The myCOW Podcast

• Ep 6: Nutrition Tips & Tricks: The Science of Ketosis in Dairy Cows

  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:Ketosis is the buildup of ketone bodies in the blood.Liver health is crucial for managing ketosis in cows.Nutritional factors significantly influence ketosis development.Signs of ketosis include reduced appetite and rapid condition loss.Blood testing is essential for monitoring ketosis levels.Technological advancements can aid in predicting ketosis in cows.Identifying triggers for ketosis can help in prevention strategies.Transition feeding is critical for cow health post-calving.The quality and quantity of protein in the diet affect the risk of ketosis.Managing over-conditioned cows is vital to prevent ketosis.

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• Ep 5: Cow Condition – What It Is, Why It Matters & How to Manage It

  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 Cow condition is crucial for dairy farm success.Monitoring cow condition regularly can prevent issues.Training staff to observe cow condition is beneficial.Nutrition plays a key role in cow health and performance.Different types of fat affect cow health differently.Protein intake is essential for maintaining cow condition.Feeding practices can influence the type of fat cows store.Fodder beet can be both beneficial and problematic.Eliminating variation in cow condition leads to better outcomes.Developing practical farming insights is a continuous journey.

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• Ep 6: Building a strong farming business with Chris Deroles

  Southland-based farmer Chris Deroles joins Shaun Balemi to share how his multi-farm business Aurum Farming balances profitability, people and performance. With over 3,000 cows, sharemilking structures, in-shed feeding systems and collar technology in place, Chris unpacks the systems that make their operation run smoothly - from consistent pasture allocation and tight feed control to smart tech use and strong staff culture. Learn how they’ve kept empty rates under control with noreproductive intervention, grown a resilient team, and used smart feeding to drive milk production without relying on silage. If you’re looking to build a better farming system without adding more cost, this one’s worth a listen.

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• Ep 5: Cow Condition – What it is, why it matters & how to manage it

  In this episode, Shaun Balemi and Tangaroa Walker dig into the science and practicality of cow condition - what it is (hint: it's not just fat), how it impacts production and reproduction, and how to manage it pre- and post-calving. They cover condition scoring, protein vs fat reserves, transition challenges, staff training, and real-world tools like walk-over scales. A no-fluff conversation packed with practical takeaways.

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• Ep 4: Farm Tech & Wearables – What’s worth it? With Ben Matthews

  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.

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