DairyPod

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 speaks about her pathway into the dairy industry – which came through a school-based apprenticeship with Australian Training Company – as well as th...

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.  Hear more about a new University of Melbourne study that examined the forage production of multispecies pastures and the impact on soil properties. The panel d...

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 future of Australian agriculture. In this episode, hear key insights with Gardiner Foundation’s Meghan Lodwick and Professor Jacki Schirmer from the Universi...

“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 South Australian dairy farmer Jen Stolp, who speaks to Dairy Australia’s National People Lead Mick Fuller about how she and her husband keep their children...

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 results in Victoria and New South Wales, as well as the key challenges and opportunities ahead of the upcoming season. To read the full reports and results, vis...

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 Miles, has been investigating FAW since it arrived in the country and discusses the topic with Dairy Australia’s Dr Brenda McLachlan. They explore the potential...

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 business’ role in the dairy industry and how it has evolved. He also speaks about the business’ recent commitment and involvement in Dairy Australia&rs...

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 Principal Agronomist, Dr Ross Pomroy about how to identify and manage FAW.  They also discuss the impact that FAW can have on maize, sorghum and other cere...

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 into the development of Dairy Australia’s strategic priorities.  David and Paul discuss why it is vital to Dairy Australia’s success as an organ...

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 applying fertilisers, how to make the most of the nutrients that are already on the farm, and the practical application of effluent.  Dairy Australia has a range of...

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 a workplace incident, and how it has shaped her attitude towards farm safety and her own view on seeking support. Leading to a personal drive to help increase m...

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 identify metabolic issues to be aware of, as well as the impact on reproduction when cows are calving in lower than ideal body condition, and ways to maintain optimal...

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 for, managed and monitored their business performance. He also speaks about how they managed risks, and some of the influencing factors that made them successful...

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 Workforce Attraction Project Lead Melva Tyson to talk about how they provide continuous support for their staff development, the benefits they see in retention...

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 planning a feed budget and soil testing and preparing for any feed gaps.  To find out more, visit  Feed budgeting | Dairy Australia Related links: Seasonal Managemen...

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 encouraging people to get enough dairy, every day.  In this episode, ballerina-turned-dairy farmer Celina Pellett joins Dairy Australia’s Senior Nutrition Scientist Dr Ri...

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, and how he - as an elite athlete - incorporates dairy into his diet. The pair also speak about Col’s role as a World Milk Day ambassador and why he thinks it’...

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 consultants Tom Farran and Fiona Smith, who offer key insights about farm financial analysis and identifying opportunities to improve profitability.  For more info...

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 where farmers can start in understanding their greenhouse gas emissions. For more information about how Dairy Australia supports dairy farmers with managing climate...

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 and Welfare, Stephanie Bullen, about when a cow goes from a down cow to a downer cow, how to safely lift and move her, appropriate nursing and when you should us...

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 makes a high performing dairy business and identifies some immediate actionable solutions that farmers can take to improve their own operation.  For more in...

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 state’s fresh milk production. The pair discuss the importance of growth and opportunities for Australian dairy, as well as the need for free trade agreements a...

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 National Dairy Farmer Survey and look at the topline trends from the S&O report. The conversation covers farmer confidence in the industry as well as mil...

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 farm at Nullawarre in Victoria’s south-west – started genomic testing of their herd in 2020. They share how and why they got started, their business decisions ba...

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 see what other countries are doing when it comes to mental health promotion, particularly in the agricultural sector.   Sarah speaks with Gardiner Foundation Comm...