Talking Dairy

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 Farmers of the Year at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. They share how great leadership, clear communication, and smart planning make all the difference on-f...

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 events was held at Clovalley Farms, run by Donovan Croot and Sophie Cookson in South Taranaki. Now, we’re bringing that conversation to you. In this episode of Talkin...

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 Advisor Bruce Thorrold and Chief Executive Campbell Parker. Together, they look back at the science, smarts, and farmer-led research that helped turn a tough indu...

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 global trade and explain what it means for your dairy farm. From rising tensions between the US and China, to big changes in shipping, and Fonterra’s next moves...

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 your place in the sector. In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re exploring the power of community and how NZ Young Farmers is helping young people in the ag sec...

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, Jac McGowan and Dr Rhiannon Hancock, a scientist at NZ Animal Evaluation, talk about why low heritability traits deserve a place in your breeding strategy – es...

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 protecting both herd health and the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics. The key is making smart, informed decisions that safeguard milk quality while keeping cows...

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 does that actually mean for your farm? And, more importantly, how can you make the most of it?  In this episode of Talking Dairy, we take a close look at how the...

You put a lot of care into your cows, so it’s only natural to want the best for them - even when they leave the farm. But do you know what happens once they’re on the truck? And are you confident they’re set up for a smooth journey? In this episode, we’re talking about simple, practical ways to help your cull cows travel well. Dr. Stacey Hendriks and Penny Timmer-Arends share three key things that...

Looking for fresh ideas to boost productivity on your farm? Want to build a strong, high-performing team without adding more hours to your day? The People Expo is back, packed with insights to help you create a farm workplace that runs smoothly and delivers results.  In this episode of Talking Dairy, we talk to event partner Dairy Women’s Network CEO Jules Benton and leading economist and key spea...

Missed DairyNZ’s recent on-farm events about building a productive workplace for on-farm efficiency?   This episode of Talking Dairy brings the highlights to you. Hosted by Central Waikato Area Manager Willie McKnight, this podcast replicates the insights and discussions shared during the events, making it easy to catch up if you couldn’t make along it to one. Willie is joined by Tauwhare sharemil...

Welcome to the third and final Talking Dairy summer yarn. In this bonus episode, we revisit the Contract Milking 101 episode with ag consultant Brendon Attrill and contract milker Rachael Foy. In this moment, they discuss why understanding cows, compliance, and pasture management is crucial before starting contract milking. They also discuss how to negotiate contracts and assess financial viabilit...

Welcome to the second of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit the most downloaded episode of 2024 where Dr. Paul Edwards and Kent Weston-Arnold share fresh insights on new milking frequency trends and the rise of once-a-day milking in early lactation. They explain why more farmers are trying it, the regional differences, and the common reasons for this shift. You’ll al...

Welcome to the first of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit a moment from the inspiring story of Emma Walton, a young contract milker from Waikato. Hear how dairy farming not only saved her life but also gave her purpose and strength. Emma shares her top strategies for coping with stress and why she thinks farming is more than just a job.  Listen to the full episode h...

What’s your game plan when pasture growth slows down or a dry spell hits? Do you know which supplement will give you the best value for money? And how do you balance cost and risk when planning for the future?  In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ’s Mark Williams, and Rakaia dairy farmer, Enda Hawe, discuss how to choose the right supplements for your circumstances. They cover the concept of...

In Episode 90 of Talking Dairy, we’re joined by Tracy Brown, the new Chair of DairyNZ. Tracy is a proud advocate for farmers and rural communities, bringing years of hands-on experience and leadership to the role. In this episode, Tracy shares her inspiring journey in the dairy sector and her vision for the future of New Zealand’s world-leading dairy sector. Hear how she plans to steer DairyNZ to...

Do we really know the cost of lameness? And more importantly, what can we do to stop it? In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan speaks with Winston Mason, a Veterinarian and Epidemiologist at EpiVets, and Frank Portegys, Senior Area Manager at DairyNZ for the King Country region. They cover the common causes of lameness, the direct and indirect costs, and effective strategies for reducing i...

In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover recent financial shifts that have farmers feeling cautiously optimistic. Over the past few seasons, dairy farmers have been grappling with high costs, increasing interest rates, and unexpected drops in milk price forecasts. But with improvements in the forecast milk price and the cost of borrowing starting to ease, could there be brighter times ahead? Joi...

Campbell Parker has been leading DairyNZ for a year as Chief Executive. So, what’s his take on the state of New Zealand dairy? And what are his plans for the challenges dairy farmers face now and in the future? In episode 87 of Talking Dairy, Campbell shares how his commercial experience is helping him bring fresh ideas to DairyNZ. He talks about his first year leading the organisation, managing c...

In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re talking about one of the biggest challenges on farm – mastitis. What should you do if your herd test shows high somatic cell count (SCC) cows? How do you find and manage those “invisible” subclinical cases? Our guests, Mike Shallcrass, Fonterra’s Veterinary programme manager, and Jane Lacy-Hulbert, DairyNZ Senior scientist, discuss and share practical tips o...

In Episode 85 of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan chats with Dr Bruce Thorrold, DairyNZ’s Chief Science Advisor, about gene technologies in relation to the dairy sector. With the New Zealand Government updating its laws on gene technology, Bruce explains what this could mean for farmers, from reducing environmental impact to increasing productivity. He also discusses the opportunities and risks, and sha...

What milking frequency trends are emerging across different regions? What factors are driving the adoption of once-a-day (OAD) milking in early lactation? And what are the pros and cons? In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Edwards, Senior Scientist and Kent Weston-Arnold, Area Manager for North-West Waikato, from DairyNZ. Find out about new insights on milking frequency and...

How can your actions during calving impact success at mating? In this episode of Talking Dairy, we talk about reproduction and look at what actions during calving can impact success at mating time. We’re joined by Katrina Roberts, Herd Health Vet at Anexa Veterinary Services, InCalf training provider and the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, and Rex Butterworth, a Waikato dairy farm owner and...

In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover the important topic of preventing down cows during the calving period and providing essential care and recovery for those that do go down. Join our host Jac McGowan and guest Mitch Cooper, a veterinarian and DairyNZ’s Senior Technical and Policy Advisor, as they talk about strategies, share insights and practical advice.  Mitch, who brings a decade of exp...

On this episode of Talking Dairy by DairyNZ, we sit down with Cam Henderson, a dairy farmer and farmer-elected board member of DairyNZ. Cam shares his journey from the farm to the boardroom, revealing the challenges and rewards and offering practical advice for anyone considering applying for a role on the board this year at DairyNZ. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact on the future...