Feed for Thought

With a rich family history in dairy farming, Michael Phillips and Andrew Evans (Bubbles) join Matt and Wade to discuss the strategy behind cows, comfort and compost at Dannevirke-based dairy farming operation, Waka Dairies.  

Michael and Bubbles discuss the strategic shifts made as part of Waka Dairies' succession plan, with leadership and team culture, and infrastructure improvements at the core. The team delve into the impact of composting shelters and how this infrastructure has impacted day-to-day operations, animal health, feed efficiency, and environmental footprint. With a robust system, including effluent ponds and water storage, the farm stands resilient against local climate conditions. Tune in to hear firsthand how these changes have set new benchmarks in farm productivity.

Simon Nitschke, the Arable Farmer of the Year, Maize Farmer of the Year, and National Pioneer Yield Cup winner, joins Matt and Wade to discuss the strategy and success of Rangitikei enterprise, Arable Solutions. 
 
This episode explores supply and demand management, particularly for maize grain. We discuss the impact of market fluctuations, the importance of forward planning, and how collaboration with end users can be a game-changer. Efficiency and sustainability are at the core of this conversation as the team discusses the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

With a passion for dairy farming, Logan Scott, Te Awamutu East and South Waikato Area Manager and small block owner brings a unique perspective on land and crop management, maize and agronomy.  This episode delves into Logan’s agronomy knowledge, sharing strategies for identifying potential issues and guiding effective management decisions, particularly through the critical V3 to V6 growth stages of maize. Join the team in this engaging discussion, which offers practical insights for improved crop outcomes. 

Rural Professional of the Year and Senior Lecturer in Agribusiness and Management at Lincoln University, Dan Smith, joins Wade and Matt on this episode to share his strategies for nurturing future-ready students. You'll hear about his dynamic approach to equipping students with timeless skills covering the key competencies for young agricultural professionals to succeed in the rapidly evolving industry. 

Dan shares the initiatives that Lincoln University is taking to develop and prepare students for the workforce. The conversation delves into the importance of soft skills, the rapid technological advancements in agriculture, and the importance of developing skills and knowledge beyond the reach of artificial intelligence. 

Whether you’re passionate about traditional farming, a rural profession, or entrepreneurial ventures, Dan's insights will motivate and inform you about the boundless potential and diverse career opportunities within the agriculture sector.

Interested in understanding how you can mitigate feed quality losses? In this episode, Matt is joined by Shaun Body, our Portfolio Manager, and Helen France, our Hawke's Bay, Tararua & Wairarapa Area Manager, to discuss the value proposition of inoculant and how to get more value from your grass silage by minimising the drop in quality.

If you have any questions about using spring inoculants, please contact your contractor, merchant rep, or local area manager.

Join us as Jo Bills, Director for Global Insights at EverAg, breaks down the differences in supply chain dynamics, pasture-based efficiencies, and export strategies between New Zealand and Australia. Learn how Australia’s more productive cows compare to New Zealand's pasture-based herds. We also touch on greenhouse gas emissions and Fonterra's strategic manoeuvres, providing a comprehensive outlook on the unique challenges and strengths of each country's dairy sector.
  
 The discussion delves into the pressures of reducing carbon footprints amidst rising customer expectations and the potential compensations for sustainability efforts. The team also cover China’s ambition for dairy self-sufficiency and the global ripple effects of their evolving market. Southeast Asia's growing importance as a key market for New Zealand is highlighted, alongside the competitive rise of the United States in the global dairy arena. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of the trends and challenges shaping the future of the global dairy industry.

In this episode, international guest Grant Groene, the former Global Seed Agronomy Lead for Pioneer US, joins Dr. Rowland Tsimba, National Research and Agronomy Manager, Wade and Matt to delve into global agronomy and future crop development.

Together, the team discuss the process of genetic development in maize, from the rigorous testing of hybrids to the impressive yield advancements achieved in different environments. Also, they discuss the vital role of international collaboration in agriculture, the transformative power of shared knowledge, and the challenges faced by farmers worldwide. Join us for an episode packed with global insights and cutting-edge practices.

Raewyn Densley joins us to discuss AgFirst’s recent Our Land and Water funded project. Our Land and Water aims to enhance the production and productivity of New Zealand’s primary sector while maintaining and improving the quality of the country’s land and water for future generations. 

Raewyn covers the global grain market shift during the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. She explores how these factors impact grain prices, create global shortages, and alter shipping logistics whilst spotlighting New Zealand's unique challenges and opportunities. Raewyn provides insights into how local grain production could be increased. She also discusses how many dairy farmers could grow their own feed whilst maintaining or enhancing profitability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This episode is jam-packed with knowledge invested in the future of New Zealand’s primary sector and offers actionable strategies for increasing profitability while reducing environmental impact.

Join us as we explore the intersection between farm efficiency and reducing emissions with Malcolm Ellis, Fonterra's Strategic Advisor. Malcolm shares the difference between emissions intensity and absolute emissions and discusses Fonterra's strategic initiatives to support farmers in making impactful changes.
 
 The team balances animal efficiency and environmental sustainability by examining the contrasts in productivity and efficiency, delving into actionable strategies to enhance herd quality without reducing stocking rates. Key factors like reproductive performance, feed efficiency, and emissions intensity take centre stage, providing a roadmap for farmers to boost productivity while lowering environmental impact.
 
 The conversation also highlights the power of collaboration within the dairy sector. From rural professionals to regulatory bodies, we discuss the collective efforts needed to overcome challenges and optimize feed and pasture utilization. Reflecting on the evolution of the dairy industry, Malcolm sheds light on the wealth of data available to farmers and how leveraging new technologies is crucial for future success. 

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of sustainability in shaping the future of dairy farming. We are privileged to have Charlotte Rutherford, Fonterra's Director of Sustainability, join Wade and Matt in a thought-provoking discussion. Together, they explore the transformation of environmental efforts from basic compliance to tackling global sustainability challenges. 

Charlotte highlights the market's increasing demand for sustainable products and answers the question of what it takes to achieve a 30% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and aim for near-zero emissions by 2050. She delves into Fonterra's comprehensive climate strategy and scope three objectives, emphasizing the importance of investments in projects like AgriZero and the intricate dynamics of gaining cooperative-wide support for sustainability goals. 

Tune in to understand why there is such a growing focus on sustainability and GHG emissions and how these efforts are transforming the future of dairy farming.