Fraser Tasker has spent the past several years refining a grass-based wintering system on his Mid Canterbury dairy support block, replacing traditional fodder beet and kale wintering for his mixed-age cows. Anne Lee speaks with Fraser about what prompted the change, how the system operates and the practical lessons he's learnt along the way.

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Fraser Tasker, Canterbury farmer

Fraser was one of three farmers who spoke at a Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) focus day along with scientists studying pasture based wintering systems for the South Island. Anne and Fraser discuss some of the information shared at the focus day and dig more deeply into Fraser’s dairy operation. He explains how the cocksfoot pastures and separate fescue dominant pastures are managed and the improvements he’s seen in animal health and welfare, simplified management and nitrogen losses. He discusses how he balances multiple stock classes on the support block, costs of the system and why he believes grass wintering works for his situation.

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Dr Ajmal Khan has spent more than a decade researching calf rearing, investigating how early-life nutrition and management influence the health, productivity and lifetime performance of dairy animals. Anne Lee speaks with the Bioeconomy Science Institute scientist about his latest research into colostrum management, milk feeding and pre-weaning growth, and why getting those first days and weeks right can have lasting benefits for calf health, milk production, longevity and farm profitability.

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Dr Ajmal Khan, Bioeconomy Science Institute

Ajmal explains why collecting calves early and feeding high-quality "gold" colostrum is critical for successful passive transfer of immunity, before sharing findings from his long-term New Zealand research that followed calves through their first four lactations as cows. Anne and Ajmal also discuss the importance of feeding adequate milk during the pre-weaning period, the impact of early growth rates on lifetime milk production, practical weaning strategies and the role of automatic calf feeders. Together they explore how small management decisions during a calf's first weeks can deliver significant gains in animal welfare, productivity, profitability and environmental outcomes.

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Karen Fraser has spent years helping dairy farmers improve calf rearing through practical, science-based advice. Anne Lee speaks with the Farmlands Technical Specialist and Calf Experts co-founder about the foundations of successful calf rearing, from colostrum management and the five Qs of colostrum to early-life nutrition and milk feeding.

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Karen Fraser, Technical Specialist, Farmlands

Karen explains why collecting calves early, feeding high-quality "gold" colostrum and maintaining excellent hygiene are critical for successful passive transfer of immunity and healthy calves. Anne and Karen also discuss the latest recommendations around feeding higher milk volumes in early life, choosing and using calf milk replacers, practical weaning strategies and the importance of developing the rumen while maintaining strong growth rates. They also explore common calf-rearing mistakes, from colostrum handling to tubing and electrolyte use, and share practical tips to help farmers raise healthier, more productive animals from day one.

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