Nick Hand, senior account manager at Halter, joins myCOW to talk practical pasture management and the tech that actually moves the needle. We cover virtual fencing, accurate allocation, and why the best results come from doing the basics well and doing them consistently. Nick shares on-farm numbers too, including flat, irrigated herds lifting pasture harvested by 6% in year one and a further 7% the next, with flow-on gains in repro, plus what a realistic “minimum” looks like for most farms.
We dig into behaviour data beyond rumination — eating, moving and resting — and how changes in the four days post-calving link with conception rate. You’ll hear simple ways farmers use these trends for earlier calls on residuals, health, and heat detection.
Nick also covers onboarding and support, discussion groups where farmers swap what’s working, and handy in-paddock tactics like easing competition at break start, adding small extensions from your phone, and running multiple shifts without reels. If you want steadier residuals, higher ME, and better use of your day, this one’s for you.
Key takeaways
Keywords
Pasture management, technology in farming, sustainable agriculture, farming efficiency, agricultural challenges
In this episode, Shaun catches up with Colin Moynihan, from Force of Nature Consulting, to talk about what’s really going on beneath our feet — the soil.
They dig (pun intended) into what makes good soil tick, how to tell if yours is in good shape, and why it matters for pasture, stock, and long-term farm performance.
Colin shares practical tips for checking soil structure and biology, explains why soil aggregation is worth paying attention to, and talks about how healthy soil leads to healthier animals. They also look ahead to where sustainable farming is heading and why nutrient-dense feed starts with what’s in the ground.Takeaways:
Keywords
Soil quality, soil health, farming practices, soil microbiology, nutrient density, sustainable agriculture, visual soil assessment, soil structure, livestock health, agronomy.
Farming’s tough on more than just the land - it takes a toll on people, too. In this chat, we talk about how health issues like vertigo and tinnitus can hit farmers hard, what role medication and treatments like acupuncture can play, and how staying on top of your own health matters just as much as your cows’. We also discuss farm safety rules, the environment, working together as an industry, and how tech can actually make life easier. There’s talk of family farming, syndicate ownership, and why good pasture and consistent feed still sit at the heart of healthy, productive herds.
Takeways
Keywords
Health challenges, vertigo, tinnitus, acupuncture, health and safety, environmental concerns, farming practices, technology in farming, family business, pasture management.
In this episode, we’re pleased to welcome Ben Matthews back, as we take a look at cow wearables and how they’re starting to fit into everyday farming. We run through the types of gear out there, from collars to monitoring systems, and what they can actually tell you about cow health and nutrition.
It’s not just about collecting numbers. The real value comes when the data helps farmers make better calls, whether that’s spotting an issue earlier or finding ways to run the herd more efficiently.
We also discuss the challenge of selecting tech that suits your farm and why it matters that different systems work together rather than adding more headaches.
We also touch on where monitoring technology might head next and its potential impact on dairy farming.
Takeaways
Ketosis can be a hidden problem in dairy herds, knocking milk production and cow health long after calving. In this episode, Shaun Balemi explains what really goes on inside the cow’s liver, why blood testing matters, and how diet plays a big part in keeping cows on track. He covers practical points like transition feeding, protein quality, and managing over-conditioned cows before calving. Shaun also shares how new tech can help farmers keep an eye on cow health and behaviour, making it easier to spot issues early and stay ahead of ketosis.
Takeaways:
In this episode, Shaun and Tangaroa Walker dig into the science and practicality of cow condition and nutrition in dairy farming. Shaun emphasises the need for farmers to monitor cow condition closely and to understand the different types of fat in cows.
They cover the impact of feeding practices, the role of protein, and the challenges of transitioning cows. The hosts share insights on how to improve cow health and efficiency, ultimately leading to better farm profitability.
Takeaways
In this episode, Shaun Balemi is joined by agri-tech engineer Ben to launch a new segment on farming innovation. They unpack the latest in cow wearables, sensor data, geofencing and how tech is (actually) helping – or sometimes hindering – real NZ dairy farmers. From practical decision-making to reducing admin and managing staff time, this episode sets the scene for future tech-focused conversations.
What happens when you drop cow numbers and focus on feeding them better? In this episode, Shaun Balemi sits down with Ben Croft, a seasoned Canterbury dairy farmer, to unpack how reducing stocking rate improved cow condition, simplifiedmanagement, and increased farm profit. They talk body condition scoring, feed strategies, and how fewer, better-fed cows delivered more milk and less stress.Real data. Real decisions. Real farmer talk.
The three weeks before calving can make or break how well your cows perform in the season ahead. In this episode, Shaun Balemi shares simple, practical ways to set cows up for a smooth transition, including:
What’s happening inside the cow leading up to calving
Feeding tips to keep cows full and reduce stress
How to get minerals right for better health and fewer downer cows
Setting cows up for good milk production and faster recovery post-calving
Real-world advice you can put to work straight away to help your herd calve down in better shape.
Get more from every cow, every litre and every paddock. In this first episode, dairy nutritionist Shaun Balemi introduces the myCOW Podcast – a practical, science-led series created for New Zealand dairy farmers and ag professionals.
Shaun shares his background in dairy farming and nutrition, why he’s launching myCOW, and how the podcast (and upcoming app) will deliver clear insights from milk, cow, feed and farm data to lift efficiency and profitability.
Follow for short, farm-smart episodes that break down the science, feature farmer and expert interviews, and spark real conversations about improving cow health and building stronger farm businesses.