DairyPod

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

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.

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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

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 

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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

Related links:

The People in Dairy

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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.

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)

Other related links:

Byproducts Report | Dairy Australia

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In this episode, we share a recent Dairy Australia webinar discussion about heat stress in cows and how to keep your herd cool during extreme heat.

Join Dairy Australia's Development and Regional Adaptation Lead, Dr Josie Garner, as she delves into the physiology of heat stress and outlines practical short-term and long-term heat stress management strategies that farmers can implement on farm.

Watch the full webinar: Managing cows through heat (youtube.com)

Related links:

Managing in Hot Conditions | Dairy Australia

Raising the Roof | Dairy Australia

Strategies For Managing Heat Stress | Dairy Australia

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Have you ever wondered about what it might take to be a dairy Farmer Ambassador?

In this DairyPod episode, guest presenter Chloe Brown – a dairy farmer and host of the More Than Milk podcast – speaks to Gippsland dairy farmer, Trish Hammond and Dairy Australia’s Marketing Engagement Lead, Jess Phillips.

They discuss the importance of having dairy farmers involved in promoting the industry, and how Dairy Australia’s ambassador program supports farmers to confidently to turn their passion for the industry into promotion.

To find out more about being a dairy Farmer Ambassador in 2024, you can email Dairy Australia’s Marketing Engagement Lead Stephanie Tarlinton at [email protected] or visit Farmer Ambassadors | Dairy Australia

Listen to the More Than Milk podcast: Episodes | More Than Milk (morethanmilkpodcast.com)

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The Australian dairy industry has seen significant improvements in herd genetics over the last 40 years, largely due to technology advancements and industry uptake.

In this episode, we bring you a recent webinar with DataGene CEO Matt Shaffer and DairyTas Extension Team Lead Officer Liz Mann discussing the major changes, turning points and learnings from the last 40 years.

They also discuss the value of the collaboration between DairyBio Animals research and DataGene – driving continued improvements in herd fertility, health, productivity and sustainability for farm businesses. The conversation also touches on the future of genomics research and continuous innovation for farmers to derive even more from breeding values.

To learn more about how Dairy Australia is supporting our farmers in the genetics space, please visit Genetics | Dairy Australia

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This DairyPod episode is part of a series providing insights and guidance to help farmers successfully recruit and retain the right people for dairy farm jobs.

Hear from dairy farmers, Andrew and Cassandra Kath from Kathleigh Farms, as they speak to Dairy Australia’s National People Lead Mick Fuller and Murray Dairy Workforce Attraction Project Lead, Melva Tyson.

The couple – from Rochester in Victoria’s north – reflect on their dairy farming journey and how they have built their employer ‘brand’ over the years. They discuss what they have learnt during this process, the must-haves in building the right employment brand and how leadership styles play a role in business success.

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

Other useful links:

Browse Learning: Farming With My Team (dairyaustralia.com.au)

The People in Dairy | Dairy Australia

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In this episode, Dairy Australia’s Head of Innovation, Emily Samyue, leads a discussion about ag tech and its benefits for the dairy industry.

Joined by Michael Macolino from SVG Thrive, Aurora Dairies’ Matt Makin and Devon Soutar from Alternate Energy Innovations, they share their ag tech experiences and offer advice to those who are looking to adopt innovative technology on their farm.

Visit Investing in Innovation | Dairy Australia to find out more about how Dairy Australia is supporting the dairy industry in its research and innovation investments.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.