In this episode, Shaun catches up with Colin Moynihan, from Force of Nature Consulting, to talk about what’s really going on beneath our feet — the soil.

They dig (pun intended) into what makes good soil tick, how to tell if yours is in good shape, and why it matters for pasture, stock, and long-term farm performance.

Colin shares practical tips for checking soil structure and biology, explains why soil aggregation is worth paying attention to, and talks about how healthy soil leads to healthier animals. They also look ahead to where sustainable farming is heading and why nutrient-dense feed starts with what’s in the ground.Takeaways:

• Soil quality is fundamental for overall farm productivity.
• Visual soil assessments provide quick insights into soil health.
• Soil aggregation is crucial for root development and nutrient access.
• Soil microbiology plays a key role in nutrient cycling.
• Improving soil health can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.
• Diversity in pasture species enhances soil microbiome diversity.
• Nutrient density in feed is linked to soil health.
• Effective soil management can lead to better livestock health.
• Farmers should regularly assess soil conditions and adjustpractices accordingly.
• Collaboration with soil consultants can enhance farm management strategies.

Keywords

Soil quality, soil health, farming practices, soil microbiology, nutrient density, sustainable agriculture, visual soil assessment, soil structure, livestock health, agronomy.

Farming’s tough on more than just the land - it takes a toll on people, too. In this chat, we talk about how health issues like vertigo and tinnitus can hit farmers hard, what role medication and treatments like acupuncture can play, and how staying on top of your own health matters just as much as your cows’. We also discuss farm safety rules, the environment, working together as an industry, and how tech can actually make life easier. There’s talk of family farming, syndicate ownership, and why good pasture and consistent feed still sit at the heart of healthy, productive herds.

Takeways

• Navigating health challenges can be complex and frustrating.
• Personal experiences with vertigo can significantly impact daily life.
• Medication can have unexpected effects on mental health and mood.
• Acupuncture may provide relief for certain health issues.
• Health and safety regulations can create challenges infarming.
• Environmental concerns are increasingly relevant in farming practices.
• Collaboration within the farming industry can lead to better outcomes.
• Technology is transforming modern farming practices.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in farming businesses.
• Syndicate ownership offers an alternative to traditionalfarming methods.

Keywords

Health challenges, vertigo, tinnitus, acupuncture, health and safety, environmental concerns, farming practices, technology in farming, family business, pasture management.

In this episode, we’re pleased to welcome Ben Matthews back, as we take a look at cow wearables and how they’re starting to fit into everyday farming. We run through the types of gear out there, from collars to monitoring systems, and what they can actually tell you about cow health and nutrition.  

It’s not just about collecting numbers. The real value comes when the data helps farmers make better calls, whether that’s spotting an issue earlier or finding ways to run the herd more efficiently.

We also discuss the challenge of selecting tech that suits your farm and why it matters that different systems work together rather than adding more headaches.

We also touch on where monitoring technology might head next and its potential impact on dairy farming.

Takeaways

• Cow wearables provide valuable data for improving farm efficiency.
• Different types of wearables include boluses, collars, and ear tags.
• Rumination minutes are a key metric for cow health.
• Data analysis helps in making informed decisions about cownutrition.
• Integration of technology is crucial for effective farm management.
• Farmers should trial different software to find the bestfit.
• Collaboration between tech companies can enhance data insights.
• Research is ongoing to improve the accuracy of wearable technology.
• The future of cow monitoring looks promising with AI advancements.
• Choosing the right technology depends on specific farm needs.

Ketosis can be a hidden problem in dairy herds, knocking milk production and cow health long after calving. In this episode, Shaun Balemi explains what really goes on inside the cow’s liver, why blood testing matters, and how diet plays a big part in keeping cows on track. He covers practical points like transition feeding, protein quality, and managing over-conditioned cows before calving. Shaun also shares how new tech can help farmers keep an eye on cow health and behaviour, making it easier to spot issues early and stay ahead of ketosis.

Takeaways:

• Ketosis is the buildup of ketone bodies in the blood.
• Liver health is crucial for managing ketosis in cows.
• Nutritional factors significantly influence ketosis development.
• Signs of ketosis include reduced appetite and rapid condition loss.
• Blood testing is essential for monitoring ketosis levels.
• Technological advancements can aid in predicting ketosis in cows.
• Identifying triggers for ketosis can help in prevention strategies.
• Transition feeding is critical for cow health post-calving.
• The quality and quantity of protein in the diet affect the risk of ketosis.
• Managing over-conditioned cows is vital to prevent ketosis.

In this episode, Shaun and Tangaroa Walker dig into the science and practicality of cow condition and nutrition in dairy farming. Shaun emphasises the need for farmers to monitor cow condition closely and to understand the different types of fat in cows.

They cover the impact of feeding practices, the role of protein, and the challenges of transitioning cows. The hosts share insights on how to improve cow health and efficiency, ultimately leading to better farm profitability.

Takeaways

•  Cow condition is crucial for dairy farm success.
• Monitoring cow condition regularly can prevent issues.
• Training staff to observe cow condition is beneficial.
• Nutrition plays a key role in cow health and performance.
• Different types of fat affect cow health differently.
• Protein intake is essential for maintaining cow condition.
• Feeding practices can influence the type of fat cows store.
• Fodder beet can be both beneficial and problematic.
• Eliminating variation in cow condition leads to better outcomes.
• Developing practical farming insights is a continuous journey.

In this episode, Shaun Balemi is joined by agri-tech engineer Ben to launch a new segment on farming innovation. They unpack the latest in cow wearables, sensor data, geofencing and how tech is (actually) helping – or sometimes hindering – real NZ dairy farmers. From practical decision-making to reducing admin and managing staff time, this episode sets the scene for future tech-focused conversations.

What happens when you drop cow numbers and focus on feeding them better? In this episode, Shaun Balemi sits down with Ben Croft, a seasoned Canterbury dairy farmer, to unpack how reducing stocking rate improved cow condition, simplifiedmanagement, and increased farm profit. They talk body condition scoring, feed strategies, and how fewer, better-fed cows delivered more milk and less stress.Real data. Real decisions. Real farmer talk.

The three weeks before calving can make or break how well your cows perform in the season ahead. In this episode, Shaun Balemi shares simple, practical ways to set cows up for a smooth transition, including:

• What’s happening inside the cow leading up to calving

• Feeding tips to keep cows full and reduce stress

• How to get minerals right for better health and fewer downer cows

• Setting cows up for good milk production and faster recovery post-calving

Real-world advice you can put to work straight away to help your herd calve down in better shape.

Get more from every cow, every litre and every paddock. In this first episode, dairy nutritionist Shaun Balemi introduces the myCOW Podcast – a practical, science-led series created for New Zealand dairy farmers and ag professionals.

Shaun shares his background in dairy farming and nutrition, why he’s launching myCOW, and how the podcast (and upcoming app) will deliver clear insights from milk, cow, feed and farm data to lift efficiency and profitability.

Follow for short, farm-smart episodes that break down the science, feature farmer and expert interviews, and spark real conversations about improving cow health and building stronger farm businesses.