Talking Dairy
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
121 episodes
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 studie...
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34:05
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 prec...
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11:14
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 pl...
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32:41
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 a...
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14:41
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 and c...
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34:19
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 ...
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9:19
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 Zea...
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21:30
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...
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20:24
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 considered in ...
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25:04
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 Farmers...
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31:28
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 even...
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36:19
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 Sci...
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34:28
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...
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38:54
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 your ...
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23:12
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 Dair...
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11:57
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 protecting...
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32:24
$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 does t...
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22:59
On the move: Reducing stress during transport | Ep. 94
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 th...
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25:53
Expert insights to grow productive farm workplaces and what to expect at the People Expos | Ep. 93
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...
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19:09
Tech and data raising the bar on farm efficiency and production | Ep. 92
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...
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53:19
Summer yarns: Contract milking 101 | Bonus episode
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...
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12:10
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Summer yarns: New milking frequency trends and the impact of OAD in early lactation | Bonus episode
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 on...
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12:32
Summer yarns: ‘Dairy farming saved my life’ | Bonus episode
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 p...
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11:24
Choosing the right supplements for your situation | Ep. 91
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 Tal...
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31:01
DairyNZ’s new Chair talks challenges, change, and the future of farming | Ep. 90
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, T...
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11:33