Feed costs
Episode 106 – Real data shows real costs
A deep dive into the data on substitution rates based on real measurements reveals just how careful farmers need to be when it comes to budgeting on the returns from supplementary feeding. The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Dr John Roche shared his analysis at a Taranaki Pasture Summit field day in late 2025 and in this podcast episode he steps listeners through his findings, explaining substitution rates and the concept of marginal milk. Drawing on extensive research and practical examples, he outlines why more feed does not always translate to more profit, and how important it is to look at the real costs of the extra production.
Margin squeezed but profits possible
Despite the rapid downward movements in milk price, and upward movements in onfarm costs, the rules of a successful dairy farming system remain the same, Mark Aitken writes.
From Canada with a focus on feed
Eighteen months on a Canadian dairy farm opened south Auckland farmer Andrew Hamilton’s eyes to cows’ potential. Anne Lee reports.