A major research effort aimed at cutting nitrogen (N) losses without losing sight of farm viability is putting practical system change under the microscope.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Dr Racheal Bryant, Associate Professor at Lincoln University, about the Low-N Farmlet Trial that’s found stacking a number of N mitigations together on-farm can cut N losses by up to 50%. The multi-year study is part of the DairyNZ-led Low-N Systems research programme with studies involving the Bioeconomy Sciences Institute (formerly AgResearch), Fonterra, AbacusBio and CRV with funding also coming from the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Dr Bryant explains how modelling and onfarm measurement have been used to test combinations of lower nitrogen fertiliser rates, diverse pastures, genetics and all-grass wintering systems, revealing where significant reductions in nitrate leaching are achievable, the trade-offs with profitability (a 7% reduction in some cases), and how farmers can assess which mitigations may work best in their own systems.

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Dr Racheal Bryant, Associate Professor, Lincoln University

Dr Bryant steps through how the research has played out on the ground at Lincoln University’s Research Dairy Farm, comparing modelled outcomes with real-world measurements across multiple seasons. She discusses reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, farmer involvement in shaping the work, and what the findings mean for farmers as they weigh environmental targets against production, costs, profitability and long-term system resilience.

DairyNZ Low N farm systems overview: https://www.dairynz.co.nz/research/science-projects/low-n-systems/

DairyNZ link to the live farmlet data: https://connect.dairynz.co.nz/Low-N/LowN_Farmlet_Summary.html

Dairy futures Living Lab: https://livinglab.codecrew.nz/

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A volatile start to 2026 has put global dairy markets back in the spotlight, with a sharp lift in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction offering some early-year optimism for farmers.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy to unpack what’s behind the 6.3% rebound in the GDT index after a prolonged run of declines. Stu explains how aggressive buying from the Middle East, shifting oil prices and heightened geopolitical tension have combined to drive short-term support across powders and milk fats, despite global milk supply continuing to run hot.

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy

Stu breaks down what’s happening across key regions, including strong production growth in the US and Europe, steady but subdued demand from China, and the implications for New Zealand as the season moves into its tail. He also looks ahead to the months and seasons to come, outlining why oversupply remains the dominant risk, what that means for milk price expectations, and how tools such as futures and higher-value processing will be critical for farmers navigating another year of volatility.

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This special episode of Dairy Country, powered by MSD Animal Health, dives into how SenseHub Dairy is reshaping modern herd management through real-time insights and connected on-farm technology.

Taranaki farmer Ed Whiting shares how adopting SenseHub Dairy has transformed the way he and his family run their system, lifting animal health, streamlining decision-making, and giving them greater confidence through timely, accurate data. Alongside Ed, West Coast sharemilker Terry Swney explains how the technology supports heat detection and herd performance in a challenging climate, while South Island team leader Laura Christensen offers a behind-the-scenes look at the tools farmers are using to monitor rumination, young stock, and milk-quality trends.

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO, CountryWide Media

Guests:

• Ed Whiting, Taranaki farmer
• Terry Swney, West Coast sharemilker
• Laura Christensen, South Island Sales Lead, SenseHub Dairy

Ed Whiting reflects on his journey in adopting technology on his Taranaki farm and how SenseHub Dairy has transformed the way he manages his herd. Farming a mixed operation with 400 cows, 300 beef calves, and a large free-range broiler chicken enterprise, he shares how real-time insights into heat, health, rumination, and milk quality have shaped his approach to herd management and decision-making.

He talks about integrating collars, milk meters, and young stock tags across his operation, fine-tuning feeding regimes, preventing metabolic issues, and monitoring every cow individually. Ed also discusses the value of using technology to connect his team, improve workflow, and make smarter decisions on farm, and encourages other farmers to embrace incremental steps when adopting new systems: start with one tool, learn, and expand from there.

Terry Swney reflects on stepping up to share milking on his West Coast farm and how SenseHub Dairy has helped him manage a 635-cow operation more efficiently. Operating in a low-stocking-rate, pasture-based system, he shares how collars and young stock tags have guided his approach to heat detection, animal health, and rumination, helping him make better decisions while saving time in the shed.

He talks about how the technology has allowed him to fine-tune feeding, prevent health issues, and monitor young stock development, while also highlighting the importance of reliable support and guidance from the SenseHub Dairy team. Terry encourages other farmers to adopt new systems step by step, focusing on learning and practical benefits rather than feeling overwhelmed by the data.

Laura Christensen shares her perspective as MSD Animal Health’s South Island Sales Lead for the SenseHub Dairy brand about how the technology is helping farmers across diverse environments make smarter decisions. She explains how customisable solutions from heat detection and milk monitoring to young stock tracking support herd health, reproductive performance, and feeding management, even in remote or challenging conditions.

Laura also highlights the importance of ongoing support, on-farm training, and practical guidance to ensure farmers can confidently integrate technology into their systems. She encourages farmers to approach adoption step by step, focusing on meaningful insights and improvements for individual animals and overall herd performance.

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