Talking Dairy

DairyNZ

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. 

  1. What makes rural advisors great? | Ep. 124

    15 HRS AGO

    What makes rural advisors great? | Ep. 124

    Strong advice plays an important role in confident decision‑making. As farming continues to change, the way advice is shaped, shared, and supported matters more than ever.  In this Talking Dairy episode, you’ll hear how strong, well‑connected advisors help farmers grow their businesses, and why investing in advisor capability lifts outcomes right across the sector. Jo Finer from the Institute of Rural Professionals of New Zealand and Mark Williams from DairyNZ share what this means in practice for farmers and rural professionals alike.  For dairy farmers, this episode looks at how well‑supported advisors bring the latest knowledge and connected support to your farm business.  For rural professionals, it explores the value of being part of a connected professional community that supports learning, lifts standards, and helps you stay relevant in a fast‑changing sector.  Find out more about the Institute of Rural Professionals of New Zealand  Visit the DairyNZ Rural Professionals Hub     We’re proud to partner with the Institute of Rural Professionals of New Zealand  Supporting trusted advice. Strengthening on-farm decisions.   DairyNZ partners with the Institute of Rural Professionals to stretch your levy further — helping connect farmers with high-quality, practical advice across the sector. Their broad membership of vets, consultants, bankers and farm advisors plays a key role in supporting farm businesses every day. Our partnership strengthens that network by backing their annual conference and growing capability across rural professions. It’s all about making sure the people who support you have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to help you make informed decisions on farm.  See how your levy is working harder through partnerships  Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

    24 min

  2. 21 APR

    Support that makes a difference | Ep. 123

    When the pressure is on, having the right support makes all the difference. In this episode of Talking Dairy, we hear directly from the organisation supporting farmers through challenging times. Rural Support Trust national chair Michelle Ruddell joins DairyNZ people specialist Jane Muir to discuss the common pressures they’re seeing across dairy communities and what they do to ensure the right help is available at the right time. They also share practical insights to help ease the load and reset for the season ahead.    We’re proud to partner with Rural Support Trust.  Whether it’s financial pressure, a weather event, or personal struggles, they’re here to help. And so are we.  Rural Support Trust provides essential support during adverse weather events to help farmers respond and recover. Their team of local rural people understand firsthand the pressures that can mount up. Their network and training can help with a wide range of situations. Our partnership helps ensure farmers, their teams, and their families get the support they need, when they need it most. Together, supporting farmers through every challenge. Find out more about the Rural Support Trust See how your levy is working harder through partnerships  Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

    20 min
  3. Rising costs and the impact on your farm business | Ep. 122

    16 APR

    Rising costs and the impact on your farm business | Ep. 122

    Global conflict can feel a long way from the farm gate until it starts showing up in your fuel bill, freight costs and next season’s budget. In this episode, you hear from DairyNZ economist Mark Storey and farm system specialist Mark Speight about what the escalation of global conflict could mean for your farm business over the months ahead. They share insights into why fuel and freight costs are rising, how long higher costs could stick around, and what that means for inflation, interest rates and farm working expenses. Most importantly, they share practical steps you can take now that are within your control such as stress‑testing budgets, planning for different cost scenarios, keeping cashflow front of mind, and maintaining strong farm system fundamentals. You’ll also hear why New Zealand dairy remains resilient through periods of global volatility, and how your pasture‑based system gives you an advantage compared with many overseas competitors.   Links mentioned in this episode and more: Managing higher fuel costs on-farmPasture assessmentBudgetingStrategies to improve body condition scoreTeam communicationHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

    26 min
  4. Precision Dairy Farming Series: What can dairy learn from horticulture robotics? | Ep. 7

    8 APR

    Precision Dairy Farming Series: What can dairy learn from horticulture robotics? | Ep. 7

    What can dairy learn from the way horticulture uses robotics and automation?  In this episode, we're joined by Professor Mike Duke from the University of Waikato, recorded at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference where he was a keynote speaker. He works in horticulture robotics, and his insights translate to the challenges faced on farm. Mike talks about how new thinking around automation, data and design could shape the future of dairy, what dairy already does well, and where there’s room to go further.  View the conference highlights, proceedings and more   Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

    22 min
  5. Tips for future-proofing your effluent system | Ep. 121

    31 MAR

    Tips for future-proofing your effluent system | Ep. 121

    When effluent systems are designed and run well, they support your whole farm.  In this episode of Talking Dairy, Debbie Care from AgVice and Shaun Hazelton from DairyNZ share insights into how to set your effluent system up to improve productivity, make the most out of valuable nutrients and protect your business over the long-term. This conversation looks at what’s involved in establishing good systems, what’s worth prioritising, and why autumn is a smart time to get things in shape.  Links mentioned in this episode and more: Get DairyNZ info about effluent management and operationDownload the effluent management plan poster Find DairyNZ accredited effluent system design companiesHow does your effluent system stack up? Do your own Warrant of Fitness.Effluent Training Courses - DairyNZFind out more about AgVice and Debbie CareHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

    26 min
  6. Precision Dairy Farming Series: Smarter data for everyday decisions | Ep. 6

    24 MAR

    Precision Dairy Farming Series: Smarter data for everyday decisions | Ep. 6

    Recorded live at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch. In this episode, Dr Claudia Kamphuis cuts through the noise around data and shows you how to turn information into something of value. Drawing on her keynote presentation from the conference, she explains how smarter data use is speeding up breakthroughs and what that means for your everyday decisions. You’ll hear why the real challenge isn’t collecting data, but knowing what to keep, what to ignore, and how to use it with confidence. Claudia shares practical insights on dealing with data overwhelm, connecting with the right people, and taking small steps that make technology work for you. View the conference highlights, proceedings and more   Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

    12 min
  7. Improve next season’s production with these smart autumn moves | Ep. 120

    17 MAR

    Improve next season’s production with these smart autumn moves | Ep. 120

    Autumn gives you a short but valuable window to set your herd up well.  In this Talking Dairy episode, DairyNZ scientist, Dr Susanne Meier, explains why hitting BCS targets before calving has such a big flow on effect—supporting recovery after calving, earlier cycling, stronger reproductive performance, and more milk in the vat next season. And DairyNZ farm systems specialist, Mark Williams, brings the farm system view: how to condition‑score your herd accurately, plan dry‑off dates with confidence, and choose feeding and drafting strategies that move the cows who need it most. You’ll also learn about practical tools that make these decisions easier, including the dry off calculator, feed budgeting tool, and the BCS app many farmers now rely on to track progress through autumn. Links mentioned in this episode and more: Milk On or Dry Off CalculatorBody Condition Score (BCS) Dry-Off CalculatorBCS AppInCalf - Reproduction gap calculator Autumn smarts - Essential autumn tools for farm success FeedRight Module 26 - Allocate autumn pastures correctly (late lactation)FeedRight Module 27 - Measure and monitor body condition score (BCS) (late lactation)FeedRight Module 28 - Use crops and supplements profitably (late lactation)FeedRight Module 29 - Determine nutrient requirements (dry period)FeedRight Module 30 - Achieve body condition score (BCS) targets at calving (dry period)FeedRight Module 31 - Manage winter pastures and crops correctly (dry period)View all FeedRight TechnotesHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

    30 min
  8. Precision Dairy Farming Series: Farmers' learnings on how to get the most from wearable tech | Ep. 5

    10 MAR

    Precision Dairy Farming Series: Farmers' learnings on how to get the most from wearable tech | Ep. 5

    Recorded live at the 2025 Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, this episode features vet Kirsty Ashcroft from Anexa, who led a farmer panel sharing their experiences with wearable technology.   Kirsty highlights the importance of starting with the basics in the first season, avoiding alert fatigue, and working closely with vets to turn data into earlier identification, better decisions, and stronger animal health outcomes.   Kirsty also explains why successful adoption isn’t about the device itself, but about how you use it, who supports you, and how well the data fits your farm’s needs.  View the conference highlights, proceedings and more     Did you know?  Since this episode was recorded, DairyNZ has begun a three-year research programme on cow wearables, shaped by farmers, to help turn data into practical insights. The work focuses on benchmarking, understanding normal behaviour, improving key decisions at calving and mating, identifying resilient cows, and exploring how wearables can support pasture management — all aimed at helping farmers get more value from their investment. You can read more about this in the Feb-April 2026 Inside Dairy.   Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Connect with DairyNZ Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

    10 min
See All (153)

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    DairyNZ
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Dairy
  • Show Website
    Talking Dairy

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