This special DairyPod feature episode takes a look back on 25 years of Gardiner Foundation, and the initiatives that have supported the dairy industry and farming communities. Gardiner Foundation’s Communications Manager, Meghan Lodwick, is in conversation with CEO Allan Cameron, as they explore the history of the foundation, how investments are prioritised, the impact it’s had to date and what comes next.

Meghan and Allan also discuss industry partnerships, including with Dairy Australia, to help bring initiatives to life, like Picasso Cows, Cows Create Careers and Our Farm Our Plan (OFOP) - providing dairy farmers and communities with more opportunities to connect and grow.

To learn more about Gardiner Foundation, and to read their 25-Year Impact Report, visit https://gardinerfoundation.com.au/about/our-impact

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To find out more about the programs mentioned in the episode:

• Picasso Cows: dairy.com.au/education/teachers/picasso-cows
• Cows Create Careers: dairy.com.au/education/career-advisors/cows-create-careers
• Our Farm Our Plan (OFOP): dairyaustralia.com.au/farm-business/business-planning-and-risk/our-farm-our-plan-resources
• DairyBio: dairyaustralia.com.au/about-us/who-we-work-with/dairybio
• DairyFeedbase: dairyaustralia.com.au/about-us/who-we-work-with/dairyfeedbase
• ElevateDairy: https://elevatedairy.com.au

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This DairyPod episode features an excerpt of a recent Dairy Australia webinar recording which focuses on the farm business and management decisions dairy farmers are facing as they head into the new season. 

Dairy Australia's Farm Business Program Lead, Greg Duncan, is joined by experienced farm consultants Fiona Smith, Matt Harms and Tom Farran to discuss insights and observations from their work with dairy farming businesses.

They explore ways farmers can plan for, and manage, the impacts of increased costs and tighter margins within their business.

For more information and support with enhancing farm business management, reach out to the local Dairy Australia team or visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm-business

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As mentioned in the episode:

• Watch the full webinar, which includes an update on the Fuel and Fertiliser Disruptions, on Dairy Australia's YouTube channel here https://youtu.be/9YYvCLH4imE?si=HUx8gTzP0XNPULP8
• The video can be viewed here https://youtu.be/t20OwzWEotA?si=kThX2OwNX3TwcOZe

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This episode recognises the progress dairy farmers are making in animal care and explores how changes to on-farm practices are reflected in the industry’s latest Sustainability Scorecard.

Dairy Australia’s Sustainable Animal Care Manager, Andy Hancock, speaks with South Gippsland dairy farmer and Chair of the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework (ADSF) committee, Graeme Nicoll, about what sits behind the scorecard results.

Andy and Graeme discuss changes in animal care practices, the role of the CalfWays roadmap, and how insights from Dairy Australia’s Animal Husbandry and Genetics Survey are helping to guide future progress.

Learn more about the 2025 Sustainability Scorecard here www.dairy.com.au/industry-and-sustainability/australian-dairy-sustainability-framework

Visit www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/animal-health-welfare-and-biosecurity/calfways to learn more about the CalfWays project.

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Dairy Australia’s Chair, Paul Roderick, and CEO Matt Shaffer answer the questions farmers are asking about the 2030 Strategic Plan, and the outcomes it aims to deliver on farm.

Paul and Matt explore how the development of the strategic plan was shaped by farmer input and industry goals, with farm profitability at the centre. They also discuss the learnings from Dairy Australia’s Independent Review of Performance, and how progress will be measured and reported to farmers and industry over the next five years.

Learn more about Dairy Australia’s Strategic Plan 2030 here www.dairyaustralia.com.au/about-us/strategy-and-performance/strategic-plan

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Internationally respected specialist in leadership and organisational psychology, Dr. Nollaig Heffernan, joins Dairy Australia’s Extension Advisor and Farm Engagement Lead, Mikaela Barca, to discuss proactive ways that farmers can prioritise succession as a valuable, vital part of their business plans.

Nollaig explores barriers that farmers may face in broaching the topic of succession -  like seasonal stresses, family considerations or if yet to access available programs or resources - and how transparency and timing can help foster a promising and productive discussion.  

For more information and support with succession planning, reach out to the local Dairy Australia team or visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au 

Farmers can also access Our Farm Our Plan resources here www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm-business/business-planning-and-risk/our-farm-our-plan-resources

You can find more content featuring Dr.Heffernan on Dairy Australia’s YouTube playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF43zgg2AAtYiGERW-f2gQPblIQGbwQm6&si=eTrSDpjGkfYD4fbx

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Dairy Australia’s National Feedbase Lead, Ruairi McDonnell has a conversation with experienced farm consultant, Phil Shannon, discussing the ways in which farmers are responding to fuel and fertiliser supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Phil provides practical tips and expert advice including use of alternate feed options, fertiliser and the principles of maximising home-grown feed. His core message is about being alert, not alarmed, and recommends farmers focus on things they can directly control during these ongoing challenges.

For more information and support during the Fuel and Fertiliser Disruption, reach out to the local Dairy Australia team or visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au/issues-and-emergencies/fuel-and-fertiliser-disruption

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As mentioned in the episode:

• Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) – www.dairyaustralia.com.au/industry-reports/dairy-farm-monitor-project
• Feeding and Farm Systems – www.dairyaustralia.com.au/feeding-and-farm-systems
• Feeding Pastures for Profit (FPFP) – Contact your local Dairy Australia team for more information!
• Ruairi McDonnell can be contacted at 03 9694 3825

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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Carbon Farming Extension Advisor, Scott Jardine, speaks with Burra Foods’ Sustainability Manager, Warren Landles, about the drivers and benefits of reporting on greenhouse gas emissions. 

They discuss the different emission scope classifications and highlight the practical farm data that underpins reporting requirements and data transparency further down the supply chain. 

The conversation also highlights how low carbon intensity often reflects a highly efficient business and by calculating a farm’s carbon footprint provides farmers with valuable insights into energy, water and input use, helping identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs. 

For more information about support for measuring and managing farm carbon, reach out to the local Dairy Australian team or visit Understanding Farm Carbon Expression of Interest | Dairy Australia. 

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Dairy Australia’s Carbon Farming Extension Advisor, Scott Jardine, speaks with West Victorian dairy farmer Brad Collins about how taking a practical approach to understanding and then reducing farm emissions not only improved sustainability on his farm but also boosted profitability and efficiency.

Brad shares his experiences - from the motivation to first measure his farm's carbon footprint to implementing carbon management strategies such as solar-powered irrigation, soil health improvements and feed optimisation. He explains the lessons he learned and how he sees a clear alignment and benefits between sustainability and profit with plans to continue improving his learning.

For more information about measuring and managing farm carbon, reach out to the local Dairy Australia team or visit Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Dairy Australia.

Farmers can also register for one to one, personalised session with a farm carbon expert at:
Managing Farm Carbon one to one support | Dairy Australia

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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Development & Regional Adaptation Lead, Kristen Davis, speaks with National Milk Quality & Biosecurity Lead, Zoe Vogels, about the vital role of milk quality and her enduring passion for the dairy industry.

Zoe reflects on her background as a dairy veterinarian and outlines her current role at Dairy Australia, where she leads the annual Milk Quality Awards. She explains what the awards measure and why they matter. The conversation also offers practical guidance for improving milk quality, explores the impacts of mastitis, highlights key biosecurity considerations, and discusses the innovations shaping the future of milk quality.

Find more information and resources on milk quality and the 2025 Milk Quality Award winners, at dairyaustralia.com.au/milking/milk-quality-and-mastitis 

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In this episode, Cath Lescun, National Soils & Water Lead at Dairy Australia, chats with Dr James Hills, Livestock Production Centre Leader at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, to discuss the essentials of irrigation planning and management.  

They cover the key steps and checks before irrigating — from preparation and pressure testing to understanding soil types – along with practical tools and methods for assessing soil moisture, calculating how much water to apply, understanding readily available water (RAW) and getting irrigation scheduling right. 

A timely update for dairy farmers, whether already irrigating or holding off due to seasonal conditions. 

For more information, resources and support on soils and irrigation contact your local Dairy Australia team or visit  dairyaustralia.com.au/soils-and-water/irrigation 

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