Podcasts

The much anticipated Gene Technology Bill has been introduced to parliament this week giving New Zealanders the first look at what the new regulations around genetic technologies such as gene editing and genetic modification could look like. In this episode hear from Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) science advisor Dr Emily Parker on the tiered, risk-based approach to regulating the technologies, including techniques that could be exempt from the regulations. Also hear from Dr Raj Bhula, the Gene Technology Regulator in Australia.

BVD is a significant problem in the dairy industry. In this episode we talk to the US-based scientist who carried out a world first by gene editing BVD resistance into a bovine embryo, cloning it and producing a live BVD resistant calf. Also hear more about LIC’s new partnership in an American gene editing project.

Having control over your finances puts you more firmly at the helm when it comes to the direction of travel of your farm business. Hear how North Canterbury couple, Duncan & Nicky Anderson, budget and then monitor with good systems and communication so they and their two sons can meet the goals they’ve set together. We also hear from accountant Trudi Ballantyne on how to manage tax so there are no surprises.

Financial literacy is almost like learning another language, and in the summer issue of Dairy Exporter the special report focusses on where to start and what is to gain from improving financial literacy in our farm businesses. From understanding debt management, to growing your funds through compounding, this episode breaks down the key terms and tools, with DairyNZ’s Paul Bird, and BakerAg managing director Chris Lewis.

Farm ownership is becoming a harder goal to achieve, especially for the next generation who might not have the capital to meet increasing land prices. In this episode hear from Sarah How, Co-Founder of Landify, on how the platform is setting up young growers with established farmers; Conrad Wilkshire from Property Brokers about how the property market is gaining momentum this spring; and CEO of Pāmu Mark Leslie, on their new pathways programme.

Drench resistance is already a widespread problem in the sheep industry, so how can dairy farmers stay ahead of the game, to avoid the same fate? Regular testing and monitoring are the keys to staying ahead, according to our guests in this episode, who discuss the tools and technology available to farmers right now.

Learning to live with Kikuyu is the reality for more farmers in the upper North Island. Featured in the brand new Dairy Exporter Summer issue, Natalie and Andre Meier share their learnings from managing the subtropical grass on their farm. Also hear from Northland consultant Kim Robinson who gives her top tips for management of a Kikuyu system.

With mating underway it’s important to look at your pasture management systems to make sure your herd is eating well. Keeping quality while there is a surplus and then keeping an eye out on when to slow down your round is important to future proof feed supply. Hear from DairyNZ Farm Systems Specialist Mark Williams, and Chair of Pasture Summit Robbie Ferris, on the keys to successful spring pasture management.

With mating season underway farmers will be considering how to make their herds more efficient, through breeding. Fonterra have been around the country on their Efficiency Evolution Strategy Roadshow, and two of their presenters share the tools they encourage farmers to think about when it comes to getting the most from your herd. Also hear from two LIC Agri Managers on their MINDA tool, and how they’re using it to make bespoke plans for their farmers on what efficiency means to them.

Salmonella outbreaks in herds can be devastating, and given the wet spring across the country, it is a grim reality for some farmers at the moment.
In this episode, hear from a vet managing Salmonella outbreaks in Southland; two Veterinary Technical Advisors from MSD Animal Health about how to prevent a Salmonella outbreak on your farm; and a Waikato dairy farmer about how she managed an outbreak on her farm during the dry period, and what she’s doing now to prevent it happening again.