DairyPod

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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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s National Animal & Health Welfare Lead, Dr Stephanie Bullen speaks in depth with veterinary surgeon Dr Mac Kneipp about his early experience growing up on a sheep and cattle property to his research findings and advice for dairy farmers managing cattle with pinkeye.  

Dr Kneipp shares insights into the causes of pinkeye in cattle — including evidence linking the condition to eye damage, not just bacterial infection — and offers practical advice to help dairy farmers manage and reduce the risk of pinkeye on farm. 

For more information and resources on animal care, visit dairyaustralia.com.au/animals/health-and-welfare.  

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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Extension Advisor Shannon Logan catches up with South Australian farmer Alex Dohnt and Western Australian farmer Jordyn Dyke to talk about their recent experiences during farm visits from the Young Dairy Network (YDN) Ireland tour. 

They discuss what they learned from visiting Irish dairy farms - exploring the differences and similarities to Australian systems- and share the cultural experiences, new networks made and the practical ideas and fresh perspectives they are excited to bring home.  

For more information about local Young Dairy Network and events contact the Dairy Australia regional teams or visit dairyaustralia.com.au

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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Principal Scientist John Penry and University of Sydney’s Professor Richard Trethowan discuss one of DairyUP’s groundbreaking projects: research into Kikuyu ryegrass and how it could benefit Australian dairy systems.

Backed by the largest dairy R&D investment in NSW in recent years, this multi-year study explores the genetic diversity, biomass development, nutritional value, and disease resistance of Kikuyu strains.

With early results showing promising disease resistance and a potential edge in nutrition, tune in for the latest project update.

DairyUP is a $16 million collaboration rejuvenating dairy research across Australia—funded by the NSW and federal governments, universities, and industry. 

You can read more about the DairyUp Exploring genetic variability of Kikuyu research project update here.

For more information on the most common pasture species and varieties commonly grown on dairy farms in Australia visit Pasture Options| Dairy Australia. 

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What happens when an entire dairy farm goes under water?

In this episode, Dr Stephanie Bullen, Dairy Australia’s National Animal Health & Welfare Lead, speaks with veterinarian Dr Sam Rowe from UniVets Livestock, about his on-the-ground experience working with flood affected farmers across New South Wales dairy regions in May 2025.

They discuss impacts on animal health – including mastitis, lameness and disease outbreaks – and the practical strategies that helped some farms fare better than others. The conversation covers ways  farmers can better prepare herd and farm systems in flood and severe wet weather events.

For more information and resources, visit Wet Conditions & Floods.

Related links

Animal Health

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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s National Animal Health & Welfare Lead, Dr Stephanie Bullen speaks with Donna Woerz from Debenham Australia, about how dairy farmers can navigate feed shortages in wet and dry conditions.

Donna shares insights on why fodder supplies are tight, what practical steps farmers can take to manage their feed budgets and how to get the most out of what’s on hand.

From effective fibre to alternative feeds, transition diets and young stock care, this is a practical discussion for making smart, informed feeding decisions through tough seasonal conditions.

For more resources to help manage feed and other on-farm challenges, visit
Dairy Australia – Issues and Emergencies

Related links

Feeding & Farm Systems

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This episode features an excerpt of a recording from a recent Dairy Australia webinar focused on the key settings and decisions shaping the current dairy season. 

Greg Duncan, Dairy Australia’s Farm Business Program Lead, joins farm consultants Fiona Smith and Tom Farran to share practical insights from their work with dairy farmers.  

Topics include: 

• planning and responding to milk price announcements 

• managing the impacts of drought and flooding 

• making tactical decisions around herd, feed, water, input costs and cashflow. 

For more information and support with your farm business management needs, visit Farm Business 

Watch the full webinar: Tactics for the year ahead | Enhancing farm business management 

Related links 

Contact Us 

Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) - DAFF 

Help with farm management decisions | Drought support | Farm management | Agriculture Victoria 

Issues & Emergencies 

Events 

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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Analysis and Insights Manager, Eliza Redfern and Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Senior Agricultural Analyst Sean Hickey, explore the Mid-year Situation and Outlook (S&O) report.

Eliza and Sean discuss the Dairy Farmland Values Report – a first for the industry – and the key drivers and factors across agriculture that impact land prices across dairying regions. They also look at the grain markets and the current world events influencing grain prices, and what lies ahead. 

Access the full S&O report: Situation & Outlook

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Related links:  
Industry Reports

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In this episode of DairyPod, dairy farmers Rachael Napier (Murray Dairy Board Chair) and Paul Bennett (Dairy Australia Board member) share how farmers across the country have helped shape Dairy Australia’s new five-year Strategic Plan.

Alongside host Greg Duncan (Dairy Australia), Rachael and Paul reflect on the extensive consultation process, the key priorities raised by farmers – including profitability, productivity and sustainability – and how these insights are guiding the organisation’s future direction.

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

This episode features a conversation with: 
Greg Duncan, Agribusiness Program Lead, Dairy Australia (host) 
Paul Bennett, farmer, Dairy Australia Board member
Rachael Napier, Murray Dairy Board Chair)

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