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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In Episode 85 of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan chats with Dr Bruce Thorrold, DairyNZ’s Chief Science Advisor, about gene technologies in relation to the dairy sector. With the New Zealand Government updating its laws on gene technology, Bruce explains what this could mean for farmers, from reducing environmental impact to increasing productivity. He also discusses the opportunities and risks, and shares the questions which are top of mind for dairy farmers as this topic comes back into focus. This episode provides a clear and balanced look at how gene technologies could shape the future of dairy farming in New Zealand.

For more information about this topic

DairyNZ webinar for dairy farmers:

Shaping the future: New Zealand’s gene technology reform

For the first time in over 20 years, New Zealand’s gene technology laws are getting a major overhaul. Greater access to gene technologies presents both opportunities and risks for the dairy sector. Join DairyNZ in this webinar to explore how these reforms could impact farmers in the future and how you can participate in this important government process.

Available on two dates: 

1. Monday 14 October 2024, 11.30am-12.30pm. Register here 
2. Tuesday 15 October 2024, 7pm-8pm. Register here 

Resources:

• Gene technologies | DairyNZ 
• Opinion: Gene technologies - time for a change - NZ Herald
• DairyNZ engaging with farmers as Govt moves to update gene technology rules 
• Gene technology regulation | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
• Pasture biotechnology: Breeding for a better future - AgResearch

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What milking frequency trends are emerging across different regions? What factors are driving the adoption of once-a-day (OAD) milking in early lactation? And what are the pros and cons?

In this episode of Talking Dairy, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Edwards, Senior Scientist and Kent Weston-Arnold, Area Manager for North-West Waikato, from DairyNZ. Find out about new insights on milking frequency and regional trends, plus hear about the experiences of some farmers who have been using OAD milking in early lactation this season. 

As calving season continues across the country, this discussion offers advice for those considering OAD milking in early lactation next season. Tune in to discover the pros and cons, hear some farmers stories, and get practical tips to help you decide if it could be the right move for your farm system.

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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How can your actions during calving impact success at mating? In this episode of Talking Dairy, we talk about reproduction and look at what actions during calving can impact success at mating time. We’re joined by Katrina Roberts, Herd Health Vet at Anexa Veterinary Services, InCalf training provider and the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, and Rex Butterworth, a Waikato dairy farm owner and rural real estate agent. Katrina discusses the herd fertility cake concept and what the key ingredients are to focus on between calving and mating. Rex shares how applying these principles has improved his farm's in-calf rates and productivity with great results.

For more information, visit:

• Reproduction and mating - DairyNZ | DairyNZ
• InCalf Training - DairyNZ | DairyNZ
• Find out more about the herd fertility cake concept in The InCalf book: the-incalf-book.pdf (dairynz.co.nz)

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In this episode of Talking Dairy, we cover the important topic of preventing down cows during the calving period and providing essential care and recovery for those that do go down. Join our host Jac McGowan and guest Mitch Cooper, a veterinarian and DairyNZ’s Senior Technical and Policy Advisor, as they talk about strategies, share insights and practical advice. 

Mitch, who brings a decade of experience as a dairy vet in Waikato, shares his expertise on prevention, early signs to look out for, and practical steps for treatment, care and recovery.

More information:
Down cow care | DairyNZ

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On this episode of Talking Dairy by DairyNZ, we sit down with Cam Henderson, a dairy farmer and farmer-elected board member of DairyNZ. Cam shares his journey from the farm to the boardroom, revealing the challenges and rewards and offering practical advice for anyone considering applying for a role on the board this year at DairyNZ.

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact on the future of the dairy sector, this episode is a must-listen. Nominations are now open, click here to find out more and apply: DairyNZ Directors Election

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