In this summer yarn bonus episode, we revisit the top episode from 2024. Dr. Paul Edwards and Kent Weston-Arnold share fresh insights on new milking frequency trends and the rise of OAD milking in early lactation.

In Episode 90 of Talking Dairy, meet Tracy Brown, DairyNZ’s new Chair. Tracy shares her journey and vision for the future of dairy farming and how she plans to champion farmers and bring greater value to the sector.

Hear about dairy’s economic outlook and what it means for farmers with Mark Storey and Mark Speight. We also cover the impacts of adverse weather on farm systems and how farmers down south are coping with a tough spring this season.

In this episode of Talking Dairy, we tackle the challenge of managing mastitis. Experts Mike Shallcrass and Jane Lacy-Hulbert offer practical tips on detecting and handling high SCC cows and strategies to prevent mastitis and improve milk quality.

What could updating the gene technology laws mean for dairy farmers? Chief Science Advisor Dr. Bruce Thorrold discusses opportunities and risks, and how gene technologies could shape the future of dairy farming in New Zealand.

Read how, Ben and Allie Kink revisit their mating programmes and farm setup to look at how they can improve calf-rearing practices.

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.

Effective team meetings on the farm are vital to keep everyone informed and motivated. Explore how to conduct daily stand-up meetings and weekly meetings to ensure they are structured, purposeful, and suit your team's needs.

Like many sectors in New Zealand, dairy faces the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining good people. Understanding both what employees are looking for and current labour market trends is essential when creating a job in your business.

Coaches and mentors play vital roles in helping individuals navigate their careers and workplaces. While they serve distinct purposes, both offer valuable guidance and empowerment.

Investing in your people can provide multiple benefits to them and your business. Incorporating a training plan for both new and existing employees is a way to show you value and support them and their careers.

Conflict in the workplace can undermine staff motivation, reduce on-farm productivity, and affect an employer’s reputation. Learn how to deal with conflict effectively to maintain a good team culture.

A great team working well together can really benefit your farming business. DairyNZ surveys employees every year about their job satisfaction and what factors drive employee engagement.

When it comes to budgeting on-farm and forecasting spend, how do others do this? Join us as we find out from Mark Storey DairyNZ’s Head of Economics and Louise Collingwood – a South Waikato farmer.

Effectively managing nutrients and contaminants is essential for sustaining waterway health and farm productivity.