Special Reports and Podcasts

The wellness industry is valued at $1.8 trillion so why aren’t we positioning New Zealand’s red meat’s positive health attributes? From selecting the right sire through to how we market our beef, hear from three experts on what they think we need to do. We talk about livestock genetics sales ahead of bull sale season, meet our new host of BEEF Country and hear the updates in nutrient profiling of meat cuts from an AgResearch scientist.

Figured’s modelling initially saw the start of this season with 38% of dairy farmers making a loss. Forecasts have improved by the end of the season so are the banks going to be more supportive of longer term investment into sustainability goals? This episode shares insights & forecasts, ways to deal with the bank for the long-term and how to manage the mental load of debt and cash flow stress.

Early indications that if cows get to choose what they eat it may result in milk that contains higher levels of nutrients for its human consumers.
As part of a Lincoln University research trial, cows fed a range of specific pasture species in strips are producing milk that has higher levels of compounds such as vitamins E and B.

As we come to a close on the 2023/2024 NZ season we look to review market performance and forecasts for the season ahead. This episode talks to three experts who are focused on the markets every day, including commentary on avian flu in the US, dairy production in China and how we can negotiate our way through Europe's protectionism measures against dairy.

While some fertiliser costs are softening, global volatility is not going away and neither are the inbuilt costs for the industry to improve its environmental footprint. Words by Sheryl Haitana.

14 dairy farmers have been tasked with moving the freshwater quality status of Te Waikoropupu Springs in Golden Bay from ‘excellent’ to ‘absolutely amazing’ by 2038. Find out how these farmers are de-risking their farming business in the face of huge uncertainty, the power of having a collective voice in your catchment and how virtual fencing technology is supporting the challenge.

Maize is pretty amazing for dairy farmers with both environmental and animal feed benefits that align with Fonterra’s target of 80% home-grown feed. Hear about Nestle’s recent presentation at a FAR maize field day, how maize is expanding into Southland with short maturing hybrids and how a Waikato dairy farmer is hitting $9,000/ha operating profit regardless of the payout.

Maize is pretty amazing for dairy farmers with both environmental and animal feed benefits that align with Fonterra’s target of 80% home-grown feed. Hear about Nestle’s recent presentation at a FAR maize field day, how maize is expanding into Southland with short maturing hybrids and how a Waikato dairy farmer is hitting $9,000/ha operating profit regardless of the payout.

Two farmers and an agri-tech innovator share their pasture philosophy and learnings from top performing dairy farmers in how they focus on pasture utilisation that leads to better outcomes from people, profitability and the environment. 

Journalist Anne Hardie, along with Sheryl Haitana and Sarah Perriam-Lampp, talk with Reefton dairy farmer, Tom Oats, Lely Waikato sales manager, Tristan McLean and Rob McBeth of Peak Agricultural Consultants about how composting cow barns (‘mootels’) can make a real difference in high-rainfall climates.

Journalist Anne Hardie, along with Sheryl Haitana and Sarah Perriam-Lampp, talk with Reefton dairy farmer, Tom Oats, Lely Waikato sales manager, Tristan McLean and Rob McBeth of Peak Agricultural Consultants about how composting cow barns (‘mootels’) can make a real difference in high-rainfall climates.

This episode explains how New Zealand’s dairy industry can be less reliant on China with demand from Middle East, Africa & South East Asia alongside reduced production from other dairy exporters. Guests include Christina Alvarado, Commercial Manager for Dairy Data and Insights, NZX, Hon. Todd McClay, Minister of Trade and Sjoerd Hofstee, Dairy Journalist, Netherlands.