Missed DairyNZ’s recent on-farm events about building a productive workplace for on-farm efficiency?  This episode of Talking Dairy brings the highlights to you. Hosted by Central Waikato Area Manager Willie McKnight, this podcast replicates the insights and discussions shared during the events, making it easy to catch up if you couldn’t make along it to one.

Willie is joined by Tauwhare sharemilker Gillian Bunnik and DairyNZ scientist Brian Dela Rue to explore how technology and data are transforming farm operations. Gillian shares their experience adopting technology on-farm, while Brian provides the latest insights from research and practical advice on using data to boost productivity and workplace efficiency.

If you’re looking for ways to future-proof your farm or simply curious about what’s driving innovation in the dairy sector, this episode is for you.

Find an upcoming DairyNZ on-farm event

Useful links:

Technology in the workplace | DairyNZ

Milking Practices and Technology Use | DairyNZ

Workplace Productivity Study | DairyNZ

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Welcome to the third and final Talking Dairy summer yarn. In this bonus episode, we revisit the Contract Milking 101 episode with ag consultant Brendon Attrill and contract milker Rachael Foy. In this moment, they discuss why understanding cows, compliance, and pasture management is crucial before starting contract milking. They also discuss how to negotiate contracts and assess financial viability. If you're already contract milking or intending to go sometime soon, find out how the DairyNZ Contract Milking Premium Calculator and Dairy Training’s free short courses including the Contract Milking course can help set you up for success.

Listen to the full episode here: Contract milking 101 | Ep. 37 | DairyNZ

Links:

Contract Milking Premium Calculator | DairyNZ

Contract milking | DairyNZ

Find a Dairy Training course

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Welcome to the second of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit the most downloaded episode of 2024 where Dr. Paul Edwards and Kent Weston-Arnold share fresh insights on new milking frequency trends and the rise of once-a-day milking in early lactation. They explain why more farmers are trying it, the regional differences, and the common reasons for this shift. You’ll also learn how it impacts farm operations and what to consider before trying once-a-day or flexible milking yourself.

Listen to the full episode here: New milking frequency trends and the impact of OAD in early lactation | Ep.84 | DairyNZ

For more information, visit: Early lactation once-a-day (OAD) milking | DairyNZ

General flexible milking tools and resources:

• Flexible milking | DairyNZ
• Milking time planner | DairyNZ 

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Welcome to the first of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit a moment from the inspiring story of Emma Walton, a young contract milker from Waikato. Hear how dairy farming not only saved her life but also gave her purpose and strength. Emma shares her top strategies for coping with stress and why she thinks farming is more than just a job. 

Listen to the full episode here: 'Dairy farming saved my life' | DairyNZ

Support resources and links:

Rural Support Trust: Help and support for rural NZ0800 787 254

Farmstrong

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE)

Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected] 

Samaritans 0800 726 666

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What’s your game plan when pasture growth slows down or a dry spell hits? Do you know which supplement will give you the best value for money? And how do you balance cost and risk when planning for the future? 

In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ’s Mark Williams, and Rakaia dairy farmer, Enda Hawe, discuss how to choose the right supplements for your circumstances. They cover the concept of marginal milk and how it can be used to ensure your feed strategy is financially sound. And they discuss the how to make the most of DairyNZ’s Supplement Price Calculator and the FeedChecker to guide decision making. 

Find out what steps you can take now to minimise the impact of future feed shortages. 

Find out more:

Summer Smarts | DairyNZ

Summer management - DairyNZ

Supplement Price Calculator - DairyNZ

FeedChecker calculator - DairyNZ

Using supplementary feeds profitably - DairyNZ Facts and Figures

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In Episode 90 of Talking Dairy, we’re joined by Tracy Brown, the new Chair of DairyNZ.

Tracy is a proud advocate for farmers and rural communities, bringing years of hands-on experience and leadership to the role.

In this episode, Tracy shares her inspiring journey in the dairy sector and her vision for the future of New Zealand’s world-leading dairy sector. Hear how she plans to steer DairyNZ to deliver greater value for farmers.

Read more about Tracy Brown, DairyNZ Chair

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Do we really know the cost of lameness? And more importantly, what can we do to stop it? In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan speaks with Winston Mason, a Veterinarian and Epidemiologist at EpiVets, and Frank Portegys, Senior Area Manager at DairyNZ for the King Country region. They cover the common causes of lameness, the direct and indirect costs, and effective strategies for reducing its impact. Find out what the early signs of lameness are and why quick action can make all the difference.

Tools and resources:

• Identifying lame cows - DairyNZ
• Lameness Scoring Shed Poster
• Healthy Hoof video 
• Find a Healthy Hoof Provider - DairyNZ

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In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover recent financial shifts that have farmers feeling cautiously optimistic. Over the past few seasons, dairy farmers have been grappling with high costs, increasing interest rates, and unexpected drops in milk price forecasts. But with improvements in the forecast milk price and the cost of borrowing starting to ease, could there be brighter times ahead?

Joining us are Mark Storey, Head of Economics, and Mark Speight, Farm Systems Specialist at DairyNZ. They break down what these financial changes mean for your farm’s bottom line and discuss how farmers can balance input costs with sustainable profitability. Plus, we’ll hear insights into the impact of extreme weather on farm systems, how regions like Southland are coping with a tough spring, and strategies to future-proof farms for the seasons ahead.

Whether you’re looking to understand the financial landscape or explore practical tips on resilience, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you navigate the current season and beyond.

Access tools and resources:

• Budgeting resources and templates 
• View the Econ Tracker

Disclaimer: The content in this podcast includes general commentary on market trends. It should not be considered as investment advice. Certain transactions, such as those involving futures, options, and high-yield securities, carry significant risks and may not be appropriate for all investors. We advise seeking independent legal or financial guidance before making any investment decisions.

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Campbell Parker has been leading DairyNZ for a year as Chief Executive. So, what’s his take on the state of New Zealand dairy? And what are his plans for the challenges dairy farmers face now and in the future?

In episode 87 of Talking Dairy, Campbell shares how his commercial experience is helping him bring fresh ideas to DairyNZ. He talks about his first year leading the organisation, managing change, and working closely with farmers to make sure their voices are heard. From research and science to policy and advocacy, Campbell explains how DairyNZ is sharpening its focus and progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming.  

Useful resources:

• DairyNZ Strategy
• The DairyNZ AGM is being held on 22 October. Find out more: DairyNZ Directors Election and AGM | DairyNZ 

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In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re talking about one of the biggest challenges on farm – mastitis. What should you do if your herd test shows high somatic cell count (SCC) cows? How do you find and manage those “invisible” subclinical cases? Our guests, Mike Shallcrass, Fonterra’s Veterinary programme manager, and Jane Lacy-Hulbert, DairyNZ Senior scientist, discuss and share practical tips on monitoring, managing, and minimising mastitis. Tune in to hear expert advice and insights on how to prevent mastitis and improve milk quality.

Mastitis management tools and resources:

Mastitis | DairyNZ

Contagious Mastitis | DairyNZ

Environmental Mastitis | DairyNZ

DairyNZ Healthy Udder Shed Guide

DairyNZ Staph aureus Factsheet 

MaxT in the rotary | DairyNZ

MaxT in the herringbone | DairyNZ

AgriHealth cowshed chart 

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