In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore the Resilient Pastures programme - a new research initiative tackling pasture persistence problems. Hear how farmers, scientists and funders are working together to find lasting, practical solutions.

What’s your plan when pasture growth slows or a dry spell hits? In this episode, DairyNZ’s Mark Williams and farmer Enda Hawe share how to choose the right supplements, use tools like the Supplement Price Calculator, and plan to avoid feed shortages.

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.

With farm business viability top of mind and soils still very wet around the country, what are some steps you can take to make sure you’re spending your fertiliser dollar wisely?

Our guests on this episode are Morrinsville farmer Johan van Ras, planting professional Antony Snodgrass, and DairyNZ’s Aslan Wright-Stow, Senior Manager – Environment.

Rotorua farm owner Steve Holdem joins us to share his experience with Ecotain plantain: what’s worked well, what he and wife Paula have learned about maintaining it, and how it’s saving them from reducing their stocking numbers.

Fodder beet offers many benefits as an alternative crop to brassicas, but it also presents risks and challenges. So, what can we learn from recent research about how to deal with those risks and challenges?

It’s no secret that soil carbon levels on New Zealand farms are among the highest in the world. So, why aren’t dairy farmers being rewarded for it?

How effective is plantain at both reducing nitrate leaching and helping to fill the feed supply in warmer months?

Good weather forecasting helps farmers to make better decisions. But how exactly do meteorologists come up with their predictions? Will forecasting become more accurate?

Talking Dairy is the go-to podcast for New Zealand dairy farmers. You'll hear from farmers, scientists, and experts who share practical tips and insights to help you succeed.

Explore insights from the 2025 Farmers Forum series, where 500+ farmers and experts discussed dairy’s future. Access resources, podcasts, and speaker highlights on trade, tech, climate, and farm business strategy.

Are your calves reaching their potential? Discover what the research says, hear from a farmer who changed their system, and find out more about practical options to boost growth and choose what works for your farm.

Plan ahead for winter and stay in control when pressure hits. Learn practical grazing tips, early warning signs to watch for, and how a clear Plan A and B can help your protect cows, paddocks and the season’s productivity.

What’s next for you on farm? James Laughlin shares a preview of People Expo 2026 and how high-performance leadership can help you move forward with confidence.

Strong advice underpins confident on‑farm decisions. In this episode, hear what sits behind great rural advice and how connection, capability and shared learning help advisors better support farmers in a fast‑changing sector.

This Talking Dairy episode covers the new Dairy Beef Opportunities programme, a cross-sector initiative boosting dairy-beef value, improving outcomes for non‑replacement calves, and strengthening dairy-beef integration.

Rural Support Trust and DairyNZ share what they’re seeing on-farm, how they’re helping dairy communities, and practical ways to ease pressure and reset for the season ahead.