DNA testing is transforming dairy breeding by giving farmers greater confidence in parentage and allowing more accurate genetic information to be fed into breeding models. Anne Lee speaks with CRV myDNA Programme Manager Connie McFarlane about how DNA testing and genomics are helping farmers improve herd performance, from verifying calf parentage to increasing the reliability of breeding values and genetic indexes. 

 

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:
Connie McFarlane, myDNA Programme Manager, CRV 

 

Connie explains why around one in four calves can be mismatched to their dams without DNA testing, and how tissue sampling and genomic analysis provide a much clearer picture of an animal's true genetic potential. Anne and Connie also discuss how farmers are using genomic information to identify replacement heifers and select cows for beef or sexed semen, the importance of building larger genomic reference populations, how DNA testing is accelerating genetic gain in both dairy cows and bulls, and the future opportunities for genomic traits including hoof health, mastitis resistance and genetic defect screening.

 

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

DNA testing is transforming dairy breeding by giving farmers greater confidence in parentage and allowing more accurate genetic information to be fed into breeding models. Anne Lee speaks with CRV myDNA Programme Manager Connie McFarlane about how DNA testing and genomics are helping farmers improve herd performance, from verifying calf parentage to increasing the reliability of breeding values and genetic indexes.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Connie McFarlane, myDNA Programme Manager, CRV&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Connie explains why around one in four calves can be mismatched to their dams without DNA testing, and how tissue sampling and genomic analysis provide a much clearer picture of an animal's true genetic potential. Anne and Connie also discuss how farmers are using genomic information to identify replacement heifers and select cows for beef or sexed semen, the importance of building larger genomic reference populations, how DNA testing is accelerating genetic gain in both dairy cows and bulls, and the future opportunities for genomic traits including hoof health, mastitis resistance and genetic defect screening.
&nbsp;
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

DAIRY Country is your mainstay in dairy farming as your trusted source for adding value to your dairy farming business with seasonal on farm stories and exclusive technical advice weekly with your host, Anne Lee.

Formally the NZ Dairy Exporter since 1925, DAIRY Country is part of the CountryWide network based in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Get in touch with our Anne Lee - anne@countrywidemedia.co.nz if you have a great insight to share with our
thousands of readers and listeners in New Zealand and around the world.

Don’t miss our weekly episodes of the DAIRY Country Podcast by hitting the subscribe button now and join our DAIRY Country weekly email newsletter to get the latest in-depth stories in your mailbox so you are always ahead of the game in the
business of dairy farming into the future.

DAIRY Country is your mainstay in dairy farming as your trusted source for adding value to your dairy farming business with seasonal on farm stories and exclusive technical advice weekly with your host, Anne Lee.
Formally the NZ Dairy Exporter since 1925, DAIRY Country is part of the CountryWide network based in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Get in touch with our Anne Lee - anne@countrywidemedia.co.nz if you have a great insight to share with our thousands of readers and listeners in New Zealand and around the world.
Don&rsquo;t miss our weekly episodes of the DAIRY Country Podcast by hitting the&nbsp;subscribe button now and <a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/sign-up/">join our DAIRY Country weekly email newsletter</a> to get the&nbsp;latest in-depth stories in your mailbox so you are always ahead of the game in the business of dairy farming into the future.

DAIRY Country

Episode 123 - Improving herds through DNA testing

Share farming and contract milking agreements are a fundamental part of New Zealand’s dairy industry, but are the contracts and legislation governing them still fit for purpose? Anne Lee speaks with The Sharefarming Consultants’ Louise Gibson and AgFirst’s Lycinda Lett about the challenges facing farm owners, contract milkers and share farmers, and why they believe the legal framework needs a refresh.

 

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guests:
Louise Gibson, Co-Founder, The Sharefarming Consultants
Lycinda Lett, Consultant, AgFirst

 

Louise and Lycinda discuss gaps in the Sharemilking Agreements Act, the growing use of contract milking and the risks of relying on contract law. Anne, Louise and Lycinda also explore the importance of clear agreements and farm policies, power imbalances, disputes and mediation, guaranteed minimum returns and withheld milk payments, as well as the changes Louise and Lycinda believe could provide greater security and support successful business partnerships.

 

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

Share farming and contract milking agreements are a fundamental part of New Zealand&rsquo;s dairy industry, but are the contracts and legislation governing them still fit for purpose? Anne Lee speaks with The Sharefarming Consultants&rsquo; Louise Gibson and AgFirst&rsquo;s Lycinda Lett about the challenges facing farm owners, contract milkers and share farmers, and why they believe the legal framework needs a refresh.
&nbsp;
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Louise Gibson, Co-Founder, The Sharefarming Consultants</li>
<li aria-level="1">Lycinda Lett, Consultant, AgFirst</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Louise and Lycinda discuss gaps in the Sharemilking Agreements Act, the growing use of contract milking and the risks of relying on contract law. Anne, Louise and Lycinda also explore the importance of clear agreements and farm policies, power imbalances, disputes and mediation, guaranteed minimum returns and withheld milk payments, as well as the changes Louise and Lycinda believe could provide greater security and support successful business partnerships.
&nbsp;
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

Episode 124 - Updates needed to law and agreements

Global dairy markets have entered a period of correction after two years of exceptionally strong prices, with growing milk production putting downward pressure on key commodities. Anne Lee speaks with HighGround Dairy's Stu Davison about the global forces shaping New Zealand's farmgate milk price, from expanding milk production in the United States to Europe's heatwave, China's changing demand patterns and the latest Global Dairy Trade Pulse results.

 

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:
Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy

 

Stu explains why traders are already pricing weather risk into dairy markets as New Zealand heads towards a potential Super El Niño, and what that could mean for milk production and commodity prices over the coming season. Anne and Stu also discuss the growing competitiveness of US dairy exports, how conflict in the Middle East is influencing global dairy trade and food security, the impact of Europe's large butter and skim milk powder inventories, and why currency movements could play a significant role in New Zealand's milk price outlook.

 

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

Global dairy markets have entered a period of correction after two years of exceptionally strong prices, with growing milk production putting downward pressure on key commodities. Anne Lee speaks with HighGround Dairy's Stu Davison about the global forces shaping New Zealand's farmgate milk price, from expanding milk production in the United States to Europe's heatwave, China's changing demand patterns and the latest Global Dairy Trade Pulse results.
&nbsp;
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Stu explains why traders are already pricing weather risk into dairy markets as New Zealand heads towards a potential Super El Ni&ntilde;o, and what that could mean for milk production and commodity prices over the coming season. Anne and Stu also discuss the growing competitiveness of US dairy exports, how conflict in the Middle East is influencing global dairy trade and food security, the impact of Europe's large butter and skim milk powder inventories, and why currency movements could play a significant role in New Zealand's milk price outlook.
&nbsp;
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

Episode 122 - Following the milk price signals

As a founder, Jack Jensen has built a large following through his multimedia company Msft Productions, producing content for some big-name companies while inspiring people to embrace adventure, community and the outdoors. Anne Lee talks with Jack about his charity Spark That Chat, formed in response to the loss of a close mate to suicide. Park That Chat is a wellbeing initiative, helping people across New Zealand have more meaningful conversations and build practical tools for resilience.

Host:
Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:
Jack Jensen, Spark That Chat

 

Jack explains how Spark That Chat has grown from a social media campaign into a nationwide movement, reaching millions of people through school tours, community events and the rural-focused Cut the Bull campaign. Anne and Jack also discuss why meaningful conversations, movement, breathwork and slowing down are powerful tools for supporting mental wellbeing, and the importance of checking in with friends and family before they reach crisis point. They also explore the unique pressures facing rural communities, how partnerships with organisations such as Farmstrong are helping extend the initiative's reach, and why simple, everyday conversations can make a life-changing difference.

 

Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/

As a founder, Jack Jensen has built a large following through his multimedia company Msft Productions, producing content for some big-name companies while inspiring people to embrace adventure, community and the outdoors. Anne Lee talks with Jack about his charity Spark That Chat, formed in response to the loss of a close mate to suicide. Park That Chat is a wellbeing initiative, helping people across New Zealand have more meaningful conversations and build practical tools for resilience.
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country</li>
</ul>
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jack Jensen, Spark That Chat</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Jack explains how Spark That Chat has grown from a social media campaign into a nationwide movement, reaching millions of people through school tours, community events and the rural-focused Cut the Bull campaign. Anne and Jack also discuss why meaningful conversations, movement, breathwork and slowing down are powerful tools for supporting mental wellbeing, and the importance of checking in with friends and family before they reach crisis point. They also explore the unique pressures facing rural communities, how partnerships with organisations such as Farmstrong are helping extend the initiative's reach, and why simple, everyday conversations can make a life-changing difference.
&nbsp;
Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: <a href="https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/">https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/</a>

Episode 123 - Improving herds through DNA testing

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