The myCOW Podcast

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 structure…

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…

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 (actu…

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 ra…

In this first episode of the myCOW Podcast, nutritionist Shaun Balemi and Farm4Life founder Tangaroa Walker bring you straight-talking insights on dairy nutrition, cow health, and what it really take…

Correctly transitioning a dairy cow will ensure both a better functioning rumen and higher levels of available energy in early lactation. Levels of calcium are more effectively maintained and mobili…

Toxin binders grab onto toxins in the diet and in the blood and strip them out of the cow reducing the toxic effect they have on the cow. Seaweed also performs this role to a minor level but it also…

These trace minerals are key in reducing the toxic effects of heat stress, protecting the key organs and reproductive system from toxin damage. Find out how you can provide these key minerals to yo…

Chromium supports the cows metabolism of energy, helping to increase liver energy partitions to the cow. It helps to better utilise the energy from feed also helping to increase cow appetite. Find …

There are a range of supplements from minerals, to toxin binders to seaweed which all help to support the cow in her fight against the effects of heat stress. View our range of supplements for heat…

A drop in appetite from heat stress causes a drop in total energy getting into the cow. This can be managed by increasing the energy density of the total diet with energy dense feeds such as grain or…

Quality feed is key to helping to manage a drop in appetite due to heat stress. Quality feed increases quantity eaten and this helps feedback into increasing cow appetite. So feed best quality feed …

Wetting concrete reducing the heat that reflects off concrete onto cows standing in yards and also wetting the owls aids in her cooling herself. These are simple solutions but very effective in maint…

Water is key to keep cows cool and to aid in cow function in metabolism. The keys are 1. Having enough water available so cows always have access to the water they want 2. The water is clean and pal…

Shade can drop the effects of Heat Stress by 30-50%. Grazing paddocks with shade during the hot part of the day and grazing non-shade paddocks at night. Find out more about how to reduce heat stres…

Above 21 degrees and 70% relative humidity the cow is effected by Heat Stress causing a drop in appetite, lowering rumen performance leading to a drop in milk production. Find out more about heat s…