DairyPod

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 cereal crops and pastures grown for dairy cattle and the importance of monitoring and reporting if it has been found on farm. 

Find out more and access resources at Fall Armyworm | Dairy Australia.  

Related links 

Fall armyworm | The Beatsheet 

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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 organisation that services farmers and the dairy industry to have a clear plan that prioritises the use of resources. They explain why the development of the new strategic plan is a key opportunity for Australian dairy farmers to share what is important to them and their dairy farm businesses.  

If you haven’t already, Dairy Australia invites you to have your say. We have had a lot of strong participation to date; however, reach out to our regional team and ask about the online and in person Dairy Australia Priorities Farmer Workshops available in your region or other ways you can participate. 

Providing input will help shape Dairy Australia’s priorities to ensure they deliver the greatest impact for dairy farmers and the industry.

Find out more at dairyaustralia.com.au/strategy.

This episode features a conversation with: 
Greg Duncan, Agribusiness Program Lead, Dairy Australia (host) 
Paul Roderick, farmer and Dairy Australia’s incoming Chair 
David Nation, Managing Director, Dairy Australia.

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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 resources to support dairy farmers across all areas of soil, effluent, water and irrigation management. Find out more: Soils & Water | Dairy Australia 

Related links 

Grounds for Growth - Soils & Pasture Biodiversity Event | Dairy Australia

This episode features a conversation with: 

Western Victoria’s Extension Team Lead, Libby Swayn (host) 
Dairy Australia’s National Soils and Water Lead, Cath Lescun 
Agriculture Victoria’s Dairy Industry Development Officer, Rachael Campbell.

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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 mental health awareness in agriculture, Rachael also shares her advice for farmers on how to navigate challenges and where to find support.

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]

Trigger warning: This episode contains themes that may be upsetting for some of our listeners. If this does raise personal issues for you, there is help and you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au  

Related links:

Home - Rural Aid - Supporting Rural Communities

BetterHelp

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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 animal health for your herd. 

For more information, contact your regional office or visit Reproductive Management | Dairy Australia.

Related links:  
Animal Care | Dairy Australia
Managing in Hot Conditions | Dairy Australia
Mastitis | Dairy Australia

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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 – networking with like-minded farmers and having good relationships with their accountant and bank manager.

For support with your farm business management needs, contact your regional office today or visit Dairy Farm Business | Dairy Australia

Related links 

Our Farm, Our Plan | Dairy Australia

Dairy Farm Monitor Project | Dairy Australia

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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 and impact on farm productivity.

To find out more about how Dairy Australia provides support with employing and managing people, and building skills for successful careers in dairy farming, contact your regional team today or visit People | Dairy Australia.

Related links

The People in Dairy |

Dairy Australia | Enlight

Dairy Farm Business | Dairy Australia

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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 Management | Dairy Australia
Drought Support | Dairy Australia
Hay & Grain Reports | Dairy Australia

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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 Rivkeh Haryono and healthy ageing expert Dr Sandra Iuliano, to discuss the data behind bone health and the work being done to promote increased milk consumption during HBAW (running from 12-18 August 2024).  

Celina also shares her personal story about an accident and how she made a conscious effort to consume more dairy while recovering. 

To find out more about Healthy Bones Action Week, visit dairy.com.au/healthybones  

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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’s important to support the dairy industry.  

If you would like to find out more about the programs that help educate the public on the role of dairy, visit Our Programs | Dairy Australia - Dairy Australia. 

Related links 

Promoting Australian Dairy | Dairy Australia 

Celebrating the power of milk | Dairy Australia 

World Milk Day - Dairy Australia 

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.