building Halter | Ep. 4
Recorded live at the Precision Dairy Farming Conference 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, this episode features Craig Piggott, founder and CEO of Halter . Craig shares how he went from working at Rocket Lab to building virtual fencing technol…
- Heat stress research to find the best solutions: Trial update from Scott Farm | Ep. 118
Heat stress is a growing challenge on our dairy farms, and the impact on your farm could be bigger than you think. In this episode, you’ll hear how DairyNZ’s summer trial at Scott Farm is testing common mitigation tools, and assessing thei…
- In 10: The role that makes a difference and opens doors
In this episode of Talking Dairy, Northland farmer and DairyNZ associate director Greg Collins shares an inside look at his year in the role, as the search for the next associate director to join the DairyNZ Board gets underway. If you’re…
- How to build a win-win contract milking agreement that lasts | Ep. 117
With the right structure, tools, and communication, contract milking and variable order sharemilking agreements become pathways for equity growth and stronger farm businesses. This episode brings you practical insights on what makes those…
- Precision Dairy Farming Series: Inside Ireland’s dairy tech trends | Ep. 3
Experience the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference. In this episode, you’ll hear from Teagasc researchers Dr Bernadette O’Brien and Dr Lisa Parce, who share what Ireland’s pasture-based farmers are doing wi…
- How farmers are using artificial intelligence and what the future holds | Ep. 116
Artificial intelligence is suddenly everywhere — including on dairy farms. In this episode, you’ll hear from DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Callum Eastwood and Perrin Ag senior consultant Rachel Durie, who have just completed a report on how…
- Precision Dairy Farming Series: Farmers adopting tech – wins, challenges, and lessons | Ep. 2
Experience the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference. This episode features Sharn Roskam and Stuart Taylor, who were part of the farmer panel. Sharn farms in Winton, Southland, with her husband and four child…
- The latest on facial eczema: Risks, research and real solutions | Ep. 115
Facial eczema is one of the toughest animal health challenges facing livestock farmers. It’s estimated to cost the dairy and red meat sectors $330 million in lost production every year. As summer gets hotter and more humid, the risk rises…
- Precision Dairy Farming Series: Revisit the highlights and join the conversations shaping dairy tomorrow | Ep. 1
Whether you joined us in Christchurch or couldn’t make it, this episode is your chance to relive the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference. Hear from Dr Nicolas Lyons, Dr Callum Eastwood, and Dr Jenny Jago as…
- Best of 2025: Building a high BW herd - one decision at a time
More farmers listened to this episode in 2025 than any other. Tune in to find out why it was so popular... What does it take to build a top herd? South Taranaki farmers Donovan Croot and Sophie Cookson started strong with a high Breeding W…
- What's the return on your levy investment? Findings from an independent report. | Ep. 114
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we unpack the findings of the most in-depth independent return on investment (ROI) ever – commissioned by DairyNZ to provide farmers with more transparency. Join host Jac McGowan as she talks with Dr Alan…
- In 10: How we're rethinking cow wellbeing with wearables
In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, animal scientist Dr Stacey Hendriks explains how research using wearable technology is building a deeper understanding of cow wellbeing and their experience in pasture-based systems. Hear how scienti…
- In 10: Small changes that can get hours back in your week
Every minute in the farm dairy counts. Research shows the right milking routine can save you hours every week. In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, host Jac McGowan chats with Dairy Training tutors Julie Morgan and Pete Morgan about how…
- Cow wellbeing at the leading edge | Ep. 113
How is the great animal care already happening on your farm helping New Zealand dairy stay ahead of global market expectations? In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore why animal care matters for New Zealand’s dairy competitiveness an…
- In 10: The power of connection (and a good lunch): The SMASH story
In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, host Jac McGowan chats with Noldy Rust, Chair of SMASH (Smaller Milk and Supply Herds), and Frank Portegys from DairyNZ, about how this grassroots initiative is helping farmers connect, learn, and gr…
- Money on the table: How to make it work for you | Ep. 112
With Fonterra’s sale of global consumer and associated businesses, Mainland Group, to Lactalis now approved, many shareholder farmers will soon receive a sizeable capital return, alongside strong milk prices. So, what’s the smartest move w…
- Less admin, more insights: How benchmarking your business just got easier | Ep. 111
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore the latest DairyBase upgrades that make benchmarking faster and easier. DairyBase, our farm benchmarking tool, now connects with Farm Focus – and soon with tools like MINDA and Fonterra – so you…
- In 10: A Pasture Summit sneak peek – what’s on this spring?
In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, get the inside scoop from Pasture Summit directors Robbie Ferris and Al Rayne. They reveal what’s happening at the upcoming Pasture Summit events, and why they’re a “must have” event on your calendar…
- Insights on maximising your homegrown feed | Ep. 110
Want to make the most of your homegrown feed? This episode of Talking Dairy is a chance to catch up on what was shared at our recent Progressing Dairy events focused on maximising homegrown feed. If you couldn’t make it along – or want to…
- In 10: Smooth sailing ahead?
Milk price forecasts are holding steady, but costs remain high. What does that mean for your bottom line this season? DairyNZ economist Ben Marmont unpacks the latest Econ Tracker update and what watch for in the months ahead. For more inf…
- Navigating the path to farm ownership in 2025 | Ep. 109
Owning a dairy farm is still one of the biggest aspirations people hold. In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan talks with Blair Robinson from Dairy Holdings and Tony Finch from DairyNZ about what a pathway to farm ownership looks l…
- In 10: New N loss research shows lower amount of plantain still makes big impact
Can a small amount of plantain in pasture really reduce nitrogen loss on-farm? New research from trials at Lincoln and Massey Universities suggests it can, and the results might surprise you. Kate Fransen shares the latest findings from Da…
- Work smarter, not harder: Insights from productive dairy farm workplaces | Ep. 108
Why is it that some workplaces seem to flow better than others? In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ researchers Dr Lucy Hall and Brian Dela Rue share insights on how time is used on-farm from 10 in-depth workplace productivity case s…
- In 10: At the crossroads of science and farming - get ready for the global dairy tech event of the year
Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 for bite-size conversations. In this update about the International Precision Dairy Farming Conference, host Jac McGowan chats with DairyNZ Head of Science, Nicolas Lyons. They unpack what precision dairy farm…
- The power of partnership: Farmers, iwi and communities joining forces to improve water quality | Ep. 107
What’s going to improve our water quality and keep enabling productivity? In this episode, we discuss practical and proven solutions from key catchments. Johan van Ras, Ron Pellow and Justin Kitto share what’s worked, from stream planting…
- In 10: Experts answer your questions for Biosecurity Awareness Month
Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 for bite-size conversations. As we’re nearing the end of Biosecurity Awareness Month, DairyNZ experts Fi Roberts and Mitch Cooper join us to answer some common questions about biosecurity. Find out about pract…
- How our collective strength helps shape practical regional policy | Ep. 106
Regional rules might feel like they’re made a long way from the farm gate – yet they directly affect how you farm every day. From nutrient limits to land use rules, the decisions made at your regional council table can change what you can…
- In 10: DairyNZ’s RMA – National Freshwater Framework submission on behalf of dairy farmers
Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 for bite-size conversations. This episode brings you an update about DairyNZ’s recent submission on the National Freshwater Framework under the Resource Management Act reform. DairyNZ’s Principal Policy Adviso…
- Homegrown advantage: How high-profit farms are also achieving low emissions intensity | Ep. 105
Can your farm be both high profit and low in emissions intensity? What are the top-performing farms doing differently – and what can you learn from them? This episode of Talking Dairy explores new research that reveals how some of New Zeal…
- Resilient Pastures: The new research underway to future-proof our grass-fed advantage | Ep. 104
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re talking about pasture – the foundation of New Zealand farming. Farmers in the upper North Island have been noticing changes for a while now: pastures that don’t last as long, more pests, and weather…
- Wearables and repro – what the data tells us | Ep. 103
More farmers are investing in wearable technology to help manage heat detection and ease pressure on skilled people during a busy time on-farm. But do these devices improve reproductive performance – an important factor regularly considere…
- Building a high-performing farm team | Ep. 102
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover strategies that help create high-performing dairy teams. You’ll hear from Jane Muir, DairyNZ Senior People Specialist, and Fiona Langford, who, along with her husband Thomas, are the 2025 Share Fa…
- Building a high BW herd - one decision at a time | Ep. 101
What does it take to breed a high performing herd - now and into the future? Earlier this year, DairyNZ and Fonterra co-hosted a series of on-farm events focused on lifting genetic gain through better breeding decisions. One of those event…
- Built different: Why NZ farmers keep winning at dairy | Ep. 100
Ever wondered how New Zealand dairy became world-class? In this special 100th episode, we go behind the scenes of the science and farmer-led innovation that made it happen. Join host Jac McGowan as she chats with DairyNZ’s Chief Science Ad…
- Global shifts, local insights – Farmers' Forum preview | Ep. 99
Are you ready to ride the global economic rollercoaster - and come out stronger? In this episode of Talking Dairy, you’ll hear from two of New Zealand’s top economists, Brad Olsen and Cameron Bagrie. They’ll break down what’s happening in…
- Finding your farming family | Ep. 98
Wondering how to meet like-minded people or take the next step in your ag career? Want to feel part of something bigger than just your day-to-day job? You’re not alone - and there is a way to build your network, grow your skills, and find…
- Breeding for the long game | Ep. 97
When it comes to herd improvement, it’s easy to focus on high heritability traits like milk production and liveweight - where the gains are faster and more visible. But what about the traits that take time? In this episode of Talking Dairy…
- Smart dry-off strategies | Ep.96
New Zealand dairy farmers are making great progress in reducing antibiotic use at dry-off - but how do we keep that momentum going? With antimicrobial resistance on the rise, selective dry cow therapy has become an important tool for prote…
- $10 payout - now what? | Ep. 95
It’s been a season of shifting gears. We started with high costs and cautious optimism, but as the months rolled on, things began looking up - better milk prices, easing interest rates, and a bit more breathing room financially. But what d…