Heat stress is a growing challenge on our dairy farms, and the impact on your farm could be bigger than you think. In this episode, you’ll hear how DairyNZ’s summer trial at Scott Farm is testing common mitigation tools, and assessing their return on investment, to find the best solutions.

Animal scientist Dr Charlotte Reed and senior animal care specialist Jac McGowan break down the research and share their early insights and observations from the trials. They also share current information and practical solutions you can use right now to keep your cows comfortable and productive in the heat.

Heat Stress research and current information

DairyNZ invests in heat stress research to give you evidence behind the solutions that improve cow comfort, protect performance, and support sustainable, future‑ready farm systems.

Read more about heat stress research in action at DairyNZ

Get current information for reducing heat stress in your dairy cows

Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz

Connect with DairyNZ

Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

In this episode of Talking Dairy, Northland farmer and DairyNZ associate director Greg Collins shares an inside look at his year in the role, as the search for the next associate director to join the DairyNZ Board gets underway.

If you’re a dairy farmer who’s ready to grow your governance skills and contribute to the dairy sector, this episode offers some great insights into what you need to know.

Greg is the 15th associate director on DairyNZ’s Board, since the initiative was introduced in 2013. The associate directorship is a one-year position that offers levy-paying farmers the chance to get first-hand governance experience.

Find out about the DairyNZ associate director role and how to apply

Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz

Connect with DairyNZ

Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected

With the right structure, tools, and communication, contract milking and variable order sharemilking agreements become pathways for equity growth and stronger farm businesses.

This episode brings you practical insights on what makes those agreements successful for both parties.

DairyNZ senior business specialist Paul Bird, and contract milker Hayden Scott, share their experience and insights on aspects such as setting fair rates, managing cashflow in your first season, and having conversations that build trust.

They also explore the expectations and pressures on each side, and how to align them so the business relationship stays strong over time.

Learn more about contract milking

Learn more about setting up a contract milking agreement

Download the DairyNZ Contract Milking Premium Calculator.

A monthly cashflow budget takes your annual cash budget and spreads your income and expenses across the year giving you a month-by-month basis picture.

Enrol in a Dairy Training Contract Milking Course

Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz

Connect with DairyNZ

Stay up to date with advice, latest research, tools and resources. Read, browse, scroll, listen, or be there in person. Visit dairynz.co.nz/get-connected