Tune in to the latest season of Feed for Thought with Wade Bell and Matt Dalley as they sit down with farmers, researchers, agronomists, and nutritionists from New Zealand and abroad and dive into deep-rooted discussions.

Our goal is to keep the information practical and relevant and to prompt thoughts, discussions, and actions that improve the profitability and sustainability of farming. We hope to deliver cutting-edge information, tips, and tricks and leave you with some “Feed for Thought.”

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Season 2 Episodes

Episode 45: Cows, Comfort, and Compost: The positive impact of a composting shelter

With a rich family history in dairy farming, Michael Phillips and Andrew Evans (Bubbles) join Matt and Wade to discuss the strategy behind cows, comfort and compost at Dannevirke-based dairy farming operation, Waka Dairies.  

Micheal and Bubbles discuss the strategic shifts made as part of Waka Dairies' succession plan, with leadership and team culture, and infrastructure improvements at the core. The team delve into the impact of composting shelters and how this infrastructure has impacted day-to-day operations, animal health, feed efficiency, and environmental footprint. With a robust system, including effluent ponds and water storage, the farm stands resilient against local climate conditions. Tune in to hear firsthand how these changes have set new benchmarks in farm productivity.

Episode 44: Arable Farmer of the Year: Winning strategies with Simon Nitschke 

Simon Nitschke, the Arable Farmer of the Year, Maize Farmer of the Year, and National Pioneer Yield Cup winner, joins Matt and Wade to discuss the strategy and success of Rangitikei enterprise, Arable Solutions. 
 
This episode explores supply and demand management, particularly for maize grain. We discuss the impact of market fluctuations, the importance of forward planning, and how collaboration with end users can be a game-changer. Efficiency and sustainability are at the core of this conversation as the team discusses the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

Episode 43: Mastering maize planting: Essential considerations and strategies for success

With a passion for dairy farming, Logan Scott, Te Awamutu East and South Waikato Area Manager and small block owner brings a unique perspective on land and crop management, maize and agronomy.  This episode delves into Logan’s agronomy knowledge, sharing strategies for identifying potential issues and guiding effective management decisions, particularly through the critical V3 to V6 growth stages of maize. Join the team in this engaging discussion, which offers practical insights for improved crop outcomes. 

Episode 42: RP of the year on preparing the next generation

Rural Professional of the Year and Senior Lecturer in Agribusiness and Management at Lincoln University, Dan Smith, joins Wade and Matt on this episode to share his strategies for nurturing future-ready students. You'll hear about his dynamic approach to equipping students with timeless skills covering the key competencies for young agricultural professionals to succeed in the rapidly evolving industry. 

Dan shares the initiatives that Lincoln University is taking to develop and prepare students for the workforce. The conversation delves into the importance of soft skills, the rapid technological advancements in agriculture, and the importance of developing skills and knowledge beyond the reach of artificial intelligence. 

Whether you’re passionate about traditional farming, a rural profession, or entrepreneurial ventures, Dan's insights will motivate and inform you about the boundless potential and diverse career opportunities within the agriculture sector.

Episode 41: Preserving the quality of grass silage

Interested in understanding how you can mitigate feed quality losses? In this episode, Matt is joined by Shaun Body, our Portfolio Manager, and Helen France, our Hawke's Bay, Tararua & Wairarapa Area Manager, to discuss the value proposition of inoculant and how to get more value from your grass silage by minimising the drop in quality.

If you have any questions about using spring inoculants, please contact your contractor, merchant rep, or local area manager.

Episode 40: New Zealand vs. Australia: Which dairy market is better positioned? - with Jo Bills

Join us as Jo Bills, Director for Global Insights at EverAg, breaks down the differences in supply chain dynamics, pasture-based efficiencies, and export strategies between New Zealand and Australia. Learn how Australia’s more productive cows compare to New Zealand's pasture-based herds. We also touch on greenhouse gas emissions and Fonterra's strategic manoeuvres, providing a comprehensive outlook on the unique challenges and strengths of each country's dairy sector.
  
 The discussion delves into the pressures of reducing carbon footprints amidst rising customer expectations and the potential compensations for sustainability efforts. The team also cover China’s ambition for dairy self-sufficiency and the global ripple effects of their evolving market. Southeast Asia's growing importance as a key market for New Zealand is highlighted, alongside the competitive rise of the United States in the global dairy arena. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of the trends and challenges shaping the future of the global dairy industry.

Episode 39: Comparing New Zealand and the US: Global agronomy with Grant Groene

In this episode, international guest Grant Groene, the former Global Seed Agronomy Lead for Pioneer US, joins Dr. Rowland Tsimba, National Research and Agronomy Manager, Wade and Matt to delve into global agronomy and future crop development.

Together, the team discuss the process of genetic development in maize, from the rigorous testing of hybrids to the impressive yield advancements achieved in different environments. Also, they discuss the vital role of international collaboration in agriculture, the transformative power of shared knowledge, and the challenges faced by farmers worldwide. Join us for an episode packed with global insights and cutting-edge practices.

Episode 38: Reducing NZ's reliance on internationally produced feed with Raewyn Densley

Raewyn Densley joins us to discuss AgFirst’s recent Our Land and Water funded project. Our Land and Water aims to enhance the production and productivity of New Zealand’s primary sector while maintaining and improving the quality of the country’s land and water for future generations. 

Raewyn covers the global grain market shift during the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. She explores how these factors impact grain prices, create global shortages, and alter shipping logistics whilst spotlighting New Zealand's unique challenges and opportunities. Raewyn provides insights into how local grain production could be increased. She also discusses how many dairy farmers could grow their own feed whilst maintaining or enhancing profitability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This episode is jam-packed with knowledge invested in the future of New Zealand’s primary sector and offers actionable strategies for increasing profitability while reducing environmental impact.

Episode 37: Fonterra part 2 - Malcolm Ellis on balancing farm productivity and sustainability

Join us as we explore the intersection between farm efficiency and reducing emissions with Malcolm Ellis, Fonterra's Strategic Advisor. Malcolm shares the difference between emissions intensity and absolute emissions and discusses Fonterra's strategic initiatives to support farmers in making impactful changes.
 
The team balances animal efficiency and environmental sustainability by examining the contrasts in productivity and efficiency, delving into actionable strategies to enhance herd quality without reducing stocking rates. Key factors like reproductive performance, feed efficiency, and emissions intensity take centre stage, providing a roadmap for farmers to boost productivity while lowering environmental impact.
 
The conversation also highlights the power of collaboration within the dairy sector. From rural professionals to regulatory bodies, we discuss the collective efforts needed to overcome challenges and optimize feed and pasture utilization. Reflecting on the evolution of the dairy industry, Malcolm sheds light on the wealth of data available to farmers and how leveraging new technologies is crucial for future success. 

Episode 36: Fonterra part 1 - Charlotte Rutherford on the market's increasing demand for sustainable products

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of sustainability in shaping the future of dairy farming. We are privileged to have Charlotte Rutherford, Fonterra's Director of Sustainability, join Wade and Matt in a thought-provoking discussion. Together, they explore the transformation of environmental efforts from basic compliance to tackling global sustainability challenges. 

Charlotte highlights the market's increasing demand for sustainable products and answers the question of what it takes to achieve a 30% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and aim for near-zero emissions by 2050. She delves into Fonterra's comprehensive climate strategy and scope three objectives, emphasizing the importance of investments in projects like AgriZero and the intricate dynamics of gaining cooperative-wide support for sustainability goals. 

Tune in to understand why there is such a growing focus on sustainability and GHG emissions and how these efforts are transforming the future of dairy farming.

Episode 35: Cracking the code on maize populations

Join Dr. Rowland Tsimba, National Research and Agronomy Manager, Wade, and Matt as they sit down to discuss optimal plant populations and the impact this has on crop yield and quality. 

The team brings a global perspective to the discussion by comparing maize planting strategies in the United States and New Zealand. They highlight the importance of managing plant populations for silage versus grain and the value of tailoring planting decisions to your farm's environmental and soil conditions. This podcast will equip you with practical insights to make informed planting decisions in the upcoming spring.

Episode 34: Navigating maize grain: Industry insights and impacts

In this episode, Lower North Island Regional Manager Mark Burke shares insight on the maize grain market opportunities and considerations. Mark delves into the pressures of regional demands, maize contracts, and pricing tactics and how these factors converge to shape the current grain market. The team discusses the methods growers use to ensure profitable sales, highlighting the significance of careful planning, especially after the recent surge in grain prices. With a focus on the challenges presented by weather and expenses, this episode covers the intricacies between supply and demand and how to best navigate the market and make informed decisions for next season.

Episode 33: Sowing seeds of change in farming practices with David Wordsworth

In an episode packed with technological advancements, adaptive strategies, and a love for the agriculture industry, join Wade and Hamish as they sit down with David Wordsworth, Northland maize grain grower and cover of our 2024 grain catalogue. 

David shares the family's journey from dairy and beef farming to introducing maize into the grain industry in the 1970s. The team discusses the growth of Grain Co, which has become a symbol of self-sufficiency by reducing transport costs and supporting dairy farms with locally grown kibble maize and calf meal. We'll delve into the transition from full cultivation to the innovative no-till approach that has boosted soil health and challenged conventional beliefs around yield. 

Episode 32: Balancing tradition and innovation for sustainable agribusiness with Jenna Smith

From dairying in Otago to the Chief Executive of Pouarua Farms, an iwi-owned 2200-hectare operation in the Hauraki Plains, Jenna Smith, the cover of our 2024 Maize Silage catalogue, joins Wade and Brent Bishop, Upper North Island Regional Manager, to recount her remarkable journey. 

This episode covers the details of farming on peatlands into the larger narrative of ecological stewardship. The evolution of a 2200-hectare farm as it shifts from traditional animal husbandry to pioneering dairy practices, beef finishing, blueberry orchards and maize silage and grain operations. Jenna discusses the proactive strategies for peatland management and the exciting research initiatives on deck. 

Episode 31: Cultivating a legacy of sustainable dairy and beef production with Adrian Ball

Join Wade and Matt as they sit down with Adrian Ball to the delve into the story of the Ball family's Waikato farm that's seen transformation from traditional cattle grazing to a beacon of dairy and beef production excellence.

 You'll hear how success isn't just counted in output but in the wellbeing of staff, the welfare of animals, and the stewardship of the environment. The team get into a deep-rooted discussion on dairy-derived beef, the farm as an enjoyable workplace, and the forward-thinking strategies ensuring profitability goes hand in hand with sustainability.

Episode 30: Creating progression pathways with John Numan and Brian Basi

Joining Matt and Wade in our latest episode are Waikato-based John Numan, farm owner and Brian Basi, herd-owning share milker. Together, they explain how they develop and maintain a strong owner-share-milker relationship and share some of the farm systems and business fundamentals that support their businesses to achieve the goals of both parties.

Episode 29: The choppers are out

The choppers are out, and we're approaching the pointy end of the 2023/24 maize season. Wade and Matt caught up with Craig Maxwell, the Central North Island Regional Manager, to chat about the discussions the Pioneer team are having with growers and contractors leading up to harvest. 

Episode 28: Preserving the quality of feed grown

With harvest underway around the country, the boys welcome Shaun Body, Pioneer's Portfolio Manager, back onto the podcast.  The team discuss the science and value proposition of inoculant and how to get more from your maize silage by minimising the drop in quality throughout the harvest, ensiling, and feeding out process. 

Episode 27: Farming, governance and challenging regulation

Welcome to Season 2 of Feed for Thought; kicking off the new season is our first farmer story with Roger Dalrymple of Waitatapia Farming.

In this episode, Roger shares how the family business has developed over the years from lupin-dominated, low-intensive farming to a diverse enterprise. Farming dairy, forestry, vegetables, and everything in between, the Dalrymple's have navigated the highs and lows of farming with resilience and innovation. Roger has been an integral part of the Rangitikei Rivers Catchment Collective and shares with us the importance of catchment groups and the positive impact they have.