Dairynz Tech Series: Dairy Science In Action

In this live podcast recorded at Fieldays 2022, we catch up with Waikato farm manager Christopher Vila, who won last year’s NZ Dairy Manager of the Year Award. Chris shares his journey of moving to NZ from the Philippines and beginning a new career as a dairy farmer. He also tells us about his experience taking part in the NZDIA programme, his thoughts on career-changing, his views on the Kiwi dairy sector, and what he does to stay well.   NotesNew Zealand Dairy Industry AwardsFrom farm assistant to winning the dairy industry's top title for 2021Dairy farmer newcomer wins New Zealand manager of the yearHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

In this live podcast recorded at Fieldays 2022, our guest is Northland third-generation dairy farmer Andrew Booth, who’s gone from climate change sceptic to Climate Change Ambassador. How did Andrew end up in the Ambassador role and what does it look like? What changes are he and his family making on their farm to reduce emissions? And what kinds of challenges are they facing up there in the North? Andrew answers those questions and more.   Notes DairyNZ Climate Change AmbassadorsAndrew Booth named North climate ambassadorHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

In this live podcast recorded at Fieldays 2022, Bay of Plenty farm manager Dayna Rowe shares her thoughts on why we need to shape up our farm workplaces to stay competitive with other sectors. Dayna, who originally planned to be an actor, is on a mission to make dairy farming the best place to work – and it starts with her own workplace. Find out how she ended up in dairy farming, how she’s making her farm a great workplace, what she does to get off-farm, and more.  Notes The Great Futures in Dairying PlanInside Dairy October-November 2022Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

In this live podcast recorded at Fieldays 2022, we’re joined by Zoe Bryson, who came third in the NZ Dairy Trainee of the Year Award earlier this year, after winning this category at the Central Plateau regional Awards. Find out how Zoe’s OE from Scotland to NZ has turned into a thriving dairy career, what she loves about farming down here in the Southern Hemisphere, what she’s gained from the Dairy Industry Awards, and her aspirations.NotesNew Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Zoe Bryson NZDIA Regional DTOTY Finalist Video A world of opportunity for young Scot on OEHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

A lower stocking rate, less nitrogen fertiliser and less imported feed – those are the characteristics of a ‘future farm’ being tested down at Dairy Trust Taranaki. Researchers are into their third season comparing a successful current farm system with a farm system that’s designed to meet the regulations and emissions pricing coming at dairy farmers. So, have they been able to make the future farm system work at a similar profitability to the current farm? And what’s happened with greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching reductions? To talk us through this exciting research are Jason Rolfe, general manager at Dairy Trust Taranaki, and DairyNZ farm systems specialist Chris Glassey.Chapters01:11 – The purpose of Dairy Trust Taranaki (DTT)04:15 – DairyNZ’s relationship with DTT05:15 – The DTT trial to reduce emissions while increase profit06:22 – What does the research look like? 08:45 – The partner farm network10:04 – Challenges along the way 11:10 – What have we learnt from the trial so far?16:52 – Nitra

How do you prepare to go from being a farm worker to a contract milker? What are some things to be aware of, what are the foundations for success, and how do you avoid the common mistakes? This episode is the first of a three-part series on contract milking, which we’ll be rolling out over the next few months. Joining us for the first episode to offer some top-notch practical advice are farm owner and ag consultant Brendan Attrill and Waikato contract milker Rachael Foy.  NotesSharemilking and contract milking arrangementsChapters00:38 – About our guests01:36 – What is contract milking?02:50 – Who is contract milking for? 04:41 – The attraction of contract milking05:17 – Skills required08:11 – Cashflow and financials14:24 – Surrounding yourself with positive people19:14 – Tax requirements 22:22 – Taking time off23:34 – Relationship with your farm owner27:02 – What to do before you take on a contract29:43 – Final thoughtsHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow

We all know that attracting and retaining great staff is an ongoing challenge for the dairy sector. A group of Canterbury dairy farmers have put their heads together and come up with one solution to the problem – they’ve set up a training programme to attract young university graduates into dairying, fast-track them in their careers, and give them skills and support to succeed. Each graduate is matched with a reputable farmer, paid a competitive salary, and paid to attend 25 modules covering everything from pasture management skills to banking basics.  This year’s pilot programme has gone brilliantly, and to tell us all about in this episode is Campbell Tait, one of the farmers who’s helped set up this programme, and Peter O’Connor, one of the graduates taking part.Chapters:00:57 – About our guests03:30 – About the graduate training programme09:23 – Peter’s experience in the programme13:06 – Modules – frequency, topics, creation16:58 – Employment agreements, pay and accommodation18:27 – DairyNZ’s support 19:2

The Government has released its agriculture emissions pricing proposal. While the Government has accepted the sector’s recommendation for a farm-level split-gas approach, that’s where the similarities end. So, what does the Government’s proposal mean for dairy farmers? How does it differ to what the sector, through He Waka Eke Noa, recommended? And will the Government’s plan lead to reductions in methane, and without significantly affecting farmers’ businesses and the New Zealand economy? In this episode we're joined by DairyNZ strategy and investment leader Bruce Thorrold, who’ll explain the Government’s proposal, how it stacks up, and what it really means for dairy farmers.Visit our website to read more and register for our online and in-person farmer feedback events.Chapters:0:41 – Is DairyNZ happy with where things have landed?1:16 – What are the changes to what the sector proposed?3:22 – Biggest areas of concern?4:03 – What is the Government’s proposal?4:58 – Any positive in the Government’s proposa

As a dairy farmer, how do you go about choosing an accountant who truly understands your specific needs and challenges? How can you take full advantage of their knowledge and expertise? And what are some common mistakes rural accountants see farmers making, and on the flipside, things farmers are often good at in this area? Answering those questions and more in this episode is Nigel McWilliam, chartered accountant and director at MBS Advisors in Morrinsville, Waikato. Nigel is a dairying specialist accountant and is also a director shareholder of a 1200-cow farm in North Otago. Notes:Advice and support for your farm businessChapters:0:50 – Who is Nigel? 2:08 – How to choose the right accountant3:26 – What should a good accountant be able to do for you? 4:08 - Difference between tax and management accounts5:06 - How to gauge if an accountant truly understands farming 6:06 – ‘Interviewing’ an accountant 8:38 - Getting the most from your accountant on an ongoing basis9:47 – Building a good working relationship 1

Taranaki dairy farmer Kane Brisco nearly walked away from farming, worn down by the constant physical and mental strains of the job. But at his lowest, he started figuring out practical ways to cope with stress and recharge his passion for life on the land. In this episode, Kane shares the tools he’s developed – ranging from breathwork to boxing – to operate at his best.NotesFarm Fit NZDairyNZ wellbeing webpagesChapters:1:00 - Kane's background and how he ended up in dairy farming 4:04 - Keeping in top shape and helping other farmers do the same5:54 - Getting through some challenging years6:42 - Journey to getting fit again9:15 - Mental health challenges within the dairy sector13:14 - New book ‘Tools for the top paddock’16:02 - Kane’s tools for dealing with the strains of farming 21:10 - Balancing family and farming 23:52 – What happens at FarmFit training sessions?27:08 – Kane’s cold water trough therapy27:56 - Staying connected with the right people, right places29:22 - Tricky conversations – talking w

With entries for the 2023 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards about to open, we catch up with one of this year’s winners, north Waikato farmer Jimmy Cleaver. He took away the regional trophy for Auckland/Hauraki Farm Manager of the Year, as well as a stack of regional and national merit awards, including the DairyNZ People & Leadership Award. So, what makes the 23-year-old such a standout so early in his career? Why is managing people – and giving others a chance to get ahead in dairy farming – so high on his list of life goals? And what are his ambitions personally and for the sector? Find out in this episode.Notes:Jimmy Cleaver’s 2022 NZDIA awards include the Auckland/Hauraki Farm Manager of the Year and these merit awards:Regional- DeLaval Livestock Management Award- Fonterra Dairy Management Award- Franklin Vets Pasture & Feed Management Award- BlackmanSpargo Rural Law Ltd People & Leadership AwardNational- LIC Interview Award- DairyNZ - People & Leadership AwardFind out more about the New Z

Fodder beet offers many benefits as an alternative crop to brassicas, but it also presents risks and challenges. So, what can we learn from recent research about how to deal with those risks and challenges? How have farmers adapted their feeding practices over time? And do we have all the answers or is there more research required? In this episode DairyNZ senior scientist Dawn Dalley summarises recent research findings, and North Canterbury dairy farmer and veterinarian Trish McIntosh joins us to share her experiences of using fodder beet.Chapters:1:07 - Dawn give an overview on her role at DairyNZ with fodder beet research2:38 - An intro from Trish and how she got involved with this project4:15 - Fodder beet learnings from the Forages for reduced nitrate leaching project7:42 - Trish talks about how feeding practices have changed on her farm10:53 - Research to find answers to some of the challenges farmers have experienced15:54 - Feeding changes Trish has observed with clients over the last 10-12 years17:50 -

Recorded on 15 June 2022. We have some real challenges ahead of us as a country over the coming decades when it comes to improving water quality, increasing biodiversity, and reducing emissions. We all want to see improved environmental outcomes, we all have a role to play, and we can’t do it alone. Working together constructively will be the key to our success, but to do this we need to build strong relationships that are based on trust, integrity, and mutual understanding. Hear more about this as we talk with Dr David Burger, GM Sustainable Dairy, DairyNZ, Fish & Game Chair Ray Grubb, and a panel of (non-government organisations) NGOs and dairy sector representatives sharing their perspectives.For more from the Farmers' Forum Series, visit our website.Chapters:2.34 - Dr David Burger – GM Sustainable Dairy, DairyNZ10.26 - Ray Grubb – Chair, Fish & Game NZ23:38 - Questions for David and Ray27.06 - Panel: Nicola Toki (Chief Executive, Forest & Bird), Melissa Slattery (Chair, Dairy Environment

Three years ago, Quinn Morgan was a self-described city slicker, working as a personal trainer in Perth and spending hours sitting in traffic. But then, after a wedding in NZ, Covid’s arrival, and some encouragement from farming family members, Quinn ended up reluctantly taking a job in dairy farming back in NZ. Fast forward to 2022, and he’s now leading a team of eight on a Pamu dairy farm in the Taupō area, raising his young family with a rural lifestyle and progressing quickly with his new career. In this episode, Quinn shares his story about how he ended up in dairying, and the challenging but rewarding experiences he’s faced since making the move. He also talks about what he’s doing to encourage others, particularly young Māori, into the dairy sector – including his involvement in DairyNZ's recently launched Great Futures in Dairying Plan. Quinn reckons we need to be looking in new places for our future staff. He wants others from a similar background to him – urban and/or non-farming – to discover

Recorded on 20 April 2022. With over 12,000 businesses across New Zealand employing over 30,000 workers on farms, our success in attracting, retaining and growing our people will determine whether the dairy sector thrives or survives. We know dairy offers a rewarding career and lifestyle, so how do we attract the right people in a tight labour market? How do we make dairy appealing for someone considering their career options? And how do we look after skilled and capable workers, so they’ll stay with us? Hear from experts and farmers about their experiences and insights.For more from the Farmers' Forum Series, visit our website.Chapters:1.56 - Tim Mackle, DairyNZ chief executive14.35 - Lee Astridge, HR/Recruitment specialist36.47 - Dairy farmer panel – Jordyn Crouch, John Totty and Jo SheridanHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Foot-and-mouth disease has reached the tourist hot spot of Bali, and the risk of it entering NZ on the footprint of an unwary traveller or by other means, is now a little too close for comfort. So, what are the risks to farmers and primary industry as a whole? And more importantly, who is responsible and what do we need to do to be prepared? We chat to Liz Shackleton, Biosecurity Manager for DairyNZ, who talks about the level of risk, who is involved, and shares some tips for farmers on what to look for and what to do.Notes:DairyNZ foot-and-mouth disease webpageChapters:1.00 – Intro from Liz and what led to her role in biosecurity at DairyNZ2.25 – Where in the world is FMD now and how much of a threat is it to our primary industries?5.28 – What steps are being taken to contain it?6.19 – Addressing the concern of FMD arriving with imported stock feed or imported goods8.23 – What can be done now and who is responsible?11.18 – The importance of a tracing system12.37 – How do we recognise an outbreak it before it

Recorded on 9 March 2022. Kiwi dairy farmers are increasingly under pressure with ever-changing regulations, acute workforce shortages, and all the complexities that come with a changing world. Sometimes it can be hard to navigate while still making time for family, friends, and the stuff that matters most. What are these challenges? How do we manage the juggle and still feel ok? What is being done for us as farmers … and who is speaking up for us? How do I notice I’m not handling so well? Who can I talk to?For more from the Farmers' Forum Series, visit our website.Chapters:2.18 - Overview from Jim van der Poel, DairyNZ Chair7.22 - Former farmer and rural mental health advocate Doug Avery34.32 - Dairy farmer panel – Wayne Langford, Loshni Manikam and Neil BateupHave feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Wintering on crop isn’t just a Southland issue. New National Environment Standards for intensive winter grazing will come into effect in November 2022. Farmers all over New Zealand are having to review their wintering crop practices now and put some thought into how they’re going to winter into the future. In this episode, we chat with Central Hawke’s Bay sheep farmer Ben Tosswill and Southland dairy farmer Ewen Mathieson about winter grazing practices now and what’s next.Chapters:0.51 – Ben: banking back to farming2.32 – Ewen: third generation farmer3.20 – Changing consumer/market expectations 4.14 – What’s different now compared to five years ago?5.13 – Ewen’s move away from cropping7.18 – Meeting new regulations7.59 – Flexibility to cope with curve balls9.40 – Wintering as a North Island sheep farmer10.20 – Sheep farmers lifting their game11.34 – What Ben’s changed on his farm13.10 – Reducing risk to animals and environment15.10 – Cow lying time16.39 – Lowering stress on sheep and staff17.39 – Team culture

It’s no secret that soil carbon levels on New Zealand farms are among the highest in the world. So, why aren’t dairy farmers being rewarded for it? Also, is it worth trying to increase your soil carbon stocks, if so, how, and what’s the best way to measure it on your farm? To answer those questions on this episode is Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Adjunct Professor at Lincoln University, and a farmer-elected director of DairyNZ and Ravensdown. Jacqueline’s been deep into this topic for many years and she’s passionate about helping farmers get their heads around it.Chapters:0.48 - What is soil carbon and why is it important?2.20 - How do soil carbon levels in NZ compare to other countries?6.01 - Carbon captured in pasture - how does that process work?8.25 - How are farmers in other countries being rewarded for soil carbon?13.05 - Why aren’t NZ dairy farmers getting the same rewards?14.52 - Management practices to maintain, or even increase, soil carbon stocks18.43 - The effect the age and stage of soil has on soil car

Stress, depression, anxiety, fatigue and other wellbeing issues are a growing concern in the rural sector. Often, the conversations we have about it are focused on men. But what about rural women? They make up half of our sector, so why aren’t we talking much about their wellbeing too? Is it because we think they’re generally doing pretty well in this area? Dairy farmer and leadership coach Loshni Manikam says that’s not the case – many rural women are indeed struggling. So, what kinds of challenges are women facing, why don’t we hear much about it, and how does it affect us all?Notes:Samaritans: 0800 726 666Lifeline: 0800 543 354Depression helpline: 0800 111 757Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254FarmstrongChapters:1:27 - Why should we all care how rural women are doing?6:43 – Who is Loshni?10:24 – Why are many rural women are struggling?13:36 – Why we don’t hear more about it? 17:02 – What are rural women struggling with?21:20 – Finding your ‘identity’ 23:27 – The ‘ripple effect’ of when rural women are not fe