In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Analysis and Insights Manager, Eliza Redfern and Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Senior Agricultural Analyst Sean Hickey, explore the Mid-year Situation and Outlook (S&O) report. Eliza and Sean discuss the Dairy Farmland Values Report – a first for the industry – and the key drivers and factors across agriculture that impact land prices across dairying regions. They also look at the grain markets and the current world events influencing grain prices, and what lie...
Jun 19, 2025•23 min•Ep. 141
In this episode of DairyPod, dairy farmers Rachael Napier (Murray Dairy Board Chair) and Paul Bennett (Dairy Australia Board member) share how farmers across the country have helped shape Dairy Australia’s new five-year Strategic Plan. Alongside host Greg Duncan (Dairy Australia), Rachael and Paul reflect on the extensive consultation process, the key priorities raised by farmers – including profitability, productivity and sustainability – and how these insights are guiding the organisation’s fu...
Jun 12, 2025•22 min•Ep. 140
In this special World Milk Day edition of DairyPod, Dairy Australia’s Karl Ellis is joined by sports commentator and milk enthusiast, Dwayne Russell and proud dairy farmer and AFL fan, Evan Nicholas. Together, they dive into the heart of what makes milk great – from footy fields to farm gates. Hear stories of childhood milk moments, the role of dairy in Aussie sports culture, and the deep pride behind producing one of the world’s most nutritious foods. Pour yourself a glass and join the celebrat...
May 29, 2025•25 min•Ep. 139
In this episode, dairy farmers Tania Luckin and Sarah Kelly join Dairy Australia’s Head of Marketing Glenys Zucco to discuss how the industry is being promoted and protected in the public eye. The trio speak about how important it is to have farmers involved in dairy industry promotion for authenticity and transparency, reflecting on the successful Dairy Matters campaign – which ran from 2019 to 2024 – as well as looking ahead to Dairy Australia’s next five-year marketing strategy. To find out m...
May 07, 2025•21 min•Ep. 138
For over a decade, the Australian dairy industry has been internationally recognised for commitments to tangible goals and targets established through the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework. Dairy farmer Simone Jolliffe joins Dairy Australia’s Rebecca Joyce to discuss these industry-wide commitments on the Framework’s four key sustainability priorities: Enhancing economic viability and livelihoods, improving the wellbeing of people, providing best care for animals, and reducing e...
Apr 24, 2025•13 min•Ep. 137
This episode is part of a series that focuses on Fall Armyworm (FAW), a destructive horticultural and field pest that was detected in Australia in 2020. Queensland dairy farmer, Melvyn Zischke, shares his FAW experience with Dairy Australia’s Dr Brenda McLachlan, Dr Melina Miles (Department of Primary Industries, Queensland) and New South Wales agronomist Peter Beale. The panel also discuss a range of potential options to minimise the impact of FAW in autumn planted pastures and forage crops, as...
Mar 21, 2025•40 min•Ep. 136
In this episode, South Gippsland dairy farmer Graeme Nicoll joins Mikaela Baker (Dairy Australia) and Kevin Smith (Agriculture Victoria) to share practical insights into how he selects the most productive and profitable ryegrass for his farm using Dairy Australia’s Forage Value Index (FVI). They discuss how the FVI ratings for Annual, Perennial and Italian ryegrasses are determined using independent data from Pasture Trial Network sites around Australia, and how the FVI continues to evolve. To f...
Mar 13, 2025•44 min•Ep. 135
Hear from New South Wales dairy farmer, Simon Scowen, as he joins Dairy Australia’s National People Lead Mick Fuller to discuss the importance of a safety-first culture in the workplace – particularly when it comes to onboarding and training for new employees. For more information about employee inductions, visit Getting started | The People in Dairy Related links: Farm safety starter kit | The People in Dairy Farm Safety Manual | The People in Dairy If you have suggestions for future podcast ep...
Feb 26, 2025•19 min•Ep. 134
In this episode, hear from Irish dairy farmers Gillian and Neil O’Sullivan as they discuss their farming system and successfully changing from a conventional, monoculture pasture system to a multispecies pasture system. The couple joins Dairy Australia’s Cath Lescun and Donna Gibson from Gardiner Foundation for this conversation, where they also share the reasons behind making the change. For more information and to access resources across all areas of soil, effluent, water and irrigation manage...
Feb 13, 2025•31 min•Ep. 133
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Carly Potts is joined by Jade Pepper to discuss career opportunities and staff retention within the dairy industry. Jade is a farmhand and trainee at Wallis Dairy in Bega, New South Wales. She speaks about her pathway into the dairy industry – which came through a school-based apprenticeship with Australian Training Company – as well as the transition from school to the workforce, and ways the industry can support staff retention. To find out about how Dairy Au...
Feb 06, 2025•16 min•Ep. 132
In this DairyPod episode, Dairy Australia’s Cath Lescun sits down with Professor Helen Suter and dairy farmer Simon Scott to discuss how dairy farmers can potentially improve soil health through the use of multispecies pastures. Hear more about a new University of Melbourne study that examined the forage production of multispecies pastures and the impact on soil properties. The panel discuss the results of this project, and some of the applications it can have for dairy farmers interested in imp...
Jan 22, 2025•31 min•Ep. 131
Since 2013, the Regional Wellbeing team at the University of Canberra has surveyed Australians in remote, rural and urban areas to better understand community liveability, wellbeing and resilience – crucial research supporting the future of Australian agriculture. In this episode, hear key insights with Gardiner Foundation’s Meghan Lodwick and Professor Jacki Schirmer from the University of Canberra, who is leading this research. The 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey is open until 31 January . Find...
Jan 09, 2025•42 min•Ep. 130
“I’m not only looking at hazards for the adults on farm – I am also now looking out for these hazards for not only my children, but those of my staff and the friends who come to visit.” Hear from South Australian dairy farmer Jen Stolp, who speaks to Dairy Australia’s National People Lead Mick Fuller about how she and her husband keep their children safe when running a business that is also their backyard. Jen outlines the policies and procedures their business has in place to create a safe work...
Dec 18, 2024•16 min•Ep. 129
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Eliza Redfern and Helen Quinn sit down to dissect the December Situation and Outlook report and Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) results. The pair discuss the impact seasonal conditions had on DFMP results in Victoria and New South Wales, as well as the key challenges and opportunities ahead of the upcoming season. To read the full reports and results, visit Industry Reports | Dairy Australia . If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, you can get i...
Dec 11, 2024•11 min•Ep. 128
This episode is part of a series that focuses on Fall Armyworm (FAW), a destructive horticultural and field pest that was detected in Australia in 2020. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Principal Entomologist, Dr Melina Miles, has been investigating FAW since it arrived in the country and discusses the topic with Dairy Australia’s Dr Brenda McLachlan. They explore the potential impact on dairy farm crops and pastures, as well as delve into pest control options to minimise risk...
Dec 04, 2024•37 min•Ep. 127
In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Head of Marketing Glenys Zucco speaks to Rex James Stockfeed Managing Director, Sam James. Sam reflects on his personal experiences helping Australian dairy farmers through tough times, the business’ role in the dairy industry and how it has evolved. He also speaks about the business’ recent commitment and involvement in Dairy Australia’s Picasso Cows program as a sponsor, and its benefits to the industry. To find out more about how Dairy Australia promotes Aus...
Nov 27, 2024•23 min•Ep. 126
This episode is part of a series that focuses on Fall Armyworm (FAW), a destructive horticultural and field pest that was detected in Australia in 2020. Dairy Australia’s Dr Brenda McLachlan speaks to Nutrien Ag Solutions Principal Agronomist, Dr Ross Pomroy about how to identify and manage FAW. They also discuss the impact that FAW can have on maize, sorghum and other cereal crops and pastures grown for dairy cattle and the importance of monitoring and reporting if it has been found on farm. Fi...
Nov 21, 2024•30 min•Ep. 125
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 explai...
Nov 08, 2024•29 min•Ep. 124
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 managemen...
Oct 24, 2024•28 min•Ep. 123
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...
Oct 09, 2024•21 min•Ep. 122
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 Man...
Sep 26, 2024•26 min•Ep. 121
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 m...
Sep 20, 2024•46 min•Ep. 120
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 em...
Sep 01, 2024•37 min•Ep. 119
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 Australia If you...
Aug 29, 2024•33 min•Ep. 118
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 ...
Aug 14, 2024•19 min•Ep. 117
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 ...
Aug 01, 2024•18 min•Ep. 116
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 ...
Jul 18, 2024•58 min•Ep. 115
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 C...
Jul 11, 2024•49 min•Ep. 114
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, vis...
Jun 27, 2024•30 min•Ep. 113
In this episode, we share key insights and guidance from Nollaig Heffernan, an independent management consultant specialising in leadership and organisational psychology. Nollaig 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 &...
Jun 13, 2024•48 min•Ep. 112
