Talking Dairy

Hosted by DairyNZ

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Episodes

158

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-NZ

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202615 min

In 10: When farmers lead change

Waiuku dairy farmer, and Dairy Environment Leader, Stu Muir has spent years restoring waterways, protecting the land and helping reconnect people with the Lower Waikato River Delta.In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, Stu shares what inspired him to take action on his farm and across the Mangati Stream catchment, where once degraded, weed-choked waterways are now thriving ecosystems.Stu was recently recognised with the first Kaitiaki Award at the Dairy Environment Leaders Forum, honouring his commitment to environmental restoration, kaitiakitanga and community leadership.Hear how Stu’s practical, persistent approach has helped restore waterways, open up a public walkway and build momentum for positive change through the Dairy Environment Leaders network.Are you ready to be a Dairy Environment Leader? Find out more.Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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

June 9, 202643 min

New transition cow care advice and what rumination data can tell us | Ep. 127

The weeks around calving can have a big influence on cow health, production and reproductive performance. In this episode, DairyNZ scientist Dr Stacey Hendriks and dairy cattle vet Ryan Luckman discuss the latest advice on transition cow care, including DairyNZ’s updated feeding guidance for springers at target body condition score. They also look at the role of rumination data and wearables — what they can show you, where their limits are, and how they can support better decisions when used alongside good feed management, stockmanship and knowledge of your own herd. Read more: Transition cows | DairyNZHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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

June 2, 202617 min

In 10: What’s next for you on farm and what’s stopping you?

Are you thinking about what’s next for you or your farm business? Planning the next stage in dairy farming is unique to you. Honest conversations and the right tools can bring clarity and arm you with the confidence to move forward. In this episode, high-performance coach and People Expo 2026 headline speaker James Laughlin shares a preview of what he’ll cover at this year’s events. He talks about what can hold us back, how to work through it, and how high-performance leadership can help transform your life and business.He also touches on what holds us back and practical ways to manage this – a snapshot of what he’ll be sharing at the event.If you’re a farm owner, farm manager, contract milker, sharemilker or equity partner, join us at People Expo to explore your next stage and how to get there.Find out more and register here. People Expo 2026 locations and dates:Palmerston North - Tuesday 16 June, 10.30am-2.30pmTe Awamutu - Thursday 18 June, 10.30am-2.30pmInvercargill - Tuesday 30 June, 12.00pm-4.00pmDunsandel - Thursday 2 July, 12.00pm-4.00pmHosted by DairyNZ and Dairy Women's NetworkFind out more about James LaughlinCheck out to James’ podcast – Habits of High PerformersHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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

May 26, 202636 min

Unlock the full potential of your calves | Ep. 126

Are you feeding your calves enough to unlock their full potential?In this episode, you’ll hear what the latest research says about early calf nutrition, and why feeding more milk before weaning can help your heifers hit growth targets sooner and produce more milk later. You’ll also hear from Canterbury farmer Cam Henderson, who’s made the shift to ad-lib feeding. He shares what’s changed, what surprised him, and how the costs stacked up. But this isn’t just about ad-lib systems. DairyNZ’s senior animal care specialist Penny Timmer-Arends shares other feeding approaches that achieve similar results. She discusses the principles behind calf growth, and how to weigh up the trade-offs and choose what fits your farm. You’ll also hear about the risks and how to manage them.Download the Calf Rearing guideFeeding milk to calves | DairyNZRead more:‘Feeding more often feels natural and important to me’ | DairyNZGood as gold: the calves who feed themselves | DairyNZLaying the right foundation | DairyNZInside Dairy - More milk, healthier calves, stronger heifers | DairyNZ Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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

May 19, 202610 min

In 10: How to plan for winter and stay on track when pressure hits

Winter will test your system, but a clear plan helps you stay in control. In this episode, DairyNZ Environment Manager Justin Kitto shares practical advice to help you set up a winter grazing plan that works when conditions turn. You’ll hear why putting a written plan in place matters, and how simple practices like back-fencing and smart water placement can protect your paddocks and improve cow comfort. Justin covers how to make your plan work by involving your team and keeping it visible, so everyone knows what to do and when to act. He explains what to watch in your cows and your soil, including early signs that conditions are slipping, and why acting early protects lying time and overall cow wellbeing. You’ll also learn how having a Plan B helps you stay ahead of wet weather and keeps your system on track. Get practical steps to manage winter grazing, protect cow condition and make decisions under pressure. When you’ve done the thinking upfront, you’re prepared to act quickly and confidently to deliver good outcomes for your cows, your people and your farm system. Get information on wintering and animal careGet the DairyNZ Winter Grazing Plan templateGet the poster - What to look out for in winter Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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

May 12, 202625 min

Finding opportunities with dairy beef | Ep. 125

New Zealand’s reputation for producing sustainable, high-quality food is closely tied to how animals are cared for across the farming system. One of the sector’s ongoing challenges – and opportunities – is how non‑replacement dairy calves are managed.In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore the newly launched Dairy Beef Opportunities programme, a cross-sector initiative designed to lift the value of dairy-beef, unlock better outcomes for non‑replacement calves, and strengthen integration between the dairy and beef sectors.Paul Edwards (DairyNZ), Richard McColl (Meat Industry Association), and Jim Inglis (Beef + Lamb New Zealand) share insights into what the programme aims to achieve, what’s underpinning the work, and what it could mean for dairy farmers – including how to get involved and where new value could be created across the supply chain.Read more about the Dairy Beef Opportunities programmeWould you like to get involved? Find out more and register your interest hereRead the Inside Dairy story: Boosting the dairy beef sectorHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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

May 5, 202623 min

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.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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

April 21, 202619 min

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 TrustSee how your levy is working harder through partnerships Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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

April 16, 202625 min

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.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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

April 8, 202622 min

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.nzConnect with DairyNZStay 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