Tune in to the latest season of Feed for Thought with Wade Bell and Matt Dalley as they sit down with farmers, researchers, agronomists, and nutritionists from New Zealand and abroad and dive into deep-rooted discussions.

Our goal is to keep the information practical and relevant and to prompt thoughts, discussions, and actions that improve the profitability and sustainability of farming. We hope to deliver cutting-edge information, tips, and tricks and leave you with some “Feed for Thought.”

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Season 4 Episodes

Episode 63: Inside Lawwal Holsteins' 1,000 cow free stall barn: Dairy performance, data and detail

What does it take to run a 1,000‑cow free stall barn system in New Zealand while keeping milk solids, cow health, and staff workload on track? Matt and Wade sit down with Arjun Singh of Lawwal Holsteins to unpack the realities of running a large-scale free-stall operation, from feeding and effluent management to staff routines and daily decision-making. Arjun explains to achieve over 800 milk solids per cow from his Autumn herd requires attention to detail, tight targets, and good data. 

The conversation covers how maize silage is the backbone of a TMR diet, rations are adjusted using milk dockets, milk urea, and wearable data. We also dive into Lawwal Holsteins' breeding strategy, combining North American genetics with NZ index lines.

Episode 62: From generations to innovation: Inside Stewart Dairylands' high performing dairy system

In the first official episode of Season 4, Matt and Wade sit down with James and Debbie Stewart of Stewart Dairylands, a fifth‑generation family farm that has been operating in Hiwinui (Manawatū-Whanganui region) for more than 120 years. Together the team explore the farm’s evolution from sheep and beef to a high‑performing dairy operation, with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, succession planning, and building a resilient future for the next generation. 

The Stewarts run an 850‑cow herd across linked platforms, utilising grass and silage, targeted in‑shed feeding, and a feed pad, all supported by smart technology such as collar systems, milk quality apps, and real‑time data to guide daily decisions. James and Debbie also share their involvement alongside family, with Hiwinui Country Estate, a boutique lodge offering luxury accommodation, events, and weddings. This episode delivers insights into how the Stewarts are shaping Stewart Dairylands in to forward‑thinking farming business. 

Welcome to season 4!

Season 4 is here, and we’re kicking things off by sharing what’s in store for the year ahead. Wade and Matt reflect on a huge Season 3, including the Rural Roadie - three weeks on the road, north to south, getting on farm and pulling up seats for awesome unplanned chats. This season, we’re leaning into real stories while building stronger synergy across the Feed for Thought podcast and our wider content. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear from you. Hit subscribe, share the podcast with a mate, and join us as we return to the airwaves.