The CountryWide Podcast

In this episode, Curtis Pannett, farming in Central Otago, explains how yard weaning gives calves a better start to life and improves long-term growth and temperament. Drawing on experience from his own farm and large Australian cattle operations, he shares his advice on how calves are kept in the yards, getting them used to people and dogs helps them settle quickly, mustering and better management with moving winter feed breaks. Guest: Curtis Pannett, Cattle farmer, Central Otago Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Curtis discusses the practical steps involved in yard weaning, including pen size, daily handling routines and how to manage calves from different parts of the farm. He explains how regular interaction during the weaning process helps calves learn to cope with pressure, develop calmer temperaments, and put more energy into growth. He also highlights why investing time upfront in yard weaning can reduce stress, improve feed efficiency, and make winter management more straightforward for the whole herd. Read the article featuring Curtis here:  https://country-wide.co.nz/yard-weaning-benefits-growth-rates-and-calf-health/    For information on Tower contact your local ADAMA commercial manager or visit the website - http://www.adama.com   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Andrew Dowling, Technical Expert at PGG Wrightson, explains why farmers should think carefully before applying nitrogen to struggling fodder beet crops after a difficult 2025–26 season. With cold conditions, slow crop growth and persistent wet weather impacting yields across the country, Andrew outlines why adding nitrogen late in the season may not deliver the extra feed farmers are hoping for. Guest: Andrew Dowling, Technical Expert, PGG Wrightson Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Andrew discusses how fodder beet can accumulate nitrates when growth conditions prevent the plant from converting them into usable growth, creating potential animal health risks when stock begins grazing. He explains the signs farmers should watch for and why testing crops for nitrate levels is an important step before making fertiliser decisions. Andrew also outlines how protein requirements vary between different classes of stock and why understanding the balance between leaf, bulb and supplementary feed sources can help farmers build a safer, more productive winter ration.   Read the article featuring Andrew here:  https://country-wide.co.nz/winter-feed-yields-down/    For information on Tower contact your local ADAMA commercial manager or visit the website - http://www.adama.com   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Hamish Mulcock, Portfolio Manager at ADAMA New Zealand, introduces Tower, a new pre-emergent herbicide for wheat and barley designed to strengthen weed control and support resistance management in arable systems. As herbicide resistance continues to challenge growers, Hamish explains how Tower brings a new active ingredient to the New Zealand market, chlortoluron, alongside pendimethalin and diflufenican, delivering three complementary modes of action in one application. Guest: Hamish Mulcock, Portfolio Manager, ADAMA New Zealand Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Hamish outlines how Tower provides broad-spectrum control of key arable weeds including chickweed, speedwell, shepherd’s purse and fathen, while also controlling annual poa and suppressing perennial and Italian ryegrass. He discusses the importance of pre-emergent applications in setting crops up for strong establishment, shares insights from extensive New Zealand trials conducted since 2017, and explains how growers can confidently integrate Tower into autumn and spring crop planning to protect yield potential from the outset.   For information on Tower contact your local ADAMA commercial manager or visit the website - http://www.adama.com   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Phil Journeaux shares his strong thoughts on the failings of the New Zealand’s National Policy Statement (NPS) for Highly Productive Land and how the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘economically viable’ metric was flawed. Guest: Phil Journeaux, Consulting Agricultural Economist Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Phil, a consulting agricultural economist shares his experience with NPS-HPL in representing a landowner in court who was in one of the hotly contested Land Use Class wanting to subdivide. His debate in protecting productive land and meeting housing demand isn’t accurate and the driving issue including urban expansion and population growth takes precedent. He also explains the difference between economically viable and sustainable land, that it’s the role of landowners to drive productivity, and why evidence-based planning and careful policy design will be critical in balancing food production, housing needs, and long-term land management.   Read the article featuring Phil here:  https://country-wide.co.nz/subdivision-of-rural-land-facts-and-fiction   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mike White, Chief Science Officer at Ravensdown, explains how Hawkeye Pro, the cooperative’s precision nutrient management platform, is helping New Zealand farmers apply the right nutrients in the right place at the right time. Drawing on years of research, soil science, and advanced technology, Mike outlines how Hawkeye Pro combines soil testing, remote sensing, farm-specific data, and AI to deliver measurable value while being considerate of the environment. Guest: Mike White, Chief Science Officer, Ravensdown Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Mike explores practical applications of the platform, including its 100m²-level precision for dairy, sheep, and beef farms, seamless integration with farm systems, and decision-making tools that support both efficiency and compliance. He also discusses the potential productivity gains for farmers, highlights how Hawkeye Pro supports agri-managers in optimising farm performance, and outlines the future of precision nutrient management as the platform continues to evolve. Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special 100th episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp reflects on the beginning of the CountryWide Podcast in 2024 and where it has evolved to now. She also looks towards the future and how this podcast will transform into a paid-only, members podcast for those with a CountryWide Club membership to reflect the new free podcast CountryWide Connect - home to the daily radio/video show coming at the end of March.   Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jeremy McPhail, Chair of Environment Southland and seventh-generation Southland farmer, discusses the region’s community-led review of local government and what it could mean for the future of regional governance. Guest: Jeremy McPhail, Chair, Environment Southland Host: Andy Thompson, CountryWide   Jeremy shares why Southland moved early to explore structural change, the pressures driving reform including rising costs and infrastructure demands, and how the Local Government Commission is working with communities to identify the most effective and efficient model for delivering services. He also explains the importance of regional environmental oversight, the role of science and data in decision-making and why strong community engagement will be critical in shaping the future of local government in Southland.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Conan Moynihan, farm consultant at Force of Nature and host of the From the Soil Up podcast, reflects on what it means to be part of the next generation shaping New Zealand agriculture.  Guest: Conan Moynihan, Host of From the Soil Up Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Conan shares the realities of succession and land ownership, the tension between profitability and environmental limits, and why people sit at the centre of every successful farm system.  He also discusses how tools like AI and data can support better decision-making without replacing human judgement, observation and connection, and why progress in the sector is best achieved by creating space for open, balanced conversations rather than pushing to the extremes. Read the article featuring Conan here.   Listen to the Force of Nature here: https://forceofnatureconsulting.com/podcast   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James Laughlin, a high-performance coach, author of Habits of High Performers and host of the Lead on Purpose podcast, shares how principles of sustained high performance can be applied to farming. Drawing on his work with elite athletes, business leaders and rural clients, James explains why high performance is about consistently exceeding expectations while protecting wellbeing, relationships and long-term resilience. Guest: James Laughlin, Host of Lead on Purpose Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   James explores practical strategies including simplifying goals, focusing on what’s most important rather than most urgent, building strong boundaries, and adopting a “learn-it-all” mindset. He also discusses the mental health challenges facing the farming community, outlines simple frameworks for managing energy and wellbeing, and addresses how farmers can navigate criticism and tall poppy syndrome while continuing to grow, innovate and perform under pressure.   Read the article featuring James here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Terry Kingsbury, Chief Drone Pilot at Agricultural Consulting Services in Canterbury, discusses the evolution of drone technology in New Zealand agriculture and why it is becoming an essential tool for farm productivity and precision management. He explains how drones are used for accurate plant counts, crop health monitoring, mapping, and variable rate spraying, and highlights the importance of integrating these tools into everyday farm decision-making. Guest: Terry Kingsbury, Chief Drone Pilot, Agricultural Consulting Services Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Terry explores how crop type, paddock variability, and plant density affect yield assessments, and explains why correctly capturing and interpreting drone data is critical for reliable results. He outlines the practical benefits of using drones for winter feed crops like fodder beet and swedes, mapping infrastructure, and compliance reporting, and discusses how embracing this technology can drive both efficiency gains and more informed farm management across New Zealand.   Read the article about the drone contracting here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jane Robb, Senior Environmental Consultant at Irricon, discusses the evolution of soil moisture monitoring in New Zealand and why it is becoming an essential tool for farm productivity and environmental management. She explains how modern technology helps farmers make smarter irrigation decisions, highlights the importance of matching sensors to different soil types, and outlines what this could mean for improving water use efficiency, nutrient retention, and overall farm resilience. Guest: Jane Robb, Senior Environmental Consultant, Irricon Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Jane explores how soil type variability and water-holding capacity affect irrigation outcomes, and explains why correctly placing and interpreting soil moisture sensors is critical for both good and best management practice. She outlines the guidance and workshops available to help farmers implement monitoring effectively, the practical benefits of integrating soil moisture data into day-to-day decisions, and how embracing this technology can drive both productivity gains and environmental improvements across New Zealand farms.   Read the article featuring Jane here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr Lucy Bell discusses her PhD research into legume species that can thrive in hill and high country soils affected by high aluminium toxicity. She explains why traditional options like lucerne struggle in these environments, highlights the standout performance of species such as Lotus pedunculatus and crimson clover, and outlines what this could mean for improving nitrogen supply, forage quality and animal performance in challenging farming systems. Guest: Dr Lucy Bell, recent PhD graduate and researcher, Lincoln University Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Lucy explores how aluminium toxicity in low-pH hill and high country soils limits legume performance, and explains the biological reasons behind poor root development in species like lucerne. She outlines the trial work behind testing 13 annual and perennial legumes, the importance of plant survival and regeneration in dry, challenging environments, and why species such as crimson clover and lotus show promise for lifting nitrogen supply, early spring feed and livestock performance where few legumes currently persist.   Read the article featuring Dr Lucy Bell here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rebecca Furzeland shares how she and her husband Andrew have built one of New Zealand’s standout large-scale calf rearing operations, combining smart infrastructure, tight systems and strong supplier relationships to rear 3,500 calves a year. She outlines the design decisions that drive efficiency, the early life nutrition that underpins animal health, and why clear communication with dairy farmers is the critical lever for lifting performance. Guest: Rebecca Furzeland, Calf Rearer, Canterbury Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Rebecca explores the strategies that optimise calf growth and long-term performance, including careful planning of feeding regimes, managing multiple breeds, and tracking weight gains to guide decision-making. She highlights how attention to detail at every stage, from housing design to weaning protocols, supports healthier, more resilient animals and stronger outcomes across the dairy beef supply chain.   Read the article featuring the Furzelands here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This special episode of CountryWide explores the first independent evaluation of Halter’s virtual fencing and herding technology, now used on more than 600,000 dairy and beef cows across New Zealand, the United States and Australia. An AgFirst and Transform Agri study of ten high-performing dairy farms shows clear gains in pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, animal performance and environmental outcomes.  Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with James Allen from AgFirst, Julian Gaffney from Transform Agri and Halter’s Head of Corporate Farming, Steve Crowhurst, to unpack the findings, including an average 13 percent lift in farm profit before tax and how top operators are using the system.   Guests: James Allen, AgFirst Julian Gaffney, Transform Agri Steve Crowhurst, Head of Corporate Farming, Halter Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide James Allen is focused on helping dairy farmers unlock productivity and profitability through data-driven farm management. Drawing on his work with AgFirst and experience evaluating technologies like Halter, he examines how decisions around pasture, labour, and herd management influence performance on high-performing farms.  Through research, farm benchmarking, and collaboration with farmers and advisors, James uncovers the practical strategies that lead to measurable gains in pasture utilisation, milk production, and environmental outcomes. He highlights the value of critical analysis, evidence-based decision making, and continuous learning, showing how farmers can combine technology and strong management to achieve sustainable, high-performing systems. Julian Gaffney helps dairy farmers turn data into practical strategies that boost both productivity and sustainability. With experience at Transform Agri and working alongside high-performing farms, he examines how tools like Halter can optimise pasture use, labour efficiency, animal health, and environmental outcomes. Collaborating closely with farmers and research teams, Julian highlights the management changes and daily practices that lead to real, measurable improvements onfarm. He champions evidence-based decisions, effective staff engagement, and ongoing refinement, showing how combining technology with thoughtful management can deliver stronger performance, greater farm efficiency, and long-term resilience in New Zealand’s dairy sector.   Steve Crowhurst helps dairy farmers leverage technology to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability on farm. As Halter’s Head of Corporate Farming, he draws on experience with farms across New Zealand and overseas to show how virtual fencing and herding can optimise pasture use, labour, and animal performance. Working closely with farmers and research teams, Steve highlights the practical ways technology supports smarter, data-driven decisions that deliver measurable results. He champions innovation, adaptability, and strong farm management, demonstrating how combining advanced tools with thoughtful practices can unlock performance gains and build long-term resilience in New Zealand’s dairy sector.   Find out more about Halter here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Louise Cook, Fonterra’s Environment Programme Lead for On-Farm Excellence, unpacks how farmers boost efficiency while cutting emissions in a major industry project showing farmers can cut greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen surplus without sacrificing profitability. She explains the practices that lift efficiency with homegrown feed utilisation is the standout lever, and how top farms turn the same inputs into far stronger outputs. Guest: Louise Cook, Environment Programme Lead, Fonterra Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide When farmers make the most of homegrown feed it lifts cow productivity and therefore overall efficiency which creates a triple bottom line benefit for farms. Louise delves into the specific practices that top-performing farms use to extract more output from the same inputs by optimising feed quality, managing herd health, and aligning fertiliser and nitrogen use with production goals.    Read the article featuring Louise here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the key drivers behind New Zealand’s 47% reduction in antibiotic sales?  In this episode, Dr Annabel Harris, Chair of the NZVA’s Antimicrobial Resistance Committee explains how cross-industry collaboration and learnings internationally have helped shape on-farm practice of antibiotic use to protect New Zealand farmers from the threat of antibiotic resistance. Guest: Dr Annabel Harris, Chairperson, NZVA’s Antimicrobial Resistance Committee Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Dr Annabel Harris, a vet based in North Canterbury, provides an update on antimicrobial resistance in New Zealand livestock. She examines the spectrum of approaches from routine use to targeted therapies, and how improving farmer knowledge and practical experience with preventive measures - better animal nutrition for immunity, good vaccination programme and biosecurity to keep disease from entering the farm are important in the success. Annabel highlights the progress made in the improved knowledge in dry cow therapy, showing how there are continued ways farmers can protect animal health, safeguarding critical antibiotics for humans. Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Judd’s interest in soil management grew from his experience as a conventional dairy farmer and curiosity about evolving sector practices. His 2025 Kellogg’s Report explores the ‘soils gap’, showing how science, commerce, and culture shape decisions across conventional, regenerative, and organic systems. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Daniel about what drives differences in farmer approaches, challenges in soil science funding, and how beliefs, trust, and experience influence decisions. He also shares how self-learning, collaboration, and critical thinking can boost soil health and profitability in a changing sector.   Guest: Daniel Judd, Kellogg Scholar Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Daniel Judd is focused on bridging the ‘soils gap’ in New Zealand dairy, exploring how science, commerce, and culture shape farmer decisions and soil management practices. Drawing on his Kellogg research and experience as a conventional dairy farmer, he examines the spectrum of farming approaches, from conventional to regenerative, and how beliefs, trust, and practical experience influence on farm decision making. Through interviews with farmers, researchers, and advisors, Daniel uncovers the nuances between systems, the limitations of current soil science funding, and the practical strategies that help farmers improve soil health and profitability. He highlights the value of self learning, critical thinking, and collaboration, showing how farmers can adopt flexible approaches that benefit their business, the environment, and the long-term resilience of New Zealand’s dairy sector.   Find Daniel’s Kellogg report here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Jordi Hoult’s interest in leadership grew from her military family upbringing and her own experiences navigating the food and fibre sector. Her Kellogg research shows that many mid-career people in their 30s to 50s are ready to lead but face barriers that stop them from taking opportunities, leaving a “missing middle” in sector leadership. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Jordi about what’s creating this gap, why mentorship is often more valuable than formal courses, and how the sector can better recognise, support, and develop the people who will shape the future of food and fibre in New Zealand.   Guest: Dr Jordi Hoult, Kellogg Scholar Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Dr Jordi Hoult is focused on growing leadership in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, ensuring talented mid-career people don’t get overlooked. Drawing on her Kellogg research and experience across public and private roles, she explores how mentorship, personal development, and diverse pathways can empower people in their 30s to 50s to step into leadership roles. Through interviews, surveys, and lived experience, Jordi has uncovered the barriers that stop capable leaders from taking opportunities and the strategies that help them thrive. She highlights the importance of flexible approaches, leadership by influence as well as position, and creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and able to contribute to the sector’s long-term success.   Find Jordi’s Kellogg report here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Witnessing the stress of sheep farming in Southland as a child led Steve Clarke to a career as a helicopter pilot before returning home to the dairy farm. He and wife Hayley are on a mission to ensure that farming creates a balance of work and life for their family and staff. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Steve about his journey from sheep and beef to dairy, the lessons learned through early challenges, and how smart infrastructure, genetics, and people management have shaped their success. They discuss balancing high performance with wellbeing, maintaining team morale, and keeping family life at the centre of farming. Guest: Steve Clarke, Southland dairy farmer Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Steve Clarke is focused on building a high performing dairy business that doesn’t come at the expense of people or family life. Farming near Gore with his wife Hayley, he has developed an efficient system that balances productivity with wellbeing, driven by smart infrastructure, genetics, and teamwork. Drawing on lessons from his early years in sheep and beef, helicopter flying, and the challenges of starting out with limited experience, Steve has refined a system that prioritises good timing, strong pastures, and staff engagement. He believes high performance comes from small, consistent improvements, creating a workplace where people enjoy what they do and farming remains sustainable for the next generation. Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can farmers get the most from irrigation without wasting water or damaging equipment? IrrigationNZ Principal Technical Advisor Stephen McNally explains how preparation, planning, and smart decisions make all the difference as the season begins. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Stephen about practical steps from anchoring and mechanical checks to developing a wind plan and understanding consent conditions. They discuss a “just-in-time” approach, record-keeping, maintenance, and long-term water storage for more efficient and resilient irrigation.   Guest: Stephen McNally, Principal Technical Advisor, IrrigationNZ Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Stephen McNally is supporting farmers to lift the performance and reliability of their irrigation systems through better planning, maintenance, and decision-making. As Principal Technical Advisor at Irrigation New Zealand, he helps producers prepare for the season ahead, checking equipment, understanding consent limits, and ensuring water is applied where and when it’s needed. Drawing on decades of experience across water management and on-farm infrastructure, Stephen encourages farmers to reflect on past seasons, keep accurate irrigation records, and adopt a disciplined approach to system checks and calibration. He’s also advocating for smarter, long-term water storage and resource management, ensuring New Zealand’s abundant water is available in the right place at the right time.   Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here.   Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.