Episode 55 – Hot Science & Industry Insights: Expert Takes on Gene Tech, Dairy Innovation & More

In this episode, we hear from experts at the Australasian Dairy Science Symposium, discussing the latest in dairy innovation, from benchmarking farm performance to using DNA technology for pest management. Plus, Glenn Jones shares insights from the Australian Dairy Conference and what’s coming up for farmers at this year’s SIDE event.

Guests include:

1. Kathryn Guthridge, Senior Research Scientist, Agriculture Victoria Research
2. Peter Raedts, Researcher, University of Tasmania
3. Mark Neal, Head of Data Science, DairyNZ
4. Glenn Jones, Governance Group Chair, SIDE

Hosts:

1. Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
2. Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter

Kathryn Guthridge from Agriculture Victoria Research discusses using DNA analysis to identify pests in pastures or crops. She explains that farmers can collect soil or plant samples and send them to a lab, where DNA sequencing identifies insects present at the time. This proactive approach helps farmers make informed management decisions. Kathryn also talks about endophytes, which can boost pasture resilience by controlling insect pests. She highlights how different endophyte strains have unique chemical profiles effective against various pests, offering farmers a tailored solution. The method requires no expertise from the farmer, just sample collection for analysis.

Peter Raedts from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture discusses a farmlet trial investigating nitrogen fertilizer reduction and increased species diversity, including clover, to maintain productivity. Four farmlets were tested with varying nitrogen inputs, from 300 kg to zero synthetic nitrogen. Despite the lack of fertilizer in one farmlet, productivity remained similar across all groups. Clover contributed to growth, but long-term sustainability remains uncertain. The trial is ongoing, exploring nitrogen sources and efficiency, including clover’s nitrogen fixation and soil microbes. Peter emphasizes the need for further research to understand the system’s potential and its impact on environmental nitrogen loss.

Mark Neal from Dairy NZ discusses the evolving approach to benchmarking, aiming to separate farm performance from farmer performance. By adjusting benchmarks based on specific farm factors like topography, infrastructure, and genetics, the goal is to create a more accurate assessment of a farmer’s performance. This method allows farmers with challenging conditions to be evaluated fairly, offering opportunities for learning from high performers in similar situations. Mark emphasizes the need for quality data and transparency to ensure the system helps farmers identify key areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing profitability without judgment for uncontrollable factors.

Glenn Jones, Chairman of the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), shares insights from the Australian Dairy Conference. Alongside young delegate Levi Stewart, Glenn highlights key takeaways, including visits to the University of Queensland’s dairy research facility and a Wagyu and Angus feedlot. He discusses the inspiring recovery of dairy farmers Paul and Sharon Weir after a flood, and a macadamia farm’s successful transition from sugarcane. Glenn covers themes like succession planning, biosecurity threats, and the role of AI in dairy farming, emphasizing the importance of innovation, international collaboration, and technology in New Zealand’s evolving dairy sector.