Talking Dairy
Talking Dairy is your go-to podcast for New Zealand dairy farmers. You'll hear from farmers, scientists, and experts who share practical tips and insights to help you succeed. It's all about giving you the tools and knowledge to make the best decisions for your farm. Brought to you by DairyNZ, we help farmers lead the world in sustainable dairying by investing in research, new solutions and advocacy. Follow now and stay informed with the latest episodes.
Episodes
145 episodes
Turn good into great with 3 moves for wealth creation | Ep. 119
If you want more control, confidence, and options in your business, building strong financial skills is one of the most powerful steps you can take. This episode shows you how to strengthen those skills so you can grow long‑term wealth and stay...
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24:59
In 10: One for the books – Campbell Parker on the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report
In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker breaks down the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report, which captures the standout results from the 2024/25 season. You’ll hear how farmers produced record milk volumes ...
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8:31
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Craig Piggott on building Halter | Ep. 4
Recorded live at the Precision Dairy Farming Conference 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, this episode features Craig Piggott, founder and CEO of Halter. Craig shares how he went from workin...
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13:22
Heat stress research to find the best solutions: Trial update from Scott Farm | Ep. 118
Heat stress is a growing challenge on our dairy farms, and the impact on your farm could be bigger than you think. In this episode, you’ll hear how DairyNZ’s summer trial at Scott Farm is testing common mitigation tools, and assessing their ret...
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26:59
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In 10: The role that makes a difference and opens doors
In this episode of Talking Dairy, Northland farmer and DairyNZ associate director Greg Collins shares an inside look at his year in the role, as the search for the next associate director to join the DairyNZ Board gets underway. If...
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11:45
How to build a win-win contract milking agreement that lasts | Ep. 117
With the right structure, tools, and communication, contract milking and variable order sharemilking agreements become pathways for equity growth and stronger farm businesses. This episode brings you practical insights on what makes...
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24:20
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Inside Ireland’s dairy tech trends | Ep. 3
Experience the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference. In this episode, you’ll hear from Teagasc researchers Dr Bernadette O’Brien and Dr Lisa Parce, who share what Ir...
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11:43
How farmers are using artificial intelligence and what the future holds | Ep. 116
Artificial intelligence is suddenly everywhere — including on dairy farms.In this episode, you’ll hear from DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Callum Eastwood and Perrin Ag senior consultant Rachel Durie, who have just completed a report on how...
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34:46
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Farmers adopting tech – wins, challenges, and lessons | Ep. 2
Experience the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference. This episode features Sharn Roskam and Stuart Taylor, who were part of the farmer panel. Sharn farms in Winton, Southland, with her husband and fo...
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18:59
The latest on facial eczema: Risks, research and real solutions | Ep. 115
Facial eczema is one of the toughest animal health challenges facing livestock farmers. It’s estimated to cost the dairy and red meat sectors $330 million in lost production every year. As summer gets hotter and more humid, the risk rises – and...
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38:49
Precision Dairy Farming Series: Revisit the highlights and join the conversations shaping dairy tomorrow | Ep. 1
Whether you joined us in Christchurch or couldn’t make it, this episode is your chance to relive the energy and insights from the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference. Hear from Dr Nicolas Lyons, Dr Callum Eastwood, and Dr Jenny Jago as they...
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18:21
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Best of 2025: Building a high BW herd - one decision at a time
More farmers listened to this episode in 2025 than any other. Tune in to find out why it was so popular... What does it take to build a top herd? South Taranaki farmers Donovan Croot and Sophie Cookson started strong with a...
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36:19
What's the return on your levy investment? Findings from an independent report. | Ep. 114
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we unpack the findings of the most in-depth independent return on investment (ROI) ever – commissioned by DairyNZ to provide farmers with more transparency. Join host Jac McGowan as she talks with D...
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18:20
In 10: How we're rethinking cow wellbeing with wearables
In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, animal scientist Dr Stacey Hendriks explains how research using wearable technology is building a deeper understanding of cow wellbeing and their experience in pasture-based systems.Hear how scient...
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11:19
In 10: Small changes that can get hours back in your week
Every minute in the farm dairy counts. Research shows the right milking routine can save you hours every week. In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, host Jac McGowan chats with Dairy Training tutors Julie Morgan and Pete Morgan about how smal...
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11:19
Cow wellbeing at the leading edge | Ep. 113
How is the great animal care already happening on your farm helping New Zealand dairy stay ahead of global market expectations?In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore why animal care matters for New Zealand’s dairy competitiveness a...
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35:45
In 10: The power of connection (and a good lunch): The SMASH story
In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, host Jac McGowan chats with Noldy Rust, Chair of SMASH (Smaller Milk and Supply Herds), and Frank Portegys from DairyNZ, about how this grassroots initiative is helping farmers connect, learn, and grow st...
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10:15
Money on the table: How to make it work for you | Ep. 112
With Fonterra’s sale of global consumer and associated businesses, Mainland Group, to Lactalis now approved, many shareholder farmers will soon receive a sizeable capital return, alongside strong milk prices. So, what’s the smartest move when o...
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23:29
Less admin, more insights: How benchmarking your business just got easier | Ep. 111
In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore the latest DairyBase upgrades that make benchmarking faster and easier. DairyBase, our farm benchmarking tool, now connects with Farm Focus – and soon with tools like MINDA and Fonterra –...
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17:00
In 10: A Pasture Summit sneak peek – what’s on this spring?
In this episode of Talking Dairy in 10, get the inside scoop from Pasture Summit directors Robbie Ferris and Al Rayne. They reveal what’s happening at the upcoming Pasture Summit events, and why they’re a “must have” event on your calendar this...
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12:50
Insights on maximising your homegrown feed | Ep. 110
Want to make the most of your homegrown feed? This episode of Talking Dairy is a chance to catch up on what was shared at our recent Progressing Dairy events focused on maximising homegrown feed. If you couldn’t make it along – or want to hear ...
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29:38
In 10: Smooth sailing ahead?
Milk price forecasts are holding steady, but costs remain high. What does that mean for your bottom line this season? DairyNZ economist Ben Marmont unpacks the latest Econ Tracker update and what watch for in the months ahead. <...
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7:36
Navigating the path to farm ownership in 2025 | Ep. 109
Owning a dairy farm is still one of the biggest aspirations people hold. In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan talks with Blair Robinson from Dairy Holdings and Tony Finch from DairyNZ about what a pathway to farm ownership looks like i...
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28:34
In 10: New N loss research shows lower amount of plantain still makes big impact
Can a small amount of plantain in pasture really reduce nitrogen loss on-farm? New research from trials at Lincoln and Massey Universities suggests it can, and the results might surprise you. Kate Fransen shares the latest findings from DairyNZ...
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11:00
Work smarter, not harder: Insights from productive dairy farm workplaces | Ep. 108
Why is it that some workplaces seem to flow better than others? In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ researchers Dr Lucy Hall and Brian Dela Rue share insights on how time is used on-farm from 10 in-depth workplace productivity case studie...
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34:05
