NUFFIELD REPORT: Designing agricultural policy for a future in farming

We have a mountain to climb to shift a narrative with society of farming as well as a determined effort by political leaders to develop the best stable of agricultural policies in the world - but first we must draw on what is happening globally as New Zealand is but isn't unique.  2023 Nuffield sc…

Episode 20 - Capturing more profit from pasture

What we do in winter has a fundamental impact on the productivity of our pastures, from a persistence perspective, a soil health perspective, and from a production yield perspective. But where do you start?  Farmers Will Grayling and Will Green discuss their two dairy farm businesses. The pair bot…

Episode 19 - Reducing fertiliser costs without compromising fertility

It’s no secret that as prices continue to increase across the board, fertiliser has famously gotten more expensive. With the introduction of a wholesale fertiliser company, the market is about to change. But in the meantime, farmers are looking for ways to manage their fertiliser costs and nutrien…

Episode 18 - Outstanding in their field

An opportunity to connect, learn and inspire - 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.  Across the board the winners say the highlight is creating lifelong connections, and …

Episode 17 - Celebrating women in dairy

Women in rural communities are known for wearing many different hats, and the Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) conference is a showcase of the women going above and beyond in the dairy sector and in their communities.  The DWN’s 2024 “Enhance, Elevate, Evolve” conference was held in New Plymouth last w…

Episode 16 - Do we need a mindset shift towards staff?

With more responsibility and skill needed by all staff, dairy farming isn’t the job it used to be. The incoming workforce might have higher qualifications than their previous counterparts, but two thirds of new farm workers don’t last beyond their first year on farm.  So are we in need of a mindse…

NUFFIELD REPORT: What’s the beef? Opportunities for Beef on Dairy in New Zealand

Over 2 million calves are produced from the dairy herd in NZ every year, with only a quarter retained for herd replacements. How do we build a ‘beef on dairy’ industry that is growing successfully in the States? 2023 Nuffield scholar and Canterbury farmer, Matt Iremonger says, money may save the b…

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 d…

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 co…

Episode 13 - Protectionism against NZ dairy exports makes stormy seas ahead

As we come to a close on the 2023/2024 NZ season and dairy production ramps up around the globe, what is the wash up of this season and the forecast of the season ahead? Will the avian flu in the US represent a decline in their domestic production be good for our exports? Is China producing more d…