The myCOW Podcast

• Ep 10: Pasture gains with Halter - Virtual fencing, better breaks, real results - With Nick Hand

  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 takeaways6% increase in pasture harvested in the first year.Contract milkers improve efficiency by checking cows regularly.Great farmers can achieve even greater results with the right practices.Technology plays a crucial role in modern farming.Sustainable practices are essential for future farming success.Regular monitoring enables better resource management.Farmers are adapting to new methods for better yields.Efficiency in farming can lead to significant economic gains.Collaboration among farmers enhances knowledge sharing.Challenges in agriculture require innovative solutions.KeywordsPasture management, technology in farming, sustainable agriculture, farming efficiency, agricultural challenges

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• Episode 9: Measuring and managing soil health with Conan Moynihan

  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:Soil quality is fundamental for overall farm productivity.Visual soil assessments provide quick insights into soil health.Soil aggregation is crucial for root development and nutrient access.Soil microbiology plays a key role in nutrient cycling.Improving soil health can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.Diversity in pasture species enhances soil microbiome diversity.Nutrient density in feed is linked to soil health.Effective soil management can lead to better livestock health.Farmers should regularly assess soil conditions and adjustpractices accordingly.Collaboration with soil consultants can enhance farm management strategies.KeywordsSoil quality, soil health, farming practices, soil microbiology, nutrient density, sustainable agriculture, visual soil assessment, soil structure, livestock health, agronomy.

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• Ep 8: Building a strong farm business - With Chris Deroles

  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.TakewaysNavigating health challenges can be complex and frustrating.Personal experiences with vertigo can significantly impact daily life.Medication can have unexpected effects on mental health and mood.Acupuncture may provide relief for certain health issues.Health and safety regulations can create challenges infarming.Environmental concerns are increasingly relevant in farming practices.Collaboration within the farming industry can lead to better outcomes.Technology is transforming modern farming practices.Family dynamics play a crucial role in farming businesses.Syndicate ownership offers an alternative to traditionalfarming methods.KeywordsHealth challenges, vertigo, tinnitus, acupuncture, health and safety, environmental concerns, farming practices, technology in farming, family business, pasture management.

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• Ep 7: Farm tech & wearables - The future of cow monitoring

  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.TakeawaysCow wearables provide valuable data for improving farm efficiency.Different types of wearables include boluses, collars, and ear tags.Rumination minutes are a key metric for cow health.Data analysis helps in making informed decisions about cownutrition.Integration of technology is crucial for effective farm management.Farmers should trial different software to find the bestfit.Collaboration between tech companies can enhance data insights.Research is ongoing to improve the accuracy of wearable technology.The future of cow monitoring looks promising with AI advancements.Choosing the right technology depends on specific farm needs.

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• 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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