Feed for Thought

In this episode, Kyle Gardyne, Pioneer Seed Applied Technology Manager, sits down with Matt and Wade for the launch of a new seed-applied biological treatment. In maize production, the foundations for yield and feed quality are set early. Establishment influences crop uniformity and ultimately determines how well a hybrid expresses its genetic potential. With spring conditions becoming increasingl...

Dr Grant Matthews, our new Farm Systems Manager for the South Island, joins us in this episode to bring his perspective to a question many dairy farmers are asking: how do we build farm systems that stay productive, simple, and resilient? Grant shares his background and the shift from large-animal veterinary work into dairy nutrition and farm systems, explaining why focusing on what goes into the...

 How do you run a high‑input dairy system that performs without burning out your people or drowning in feed complexity? In this episode, Matt and Wade are joined by Nic and Kirsty Verhoek to unpack how they’ve kept a high‑input system productive while simplifying the ration, lowering risk, and protecting time. They walk through the numbers behind the change, using Feed Checker to compare diets on...

What does it take to run a 1,000‑cow free stall barn system in New Zealand while keeping milk solids, cow health, and staff workload on track? Matt and Wade sit down with Arjun Singh of Lawwal Holsteins to unpack the realities of running a large-scale free-stall operation, from feeding and effluent management to staff routines and daily decision-making. Arjun explains to achieve over 800 milk soli...

In the first official episode of Season 4, Matt and Wade sit down with James and Debbie Stewart of Stewart Dairylands, a fifth‑generation family farm that has been operating in Hiwinui (Manawatū-Whanganui region) for more than 120 years. Together the team explore the farm’s evolution from sheep and beef to a high‑performing dairy operation, with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, success...

Season 4 is here, and we’re kicking things off by sharing what’s in store for the year ahead. Wade and Matt reflect on a huge Season 3, including the Rural Roadie - three weeks on the road, north to south, getting on farm and pulling up seats for awesome unplanned chats. This season, we’re leaning into real stories while building stronger synergy across the Feed for Thought podcast and our wider c...

A quiet reset is reshaping New Zealand’s rural property market, and the signals are clear: liquidity is back, vendors are willing, and buyers are disciplined. In this episode, Matt and Wade sit down with Conrad Wilkshire, General Manager of Property Brokers. The conversation digs into why month-on-month sales have returned to the 10-year median, what’s powering renewed confidence, and how dairy is...

In this episode, Matt and Wade welcome Chris Lewis of Baker AG to explore the “sweet spot” in dairy systems and how top operators focus not just on producing more, but on converting resources more efficiently. Drawing on two decades of Dairy System Monitoring, Chris explains how benchmarking pasture, milk, and costs at 10-day intervals enables real-time planning, scenario modelling for feed shorta...

Join us for a special podcast celebrating 50 years since the signing of the seed production and distribution agreement between Pioneer® Hi-Bred International Incorporated and the Yates family. We’re joined by our Founder Philip Yates, Managing Director Will Yates, and Raewyn Densley to reflect on this 50-year journey. We follow the story from importing maize genetics to building a domestic seed pr...

In this episode, Wade and Matt sit down with James Allen, CEO of Ag First, to unpack three decades of insights from the dairy sector. Drawing on long-term financial data, James explores the gap between average and top-performing farms and how small, targeted changes can lead to impactful improvements. From micro-improvements to smarter decision-making, James delves into the numbers of average farm...

As spring approaches, maize growers across New Zealand are preparing for planting. Understanding how to set up your crop for success is critical. In this episode, Wade and Matt welcome Dr Rowland Tsimba, National Research & Agronomy Manager, who says it all begins with knowing your growing environment. “The key to cropping success is a combination of understanding the science and good strategi...

During the Rural Roadie, Matt and Wade sat down with Taranaki dairy farmer, Dave England, to explore his transition from engineering to dairy farm ownership. At 28, Dave and wife, Hollie made the decision to enter the dairy industry, advancing from a 200-cow lower order role to managing a 600-cow operation within a year. By intentionally working with progressive farmers, Dave rapidly developed his...

Tune in as Jen Corkran, Senior Animal Protein Analyst at Rabobank, shares her expertise on converting grass into protein and explores current market trends in New Zealand’s primary sector.  The conversation begins inside the farm gate, drawing on Jen’s 12 years of experience in agronomy and farm systems. Jen unpacks the fundamentals of pasture management and insights into modern pasture varieties....

 Tune in as Matt and Simon Begley, local Area Manager, sit down with Frank Briant to delve into the story of the Briant Brothers’ operation in Patutahi, Gisborne. This episode highlights how the diverse 520ha operation, which consists of maize grain, Pioneer seed production maize, livestock, kiwifruit, grapes, citrus, squash, and popcorn, has weathered challenges and thrived through strategic dive...

Tune in as we welcome Fiona and Tom Langsford, winners of the NZ Share Farmers of the Year. Alongside taking out the overall prize, the Langford’s also took home the Sustainable Pasture, Business Performance, Environmental Sustainability, People & Culture, Leadership, Farm Safety, Health & Biosecurity, and Experience 2025 Dairy Industry Awards. In this episode, the team share their journey...

Recorded on the Rural Roadie, tune in as Matt and Wade sit down in the caravan with Canterbury farmer, Will Bailey, to discuss the impact of a newly built feed pad infrastructure on his dairy farm operation.  The team delve into Will’s feeding strategy and how targeted investments can deliver valuable returns. The 300-metre feeding face accommodates up to 400 cows whilst eliminating wastage. Beyon...

Tune in as Wade and Matt Towers, local Area Manager, sit down with Dave Swney, the 2025 maize silage catalogue cover and Waikato Dairy Farmer. Dave shares his journey of returning to the family dairy farm, transforming it into a sustainable and efficient System 5 operation south of Te Awamutu.  In this episode, Dave shares the challenges faced over this period, including learning the importance of...

Tune in to our latest episode with Taranaki farmers Craig Lynskey and Kieran Bourke as they share their journey transitioning from spring to autumn calving and the strategic advantages of this approach. The team discuss how increasing mild winters and challenging summer droughts pushed them toward this strategic shift. "Our growth rates through summer are often in single digits, yet consisten...

Field Operations Manager, Duncan Grant, shares his decade-long journey from field technician to leading the field operations in Gisborne. Discover the strategies and challenges of coordinating contract growers to maintain seed purity and manage cross-pollination risks. Learn from Duncan's insights the dynamic planning needed to tackle logistical hurdles presented by unpredictable weather cond...

In our first episode of the year, Logan Dawson, 2024 Waikato Share Farmer of the Year (alongside wife, Sian Dawson), joins Wade and Matt to share his farming journey to managing an 880-cow share milking business in the Waikato.  The team explores Logan and Sian’s system, examining how split calving and precise diets boost milk production. Logan explains balancing pasture and supplements to achieve...

In our last episode for the year, Matt and Wade are thrilled to be joined by a familiar face and former Feed for Thought host, Ian Williams. Ian's travels to the US earlier this year brought him face-to-face with exceptional farming practices and an unforgettable salmon fishing trip guided by a former scientist. With Ian's vivid storytelling, you'll hear about the shared dedication...

In this episode, the team unpack the intricacies of managing one of Australia’s largest feedlot operations with special guest, Ben Carrigan, the General Manager of Commodities, Farms, and Transport at Mort & Co. Australia.  You’ll gain insights into the complex feed composition and innovative practices that set Mort & Co. apart. Ben takes us through their diversified business model that in...

With a rich family history in dairy farming, Michael Phillips and Andrew Evans (Bubbles) join Matt and Wade to discuss the strategy behind cows, comfort and compost at Dannevirke-based dairy farming operation, Waka Dairies.   Michael and Bubbles discuss the strategic shifts made as part of Waka Dairies' succession plan, with leadership and team culture, and infrastructure improvements at the...

Simon Nitschke, the Arable Farmer of the Year, Maize Farmer of the Year, and National Pioneer Yield Cup winner, joins Matt and Wade to discuss the strategy and success of Rangitikei enterprise, Arable Solutions.    This episode explores supply and demand management, particularly for maize grain. We discuss the impact of market fluctuations, the importance of forward planning, and how collaboration...

With a passion for dairy farming, Logan Scott, Te Awamutu East and South Waikato Area Manager and small block owner brings a unique perspective on land and crop management, maize and agronomy.  This episode delves into Logan’s agronomy knowledge, sharing strategies for identifying potential issues and guiding effective management decisions, particularly through the critical V3 to V6 growth stages...