Podcasts about dairynz

DairyNZ's chief executive is at Fieldays. He talks about farmer advocacy, cost pressures on the sector, and where DairyNZ's farmer levy is spent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dom talks with DairyNZ CEO Campbell Parker about the Responsible Dairy programme, part of the government's Land Use Flexibility package announced at Fieldays, how it will be led by DairyNZ on behalf of the sector and the outlook for dairy this season. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

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 

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 

On this episode of DairyNZ Update, Michelle Watt talks to Steve Veix, Farm Systems Team Manager at DairyNZ, about the ways farmers can prepare and plan ahead for the El Niño weather forecast, and what this weather pattern could mean for farming in different regions. Find out more about El Niño, and how you can plan ahead on the DairyNZ website www.dairynz.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of RaboTalk Growing our Future's new Catchment Catch-Ups series, host Blake Holgate sits down with Thriving Southland Project Lead, Richard Kyte to explore how farmer-led catchment groups are creating practical, locally driven solutions for some of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand farming today.From improving water quality and managing sediment, to building climate resilience and strengthening farm profitability, Richard shares why localised science, peer-to-peer learning and voluntary community action are so powerful. Featuring insights from New Zealand's largest catchment collective, this episode is a valuable listen for farmers and growers wanting real-world ideas, optimism and inspiration from people making a difference on the ground.Like what you've heard? Follow our podcast for more great content.Show Notes:From the Lake District to Southland CollectiveRichard shares his background moving from mixed farming in the UK to the New Zealand dairy sector and his extension work with DairyNZ. Now leading Thriving Southland, he helps provide 37 independent catchment groups with the information and funding resources they need to own and drive their own environmental projects.The Power of Localised ScienceGeneric environmental rules often miss the mark, so Thriving Southland focuses on sub-catchments. Richard explains how using radiometric data to understand specific soil and water dynamics helped one community identify mobile soils as the root cause of an E. coli issue, allowing them to precisely target their sediment management and maximise their return on investment.Integrating Water Quality and Climate ResilienceWhile greenhouse gas emissions can feel like a harder sell on a day-to-day basis, Richard emphasises that climate resilience, farm profitability, and water quality are completely interlinked. Projects like Carbon Neutral Dipton allow sheep, beef, and dairy farmers to collaborate on emissions mitigations and land use optimisation without separate legislative mandates.The Extension Model and Peer LearningThe historic success of New Zealand agriculture relies on farmers talking to farmers. Catchment groups foster this extension model, allowing early adopters to pave the way while others observe and catch up. This peer-to-peer approach builds genuine confidence and drives world leading change at a manageable pace.The Value of a Cheese RollBuilding wide community engagement is less about rigid dictation and more about social connection. Richard notes that the real wins often happen over a cup of tea and a cheese roll, providing a vital social wellness forum for isolated farmers to realise they are not facing seasonal or regulatory challenges alone.Final Advice: Look Back to Move ForwardRichard encourages any farmer curious about their local catchment group to simply put their head in the door without fear of a heavy commitment. True progress is voluntary and takes time. By reflecting on how far practices like winter grazing have transformed the Southland landscape over the last decade, farmers can find the optimism needed to face today's challenges.

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 

In this DairyNZ Update, Michelle Watt talks to Taina Burrows, a Tutor for Dairy Training Ltd, and the NexGen Dairy Farmer Programme. They discuss the career opportunities available in the Dairy Industry, how the programmes on offer are helping youth find a pathway to a career in Dairy Farming. Hear firsthand how these initiatives are shaping the next generation of farmers and supporting the future of the industry. Find more information on Dairy Training Ltd Programmes and Courses at www.dairytraining.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dom talks with Mike Borrie, DairyNZ Chief Farm Solutions & Engagement Officer, about his move to DairyNZ after working for Fonterra and its predecessors for over thirty years, what DairyNZ has on offer at Fieldays 2026 and the current state of the dairy market. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Richard Kells, founder and Director of Kells Wool, about his decision to keep the company's wool auctions in Napier, despite the two biggest wool brokers in the country now operating their auctions out of Christchurch. They also discuss whether the decision to stay has paid off and the feedback from farmers... He talks with Sarah Barr from Rural Coach NZ about its new online resource regarding building a thriving farming family or business, the concept of a 'Family Charter' and how this can help with farm succession and the transfer of assets... And he talks with Mike Borrie, DairyNZ Chief Farm Solutions & Engagement Officer, about his move to DairyNZ after working for Fonterra and its predecessors for over thirty years, what DairyNZ has on offer at Fieldays 2026 and the current state of the dairy market. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Michelle Watt sits down with DairyNZ Senior Scientist Katrina Macintosh, to explore what decades of on-farm research reveal about the link between best practice farming and freshwater results. Drawing on real data from farms across New Zealand, they unpack how science is shaping sustainable outcomes for both farmers and the environment. Find out more about DairyNZ's extensive Science at www.dairynz.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From bringing global products to new consumers to honoring deep cultural roots in dairy, this episode highlights the connections shaping the industry during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this discussion, we explore how teams are balancing authenticity with innovation, what global partnerships mean for dairy farmers in the U.S., and how cultural values continue to drive sustainability and growth across dairy communities.Tune in for insights from Sudeep Jain, director of quality at Michigan Milk Producers Association and Julian Reti Kaukau, head of Māori engagement and partnerships at DairyNZ!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA's Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.Like the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

The Chief Executive of DairyNZ wraps up Dairy Week on The Country as we look at the changing landscape for the industry and why the rising cost of the five Fs is of concern.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder of Lean on a Gate, Talk to a Mate, talks about training and MPI funding, firearms licensing, and DairyNZ cadets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 

In this DairyNZ Update, Michelle Watt talks to Senior Scientist Susanne Meier about fertility research, how research using data collected is helping improve fertility outcomes on farm, and how the Resilient Dairy Programme plays a part. For more information on the Resilient Dairy Programme, and fertility research, find resources at www.dairynz.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 

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 

We track down the Chair of DairyNZ at the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) at Lincoln University to talk Cyclone Vaianu, fuel constraints, dairy-beef opportunities and Awards season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.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 

Michelle talks to Amber Carpenter, Chair of Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) at DairyNZ, about this year's forum, currently being held in Wellington, what the DEL is, and how connecting with other farmers can have a huge impact on decision making. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this DairyNZ Dairy Update, Michelle talks to Shaun Hazelton, Senior Regional Policy Advisor at DairyNZ ,about effluent management. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.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 

The Chair of DairyNZ encourages farmers to cast their vote before the end of play tomorrow for the Milksolids Levy vote.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this DairyNZ Update, Michelle Watt talks to Head of Economics at DairyNZ Mark Storey, about the DairyNZ EconTracker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

In case you missed it... Dom talks with Dr Charlotte Reed from DairyNZ about its 'Comfortable Cows Outdoors' project, how the new research could help farmers mitigate the impacts of heat stress on herds in high risk regions and what the research team have discovered so far. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Sir David Fagan, sixteen-time Golden Shears winner, about this year's event in Masterton, the international presence in 2026 and the chances of the NZ competitors... He talks with Dr Charlotte Reed from DairyNZ about its 'Comfortable Cows Outdoors' project, how the new research could help farmers mitigate the impacts of heat stress on herds in high risk regions and what the research team have discovered so far... And he talks with Hawkes Bay deer farmer Harry Gaddum about the inaugural 'Gumboot Cup' rural cricket tournament last weekend, the idea behind it and farming conditions in the region. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Dr Charlotte Reed from DairyNZ about its 'Comfortable Cows Outdoors' project, how the new research could help farmers mitigate the impacts of heat stress on herds in high risk regions and what the research team have discovered so far. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

If you want more control, confidence, and options in your business, building strong financial skills is one of the most powerful steps you can take. This episode shows you how to strengthen those skills so you can grow long‑term wealth and stay steady through whatever the season brings.DairyNZ business specialists Sarah Brown and Paul Bird break financial management down into three simple parts: profit, drawings, and investing. You'll learn how to benchmark your performance and budget with purpose so you can spot opportunities early and stay ahead of rising costs and changing payouts. They also share practical habits to reduce stress, smooth out variability, and avoid surprises - and explain how to invest surplus cash wisely, from essential upkeep to growth opportunities.You'll also discover levy‑funded tools you can use today - like DairyBase benchmarking, budgeting templates, cashflow tools, and courses such as Mark and Measure and Business by the Numbers - to keep building capability and confidence. Links mentioned in this episode:Annual Cash Budget TemplatePartial Budget10-year equity forecast toolMonthly Cashflow Budget Fonterra SuppliersGet more DairyNZ business tools and resourcesView DairyNZ business informationDiscover the benefits of benchmarking your business against others - Join DairyBaseUpskill with Dairy Training – find free training options.Mark and Measure is back for 2026 in Taupo (12-14 May) and Hanmer Springs (14-16 July). Find out more and register here.Disclaimer: The content in this podcast includes general commentary on market trends. It should not be considered as investment advice. Certain transactions, such as those involving futures, options, and high-yield securities, carry significant risks and may not be appropriate for all investors. We advise seeking independent legal or financial guidance before making any investment decisions.  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

In this episode of Talking Dairy, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker breaks down the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse Report, which captures the standout results from the 2024/25 season. You'll hear how farmers produced record milk volumes from fewer cows, lifted productivity to new highs, and helped drive export earnings to more than $27 billion.Campbell explains what's behind the numbers, why the sector's fundamentals are strong, and how the current season is tracking. If you want a quick, straight-talking snapshot of how dairy is really performing — and why your work continues to underpin the New Zealand economy — this episode is for you.Download the State of the Dairy Nation Pulse ReportHave 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

Heat stress is a growing challenge on our dairy farms, and the impact on your farm could be bigger than you think. In this episode, you'll hear how DairyNZ's summer trial at Scott Farm is testing common mitigation tools, and assessing their return on investment, to find the best solutions.Animal scientist Dr Charlotte Reed and senior animal care specialist Jac McGowan break down the research and share their early insights and observations from the trials. They also share current information and practical solutions you can use right now to keep your cows comfortable and productive in the heat. Heat Stress research and current informationDairyNZ invests in heat stress research to give you evidence behind the solutions that improve cow comfort, protect performance, and support sustainable, future‑ready farm systems.Read more about heat stress research in action at DairyNZGet current information for reducing heat stress in your dairy cowsHave 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

Michelle Watt talks to Associate Director at DairyNZ Greg Collins and discusses the benefits of being involved in governance roles. To find out more about how to apply for a DNZ Governance Role head to www.dairynz.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of DairyNZ encourages farmers to vote YES in the upcoming Milksolids Levy vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Talking Dairy, Northland farmer and DairyNZ associate director Greg Collins shares an inside look at his year in the role, as the search for the next associate director to join the DairyNZ Board gets underway.  If you're a dairy farmer who's ready to grow your governance skills and contribute to the dairy sector, this episode offers some great insights into what you need to know.  Greg is the 15th associate director on DairyNZ's Board, since the initiative was introduced in 2013. The associate directorship is a one-year position that offers levy-paying farmers the chance to get first-hand governance experience.   Find out about the DairyNZ associate director role and how to apply 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

In this DairyNZ Update, Michelle talks to David Cooper, a DairyNZ principal policy advisor about the reforms being made by Government to the RMA, and local government act, and how DairyNZ are working with farmers to make sure their voices are heard. To find out more about the RMA and local government reform and how it may affect farming, go to www.dairynz.co.nz or Ministry of the Environment website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on a special interview from DairyNZ, Michelle Watt talks to DairyNZ senior scientist Callum Eastwood, about what generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is, and what opportunities it can provide to enhance farming systems. To find out more about how AI can help drive productivity on your farm, and check out the DairyNZ tool Daisy, got to www.dairynz.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the right structure, tools, and communication, contract milking and variable order sharemilking agreements become pathways for equity growth and stronger farm businesses. This episode brings you practical insights on what makes those agreements successful for both parties.DairyNZ senior business specialist Paul Bird, and contract milker Hayden Scott, share their experience and insights on aspects such as setting fair rates, managing cashflow in your first season, and having conversations that build trust. They also explore the expectations and pressures on each side, and how to align them so the business relationship stays strong over time.Learn more about contract milkingLearn more about setting up a contract milking agreementDownload the DairyNZ Contract Milking Premium Calculator. A monthly cashflow budget takes your annual cash budget and spreads your income and expenses across the year giving you a month-by-month basis picture. Enrol in a Dairy Training Contract Milking CourseHave 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

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Rachel Shearer, GM of Wool at PGG Wrightson, about the establishment of a single, national live wool auction, what it means for auctioneering in Napier and the key reasons behind the move... He talks with Lincoln University Associate Professor Racheal Bryant about a low nitrate farmlet trial led by DairyNZ, the results after two years of the trial, including an average 30-40% reduction in nitrate leaching per year, and how the results have been achieved... And he talks with Kristen Baxter, Zoetis global senior manager for sustainability integration, about the development of an Avian flu vaccine for poultry which is effective against the current global strain of H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza which is killing poultry and wildlife (avian and mammalian) globally. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Lincoln University Associate Professor Racheal Bryant about a low nitrate farmlet trial led by DairyNZ, the results after two years of the trial, including an average 30-40% reduction in nitrate leaching per year, and how the results have been achieved. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Artificial intelligence is suddenly everywhere — including on dairy farms.In this episode, you'll hear from DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Callum Eastwood and Perrin Ag senior consultant Rachel Durie, who have just completed a report on how dairy farmers are using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).They share what they found, including examples of how farmers are already using GenAI, what's working well, the risks to watch for, and the opportunities ahead.Find out more about the research into GenAI use on dairy farms & read the report.How are you using GenAI tools on your farm? Take our short survey.Ready to try it? Try DairyNZ's DAiSY tool on the homepage or find out more here.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

DairyNZ’s chairwoman on what is ahead for the sector in 2026, and the upcoming levy vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of DairyNZ releases the latest break-even price ($8.50) for milk production, and celebrates some good wins in 2025 on the biosecurity and research fronts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chair of DairyNZ previews the industry-good body’s return on levy-payer investment, the profitability of dairy farming at $9.50, and why you should always look under the hood!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chair of DairyNZ addresses the animal welfare issues surrounding cows not being milked (or being milked OAD) because of power cuts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's an expectation farmer confidence will stay high as long as commodity prices stay up. The latest Rabobank survey's found farmers' faith in the broader agricultural economy is at its second highest level in the last decade, up to 46%. 51% expect it to improve in the year ahead. DairyNZ Board Member Jacqueline Rowarth told Mike Hosking the sector's cautiously positive, as trade may change at any time. But she says New Zealand is the best producer of essential amino acids at the lowest environmental impact, so our meat and milk is wanted. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DairyNZ's Chief Science and Innovation Officer says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chair of DairyNZ comments on calving, the payout, Board of Directors elections and the RMA/NPS-FM submission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the news? Fonterra has announced an On Farm Services incentive programme for qualifying farmer-shareholders. The scheme allows farmers who meet their cooperative difference standard, a baseline performance and efficiency standard, to receive what is effectively a $1,500 yearly subsidy to invest in on-farm technology or services. Ranges from animal performance tools from genetics companies, as well as pasture and data optimisation tools, and on-farm planting to improve carbon sequestration. Pasture Management: Apps and dashboards, AI and satellite imagery to manage and optimise pasture on farms. Data optimisation: Farmers deal with so much data flowing in through so many on-farm touchpoints, some services aggregate all that info into key insights farmers can rely on to make good decisions. Animal performance: Animal testing on their cows. Why it matters Obviously a massive deal – this contributes so much to on-farm costs and gives farmers a comfortable buffer to experiment with more technology that could be a massive help. It contributes to the trend of growing tech use on-farm by farmers. In a 2023 survey by DairyNZ, 18% of farmers reported using cow wearables (smart monitoring devices like collars or ear tags), compared to 3% in 2018. This growth translates to more than 820,000 cows now equipped with devices. It's great news because technology is helping farmers be more efficient in a world where they face more regulation and compliance requirements. Fonterra/NZ has a great reputation internationally for producing highly efficient, high-quality milk that's desirable compared to many other countries. It drew the attention of food conglomerates Mars and Nestle, who are kicking in to help fund the subsidy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of DairyNZ discusses the Foot and Mouth (FMD) Operational Agreement, improvements in winter grazing practices, and the successful recent Farmers Forums.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.