Cow wearables can provide a treasure trove of information, and for South Canterbury farmer Tom Lambie, the technology has delivered some real gems that have led to big gains in productivity and performance.

In this episode of Dairy Country, Anne speaks with Tom Lambie, his contract milker Eric Tao-ey, and veterinarian Ryan Luckman about unlocking the potential of cow wearables. They share how collar data, combined with practical management and nutrition strategies, helped transform the herd’s transition, reproduction and overall performance. From improving body condition scores to smarter once-a-day tactics and heat detection, the trio reveal how technology and teamwork turned insights into results.

 

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:

1. Tom Lambie, South Canterbury dairy farmer
2. Eric Tao-ey, Contract milker
3. Ryan Luckman, Veterinarian

 

Ryan Luckman discusses how cow wearables are transforming herd management and animal health. He explains how collar data gives farmers clearer insights into reproduction, body condition, and heat detection, allowing smarter, more proactive decisions. Ryan highlights how this technology, combined with practical nutrition and management strategies, is helping farmers reduce transition challenges, lift reproductive performance, and improve overall productivity. 

From supporting once-a-day milking to refining feeding strategies, he shows how wearables are turning information into results that benefit cows and farmers.

 

Tom Lambie and Eric Tao-ey share how adopting cow wearables has reshaped herd performance on their South Canterbury farm. They explain how collar data has supported better transition management, improved body condition, and stronger reproductive results. 

Tom and Eric explain how combining technology with disciplined once-a-day strategies and practical nutrition decisions improved animal health and farm efficiency. From identifying heat cycles more accurately to streamlining day-to-day management, they share how wearables have provided the insights needed to turn challenges into results.

 

Listen to Ryan Luckman in a previous episode of the podcast here.

Read the article from Dairy Country here.

Find out more about the Barenbrug Better Pastures Together podcast here.

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