Feed for Thought

In this episode, Ian Williams caught up with Matte Kirk to discuss how planting has rolled out over the country and the actions they're each taking to keep their top paddock in check this busy festive season. The boys also chat about Surfing for Farmers, which offers a unique opportunity for New Zealand farmers to take a break from their all-consuming businesses and engage in outdoor activiti...

In this episode, Hamish Gow and the team expand on the points made in part 1 and delve into the topic of global value chains and trade. This episode provides insights and take-home points around the transition from a rules-based trade to values-based trade and where we are heading within New Zealand farming.

In this episode, the boys catch up with Hamish Gow and talk about the future of NZ Farming systems. Hamish is the Sir Graeme Harrison Professorial Chair in Global Value Chains and Trade at Lincoln University. They touch on how New Zealand agriculture has changed over time and what the future may look like. 

Tune in to this episode, where the team discuss the maize planting window.  They cover the key points around hybrid maturity options, yield potential of shorter maturity hybrids, other crop options to fit different farm systems and the impact of getting pasture back in on time at the other end of the maize season.

In this episode, Professor Fred Below expands on the points made in part 1. Fred nails down the things farmers can do to close the yield gap and take advantage of the yield potential of todays hybrids.

Earlier this year, Ian Williams welcomed Professor Fred Below from the University of Illinois and Dr. Rowland Tsimba, Pioneer's National Research & Agronomy Manager, to discuss the best crop management practices growers can implement to gain higher yields and how maize genetic potential has developed over time.  Tune back in next week for part two.

A common question the team are hearing coming into spring is "where can I trim my costs without compromising production for the season?". In this episode, the team welcome Regional Manager, Dave McDonald onto the podcast to unpack line by line the maize growing costs.

In this episode, Wade and Matt catch up with two contractors from across the ditch, Daniel Rethus from Rethus Contracting and Hayden Bowden from Bowdens Contracting in Eastern Australia, to chat about crops they plant and harvest, potential yields and an insight into how strip tillage benefits their customers.

With the recent drop in forecast payout from Fonterra, the boys caught up to discuss some key considerations to help navigate the season ahead. 

In this episode, Ian and Wade welcome Pioneer's National Grain Account Manager, Hamish Johnstone, onto the podcast to cover all things maize grain. The team cover the international and local grain markets, the opportunities of maize grain and how it can fit into a dairy system.

One question we are hearing a lot recently is, 'Should we stick with the dairy system we've got, or should we change?'. In this episode, Ian and Wade discuss the important factors farmers should consider across all dairy systems. 

"You can only control the controllables". Off the back of a tough season, Ian Williams and Matte Kirk sit down with Mike Green from Rural Support Trust to discuss the vital role that Rural Support Trust plays within the agriculture community plus provide tips and tricks for maintaining and building yours and your team's mental health. 

Tune in to this episode where Wade announces the winner of our Fielday's competition, and our Farm System Specialists unpack the topic around excess feed on farm. 

Matt, Ian and Wade catch up to discuss the maize market in the South Island. They touch on some of the reasons why maize usage has increased in the South Island over the past few years.

In this episode, the boys sit down to discuss and unpack why this year we have seen higher than normal empty rates. Tune in to hear Wade and Ian's tips and tricks to help boost submission and conception rates this coming spring.

Following our last episode around growing on farm vs buying in, the team discuss the environmental considerations when growing maize. Tune in to hear Ian's thoughts around this topic.

In this episode Ian and Wade go toe to toe on whether growing maize on farm or buying it in is the most economic option. Both the boys gave some thought-provoking points, listen in to see what may suit your system best. 

With rising feed and farm working costs, the Farm Systems team caught up to discuss whether the 5% rule still applies when it comes to costing in the 'need for feed'.

Tune in to the latest episode of Feed for Thought where Ian and Wade consider the options around drying off or milking on. 

In this episode Ian and Wade are joined by Shaun Body Pioneer's portfolio manager. The boys cover everything from planning to harvest and stack management. 

In this episode the team discuss feeding protein in summer, understanding how much protein a cow requires in their diet during mid-lactation, and the feed options available if you're short of protein. 

In light of the severe weather events cause by cyclone Gabrielle Ian Williams sat down with Rowland Tsimba to discuss the impacts on maize crops and some key things to consider when assessing damaged crops. We recognise that this has been a stressful time, in fact a stressful season for farmers. If you need any assistance in terms of managing impacted maize crops, reworking feed plans or even just...

Tune in to this episode of Feed for Thought with our Farm Systems team as they discuss the reactive and proactive approaches to a summer feed deficit.

In this episode spend some time getting to know hosts Ian Williams, Wade Bell and Matt Dalley as they cover their background in the industry and the ins and outs of the Feed for Thought series.