Shows
NSW DPIRD AgronomyRutherglen bug: the sporadic pest causing grief this summer.Rutherglen bugs: from the trenches to your crops...... Hear what NSW DPIRD's Zorica Duric & CSIRO's Hazel Parry have to say about: --Why they are a problem this year. -How to monitor. -Control options
2025-12-0833 min
The Business of DairyDevelopment approvals made easier - myFarmPlannerThis month we continue the theme of planning, not business planning but farm development planning and approvals. My guest, Wendy Goodburn, a NSW DPIRD Land Use Planner joins us to explain the development and recent release of a fantastic, freely available online tool called myFarmPlanner. myFarmPlanner assists farmers, planners, consultants and local government with the pre-lodgement process for development applications related to on farm developments and upgrades. It is designed for the dairy, horticulture, poultry and agritourism industries in NSW.While this is an audio only podcast and while we can’t actually show you what the to...
2025-12-0121 minThe Business of DairyA Farm Business Plan – What is it? Do I need one?“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” This is a quote from Dwight D Eisenhower who was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe in WWII and also the 34th President of the United States. What he as saying is that a plan is a guide that can often change in the heat of battle, but because there is a plan it means different risks and scenarios have been thought through, you know what your resources, risks and goals are and having thought all this through you now have a foundation or base level that sets out your...
2025-11-0337 minThe Business of DairyRural Assistance Authority – Support for NSW farmersFarm businesses in some parts of NSW have experienced some very challenging weather events throughout 2025 including ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March and the East Coast Severe Weather event in May. When disasters of this scale occur and they are declared a severe weather event, the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) is the agency that administers funding made available by the state and federal governments. In this episode my guests introduce us to the RAA, its history, and its role in administration and distribution of funds. We also discuss two types of loans made available to provide assistance with natural...
2025-10-0429 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomySeasonal disease update with Brad, Baxter, Steve Simpfendorfer & Kurt Lindbeck.Seasonal disease update with the NSW DPIRD plant pathology lads.-what to do from now till the end of the year with disease.-Stripe rust happenings.-Sclerotinia in canola & pulses.-Bacterial blight and crown rust & harvestAre YOU guilty of recreational spraying?????
2025-09-3035 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal disease update with Simphy.🎧 PODCAST: Cereal disease update with Steve Simpfendorfer 🎧Join us for the latest chat with Simphy on what is happening with cereal diseases in the central and northern regions of NSW.-Stripe rust: yes its about. What varieties are a concern, disease basics & how to manage it from now till harvest -Crown rot, leaf rust, yellow leaf spot etc.-Barley: lots of net form net blotch and some loose smut.-AND Ascochyta blight found in chickpeas in the las...
2025-09-0139 minThe Business of DairyInsights that still matter: Over-capitalisation revisitedWhat is over-capitalisation, what does it look like on a dairy farm and how does it impact your business performance? It is important to be aware of how over-capitalisation can add to your business’s cost of production – adding to both cash and non-cash costs.This month, updates have been provided on average depreciation and interest costs as we revisit one of our very early podcast episodes. The content and insights provided by Jake are as relevant today as they were in 2021.Useful resources related to this podcast:· Jake Musson (Dairy Australia) – NSW System Perf...
2025-08-3129 minThe Business of DairyMiniMilkBiz - a tool to check business healthHow do you tell if your dairy business is heading in the direction you want it to? Is it ‘gut sense’ or can you quantify it? MiniMilkBiz is a tool that we have recently updated that allows you to generate some rich physical and financial reports to see how your milking herd is currently performing. This episode explains MiniMilkBiz, what information is required and outlines the two key reports that are generated. The show notes contain a link to download the tool from our website.Learn more:MiniMilkBizDairy Standard Chart of Accounts
2025-08-0116 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal disease update, 22.7.25.They’re back. The NSW DPIRD ‘dynamic duo’ of Brad Baxter and Steve Simpfendorfer join us for the first in-crop disease podcast.•The impact of climate on crops: of the samples received in the north this season, 68% were NOT DISEASE.•Cereal disease update & what might be a problem for the rest of the season.•Frequent questions being asked from the paddock.•No stripe rust to report at yet.
2025-07-2233 minThe Business of DairyEmploying overseas workers on Australian dairy farmsAs Australian dairy farms have expanded and herd sizes grown, the demand for skilled labour has increased —but finding local workers can be challenging. In this episode, we explore how employing overseas staff through various visa options and the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement can help fill the gap.Migration agent Fadi Malek, who is Director of Global Skilled Employment Services and NSW dairy farmer Andrew Farr join us to unpack the process of registering, recruiting, and employing international workers. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, overseas labour—when managed well—can be a rewarding option for both employers and em...
2025-07-0342 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyImproving sorghum yields & quality in northern NSW.Listen to NSW DPIRD's sorghum expert Loretta Serafin discuss the on-farm research conducted in NW NSW over the last ~ 5 years by her team on agronomic tweaks for sorghum yield improvement.Setting your paddock up for success.Optimising planting time & the place of early planting.Choosing the most suitable row spacings for your region.Getting nutrition right.Hybrid selection.
2025-06-3058 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyAphids & viruses in broadleaf crops.We talk to NSW DPIRD's aphid & virus experts, Joop van Leur, Zorica Duric & Solomon Maina on:-Viruses: the basics & why they mutate & how they are transmitted.-Aphids: which ones are an issue to us in winter cropping.-Insecticide resistance.-Management options.
2025-06-231h 08
NSW DPIRD AgronomyManaging blackleg in canola 2025.Listen to NSW DPIRD's Kurt Lindback & Marcrofts Grains Pathology, Steve Marcroft talk all things blackleg in canola:-disease life cycle -seedling versus upper canopy infection-how to know the risk in your paddock-varietal resistance. The differences & how & why this changes-when to use & not to use fungicides-fungicide resistance.
2025-06-1647 minThe Business of DairyProducing milk with less lactose - why?Producing milk with less lactose – why might this be important? Our guest this month is Juan Garguilo, one of my NSW DPIRD colleagues. Juan has been involved in a number of research projects as part of the NSW Dairy Up R& D initiative and if you are a long-term listener of this podcast, you will have heard his Argentinian accent before!Juan, in conjunction with other well known dairy researchers, Professor Yani Garcia (University of Sydney) and Russ Hovey (University of California – Davis) has analysed the lactose content in milk – lactose being a milk solid that you don’t...
2025-06-0317 minThe Business of DairyNew Season Milk Price OutlookWe are now entering milk pricing season in the Australian dairy industry, which means there will be plenty of headline news as we head into milk processors announcing prices on the 1st June as required under the mandatory Dairy Code of Conduct.Joanne Bills, Director of the Global Insights team with Ever.Ag (Freshagenda) outlines their forecast around milk pricing with particular reference to the NSW industry and we also discuss some of the implications of the Trump Administration’s tariff announcements on the Australian dairy industry. Milk Value Portal (MVP) Fresh...
2025-05-0133 minThe Business of DairyLameness and Mastitis in the Wet – Mark Humphris and Ruth KyddOver 170 dairy farms across SE QLD and the North Coast of NSW were impacted by severe flooding and wet conditions as a result of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in early March this year, 2025. This resulted in losses of power, pasture and crop and other feed losses, for some farms a period of time where milk was unable to be picked up and infrastructure damage on farm and off farm such as land slips impacting road access to farms. Herd health is always a major issue in this situation and this month we focus particularly on the impact of m...
2025-03-3145 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyWhat cereal diseases could be an issue in 2025? What's the washup from 2024?Listen to NSW DPIRD's 'dynamic duo', Steve Simpfendorfer and Brad Baxter discuss:What we learnt in 2024 and disease legacy effects for 2025.What's showing up in the stubble testing from this summer.What diseases could be an issue this season.Management tips.
2025-03-1745 minThe Business of DairyDrought Forecasting and Seasonal ConditionsToo hot, too dry, too wet - seasonal conditions can be challenging to manage for those on the land. Forecasting for the season ahead can be difficult but is important when planning what you will do now or in the coming months. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Climate team have some excellent freely available resources including a recently released Drought Forecasting tool. Kel Langfield and Jen Wurtzel from the team step us through these tools and how they can be used by farmers and their advisors. Please use the links in the show notes to...
2025-03-0131 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyMeet NSW DPIRD's up and coming scientists and their cool research!Introducing some of NSW DPIRD's young researchers and the projects they are looking into:Nicole Dron:Heat tolerance in pulses.Grain protein in pulses, why does it matter?Intergrated disease management (IDM) in in faba bean.Nitrogen fixation.Sam Blanch:Charcoal rot in summer crops.Net form net blotch in barley.Mitch Clifton:Long coleoptile wheats.
2025-02-2448 minThe Business of DairyTips and tricks for dairy developments in NSW Are you a farmer or interested party looking to undertake a development on your dairy farm? Planning farm developments is complex and involves planning and assessment requirements which can be tricky to navigate. This month my colleague Zita Ritchie discusses the recent release of the NSW Dairy Development Guidelines with Clare Fitzpatrick who is a renowned and respected planning consultant within the dairy industry. The guidelines are designed to help anyone involved in decision making around planning, design, construction and operation of a dairy development. They also contain an excellent farmer checklist highlighting key areas to...
2025-01-3131 min
Quail Cast - Your Ultimate Guide to Raising, Breeding, and Caring for Quails01. Mastering Japanese Quail: Expert Breeding, Incubation & Commercial Tips (NSW DPI Guide Breakdown)Unlock the secrets of raising Japanese quail like a pro! Inspired by the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ definitive guide, this episode dives deep into:
🥚 Step-by-Step Incubation & Brooding:
Perfecting egg candling, humidity control, and temperature settings for high hatch rates.
Preventing cannibalism with stress-free handling and optimal flock density.
Automatic egg turning hacks and brooder setup tips for healthy chicks.
🏡 Quail Care Essentials:
Designing low-cost, sanitary housing (indoors or outdoors) for urban/rural setups.
Protein-rich diets for egg production and growth—complete feed formulas decoded.
Combatting commo...
2025-01-2729 minThe Business of DairyUps & Downs of NSW Dairy Farm Monitor 2023-24The 13th year of the Dairy Farm Monitor Project in NSW was one in which strong milk prices managed to hold gross farm incomes relatively stable. Increases in operating costs reduced average Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) relative to the previous year, with the most noticeable impact coming from purchased feed costs.On average, profits for the 36 NSW Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) participants remained strong at $2.12/kgMS and above the long-term average of $1.36/kgMS, for the fourth consecutive year. This translates to an average return on total assets of 4.5%. This month I discuss the ups a...
2025-01-0132 minThe Business of DairyImpacts and adaptations for our 2050 climateVery hot – that is the forecast for the summer ahead. Heat has immediate impacts on the performance of our dairy herd and pastures, but it also impacts other industries we rely on such as the broadacre cropping industry. Extensive work has been undertaken by the NSW Department of Primary Industries Climate Vulnerability Assessment program and also our own Dairy Unit through the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program to understand what the on farm climatic impact will be in NSW dairying regions by 2050. Our guests this month, James Lawson – Project Officer with the Climate Vulnerability Assessment team and B...
2024-11-3031 minThe Business of DairyRevisiting profitable pasture management and silage productionFeed costs are the highest operational costs in a dairy business, so it is vital that we manage these well in order to enhance our farm’s profitability. We are currently well into a somewhat mild spring here, in most regions of New South Wales, so thought it would be a good opportunity to revisit some earlier podcast episodes on key aspects of profitable pasture management and silage making.The extracts come from a couple of very popular episodes and even though they are a couple of years old, the messages and key principles discussed are as...
2024-10-3126 minThe Business of DairyResponses and Decision Making in Natural DisastersLate in 2023, a group of dairy farmers from across NSW were interviewed about their experiences, decisions made, support networks and lessons learnt following a number of recent natural disaster events, including the 2021-2022 floods. Tori Alexander (DPIRD) and Nikki Reichelt (University of Melbourne) share some of the findings from these interviews and the key challenges and successes observed. For further information on the interview findings and products take a look at the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program (SFIRP) webpage, or the DPIRD Dairy webpage as resources become available.This podcast is an initiative of t...
2024-10-0127 min
The Business of DairyMoving and Managing our Dairy BusinessNSW dairy farmer Brad Winzer shares his journey, moving their well-established family farm from Northern Victoria to the Mid Coast of New South Wales – the reasons why, the differences between farms and the challenges they faced. He outlines the key support people he uses in the business, how he manages and monitors the performance of the business, and the things he focusses on to drive a profitable farm performance.This podcast is an initiative of the NSW DPI Dairy Business Advisory UnitIt is brought to you in partnership the Hunter Local Land Services...
2024-08-3121 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal disease update, 19.8.24.🎧 PODCAST: Cereal disease update 🎧NSW DPIRD's Brad Baxter, Steve Simpfendorfer and Sam Blanch chat with us re:-Cereal disease update & what might be a problem for the rest of the season.-Frequent questions they are being asked.-Fungicides & the kick-back period.-Stripe rust & adult plant resistance (APR) & how it works.-Net form net blotch (NFNB) research.
2024-08-1948 min
The Shark Net PodcastEpisode 6: Weird flex, DPI…Minister Tara Moriarty confirmed on 30/07/24 that shark nets would return for yet another summer, albeit with a one month shorter meshing season.NSW DPI shark programs leader Marcel Green said the changes this summer were the most significant made to the netting program in 40 years.If the biggest progress in a program designed to catch and kill threatened and protected wildlife in over 40 years, is shortening the program by one month, that speaks volumes. For over 10 years, the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) and the Fisheries Scientific Committee (FSC) have condemned the program, wh...
2024-08-1511 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyHow do I protect my canola yield from now till harvest?How to manage diseases in your canola from now till harvest.NSW DPIRD's Kurt Lindbeck gives us some tips on: -Knowing your crop's disease risk from now till maturity. -Some key aspects of sclerotinia & blackleg's life cycle that can influence your decision to spray or not. -Real life scenarios from the paddock & management options.
2024-08-1343 min
The Business of DairyIntensive Dairying - Profitability and Risk InsightsThis month’s episode focuses on a project looking at intensive dairy systems in Inland NSW and Northern Victoria over the last 7 years. This has provided the industry with quality foundational information on the profitability, cost structures and risks of these systems. Claire Waterman from Agriculture Victoria and Sheena Carter (NSW DPI) led the project for their respective regions and were recently interviewed for a Rural Bank podcast called “Beyond the Farm Gate”. A big thank you to Rural Bank who have kindly allowed us to use the recording to share the project findings via this podcast. Li...
2024-07-3125 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyTips for getting sorghum right in 2024.Growing sorghum in 2024? Tips for getting it right with NSW DPI's Loretta Serafin.NSW DPI's Research Agronomist Loretta Serafin chats with us about grain sorghum.Recent research into: -Row spacing -Planting times -NutritionAnd how to 'build the package' to maximise your sorghum yields in the coming season.Show more
2024-07-2959 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyDisease update with Steve Simpfendorfer and Joop van Leur.NSW DPI's plant pathologists, Steve Simpfendorfer & Joop van Leur, talks us through diseases and viruses showing up in paddocks:Is it really disease?Septoria: 'the most mis-diagnosed disease of 2024". What it looks like, what it's lifecycle is.The difference between yellow leaf spot and septoria.Virus in canola, what the story?Correct use of fungicides.
2024-07-1145 minThe Business of DairyFeed Conversion Efficiency – at What Cost?Feed costs are typically the largest component of operational costs in a dairy business, typically making up 50 – 60% of total costs, depending on feeding system, seasons and conditions. Hence it is vital that what is being fed to the cows results in good milk production. David Barber, DairyNEXT nutritionist joins us this month to discuss the important topic of feed conversion efficiency. He outlines what it is, how to measure it, targets for different types of feeding systems and factors that can impact it. He also introduces a metric he calls ‘True Feed Conversion Efficiency’, which he uses to determine how ec...
2024-06-3032 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyFaba bean diseases & management strategies with Kurt Lindbeck.NSW DPI's plant pathologist, Kurt Lindbeck, talks us through the diseases of faba bean:-What diseases are dominant in the north versus the south.-Threats in 2024.-Conditions favouring diseases.-Management strategies.Want more info? Head to:"Managing diseases of faba bean 2024"www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/p…ean-in-2024.pdf
2024-06-2531 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal disease & aphid update. June 2024Join NSW DPI's plant pathologists Steve Simpfendorfer and Brad Baxter and entomologist Zorica Duric with an update on:-What diseases have been identified so far in 2024.-Is it a disease or is it weather or herbicide related or a combination of the above?-Correct fungicide timing.-Aphids: what species are about & how to manage them.
2024-06-0337 minThe Business of DairyDecision Making and Risk Management with a Family BoardThe use of a structured approach within a NSW dairying business to assist with decision making and risk management, is discussed this month with Kay Smith from Bulahdelah. The Smiths have been operating a family dairy business for over 40 years and 5 years ago, faced with a number of challenges, were weighing up their future options. One of these involved a significant change to the business requiring a lot of capital investment and risk. Kay introduces us to the business and steps us through their reason for creating their advisory group, how they set it up and how it assisted...
2024-05-3135 minThe Business of DairyFinancing Dairy Farm InfrastructureThis episode follows on from episode 35 “Successfully navigating farm loans” but focusses specifically on financing for large infrastructure projects such as cow housing facilities. This topic was addressed by my guest, Greg Kuchel, Senior Insights Manager at Rural Bank at the 2nd Raising the Roof conference in Hunter Valley of NSW earlier this year. Greg also touches on the evolving area of farm Carbon Plans and their place in seeking farm finance.Links to useful resources related to this podcast:Rural Bank Insight ReportsAustralian Dairy Carbon CalculatorDairyBaseThis...
2024-04-3022 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal diseases: the 2024 pre-season edition with Brad and Simphy.NSW DPI's Brad Baxter & Steve Simpfendorfer talk us through:-How the season is shaping up.-What diseases could be an issue in 2024.-What diseases are out there already.-How to mitigate for these.-What the 2023 Rust Reports from Sydney University have taught us.....and Brad's lack of chocolate consumption over Easter......
2024-04-0235 minThe Business of DairySuccessfully Navigating Farm LoansMy guest for this episode is Greg Kuchel, Senior Insights Manager at Rural Bank who spoke recently at the “Raising the Roof” conference in Hunter Valley of NSW about farm loans in particular for infrastructure loans related to cow housing facilities. Greg and I had such a good discussion that we have turned this into a two-part series. This first episode covers the general principles and considerations when approaching banks for finance – what you need to do, information you need to provide, what banks are looking for from you and in you and the types of loans available. In the ne...
2024-03-3125 minThe Business of DairyFeatures of the Most Profitable NSW Farms in 2023What were some of the features of the Top 25% of NSW Dairy Farm Monitor farms in the 2023 financial year? This month’s podcast provides insights into some of the physical and financial metrics associated with their productivity and profitability compared to that of the remaining 75% of farms in the project. Links to useful resources related to this podcast:NSW DFMP Annual ReportDairyBaseLink to January 2024 podcast: Highs and Lows of Dairy Farm Monitor 2023 This podcast is an initiative of the NSW DPI Dairy Business Advi...
2024-02-2925 minThe Business of DairyLifting the Lid on NSW GHG EmissionsWith a national focus on reducing dairy GHG emission intensity by 30% by 2030, farm greenhouse gas emissions are currently getting a lot of attention. This month we take a look at what has been happening with emissions on NSW dairy farms through the lens of our Dairy Farm Monitor Project. Links to useful resources related to this podcast:NSW DFMP Annual Report (pg. 35-36)Dairy Farm Emissions (Dairy Australia)Dairying for Tomorrow – links to Aust Dairy Carbon Calculator etc.Episode 26: Dairy Carbon Emissions - What Does It All Mean...
2024-01-3125 minThe Business of DairyHighs and Lows of Dairy Farm Monitor 2023The 2023 financial year saw the highest average profit for the Dairy Farm Monitor participants in the 12 years of the project in NSW. Jess Bell hosts this month’s episode as she teases out what the main drivers were behind this performance with Sheena Carter. It was yet another very challenging year with more floods which had a big impact on the majority of farms across the state. Links to useful resources related to this episode:DFMP Annual Report & Interactive ReportDairyBaseFarm Business SnapshotThi...
2023-12-3135 minThe Business of DairyHeifer Management in Dry TimesRearing heifers well is an extremely important aspect of herd management. Selecting the right heifers and ensuring they reach target weights in a specified time period is integral to the future production of your herd. However rearing heifers is a costly exercise so thought and planning is important to ensure you get it right. Carrying too many heifers can be expensive and tie up farm resources. This is particularly so in dry times which we are currently seeing through much of NSW. Today my guest Neil Moss joins me to discuss the cost of feeding heifers and s...
2023-11-3031 min
AgPro CastEpisode 58 - W.A flystrike chemical resistance with Narelle Sales NSW DPIAgpro consultant Georgia Reid spoke to Narelle Sales - NSW DPI re fly chemical resistance based on maggot samples submitted from W.A. For slides discussed email ed@agpromanagement.com . Search Flyboss website for more info re links mentioned or email me.Cheers Ed Riiggall
2023-11-2934 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyHarvesting tips for managing crown rot & seasonal disease wrap up.Listen to NSW DPI's Toni Petronaitis talk us through how your harvest management can affect crown rot growth -Impacts of stubble height on disease growth. -Climatic conditions that favour disease growth in stubble. -Rate of disease growth (this might surprise you!)Steve Simpfendorfer & Brad Baxter give us a end-of-season disease wrap up. -Stripe rust (yes, it's still about!). -Crown rot. -Ramularia in barley. -Other 2023 diseases.
2023-11-0633 minThe Business of DairyDry Times – Fodder Supply OutlookWith much of the State of NSW currently experiencing very dry conditions NSW DPI reached out to Tim Ford, Director at Feed Central to provide an update for the industry on the current situation and outlook for fodder supply. Tim presented this information at our recent Dairy Breakfast webinar in conjunction with a presentation from the DPI Climate team on the seasonal conditions and tools available to farmers to help monitor the current conditions and assess forecasts for the period ahead. Feed Central link buyers and sellers of hay and grain across the country and provide feed analysis on...
2023-11-0323 minThe Business of DairySupporting Your Dairy BusinessDairies are complex businesses requiring a very broad range of skills to manage. In today’s environment, good business management skills are more important than ever. This is recognised by industry organisations whose role is to support farmers such as the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Dairy Australia as well as farm consultants who provide individual farm support in various technical areas. Jane Bower, who is an Extension Officer and Engagement Lead with Dairy NSW joins me to discuss some key support programs for available for dairy farmers. We cover off on the Dairy Business Support Ser...
2023-09-3030 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal diseases: the latest from Steve Simpfendorfer & Brad Baxter, 12.9.23.What's happening out there at the moment with cereal diseases? -How can you limit disease impacts for 2024? -Simphy and Brad, plant pathologists from NSW DPI, give us a rundown.
2023-09-1234 min
Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative FarmingClimate Smart Farming Series - Livestock Management to maintain production and resilience during extreme climate eventsLivestock farming has been practiced for over 10,000 years, so understandably there are many different approaches, particularly when adapting to climate change. Climate change affects livestock production, both directly through heat stress and indirectly through effects on grassland and species distribution. Farmers are innovatively managing their livestock to improve productivity and reduce environmental impacts. The techniques vary, including rotational grazing, precision genetics, species stacking and intensive feeding systems. This episode features three farmers who share how, by implementing these management techniques, they have maintained production during extreme climate events, making their businesses more resilient.
Thank yo...
2023-09-0639 minThe Business of DairyEconomics and Risks of Raising Non-Replacement CalvesRecently a farmer reference group was formed in the Mid Coast region of NSW to provide information and guidance on an economic and risk analysis of rearing non-replacement calves. The project was led by Dan Armstrong, Senior Consultant with the RM Consulting Group. In the analysis, Dan and his team used two of the farms as case studies where the goal was to sell the non-replacement calves as dairy beef and investigate whether it would be economically practical to hold onto these calves and pursue this alternative pathway.This was the second phase of...
2023-08-3128 min
Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative FarmingClimate Smart Farming Series - Biodiversity and ecosystem services for supporting climate resilient agricultural productionOn the road again with Matt and Edgars. This time visiting farmers who have significantly injected life back into their farms growing wine, macadamias and cherries! Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem functions that support all life on Earth. Climate change significantly impacts biodiversity through the increase in the intensity and frequency of fires, storms, or periods of drought. Farmers combat and maintain healthy ecosystems by focusing on regenerative practices such as native plantings, increasing diversity, cover cropping, microbiology and integrated pest management. In this episode, be inspired by farmers who have improved their resilience by increasing whole ecosystem biodiversity o...
2023-08-0337 minThe Business of DairyIntensive Dairies - Drivers of Adoption and ProfitabilityInterest in NSW and Australia in intensive dairy systems has grown significantly in the last decade due to many factors. These systems require significant capital investment, so it is important that if this is a system that interests you, you really do your homework. Through DairyUP, a large research, development and extension program in NSW, NSW DPI with joint funding from Dairy Australia, has undertaken an economic and social science project looking at the profitability of intensive farms in NSW and why people are considering and adopting them. This month Sheena discusses the project with Ni...
2023-07-3145 min
Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative FarmingClimate Smart Farming Series - Building healthy soils that buffer against severe climatic eventsSoil is one of the most undervalued substances on this planet, but farmers know that our future depends on the health of our soil. Maintaining healthy soils improves productivity and resilience on farms and also plays a role in tackling climate change by capturing and storing vast amounts of carbon. Recent climatic changes contribute to many soil issues like erosion, nutrient imbalance, water logging and loss of soil biodiversity. In this episode several farmers share their experiences of cover cropping, soil testing and using compost and organic fertilisers to improve soil health and structure and increase soil carbon for...
2023-07-2141 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal disease update with Brad Baxter & Steve Simpfendorfer 20.7.23.NSW DPI's plant pathologists, Brad Baxter & Steve Simpfendorfer, have a chat about what happening in cereal crops at the moment. Diseases that are appearing & how to control them, along with ones that may become an issue in 2023.
2023-07-2033 min
Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative FarmingClimate Smart Farming Series - Landscape modifications and interventions for drought resilienceThe #ClimateSmart series explores the diverse impacts of #ClimateChange on the landscape and farmers' own experiences in practically adapting their land, systems and businesses.
In this episode, we're looking at farmers who have used landscape modification including diversion banks, ponding, swales and leaky weirs to slow and store water flows during rainfall events. Along with restoring ground cover this has significantly reduce erosion and restored landscape function.
Thank you to the farmers, you can watch and read their stories here:
Scott Preisig and Belinda Scott, Merrylands Station, Kerrigundi, NSW
dpi...
2023-07-1337 min
Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative FarmingClimate Smart Farming Series - AgTech to manage climate risks and maximise return on infrastructure investmentThe #ClimateSmart series explores the diverse impacts of #ClimateChange on the landscape and farmers' own experiences in practically adapting their land, systems and businesses. In this episode, we're looking at farmers who have adopted digital technology that have allowed them to improve their productivity, achieve efficiencies, respond to the climate risk, and adapt their enterprises.
Thank you to the farmers, you can watch and read their stories here:
Vito Mancini blood orange farm, Redbelly Citrus, Griffith NSW
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/v-mancini
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2023-07-0439 minThe Business of DairyDairy and Carbon Emissions – What Does it all Mean?Greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, carbon credits, mitigation strategies, emission reduction targets - these are terms that are bandied about regularly in relation to agriculture and dairying. What do they all mean and how do they impact you at a farm level?This month, my colleague Zita Ritchie interviews Blake Cheer a Dairy Development Officer with NSW DPI and Aaron Simmons, a senior research scientist also with the DPI. Blake has a background in Climate & Environmental Management which was the focus of his work in a previous role in New Zealand, where a GHG emissions partnership for primary...
2023-06-3034 minThe Business of DairyDairyUP – Fast Tracking the NSW Dairy Industry Through RD&ENSW dairy farmers have faced many extreme weather and climatic challenges in recent years from severe and prolonged drought to bushfires and then widespread flooding. There is no doubt we will continue to see these events and others occur in the future. We need to get better at preparing for, responding to and managing our recovery in these situations.With this in mind, last year a large collaborative research, development and extension program worth $16 million was launched. This 5-year program aims to fast track the NSW dairy industry to a position so that farm businesses h...
2023-05-3135 minThe Business of DairyThe Economics of Silage MakingSilage is used to varying degrees and in different ways on NSW and Australian dairy farms, depending on the type of feeding system the farm has. It can be an important component of your herd’s diet and given that producing it comes with additional costs compared to directly grazed pasture, it is important to make sure you do it well to make it economical.My guest this month is Neil Griffiths, a well-known agronomist who worked for many years with the NSW Dept of Primary Industries as a Pasture Production Technical Specialist and has been heavily in...
2023-04-3033 minThe Business of DairyBreeding Better Kikuyu with Bill Fulkerson and Ken BryantGuests Bill Fulkerson and Ken Bryant speak with Zita Ritchie about a new cultivar of kikuyu which has shown resistance to fungal infections, particularly kikuyu yellows. Key management strategies are also discussed for kikuyu. Bill is a well know dairy researcher with many years of experience, particularly supporting farmers on the Far North Coast of NSW. Ken is a dairy farmer at Bexhill near Lismore and a director of the Norco Board and has been involved in the development of the new cultivar as part of the local Dairy Industry Development Group on the Far North Coast....
2023-03-3137 minThe Business of DairyFive Things to Get Right for Autumn SowingIt is coming up to a key time of the year for many of our dairy businesses, that being the autumn sowing period. There are many things to consider now to get the best outcome for your pasture production in the winter and spring period ahead. My guest this month is agronomist Josh Hack from Ag Farming Systems. Josh recently spoke at an autumn pasture and seasonal update day held on farm near Taree on the Mid North Coast of NSW which was organised by the Hunter Local Lands Services.In this session Josh discusses...
2023-02-2829 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyPre-season tips for cereal diseases in 2023.NSW DPI's Steve Simpfendorfer and Brad Baxter have a chat about what diseases could be the main 'nasties' in 2023.-How to minimise the loss for these diseases pre-season.-How to know if you have a problem.-The do's and don't for 2023.
2023-02-2737 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyThe importance of quality planting seed in 2023, after the challenges of 2022.NSW DPI's Steve Simpfendorfer and Col McMaster give us a rundown on the importance of good quality planting seed.Sourcing quality planting seed could be a challenge this year after the sagas of 2022We cover:-what constitutes good quality planting seed-what diseases can be seed borne-how you can test your seed.
2023-02-0730 minNSW DPIRD AgronomySpray drift - why its this summer's big problem. Tips and technology to avoid it.In this podcast with Amanda Thomas, Regional Extension Officer, CottonInfo, we chat about all things off-target spray drift:-how big is the problem-why its so bad this year-who's responsible-tips for avoidance-new technology that can help....along with the Christmas turkey & voodoo dolls!spray drift
2023-02-0631 minThe Business of DairyHow Can Genomics Benefit Me?Genomics - to some farmers this is an amazing innovation that they have embraced with open arms. For others, it may be a bit of a scientific mystery but according to Rob Cooper, my guest this month it is actually very simple to use and a powerful tool that he is passionate about and would like to see more people in the industry adopt.Rob is well known to many in dairying. He was a successful dairy farmer for many years always open to new ideas, reading and travelling widely to increase his knowledge and then implementing...
2023-01-3139 minThe Business of DairyA Profitable Year With ChallengesNSW Dairy Farm Monitor results were recently released for the 21/22FY. Analysis of the performance of the 36 farms involved in the project showed a wide range in profitability. All farms experienced above average rainfall for the year - many of them subject to significant flooding and prolonged wet conditions which impacted on performance. However, despite the impact of the incredibly wet year and higher input costs, strong milk prices and livestock trading conditions enabled the second highest average profit position in 11 years of DFMP in NSW at an average of $1.71/kgMS. Useful resources related to t...
2022-12-3124 minThe Business of DairyManaging Well in Wet ConditionsNSW dairy farmers have been faced with some incredibly challenging seasonal conditions over the last 2 years which has seen one in one-hundred-year floods, repeated floods and prolonged wet conditions on many coastal farms and now our inland farms as well. These conditions are not limited to NSW, most states on the eastern seaboard have been affected by the impact of la Nina. Apart from the immediate and devastating impacts of floods on dairy farms, the flooding in inland grain and hay growing regions is creating a future feed shortage for the industry. Neil Moss, consultant with Scibus h...
2022-11-3036 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyMould in canola, what's the story?NSW DPI's plant pathologist, Kurt Lindbeck gives us a rundown in mould in canola:-What's causing the problem?-Are the moulds toxic?-What could I have done to prevent it?-How can I avoid it next year?
2022-11-2829 minThe Business of DairyReal Farmers Managing Climate RiskThis month, Zita Ritchie interviews Paula Gray. Paula is a farmer form Rolland’s Plains on the Mid North Coast of NSW who farms with her husband Mick. The Gray’s have been the NSW case study farm for a project called Dairy Businesses for Future Climates which enables farmers to understand the likely impacts of climate on their farm and help them prepare to better manage the risks or changes.It is the first time this project has been run in NSW with previous work having been done in dairying regions in Victoria, South Aust and Tasm...
2022-10-3131 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyStripe Rust in wheat: the myth busters edition.Brad Baxter and Steve Simpfendorfer, NSW DPI's cereal pathologists, join us for a podcast to help dispel some of the urban myths around stripe rust in 2022.-Did you spray at the right time?-What has happened with pathotypes this year?-Is disease resistance breaking down?
2022-10-2439 minThe Business of DairyTechnology – Hype or Reality?This month our focus is on technology and my guest is Dr Nicolas Lyons, who is Leader Dairy with the NSW DPI dairy team. Nico has had a career shaped by his involvement with dairy farm technology, both in research and on farm implementation.Technology used on dairy farms and agriculture in general is ever evolving and, if suited to the farm and farmer’s business it can help improve on-farm productivity by making tasks easier and labour more efficient, providing the manager with information to help them make more effective and timely decisions in areas such as...
2022-09-3034 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyPlanting soybean early on the North coast.Nathan Ensbey, technical officer with NSW DPI based at Grafton, talks us through the trial work being done into early planting of soybean.-Why you would do it-What varieties are suited to an earlier plant-Some tips to get it right.
2022-09-1326 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyWhat's happening with diseases in canola and pulse crops? With Kurt Lindbeck.NSW DPI's plant pathologist Kurt Lindbeck, gives an update on:-What is happening in the paddock with canola and pulse crops.-Is it too late for fungicides to be effective in canola?-Upper canopy blackleg and late season sclerotinia in canola.-What nasties are raising their heads in pulse crops.
2022-09-0732 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyRussian wheat aphid: the basics, its spread and how to control with Zorica Duric.NSW DPI Field Entomologist, Zorica Duric, talks to us about Russian wheat aphid, life cycle, damage and control methods. For more information on thresholds, refer to: pir.sa.gov.au/research/services/…reshold_calculator
2022-09-0522 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal disease update with Brad Baxter & Steve Simpfendorfer, 2.9.22.The latest update from the pathology team, Brad Baxter & Steve Simpfendorfer, on what's happening with cereal diseases in the field across NSW.
2022-09-0530 minThe Business of DairyThe Game Business JourneyKevin and Brodie Game with their young family, dairy at Bemboka on the far south coast of NSW and have worked hard at achieving their goals over the last 12 years. From small beginnings they have grown into a large and profitable business, with the inevitable ups and downs along the way. They have also just reached the end of their first year as the NSW Focus Farm which has provided them with great support and guidance, so along with Kevin and Brodie, I am joined by Justin Walsh who is facilitating their Focus Farm project. W...
2022-08-3149 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyKevin Moore, a reflection on how the chickpea industry has managed ascochyta.Dr Kevin Moore takes us through the history of Ascochyta in Australia. The impact on the industry when it was first detected in 1998, and how the plant breeders responded to the challenge.
2022-08-3119 minNSW DPIRD AgronomySeasonal update on cereal diseases, 29.6.22.Steve Simpfendorfer and Brad Baxter, NSW DPI's cereal pathologists, give us an update on what's happening in the paddock, what issues are coming into them, what diseases could be an issue in 2022 and how to manage them.
2022-08-3133 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyChickpea Breeding Australia: who they are and what they do.The team from Chickpea Breeding Australia (CBA) have a chat to us about:-who they are-what they do-what's in the pipeline for growers-and the benefits of the new breeding facility at Tamworth to the chickpea industry nation-wide.Listen to Kristy Hobson, Ahsan Asif, Elizabeth Bell And Glenn Lendon talk about breeding advancements, the new breeding precinct at Tamworth and what traits they are working on for growers across Australia.
2022-08-3127 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyCrown rot, how big an issue will it be in 2022?Crown rot, how big an issue will it be in 2022?Listen to the latest advice from NSW DPI's Mitch Buster, Toni Petronaitis & Dr Steve Simpfendorfer has to say about the matter.-What is your risk?-Should you grow durum?-Influence of nitrogen on the disease.-Management options pre-sow, in-crop and post-harvest.
2022-08-3034 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyStripe rust update with Brad Baxter and Steve Simpfendorfer, 8.8.22.NSW DPI's plant pathologists Brad Baxter and Steve Simpfendorfer give us a snapshot of what is happening in paddocks with stripe rust in wheat and how to manage it this season. Along with other diseases issues in cereal at the moment.
2022-08-3018 minNSW DPIRD AgronomyEarly sowing sorghum, with Loretta Serafin, 7.9.21.Early sowing sorghum, with NSW DPI's Loretta Serafin. Listen to Loretta's tips on how to get early sown sorghum right on the back of the trial work that NSW DPI has being doing for a number of years now in NW NSW.
2022-08-3022 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomySclerotinia stem rot in canola.NSW DPI's plant pathologist Kurt Lindbeck gives a rundown on sclerotinia stem rot in canola:-How the disease is spread from year to year and within the crop-How to manage the disease-The potential for the disease in 2022.
2022-08-3050 minThe Business of DairyProfitability Insights From 10 Years of Dairy Farm Monitor in NSWIn this episode we take a look at features of the Top 25% of NSW Dairy Farm Monitor Farms in terms of their profitability and productivity over the last 10 years.Funding from the NSW Farm Business Resilience Program enabled this project to happen. It has highlighted key physical and financial traits of the top performers such as herd size, usable land area, production, stocking rate, cow and labour efficiency and cost of production.Farmers and industry are always keen to understand features of profitable dairy businesses under different conditions. In Australia we are fortunate to have...
2022-07-3134 minThe Business of DairyCreating a Time and Labour Efficient FarmClear, simple systems to help you manage tasks and people on your farm can help with business efficiency and productivity.An aspect that is commonly spoken about in the dairy industry is the cost and efficiency of labour, not to mention availability, of skilled labour.In NSW labour total costs (paid and owner operator or imputed labour) on average, make up around 25% of farm operating costs according to our NSW DFMP data. This represents a cost of around $2.10/kgMS. In terms of efficiency, we are looking at, on average around just under 40,000kgMS/FTE. Obviously...
2022-06-3035 minThe Business of DairyUnderstanding My Milk PriceIt’s the 1st June - an important date in the Australian dairy calendar. Most listeners will know that under the dairy Mandatory Code of Conduct, processors are now required to announce their minimum farm gate milk price today in their milk supply agreements.My guest this episode is Janine Waller, Executive Director of Australian Dairy Products Federation or ADPF - the nations peak body for dairy processors, marketers and traders. Janine has a history spanning more than 20 yrs working in the food industry, consulting to market leading clients such as Dons Smallgoods and also working with Li...
2022-05-3125 minThe Business of DairySetting My Business up for SuccessThis month we take a look at business planning – getting clarity on what your business is about, what you are trying to achieve and how you are going to get there.A report by the UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in 2018 identified 8 factors that characterised their top performing farms, one of which is ‘setting goals and budgets’. Their findings showed that (quote) “Farms that write a formal long-term business plan are more profitable than others. Writing your ambitions down is one of the most successful ways to visualise in your mind what you want to do and...
2022-04-3025 minThe Business of DairyThe Art of Tax PlanningFarm profits will be interesting this financial year with strong milk prices and milder seasons being in our favour but then on the other side of the scales we have pricing pressures on key inputs such as fertiliser and wet weather and severe flooding impacting many dairy businesses on the east coast of Australia. Whether you are looking at a profit or a loss for your dairy business, we are now in the final quarter of the financial year and if you don’t already, you should really be looking at tax planning with your accountant to manage your ta...
2022-03-3128 minThe Business of DairyFall Armyworm Impacts and the Feed That Gets Better With TimeThe potential for reduced yields and fodder quality in corn and sorghum crops is something that now has to be proactively managed by farmers as a result of detection of fall armyworm in Australia. It is a plant pest that first appeared in QLD in February 2020 and also the NT and norther parts of WA. It has subsequently been found throughout the eastern seaboard as far as Tasmania. Being a new pest, we are still learning how to best manage it and this month we hear from Ross Warren, Senior Dairy Extension Officer with QDAF who has seen the i...
2022-02-2834 minThe Business of DairyCovid-19 Impacts on Dairy Supply Chains and PricingCovid-19 continues to impact how we live and operate as individuals, communities and businesses. This month we look at the impact it is having on farm input pricing and the supply chain from the perspective of a rural produce store and a farmer. Troy Higgins, manager at Gloucester Rural Supplies, shares his perspective on how he is managing the challenges of securing supply of products in the year ahead and gives us some insight into current and future pricing and availability of products. Chris Maslin is a third-generation dairy farmer who manages a herd of 700 co...
2022-01-3120 minThe Business of DairyHighest Profit in NSW Dairy Farm Monitor in 10 YearsThis year marks the tenth year of the Dairy Farm Monitor Project in NSW and the most profitable we have seen in that period with an average operating profit or Earnings Before Interest and Tax of $2.07/kgMS which translated into a 4.9% RoTA. This project involves a detailed physical and financial analysis of dairying businesses in NSW and saw 41 farms participate this year, the highest number to date. Participating farms are anonymous and receive an individual farm report.The Department of Primary Industries manage this project in NSW with funding and support from Dairy Australia and this month...
2021-12-3128 minThe Business of DairyManaging High Fertiliser PricesNitrogen fertiliser is a key input for pasture and fodder production in dairy businesses. In the last eight months we have seen urea prices increase on farm by around 80%. Is it too costly to keep applying with urea prices over $1000 per tonne? This month we are joined by Neil Moss, director and Senior Consultant with Scibus who consults to dairy and beef producers in NSW and interstate. We touch on some of the factors affecting pricing and availability of fertiliser and look at how the numbers stack up for applying urea to your pastures and maize crops. W...
2021-11-3034 minThe Business of DairyAre Automatic Milking Systems Profitable in Australia?Commercially operating automatic milking systems (AMS) have been in Australia since 2001. While this system currently makes up less than 1% of the Australian dairy industry, positivity in the industry is currently seeing many farmers consider AMS as part of future investment in their businesses, with a number of farms installing them in the coming 12- 18mths. This month we speaking with two of the “Milking Edge” project team (Juan Gargiulo and Jessica Bell) who have done excellent research into the profitability of AMS systems compared to conventional milking systems in our Australian pasture based environment and developed world leadin...
2021-10-3135 minThe Business of DairyTocal Dairy Breeding & Herd Reproductive Performance with Year-Round CalvingBreeding and reproduction targets in a year-round calving system are the focus this month. Matt Brett from Tocal Dairy joins us again to talk about the breeding program at Tocal, looking at their strategy, the systems they have in place to manage and monitor herd reproductive performance and their use of sexed semen.Dr Luke Ingenhoff, veterinarian from Sydney University visits Tocal on a monthly basis and compiles an invaluable report which is used by the Tocal team to monitor the herd reproductive performance and pick up any early issues before they become a costly problem to...
2021-09-3036 minThe Business of DairyOver-capitalisation – is my business at risk?What is over-capitalisation, what does it look like on a dairy farm and how does it impact your business performance? It is important to be aware of how over-capitalisation can add to your business’s cost of production – adding to both cash and non-cash costs.This month, Jake Musson (Data Analyst – Dairy Australia) describes over-capitalisation in a dairy business, the impact it can have and the risk it can create, particularly in times of volatility, if not managed well. Useful resources related to this podcast:· Jake Musson (Dairy Australia) – NSW System Performance presentation (~19:20 minute mark fo...
2021-08-3126 min