DairyPod Dairy Australia

In this episode, we share key insights and guidance from Nollaig Heffernan, an independent management consultant specialising in leadership and organisational psychology.

Nolliag joins Dairy Australia’s Bernie Baxter to discuss what makes a high performing dairy business and identifies some immediate actionable solutions that farmers can take to improve their own operation. 

For more information and resources to support staff development and management for your farm business, visit Employing & Managing People | Dairy Australia 

Hear from Nollaig in a previous episode:   

Podcast 29: How being a better employer improves your farm business - DairyPod - Omny.fm

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au
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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s General Manager – Sustainable Dairy, Charlie McElhone speaks with Western Australian dairy farmer Michael Partridge about the trade and export opportunities available to farmers, and the relevance for the state’s fresh milk production.

The pair discuss the importance of growth and opportunities for Australian dairy, as well as the need for free trade agreements and work required to remain competitive.   

Find out more about how Dairy Australia is improving market access, while building and maintaining strong international trade relationships at International Dairy Markets | Dairy Australia 

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au
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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Analysis and Insights Manager, Eliza Redfern and Head of Economics, Data and Insights, John Droppert, discuss the May Situation and Outlook (S&O) report.  

Eliza and John highlight the recently completed National Dairy Farmer Survey and look at the topline trends from the S&O report. The conversation covers farmer confidence in the industry as well as milk production and demand, both domestically and internationally. 

Access the full S&O report: dairyaustralia.com.au/sando 

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au

Related links:  

Industry Reports | Dairy Australia 
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In this episode, WestVic Dairy Extension Advisor Debbie Twiss speaks with dairy farmers Victoria Burleigh and Luke Davison about their experiences using genomic testing data as part of their herd management strategies.   

The couple – who farm at Nullawarre in Victoria’s south-west – started genomic testing of their herd in 2020. They share how and why they got started, their business decisions based on this new data that saw improved profitability, as well as some practical examples into the business applications of heifer genomics for others to consider. 

You can find out more about heifer genomics and genomic testing visit Genetics | Dairy Australia 

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au

Further information:  


Visit the Datagene website.  
Phone Datagene on 1800 841 848 for information about the sustainability index.  
Contact your local extension program provider to register your interest in upcoming dairy industry genomics courses.
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In this episode, we hear from Sarah Crosthwaite – a dairy farmer and mental health social worker from the Kiewa Valley in North-east Victoria. In 2023, Sarah was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship that has allowed her to travel the world and see what other countries are doing when it comes to mental health promotion, particularly in the agricultural sector.  

Sarah speaks with Gardiner Foundation Communications Manager, Meghan Lodwick, about what she has learnt and the impact of her Nuffield experience. 

To find out more about the Nuffield Scholarship and apply for the 2025 intake, visit gardinerfoundation.com.au/nuffield  

Read more about Sarah’s story: From dairy farmer to mental health advocate | Dairy Australia

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au

Trigger warning: This episode contains themes that may be upsetting for some of our listeners. If this does raise personal issues for you, there is help and you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au  
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The availability of a skilled workforce remains one of the top challenges facing Australian agriculture. The shortages have wide-ranging impacts – from farm output to work-life balance, and succession.

Join Dairy Australia’s National People Lead, Mick Fuller and DairySA’s Extension Coordinator and Workforce Attraction Project Lead, Alberta Badu-Yeboah as they chat to South Australian dairy farmer Sarah Moore about finding and attracting staff, including backpackers, to dairy farms. 

A former backpacker – now farm manager – Sarah shares her perspective on what makes a backpacker a great farming employee.

The conversation explores what a talent community is, how to engage with backpackers specifically and how to make the most of the time they’re on farm to ensure a great experience for the employer and employee.

This episode is part of a DairyPod workforce attraction series providing insights and guidance to help farmers successfully recruit and retain the right people for dairy farm jobs.

To find out more about how Dairy Australia is supporting farmers with employing and managing people and to access employment resources, visit People, Skills & Capability | Dairy Australia

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing dairypod@dairyaustralia.com.au

Related links:

The People in Dairy
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