Farmers Weekly Podcast

(00:00:00) Full Show | March 20 (00:01:42) Middle East conflict drives rising costs for NZ farmers (00:07:55) HortNZ outlines election priorities for sector growth (00:21:24) Federated Farmers pushes back on Gore District Plan concerns In this episode, AgriHQ’s Mel Croad explains the impacts of rising fuel and fertiliser costs are adding pressure on farmers as global conflict disrupts supply chains. HortNZ CEO Kate Scott outlines its election priorities and Federated Farmers raises concerns about the proposed Gore District Plan and unclear consenting rules.

Horticulture NZ chief executive Kate Scott chats about the election manifesto the industry group has just released, which includes the key issues it hopes the next government will address.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad discusses the influence that the war in the Middle East is having behind the farmgate and in our export markets.

Federated Farmers Southland president Jason Herrick is standing firm despite being labelled a scaremonger for his opposition to the new Gore District Plan.

This week: AgriHQ insight as feeder calves fetch top dollar amid record beef prices, investment advisor Mark Butterworth weighs farmer options for the Fonterra payout, and Federated Farmers’ dairy council outlines key priorities.AgriHQ Insight | Feeder calves fetch strong prices as beef market surges1: 38 – Feeder calf sales are underway nationwide. AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie explains why record beef prices are lifting demand and prices for young cattle.Feature | Fonterra payout: strategies for farmers and investors7:41 – What will farmers do with the Fonterra payout? Craigs Investment Partners adviser Mark Butterworth shares what he’s hearing from farming families weighing debt, reinvestment and new investments.Feds Focus | Feds dairy council sets agenda20:28 – Feds dairy section chair Karl Dean joins the show to reflect on a recent dairy council meeting. New opportunities in dairy-beef, engaging with the animal welfare regulatory update, and further opportunities for sharefarmers were all identified as key issues.

What will farmers do with the Fonterra payout? Craigs Investment Partners adviser Mark Butterworth shares what he’s hearing from farming families weighing debt, reinvestment and new investments.

Feeder calf sales are underway nationwide. AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie explains why record beef prices are lifting demand and prices for young cattle.

Feds dairy section chair Karl Dean joins the show to reflect on last week’s meeting of the dairy council. New opportunities in dairy-beef, engaging with the animal welfare regulatory update, and further opportunities for sharefarmers were all identified as key issues.

This special bonus episode of the Farmers Weekly NZ podcast explores the significance of the Rural Woman of the Year Award and the vital role women play in farming communities.Farmers Weekly NZ publishers and award sponsors Dean and Cushla Williamson join Bryan in the studio to talk about the importance of recognising the often-unsung heroes of rural life: women who quietly support and uplift others without seeking recognition.

In this episode, AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner discusses record prices at North Island weaner fairs and the demand behind them. Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne explains proposed KiwiSaver changes aimed at helping rural workers into property, while Federated Farmers’ Danielle Hovmand outlines why the sector has pushed for the reforms and what they could mean for young farmers.AgriHQ Insight | Young cattle demand record prices1:38 – Weaner fairs are in full swing across the North Island and AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says vendors are banking record prices. Sales at Stortford Lodge have led the way, but other regions are also cashing in as buyers look to capitalise on strong schedules.Feature | Unlocking property investment for rural workers10:06 – Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne joins the show to talk about the proposed changes to KiwiSaver aimed at helping farm workers and service personnel invest in property, the political process behind it, and its broader economic implications.Feds Focus | Feds celebrates KiwiSaver change18:27 – Danielle Hovmand, Feds Waikato sharefarmer chair, has been a leading voice in the push to get changes made to the KiwiSaver rules allowing young farmers to use their investment to buy a house or farm.

Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne joins the show to talk about the proposed changes to KiwiSaver aimed at helping farm workers and service personnel invest in property, the political process behind it, and its broader economic implications.

Weaner fairs are in full swing across the North Island and AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says vendors are banking record prices.

Danielle Hovmand, Feds Waikato sharefarmer chair, has been a leading voice in the push to get changes made to the KiwiSaver rules allowing young farmers to use their investment to buy a house or farm.

In this episode: Mainland sale boosts rural property prospects, Pāmu’s performance unpacked, and a preview of the high country field day. News Wrap | Mainland deal has real estate sector primed1:42 – In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to talk about the Mainland sale, and the impact the cash injection will have on rural communities. Real estate agents are expecting an increase in volume as cashed-up farmers look to secure succession plans, expand operations, or exit the industry. Feature | What’s powering Pāmu’s performance?6:56 – Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie tells Bryan that the state farmer’s strong half-year result is down to a mix of high commodity prices and the organisation’s strategy of increasing efficiency, productivity and excellence. Feds Focus | High country on show in March21:20 – Federated Farmers is hosting a high country field day on March 27, and Mark Simpson says they’re expecting more than 250 farmers and key politicians to attend. He says it will be an opportunity for decision makers to see some of the challenges high country farmers face, while also getting a lesson on the changing face of farming in the hills.The Final Word | Eating our way to better health26:55 – The recent Underground Festival hosted a political panel where MPs from across the spectrum were united in their support for healthy, unprocessed food. Can they work together to ensure that the food we produce so well not only nourishes global consumers, but the people of Aotearoa as well?

Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie tells Bryan that the state farmer’s strong half-year result is down to a mix of high commodity prices and the organisation’s strategy of increasing efficiency, productivity and excellence.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to talk about the Mainland sale, and the impact the cash injection will have on rural communities. Real estate agents are expecting an increase in volume as cashed-up farmers look to secure succession plans, expand operations, or exit the industry.

Federated Farmers is hosting a high country field day on March 27, and Mark Simpson says they’re expecting more than 250 farmers and key politicians to attend. He says it will be an opportunity for decision makers to see some of the challenges high country farmers face, while also getting a lesson on the changing face of farming in the hills.

In this week’s episode, senior reporter Neal Wallace covers severe weather impacts and sheep traceability, while AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington previews strong demand and high expectations ahead of beef weaner sales. Feature guest Glenn Bewley from Woolworths discusses food security and sustainability, and Federated Farmers’ Mark Hooper raises concerns about potential water taxes and infrastructure investment.News Wrap | Flood recovery and the push for sheep traceability1:40 – In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to unpack the impact of recent severe weather across New Zealand, including widespread flooding and the challenges farmers are facing on the ground. The discussion also turns to sheep traceability and what it could mean for strengthening biosecurity and accountability within the sector.AgriHQ Insight | Strong buying demand shapes weaner sales9:30 – AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington shares his outlook for the livestock market ahead of the beef weaner sales. Strong schedules, solid buying power and a favourable growing season are setting the scene for high prices. Alex discusses what’s driving market confidence – and the risks farmers should consider when making purchasing decisions in a shifting market.Feature | The realities of food security in New Zealand14:13 – Glenn Bewley, Woolworths’ merchandise manager for vegetables and horticulture, joins the show to unpack the realities of food security in New Zealand. He discusses the value of strong, direct relationships with growers, the pressures created by extreme weather and urban encroachment, and why sustainability is becoming increasingly critical to the future of fresh produce supply.Feds Focus | Water tax must be ruled out24:30 – Federated Farmers is calling for amendments to the proposed resource management legislation so future governments cannot impose taxes on water. Mark Hooper says while the current government has ruled a water tax out, the legislation leaves the option on the table for those to come.The Final Word | Investment in infrastructure a priority28:57 – Climate scientists say storms like the one we experience this week are the new normal – that while we won’t necessarily get more storms, those we do get will be more intense. But are we tackling this challenge with the investment, ambition and actions that will sustain our rural communities?

Glenn Bewley, Woolworths’ merchandise manager for vegetables and horticulture, joins the show to unpack the realities of food security in New Zealand. He discusses the value of strong, direct relationships with growers, the pressures created by extreme weather and urban encroachment, and why sustainability is becoming increasingly critical to the future of fresh produce supply.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to unpack the impact of recent severe weather across New Zealand, including widespread flooding and the challenges farmers are facing on the ground. The discussion also turns to sheep traceability and what it could mean for strengthening biosecurity and accountability within the sector.