
New tools for reducing methane | Ep. 24
04/12/22 • 26 min
Methane is a big topic and it’s a pressing concern for our sector. We need to reduce our emissions, while improving profitability – but how? In this episode we dig into the research DairyNZ’s doing in this area. Senior research scientist Dr Jane Kay, who leads the Less-Methane Team, joins us to explain what tools offer the most promise and when those tools might be available to adopt on farms.
Notes:
Keep up to date on this work
Contact Jane Kay at [email protected]
Chapters:
1:10 - Jane’s role and areas of expertise
2:00 - Overview of DairyNZ’s Less-Methane Team
3:47 - Why are we talking about methane?
5:25 - What we’re trying to achieve
6:04 - Three main areas of research
8:30 - Deciding what to invest in
10:40 - What the research looks like
12:26 - Challenges of our pasture-based system
14:53 - Early-in-life intervention
16:23 - Automatic in-paddock feeder
17:29 - Slow-release capsules
18:40 - Feeds that produces less methane
20:05 - Solutions for as many farms as possible
21:47 - When will farmers see options?
23:17 - Feeling optimistic
24:11 - What holds the most promise?
24:50 - How to find out more
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]
Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates:
Methane is a big topic and it’s a pressing concern for our sector. We need to reduce our emissions, while improving profitability – but how? In this episode we dig into the research DairyNZ’s doing in this area. Senior research scientist Dr Jane Kay, who leads the Less-Methane Team, joins us to explain what tools offer the most promise and when those tools might be available to adopt on farms.
Notes:
Keep up to date on this work
Contact Jane Kay at [email protected]
Chapters:
1:10 - Jane’s role and areas of expertise
2:00 - Overview of DairyNZ’s Less-Methane Team
3:47 - Why are we talking about methane?
5:25 - What we’re trying to achieve
6:04 - Three main areas of research
8:30 - Deciding what to invest in
10:40 - What the research looks like
12:26 - Challenges of our pasture-based system
14:53 - Early-in-life intervention
16:23 - Automatic in-paddock feeder
17:29 - Slow-release capsules
18:40 - Feeds that produces less methane
20:05 - Solutions for as many farms as possible
21:47 - When will farmers see options?
23:17 - Feeling optimistic
24:11 - What holds the most promise?
24:50 - How to find out more
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]
Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates:
Previous Episode

Recruiting great dairy farm workers | Ep. 23
How do we find skilled, capable and enthusiastic farm staff when they just don’t seem to be available? In this episode, Lee Astridge, a leading agriculture recruitment and HR specialist, shares actionable tips to help you navigate the recruiting process and make your farming business an attractive option in a tight labour market.
Links:
DairyNZ people resources
GoDairy
Chapters:
1:55 - How can a recruitment agency help farmers?
3:50 - How does dairy recruitment compare to other industries?
7:02 - Why is it so hard to find staff right now?
11:19 - Best time to post your vacancy
13:32 - Contract start dates
15:15 - Writing a job vacancy ad to attract the right people
16.55 - Being clear about your workplace culture
18:44 - Tailoring job ads to your audience
20:53 - What are the hardest roles to fill?
22:11 - Key things to offer to secure good candidates
24:45 - Will the increase in minimum wage affect recruitment?
25:22 - What to do if someone pulls out of a role
30:14 - Advice for interviewing candidates
36:05 - Being honest with those hard-to-attract roles
37:52 - Top three things to consider to retain staff
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]
Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates:
Next Episode

Fodder beet – know what you're feeding | Ep. 25
Does fodder beet have a positive future as a feed for cows in New Zealand? What are some key things to consider when feeding beet through winter? And how do you put systems in place to maximise cow performance and animal health, while also minimising fodder beet’s risks? Here to answer those questions, and more, are DairyNZ scientist Dr Roshean Woods and veterinarian Dr Charlotte Westwood. Roshean and Charlotte have been involved in a three-year research project on fodder beet and they share the results with us.
Notes:
Feed Checker calculator
Download the Feed Checker calculator
Published article: ‘A survey of fodder beet use and feeding practices on dairy farms in Canterbury, Otago and Southland’
DairyNZ fodder beet webpages
Chapters:
2:50 - Fodder beet background and current use
3:55 - Motivations for the latest fodder beet project and research
5:08 - Value of fodder beet to farm businesses
7:00 - Results of fodder beet farmer survey
8:16 - Key concerns to consider with fodder beet
10:37 - Measuring fodder beet for feed management
11:55 - Nutritional differences between fodder beet leaf and bulb
12:54 - Benefits and guidelines for testing your fodder beet crops
15:27 - Findings from fodder beet samples around the country
16:47 - Using the Feed Checker calculator
18:10 - Feed demands of pregnant dairy cows
18:56 - What happens to fodder beet crops over winter?
21:24 - Practical take home points from the latest fodder beet project
24:08 - Where to go for further fodder beet information
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]
Follow DairyNZ on socials for the latest updates:
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