Dairynz Tech Series: Dairy Science In Action

Many farmers are looking for ways to get better value from their pasture, get through NIWA’s predicted El Niño summer, and control on-farm costs. Could deferred grazing provide a solution for some farmers?  In this episode, you’ll get the low-down on this cheap and flexible form of pasture conservation. Our guests are DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Wendy Griffiths and Waikato farmer Ian Butler, who’s used deferred grazing on his farm. Ian is also a DairyNZ Extension Partner in the Waikato. Wendy and Ian will explain what deferred grazing is and when to use it, its pros and cons, and importantly, what the research tells us about this feed management strategy.Visit our website to learn more about deferred grazing.Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Canterbury sharemilker Glenn Jones joins us to talk about the options he’s used to reduce nitrogen losses on-farm. He discusses how successful it’s been, the challenges he’s faced along the way, what he’s learned, and his advice for other farmers. Glenn was one of the partner farmers in a DairyNZ project set up to help dairy farmers in the Selwyn catchment reduce their nitrogen losses by 30%, while maintaining profitability. NotesSelwyn and Hinds - Meeting a Sustainable Future - DairyNZ Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re sharing the powerful story of Emma Walton, a young Waikato contract milker. Emma not only loves dairy farming, but says it saved her life. Find out why farming has been the key to her recovery, why she’s passionate about lifting mental wellbeing in the rural sector, how she copes with stress on the farm, her ambitions, and more. NotesRural Support Trust: Help and support for rural NZ (rural-support.org.nz)0800 787 254Home - Farmstrong - Live Well Farm WellNeed to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE)Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.Samaritans 0800 726 666Farmer wellbeing - DairyNZHumankind: A Hopeful History: Amazon.com: BooksPsychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

What do saloon doors and exosuits have to do with reducing injuries on dairy farms? They’re among a range of practical ideas DairyNZ is trialling to help farmers avoid sprains and strains, particularly around calving time. Hear about the designs and prototypes, including a new easy-entry calf trailer and a flexible breast rail, from DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Callum Eastwood and Waikato dairy farmer Marcus Graham.NotesThis project has been made possible through $900,000 of co-funding by ACC’s Workplace Injury Prevention programme, supported by a $150,000 investment by dairy farmers through the DairyNZ levy. Learn more at dairynz.co.nz/sprains-strains Other useful links: https://farmwithoutharm.org.nz/dairynz.co.nz/healthandsafetyfarmstrong.co.nz/course/preventing-accidents-and-injuries-versiontalkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

How do we reduce methane emissions from cattle within our pasture-based farming system? And when will farmers have solutions ready to use on-farm? In this episode, recorded at DairyNZ’s Lye Farm, you’ll hear about the options being tested by our scientists, including feeding methane inhibitors to calves from birth. DairyNZ principal scientist Dr Jane Kay and technical team leader Olivia Jordan take us on a walk around Lye Farm’s world-class research facilities, explain when you might start seeing solutions, and discuss other methane research being done across the sector.Show notesLess methane - DairyNZInside Dairy Aug-Sep 2023 - DairyNZLye Farm - DairyNZHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

With farm business viability top of mind and soils still very wet around the country, what are some steps you can take to make sure you’re spending your fertiliser dollar wisely? In this episode, hear solid advice from two legends of the fert industry: Dr Ants Roberts, chief scientist at Ravensdown, and Warwick Catto, science strategy manager at Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd. They discuss trends in fertiliser use, whether you can afford to skip soil testing, the best time to apply nitrogen fertiliser and in what quantity, herbage tests, sulphur and lime use, placement tools, effluent spreading, specific strategies for wet soils, and much more. NotesBooklets (fertiliser.org.nz)Managing nitrogen fertiliser - DairyNZSoil Fertility for Pasture - DairyNZHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

What are the main things to consider before approaching the bank for backing to go into herd-owning sharemilking? Sian Mitchell, ANZ agri manager, explains how to get yourself into as strong a position as possible to secure the bank’s support. She also covers the loan approval process, how and why the bank takes security over the cows, GST loans, loan structures, coping with profit ups and downs, and more. NotesSharemilking and contract milking arrangements - DairyNZBudgeting tools - DairyNZBuy Contracts (fedfarm.org.nz)Business by the Numbers - Dairy TrainingProgression Management - Dairy TrainingHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Is herd-owning sharemilking in your sights? Already in a HOSM partnership? In this episode, pick up some fresh ideas for both farm owner and sharemilker on how to succeed in this popular business structure. Our guests are Waikato sharemilker Rachel Bunnik and Dairy Farms NZ CEO Craig McBeth, who discuss what they like about the agreement, how the financials work, common challenges, keeping the relationship sweet, doing your due diligence, and much more. Show notesSharemilking and contract milking arrangements - DairyNZBudgeting tools - DairyNZBuy Contracts (fedfarm.org.nz)Business by the Numbers - Dairy TrainingProgression Management - Dairy TrainingHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Rain, rain, rain. How are other dairy farmers managing their way through this exceptionally wet winter? Hear from Hauraki Plains farm owner John Garrett, Cambridge farm owner Marc Gascoigne, and Northland herd owning sharemilker Carl MacDonald, who explain how they're trying to minimise soil damage while still adequately feeding the cows. They discuss round lengths, cow comfort, team morale, mental health, lessons from previous wet winters, and more. NotesWet weather management - DairyNZSpring Rotation Planner - DairyNZRural Support Trust: Help and support for rural NZ (rural-support.org.nz)Home - Farmstrong - Live Well Farm WellFarmer wellbeing - DairyNZHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

In today’s tight labour market, we need to ensure our dairy farm assistant jobs are attractive and competitive – but how? In this episode, find out about DairyNZ’s new tools to help farm employers know if their job role 'meets the market' and what factors could be tweaked to create a bigger pool of applicants. Our guests are DairyNZ’s Geoff Taylor and Pouarua Farms CEO Jenna Smith.Useful linksKnow the Market project - DairyNZJob competitiveness calculator - DairyNZHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Waikato farm owners Bryce Anderton and Aleisha Broomfield share how the current period of increased farm costs and high inflation is affecting them and how they’re coping. Speaking live at Fieldays 2023, Bryce and Aleisha talk about the impacts on their businesses, actions they’ve taken to maintain profitability, the role of cost control, advice for other farmers, and their go-to tools and resources. Useful linksBudget Case Studies Budgeting when inflation is high Dairy operating profit Dairy Training Business by the Numbers courseHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Our guests Matte Kirk and Kelly Dickey share their thoughts on mental wellness in the rural sector. Are farmers getting better at talking about how they’re feeling? Why is getting off the farm so important? How do Matte (former dairy farmer, Pioneer area manager) and Kelly (sharemilker, Rural Support Trust facilitator) stay in top form? The pair also talk about the great work of Surfing For Farmers, which they both help to run in Raglan, on Waikato's west coast. LinksWhere to get help - DairyNZ Surfing for FarmersFarmer wellbeing - DairyNZ Rural Support Trust: Help and support for rural NZ (rural-support.org.nz) Home - Farmstrong - Live Well Farm Well Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Our guests on this episode are Morrinsville farmer Johan van Ras, planting professional Antony Snodgrass, and DairyNZ’s Aslan Wright-Stow, Senior Manager – Environment. Hear their perspectives on how to successfully undertake a planting project on the farm, including some common mistakes to avoid, tips on prep and maintenance, what we can learn from science and research, and what benefits (some unexpected) you’re likely to see. ShownotesPlanting waterways - DairyNZDairyNZ Riparian Planner - DairyNZNative Planting Services - Koroneiki DevelopmentsWaikato environment award winners, Johan and Kylie van Ras, hope to spur others into environmental action (linkedin.com)Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Overwhelmed by workload pressure, self-doubt and a fear of what others expected of him, fifth generation farmer Sam Spencer-Bower stopped being able to function. It took six months before his wife – and Sir John Kirwan – helped convince him to get help. In this episode, Sam kindly joins us to share his mental health journey: the underlying causes, learning to talk about it, the road to recovery, and the skills he’s developed to cope with the stresses of the job, so he can keep on enjoying dairy farming.  NotesWhere to get help - DairyNZFarmer wellbeing - DairyNZInside Dairy - DairyNZ (see page 13 of June/July 2023 edition)Rural Support Trust: Help and support for rural NZ (rural-support.org.nz)Home - Farmstrong - Live Well Farm WellHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Rotorua farm owner Steve Holdem joins us to share his experience with Ecotain plantain: what’s worked well, what he and wife Paula have learned about maintaining it, and how it’s saving them from reducing their stocking numbers. Also on the podcast is DairyNZ’s Kate Fransen, who’ll give a clear overview of what a decade’s research has taught us about plantain. New results show even better than expected leaching reductions can be achieved. NotesPlantain - DairyNZDairyNZ Podcast: 'Plantain for production and environmental wins | Ep. 20'Inside Dairy: pages 25-29 of June/July 2023 edition (goes live June 1)Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

It’s difficult to see the benefit of genetic gain in a herd from one season to the next. When you see an improvement in farm performance, how do you know that's a result of better genetics? How can you be confident that breeding for genetic gain actually works?Hear DairyNZ's Bruce Thorrold discuss learnings from the Holstein-Friesian Strain Trial. He also talks through the value of genomics and high-quality data, strengthening the fertility Breeding Worth, keeping up with our overseas competitors, and more. NotesAnimal Evaluation - DairyNZA Comparison of Three Strains of Holstein-Friesian Cows Grazed on Pasture: Growth, Development, and Puberty - ScienceDirectHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

For many of the biggest challenges facing Kiwi dairy farmers, the answers lie in solid, farm-tested research. So, what are the big focus areas for DairyNZ’s science team right now? What work is underway to give farmers the tools they need? And how do our scientists ensure new solutions are actually going to work well on-farm? DairyNZ’s Bruce Thorrold and Bridget Maclean join us to answer those questions, as well as explaining who’s in the science team at DairyNZ, their proudest research achievements, and what research projects they’re most excited about.NotesFarmers’ Forum 2023 - DairyNZResearch - DairyNZChapters1.47 – Who are Bridget and Bruce?4.21 – Hot topics DairyNZ researchers are addressing 9.03 – Who are the scientists working on behalf of dairy farmers? 12.28 – Involving farmers; developing solutions that actually work14.57 – Bruce’s proudest achievements18.37 – Bridget’s highlights19.50 – Changing the dairy job; nailing methane emissions21.36 – Grill our scientists at Farmers’ Forum Have feedback or

What’s it like coming into the dairy sector with no experience? How can farm employers make it a softer landing for newbies and increase our chances of them succeeding and remaining in farming? What can we learn from seeing dairy farming through the eyes of a new employee? Step on up John Gibson, who’s in his second season and has just taken on a 2IC role in Te Pahu, west of Hamilton. Hear John's story of leaving behind Government and retail work in Wellington for a new career in dairy farming. You’ll hear the good, the bad and the funny, as well as why he decided to make the lifestyle change. He shares his views on how we can make it a smoother transition for other newcomers. NotesRecruitment - DairyNZGoDairy - DairyNZChapters1.33 – John’s non-farming background2.33 – Persuaded to go dairy farming3.55 – First impressions, early mistakes, ‘farm common sense’7.37 – Discovering a love for farming9.03 – Biggest challenges: physical demands, new lifestyle, internet12.04 – Why he stayed14.59 – Thoughts on rur

What might NZ dairy farming look like in 2030? What strategies and technologies could Kiwi farmers adopt to get ahead of our global competitors, like US mega-dairies? DairyNZ researchers are on the case, seeking answers to those questions and more through an exciting project called Frontier Farms. It’s all about identifying the key challenges our farm systems need to address – and coming up with solutions – to remain globally competitive. Our guests in this episode are DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Paul Edwards, Perrin Ag managing director Lee Matheson and Waikato dairy farmer Colin Hickey.NotesFrontier Farms - DairyNZUnited States mega-dairies - DairyNZInside Dairy April May edition - Inside Dairy - DairyNZAlternative milks podcast (Ep 43) DairyNZ Podcast - DairyNZChapters01:25 – What Frontier Farms aims to achieve for farmers02:54 – Intro to Colin 03:30 – How and why Colin’s involved in the project04:30 – Lee’s role in Frontier Farms05:15 – What is a ‘mega-dairy’?6:05 – What advantages could US mega-dairies h

Covid-19, the Ukraine War and extreme weather events have created ongoing disruption globally and locally, with knock-on effects for New Zealand’s dairy sector. So, what can we expect in the coming seasons with farm costs, interest rates, labour supply and demand for dairy? What are the challenges and opportunities for farmers to be thinking about? And what are some emerging trends that could affect dairy farming? Our guests in this episode are DairyNZ head of economics Mark Storey and foresight practitioner Melissa Clark-Reynolds, who bring some great insights and food for thought. Melissa is one of the speakers at DairyNZ’s 2023 Farmers’ Forum events, which will have a strong focus on science and research. Visit Farmers’ Forum 2023 - DairyNZ for details.   NotesFarmers’ Forum 2023 - DairyNZMelissa Clark-Reynolds – Signals from the Future (BOMA webinar, 14.2.23) Melissa Clark-Reynolds – learning from NZ Primary Sector Unicorns (BOMA conference, 2020) Mark Storey – Managing cost pressures in an uncertain envi