Episodes
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With the development of the 2025 – 2030 Dairy Australia Strategic Plan currently underway, dairy farmer and incoming Dairy Australia Chair, Paul Roderick, and Managing Director David Nation, talk about the importance of farmer input into the development of Dairy Australia’s strategic priorities.
David and Paul discuss why it is vital to Dairy Australia’s success as an organisation that services farmers and the dairy industry to have a clear plan that prioritises the use of resources. They explain why the development of the new strategic plan is a key opportunity for Australian dairy farmers to share what is important to them and their dairy farm businesses.
If you haven’t already, Dairy Australia invites you to have your say. We have had a lot of strong participation to date; however, reach out to our regional team and ask about the online and in person Dairy Australia Priorities Farmer Workshops available in your region or other ways you can participate.
Providing input will help shape Dairy Australia’s priorities to ensure they deliver the greatest impact for dairy farmers and the industry.
Find out more at dairyaustralia.com.au/strategy.
This episode features a conversation with:
Greg Duncan, Agribusiness Program Lead, Dairy Australia (host)
Paul Roderick, farmer and Dairy Australia’s incoming Chair
David Nation, Managing Director, Dairy Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Libby Swayn and Cath Lescun discuss soil nutrient management practices with Agriculture Victoria’s Dairy Industry Development Officer, Rachael Campbell.
They look at the key principles to follow when applying fertilisers, how to make the most of the nutrients that are already on the farm, and the practical application of effluent.
Dairy Australia has a range of resources to support dairy farmers across all areas of soil, effluent, water and irrigation management. Find out more: Soils & Water | Dairy Australia
Related links
Grounds for Growth - Soils & Pasture Biodiversity Event | Dairy Australia
This episode features a conversation with:
Western Victoria’s Extension Team Lead, Libby Swayn (host)
Dairy Australia’s National Soils and Water Lead, Cath Lescun
Agriculture Victoria’s Dairy Industry Development Officer, Rachael Campbell.If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode, Western Victorian dairy farmer Rachael McGrath speaks to Dairy Australia’s National People Lead, Mick Fuller, about workplace safety and the connection with mental wellbeing.
Rachael opens up about her past experience with a workplace incident, and how it has shaped her attitude towards farm safety and her own view on seeking support. Leading to a personal drive to help increase mental health awareness in agriculture, Rachael also shares her advice for farmers on how to navigate challenges and where to find support.
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
Trigger warning: This episode contains themes that may be upsetting for some of our listeners. If this does raise personal issues for you, there is help and you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au
Related links:
Home - Rural Aid - Supporting Rural Communities
BetterHelp
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, Dairy NSW Extension Advisor and Farm Engagement Lead, Jane Woolacott, sits down with Bega veterinarian Peter Alexander to discuss some of the animal health issues that can arise following a dry season.
The pair identify metabolic issues to be aware of, as well as the impact on reproduction when cows are calving in lower than ideal body condition, and ways to maintain optimal animal health for your herd.
For more information, contact your regional office or visit Reproductive Management | Dairy Australia.
Related links:
Animal Care | Dairy Australia
Managing in Hot Conditions | Dairy Australia
Mastitis | Dairy AustraliaIf you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, Tasmanian farmer Joey Hammond speaks with Dairy Australia’s Agribusiness Program Lead Greg Duncan – reflecting on what he has learned 12 months on from setting up a new farm with wife Tamara.
Joey shares how they planned for, managed and monitored their business performance. He also speaks about how they managed risks, and some of the influencing factors that made them successful – networking with like-minded farmers and having good relationships with their accountant and bank manager.
For support with your farm business management needs, contact your regional office today or visit Dairy Farm Business | Dairy Australia
Related links
Our Farm, Our Plan | Dairy Australia
Dairy Farm Monitor Project | Dairy Australia
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Victoria’s Goulburn Valley dairy farmers Charlotte and Mark Stevens discuss the importance of developing the skills and capabilities of their employees.
The couple join Dairy Australia’s National People Lead, Mick Fuller and Murray Dairy’s Workforce Attraction Project Lead Melva Tyson to talk about how they provide continuous support for their staff development, the benefits they see in retention and impact on farm productivity.
To find out more about how Dairy Australia provides support with employing and managing people, and building skills for successful careers in dairy farming, contact your regional team today or visit People | Dairy Australia.
Related links
The People in Dairy |
Dairy Australia | Enlight
Dairy Farm Business | Dairy Australia
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, Murray Dairy Extension Team Lead Bec Wyper speaks with Pinion Advisory’s Jason Lynch about how farmers can get the most out of the spring growing season after a significant dry period. Jason outlines the importance of planning a feed budget and soil testing and preparing for any feed gaps.
To find out more, visit Feed budgeting | Dairy Australia
Related links:
Seasonal Management | Dairy Australia
Drought Support | Dairy Australia
Hay & Grain Reports | Dairy AustraliaIf you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Healthy Bones Action Week (HBAW) is a long-running Dairy Australia community initiative that aims to educate Australians about the importance of bone health, and the things we need to do to build and protect our bones – including encouraging people to get enough dairy, every day.
In this episode, ballerina-turned-dairy farmer Celina Pellett joins Dairy Australia’s Senior Nutrition Scientist Dr Rivkeh Haryono and healthy ageing expert Dr Sandra Iuliano, to discuss the data behind bone health and the work being done to promote increased milk consumption during HBAW (running from 12-18 August 2024).
Celina also shares her personal story about an accident and how she made a conscious effort to consume more dairy while recovering.
To find out more about Healthy Bones Action Week, visit dairy.com.au/healthybones
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Col Pearse is a Paralympic swimmer who grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Victoria’s Murray region.
In this episode, Col speaks to Dairy Australia’s Health Communications Advisor and dietitian Kristina Gorgievska about sports nutrition, and how he - as an elite athlete - incorporates dairy into his diet. The pair also speak about Col’s role as a World Milk Day ambassador and why he thinks it’s important to support the dairy industry.
If you would like to find out more about the programs that help educate the public on the role of dairy, visit Our Programs | Dairy Australia - Dairy Australia.
Related links
Promoting Australian Dairy | Dairy Australia
Celebrating the power of milk | Dairy Australia
World Milk Day - Dairy Australia
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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This episode is from a recent webinar that discusses the issues and decisions facing dairy farmers as they head into a new season.
Dairy Australia's Agribusiness Program Lead, Greg Duncan, is joined by farm business management consultants Tom Farran and Fiona Smith, who offer key insights about farm financial analysis and identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
For more information and support with your farm business management needs, visit Enhancing Farm Business Management | Dairy Australia
Watch the webinar: Farm financials webinar - Responding to the shift in settings (youtube.com)
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, DairyTas Extension Team Lead Liz Mann is joined by Dr Richard Rawnsley from Fonterra and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture.
Listen to Liz and Richard as they discuss different climate myths and provide guidance on where farmers can start in understanding their greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information about how Dairy Australia supports dairy farmers with managing climate and environment, visit dairyaustralia.com.au/climateandenvironment
Related links
Australian Dairy Carbon Calculator | Dairy Australia
DairyBase | Dairy Australia
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, we revisit a podcast that focuses on down cows and how to maximise their chances of recovery.
Hear from vet Phil Poulton, who completed a PhD on the subject, as he speaks to Dairy Australia’s National Lead – Animal Health and Welfare, Stephanie Bullen, about when a cow goes from a down cow to a downer cow, how to safely lift and move her, appropriate nursing and when you should use anti-inflammatories.
For more information about down cows and how to care for and manage them, visit the Dairy Australia website and search ‘down cows.’
Related links:
Decision tree for down cows | Dairy Australia
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, we share key insights and guidance from Nollaig Heffernan, an independent management consultant specialising in leadership and organisational psychology.
Nolliag joins Dairy Australia’s Bernie Baxter to discuss what makes a high performing dairy business and identifies some immediate actionable solutions that farmers can take to improve their own operation.
For more information and resources to support staff development and management for your farm business, visit Employing & Managing People | Dairy Australia
Hear from Nollaig in a previous episode:
Podcast 29: How being a better employer improves your farm business - DairyPod - Omny.fm
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s General Manager – Sustainable Dairy, Charlie McElhone speaks with Western Australian dairy farmer Michael Partridge about the trade and export opportunities available to farmers, and the relevance for the state’s fresh milk production.
The pair discuss the importance of growth and opportunities for Australian dairy, as well as the need for free trade agreements and work required to remain competitive.
Find out more about how Dairy Australia is improving market access, while building and maintaining strong international trade relationships at International Dairy Markets | Dairy Australia
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Analysis and Insights Manager, Eliza Redfern and Head of Economics, Data and Insights, John Droppert, discuss the May Situation and Outlook (S&O) report.
Eliza and John highlight the recently completed National Dairy Farmer Survey and look at the topline trends from the S&O report. The conversation covers farmer confidence in the industry as well as milk production and demand, both domestically and internationally.
Access the full S&O report: dairyaustralia.com.au/sando
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
Related links:
Industry Reports | Dairy Australia
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, WestVic Dairy Extension Advisor Debbie Twiss speaks with dairy farmers Victoria Burleigh and Luke Davison about their experiences using genomic testing data as part of their herd management strategies.
The couple – who farm at Nullawarre in Victoria’s south-west – started genomic testing of their herd in 2020. They share how and why they got started, their business decisions based on this new data that saw improved profitability, as well as some practical examples into the business applications of heifer genomics for others to consider.
You can find out more about heifer genomics and genomic testing visit Genetics | Dairy Australia
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
Further information:
Visit the Datagene website. Phone Datagene on 1800 841 848 for information about the sustainability index. Contact your local extension program provider to register your interest in upcoming dairy industry genomics courses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, we hear from Sarah Crosthwaite – a dairy farmer and mental health social worker from the Kiewa Valley in North-east Victoria. In 2023, Sarah was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship that has allowed her to travel the world and see what other countries are doing when it comes to mental health promotion, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Sarah speaks with Gardiner Foundation Communications Manager, Meghan Lodwick, about what she has learnt and the impact of her Nuffield experience.
To find out more about the Nuffield Scholarship and apply for the 2025 intake, visit gardinerfoundation.com.au/nuffield
Read more about Sarah’s story: From dairy farmer to mental health advocate | Dairy Australia
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
Trigger warning: This episode contains themes that may be upsetting for some of our listeners. If this does raise personal issues for you, there is help and you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The availability of a skilled workforce remains one of the top challenges facing Australian agriculture. The shortages have wide-ranging impacts – from farm output to work-life balance, and succession.
Join Dairy Australia’s National People Lead, Mick Fuller and DairySA’s Extension Coordinator and Workforce Attraction Project Lead, Alberta Badu-Yeboah as they chat to South Australian dairy farmer Sarah Moore about finding and attracting staff, including backpackers, to dairy farms.
A former backpacker – now farm manager – Sarah shares her perspective on what makes a backpacker a great farming employee.
The conversation explores what a talent community is, how to engage with backpackers specifically and how to make the most of the time they’re on farm to ensure a great experience for the employer and employee.
This episode is part of a DairyPod workforce attraction series providing insights and guidance to help farmers successfully recruit and retain the right people for dairy farm jobs.
To find out more about how Dairy Australia is supporting farmers with employing and managing people and to access employment resources, visit People, Skills & Capability | Dairy Australia
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
Related links:
The People in Dairy
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dairy Australia’s Project Manager, Carly Potts brings an inspirational conversation to this DairyPod episode as she speaks with Young Dairy Network Conference guest presenter, Samantha Bloom.
Samantha is a three-time World Para Surfing champion, author and inspiration behind the #1 Australian box-office movie, Penguin Bloom – the movie adapted from the international bestselling book, Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little Bird Who Saved a Family.
Following an accident that led to her spinal injury, Samantha shares her story with an inspiring degree of positivity and brutal honesty of her personal challenges. She talks about her journey through depression and anger, and how the kindness of others and the process of telling her story helped her find meaningful purpose again. Today, her passion is fundraising to help others affected by spinal cord injuries as well as an enviable determination to win her fourth World Para Surfing championship.
To find out more about Dairy Australia’s national events – including the Young Dairy Network calendar – visit Cows, Courage and Curiosity - A Young Dairy Network Event | Dairy Australia
Other related links:
NSW YDN sign up page: dairyaustralia.com.au/dairynsw/about-us/dairy-nsw-young-dairy-network
More about Sam: Home | Sam Bloom
Trigger warning: This episode does contain themes that may be upsetting for some of our listeners. If this does raise personal issues for you, there is help and you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at beyondblue.org.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Development & Regional Adaptation Lead – Feedbase and Nutrition Dr Josie Garner speaks with Feedworks’ ruminant nutrition experts Pip Gale and Ian Sawyer about how to prepare for feed gaps with non-forage fibre sources.
This recent webinar on byproducts feeding looks at the considerations for farmers when feeding non-forage fibre sources to dairy cows, including variation in nutrient values. It also provides guidance on how best to utilise byproducts such as almond hulls and palm kernel, as well as associated risks to be aware of when it comes to storage, mould and contaminants.To learn more about how Dairy Australia is supporting farmers in feedbase and nutrition, visit Feeding & Farm Systems | Dairy Australia
Watch the full webinar: Byproducts feeding webinar (youtube.com)
If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]
Other related links:
Byproducts Report | Dairy Australia
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