Podcasts
Episode 18 – Outstanding in their field
The Dairy Industry Awards took place in Queenstown last weekend, and host Sheryl Haitana takes the opportunity to talk to those leading the way in the dairy sector. Guests include: Will Hinton & Kali Rangiawha, Share Farmers of the Year; Kieran McCahon, Dairy Manager of the Year; Kirwyn Ellis, Dairy Trainee of the Year.
Episode 17 – Celebrating women in dairy
The DWN’s 2024 “Enhance, Elevate, Evolve” conference was held in New Plymouth last week. Sheryl Haitana takes the opportunity to talk to Katrina Roberts, Fonterra Woman of the Year; Jules Benton, CEO of DWN; and Rebecca O’Brien, DWN Regional Winner of the Year.
Episode 16 – Do we need a mindset shift towards staff?
Are we in need of a mindset change when it comes to staffing dairy farms? In this episode we dive into how to make the most of an upskilled generation of workers and discuss how to keep them in farming businesses for longer.
Episode 15 – Managing cash flow pressure vs sustainability pressures with your bank
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.
Episode 14 – Cows grazing on a salad bar create healthier milk
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.
Episode 13 – Protectionism against NZ dairy exports makes stormy seas ahead
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.
Episode 12 – Golden Bay dairy farmers diving deep to be at the forefront of freshwater
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.
Episode 11 – Be proactive with your calf rearing
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.
Episode 10 – Is maize the answer to growing more feed on farm?
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.
Episode 9 – How to fine tune your pasture utilisation in Autumn
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.