In this episode, Al & Juddy explore the importance of paddock rotations and long term planning in farming systems.

They outline the potential of a 7-10 year plan, ranging from grass-to-grass transitions to more complex systems that incorporate crops like fodder beet, kale, and lucerne.

These planned cropping cycles can stack yields, tackle hard-to-kill weeds, and streamline farm management.

No matter your farm type, this discussion offers valuable insights into transforming unproductive paddocks and improving overall efficiency with forward thinking.

“Stacking yields in a well designed rotation allows you to maximise productivity and capture more feed across different seasons, ultimately making the best use of your land.’ – Allister Moorhead

Navigating your career path in your early 20s can be challenging. In this episode, Al & Juddy sit down with Sarah McKenze, Agricom’s Extension Manager to talk about her career journey and how she has achieved her success to date. This conversation is aimed at inspiring young professionals who are starting or progressing in their careers. They share a wide range of insights including what to expect in your first role and how to excel in a new environment.

‘You only know what you know. It’s important to talk to people in different roles. While you may not have your version of the perfect job, it’s about focusing on the skills you’re gaining and the lessons you’re learning along the way.’ – Sarah McKenzie

Winter feed competitions are an integral part of New Zealand rural communities, where farmers showcase their best crops for a panel of judges. In this episode, Al & Juddy team up with Fraser Harrison, Agricom’s Forage System Specialist as seasoned competition judges to share top tips for winning your next local winter feed competition. From ideal crops, sowing dates and timing to bonus strategies for scoring extra points on the day, this podcast has what you need to come out on top.

Summer cropping offers an excellent opportunity to boost feed during the season, especially when paddocks are scheduled for autumn renovation. Al & Juddy discuss various brassica varieties and how they fit into different farming systems and climatic conditions. Join them as the explore specific examples and offer valuable insights into how summer cropping could benefit your operation.

This isn't your typical episode of Seed Dating! Al & Juddy are joined by Fraser Harrison, Agricom's Forage System Specialist, to highlight the critical role of Seed Treatment in protecting brassica crops during the spring sowing season. Listen in to learn the benefits of both Ultrastrike® and Gaucho®, and how these treatments serve as an essential 'insurance policy' against pests and diseases, ensuring better plant survival through the establishment stage and beyond.

In this episode of Seed Dating, meet the star of regrowth—Mainstar forage rape. This modern, early-maturing rape boasts strong aphid tolerance and is capable of multiple regrowth cycles! Tune in to learn why Mainstar forage rape could be a great fit to your farming system.

Introducing New Zealand’s largest selling kale—SovGold! This late flowering kale stands out with its impressive utilisation and leaf-to-stem ratio. Thanks to its outstanding characteristics, SovGold is suitable for a wide range of farm systems seeking a high-yielding kale that offers great flexibility.

Join Al & Juddy as they discuss how to choose the best forage species for your farming system. They share their experiences in evaluating different cultivars, covering everything from understanding animal grazing preferences and conducting replicated plot trials to considering the impact of management decisions. Whether you already have your preferred forage cultivars or are curious about the selection process, this episode provides valuable insights on how to make informed choices that align with your farming system.