Episode 33 – What tools will give our dairy farmers an edge?
A jump in the payout forecast could signal dairy is again going to do the heavy lifting for the country’s struggling economy and brighter times could be on the horizon. So it’s a good time to look at what’s happening in global markets and what tools are available here to give farmers an edge onfarm.
In this episode we talk to Southland Sharemilker Anieka Templer about equity partnerships and wearable technology; RaboResearch’s Stefan Vogel at the NZIPIM Conference about how the global markets are stacking up; and agribusiness consultant James Allen about the role of farm advisors.
Guests include:
- Anieka Templer, Sharemilker
- Stefan Vogel, General Manager, RaboResearch Australia & New Zealand
- James Allen, CEO & Agribusiness Consultant, AgFirst
Hosts:
- Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
- Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter
Southland Sharemilker Anieka Templer discusses why they decided to introduce wearables with the Allflex cow collars, and how that has benefited their system, and what data they’ve been able to collect. She says it’s completely changed how they manage their time onfarm, including being able to focus on other projects.
RaboResearch Australia & New Zealand’s General Manager Stefan Vogel gives an update on what dairy farmers can expect in the next twelve months with overseas export markets and discusses why shipping prices are so high at the moment.
He also discusses how the Chinese are favouring sustainably sourced, and therefore healthy, food, which has become more important to them post-Covid. He warns that this doesn’t mean they’re likely to pay a premium for New Zealand products yet.
Farm consultant James Allen spoke at the NZIPIM Conference last week, and discusses the current role of farm consultants as farming gets more complex. He says the advisory role has evolved into supporting compliance from an independent viewpoint, or it could be around helping with consents management and nutritional advice. He also discusses how farmers can use data to influence onfarm decisions, with the help of their farm advisors, and also the future role of AI on our farms. .
