Hear about new insights on milking frequency and regional trends, and experiences from some farmers who have been using once-a-day (OAD) milking in early lactation this season.

How can your actions during calving impact success at mating? Find out about the herd fertility cake concept and the key ingredients to focus on between calving and mating to improve in-calf rates.

In this episode, Jac McGowan and Mitch Cooper, veterinarian and DairyNZ’s Senior Technical and Policy Advisor, discuss how to prevent and manage down cows during calving season. Get practical tips on how to recognise early signs, treatment and care.

In this episode of Talking Dairy, we dive into the topic of ongoing water quality improvement efforts by the dairy sector with Aslan Wright-Stow, Senior Manager - Science at DairyNZ.

When it comes to leadership and motivating the next generation, how do others do this? Join us for part two of our people leadership series, as we talk to Tawera Nikau and Tina Ngatai to hear their views.

When it comes to managing a team, what does good leadership look like? And how do you invest in developing people when times are financially tough? Join us as we to talk to Southland share farmers Leo and Hazel to understand their views.

Recorded on 20 April 2022. With over 12,000 businesses across New Zealand employing over 30,000 workers on farms, our success in attracting, retaining and growing our people will determine whether the dairy sector thrives or survives.

Recorded on 9 March 2022. Kiwi dairy farmers are increasingly under pressure with ever-changing regulations, acute workforce shortages, and all the complexities that come with a changing world.

Staff shortages can cause big headaches for dairy farmers. In this episode, we discuss what you can do to attract and retain staff, and we look at the results of a recent dairy farm employee survey, with DairyNZ's lead advisor – people, Jane Muir.

What's the difference between contract milking and variable order sharemilking? Are they still a viable progression pathway? And how do you make it work in your first season?

In this episode, you’ll hear from some of DairyNZ’s regional policy team – David Cooper, Carina Ross, and Shaun Hazelton – on the big changes happening in policy right now and why your voice matters and helps our advocacy in these processes.

This episode shares practical ways to build high-performing teams, with insights covering leadership, communication, and planning, plus tips on culture, wellbeing and using tools like Workplace 360 to support your people.

Want to breed a herd that performs now and into the future? Donovan Croot and Sophie Cookson share how they’ve built one of the country’s top herds for BW by applying practical breeding strategies.

In our 100th episode, Jac McGowan chats with DairyNZ’s Bruce Thorrold and Campbell Parker about the science and smarts behind NZ’s world-class dairy. Hear how farmers led the change and what’s coming next. A must-listen for anyone in dairy.

Global trade is shifting fast - and it impacts NZ dairy farmers. In this episode, top economists break down what’s changing, what it means for you, and how to stay ahead. Get ready for Farmers’ Forum 2025 with this preview.

Looking to grow your ag career or feel more connected? In this episode, hear how NZ Young Farmers helps you build skills, find support, and be part of something bigger. You’ll meet your people - and maybe your farming family. Listen now.

Not all traits bring quick wins – but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth it. Jac McGowan and Dr Rhiannon Hancock talk about low heritability traits, why they matter, and how small gains can add up to big results over time.

It’s been a season of shifting gears - high costs, cautious optimism, then a lift in milk prices and easing interest rates. With a new financial year just around the corner, Mark Storey and Paul Bird look at what’s on the horizon for next season.

In this Talking Dairy summer yarns bonus episode, we revisit Contract Milking 101 with Brendon Attrill and Rachael Foy. They discuss what it takes to set yourself up for success in contract milking.

How do you benchmark your farm systems and performance within the sector? 20 percent of New Zealand farms contribute to DairyBase which offers two types of benchmarking and compares them to industry standards or targets.