Talking Dairy

Hosted by DairyNZ

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Episodes

168

Latest episode

Aug 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

September 3, 202612 min

In 10: The next phase of Forage Value Index research

In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, Jac McGowan talks with DairyNZ's Forage Value Index (FVI) research project manager, Janet Montgomery, about the next phase of FVI research. Find out what researchers aim to find, the plans for the FVI tool, and the trial that’s underway to gather more evidence about ryegrass cultivar performance. Find out more about the Forage Value Index research project. 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

August 25, 202625 min

Will your pastures thrive in the future? | Ep. 132

What helps pastures persist through changing conditions? One year into the Resilient Pastures Programme, we look at what's being learnt so far and how farmers are helping shape research designed to improve pasture persistence, productivity and resilience. Hear from scientists Dr Elena Minnee and Dr Lydia Farrell, and Northland farmer Allister McCahon about the challenges driving this work, the early insights emerging from the programme, and what they could mean for future pasture decisions on your farm. Find out more about this research: Resilient Pastures Programme | DairyNZ The Resilient Pastures programme is a seven-year initiative led by DairyNZ with MPI through the Primary Sector Growth Fund and industry partners Beef + Lamb New Zealand. It focuses on enhancing pasture performance and persistence on dairy, sheep and beef farms across the upper North Island. 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

August 13, 202611 min

In 10 Spring check-in: How to stay ahead of mastitis

In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, you’ll hear how a few timely checks can help you stay ahead of mastitis as cows calve, settle into milking, and move through spring. DairyNZ’s Dr Jane Lacy-Hulbert shares practical guidance on what to watch for, when to involve your vet, and how better information can support clearer decisions on farm. You’ll also hear how refreshed mastitis management resources can help you find the right advice faster, whether you’re focused on prevention, teat health, early detection or treatment options. For more information, visit: Managing teat health Detecting mastitis Treating mastitis Ask DAiSY 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

August 9, 202625 min

What farmers need from the next Government | Ep. 131

In this episode, Tracy Brown, DairyNZ board chair, Brian Anderton, DairyNZ government relations manager, and Leighton Parker, dairy farmer and Dairy Environment Leader, discuss what farmers are asking for ahead of the 2026 General Election, and how those needs have shaped DairyNZ’s six priorities for practical, evidence-backed policy that supports sustainable growth. Find out more: Read about the priorities for the next Government Find out more about Dairy Environment Leaders 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

August 4, 202631 min

Foot-and-mouth disease travel risk and simple biosecurity tips | Ep. 130

Before someone steps onto your farm after travelling overseas, what do you ask them? Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) isn’t in New Zealand, and we all want to keep it that way. But with outbreaks overseas and more people travelling or visiting farms, now is a good time to check your visitor process is clear and easy to follow. In this episode, Fi Roberts, DairyNZ head of biosecurity, and Mitch Cooper, DairyNZ senior technical and policy advisor and dairy vet, discuss FMD readiness, travel-related risk, and the practical steps you can take to help protect your herd, your people and your business. Find out more: Foot and mouth disease | DairyNZ Visitor biosecurity management | DairyNZ Overseas travel - risk assessment. A biosecurity risk assessment that covers visiting overseas farms, what to consider before returning to New Zealand, and what to do on arrival. Biosecurity resources and tools | DairyNZ 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

July 23, 202616 min

In 10: The simple check that can sharpen your down cow plan

When a cow goes down, a clear plan helps you act early, support her recovery and keep your team moving during one of the busiest times of the season. In this episode of Talking Dairy In 10, Mitch Cooper shares what to do when a cow goes down, how to spot when things are changing, and why clear communication can make a real difference at calving. You’ll also learn about the “pattern of two” — a simple way to know when to reassess, ask for help, or take a closer look at your transition cow care. It’s a useful listen if you want to support better cow recovery, reduce pressure on your team and make clear decisions during calving. View the latest information on down cow management Like this episode? You might also like these: Down cow care: Thriving after calving: Key cow care and recovery tips | Ep. 82 | DairyNZ New transition cow advice: Transition cow care advice and what rumination data tells us | DairyNZ 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

July 14, 20268 min

In 10: Planning your next step (Live at People Expo)

You don’t need all the answers to start thinking about what comes next. Recorded live at People Expo, this Talking Dairy In 10 episode puts progression and succession in the spotlight, with Jac McGowan joined by Greg Duncan from Dairy Australia. Whether you’re thinking about your own next step, the future of your farm business, or the people coming through, this short episode is a good starting point for those important conversations. Find out more about People Expo Listen to 2026 People Expo keynote speaker James Laughlin’s Talking Dairy In 10 episode 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

July 7, 202623 min

Thinking about solar? Start here | Ep. 129

Power costs continue to rise, and a lot of farmers are asking the same question: could solar work on my farm? In this episode, you’ll hear from Chris McArthur from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) Solar on Farms programme and Rhys Mackenzie, a dairy farmer who’s making the move to solar on his farm. Together, they talk through what solar and batteries can realistically do on a dairy farm, where they add value, and what you need to think about before you invest. You’ll get independent advice from Chris McArthur, alongside practical on-farm insight from Rhys Mackenzie as he shares what sparked the decision, what surprised him, and what he’d tell other farmers thinking about solar. Find out more: Read the farm case study: Fairbank Farms Watch Fairbank Farms' experience with solar on farm Sign up to find out about EECA Solar on farms news and open days Read: Practical guidance for solar on farms | Inside Dairy Solar power on-farm information | DairyNZ EECA Solar helpline for farmers A dedicated solar helpline for farmers and growers, providing independent, practical guidance to help you make informed decisions. Call the team on 0800 300 643, or email us at solar@eeca.govt.nz 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

June 30, 202614 min

In 10: What you need to know about El Niño and your farm

El Niño is getting a lot of attention, but what could it mean for your farm this season? In this episode, we cut through the noise with WeatherWatch’s Philip Duncan and farm systems expert Steve Veix. They share what to keep an eye on and where to focus your planning, so you’re better prepared for whatever the season brings. Find out more: Plan ahead for El Nino | DairyNZ Weather channels: Rural Weather WeatherWatch NIWA Weather MetService - Te Ratonga Tirorangi New Zealand Weather Forecasts 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

June 23, 202650 min

Take your own chair: Hinehou Timutimu on leadership and possibility | Ep. 128

Earlier this year, Hinehou Timutimu was named the 2026 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year and became the first Māori woman to receive the award. But this episode is about more than an award. It is about the whānau, whenua, values and experiences that shaped her, the doors that were opened for her, and the doors she now wants to open for others. With Brooke Sinclair and Jac McGowan, she reflects on leadership, belonging, courage and what becomes possible when you stay true to who you are. Watch more: Te Karere Pūkāea Read more: Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2026 Announced - Dairy Women's Network New Zealand Farm Environment Trust – Hinehou as a 2023 finalist Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust – Learn about the trust Hinehou leads as General Manager and its work. 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