The Country-Wide Podcast

Recruiting and keeping great employees is always relevant in the success of farm businesses, and is the focus of the special report in Country-Wide Summer. In this episode find out more about what employees are looking for when it comes to work contracts, how we’re doing as a sector when it comes to remuneration, and how you can attract good employees through your recruitment process.  Guests include: Richard McIntyre, Employment Spokesperson, Federated Farmers Gretchen Parkes, Manager, Rural Directions Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Luisa Osborne, Podcast Producer, CountryWide Media Federated Farmers Employment Spokesperson Richard McIntyre discusses the importance of the total value package, one that benefits both an employee's work and personal life. He says agriculture is at risk of workers taking better paid jobs in towns, and so farmers need to provide good progression pathways.  Manager of Rural Directions Gretchen Parkes discusses how farm business branding will help when it comes to recruiting employees to your farm, and what this could look like. She also gives some tips for employees looking for jobs, and how to pitch themselves to employers.  Read the special report here. Read the Summer issue of Country-Wide Magazine here. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keeping young people engaged in the farming industry is vital to the long term success of our sector. Nurturing and growing the next generation of farmers is something we should all care about. In this episode we look at the programmes that exist to upskill our future farmers, and give them the tools to have a long and rewarding career. We also dive into the current property markets as we head into spring and summer, and what we can glean from iconic sheep and beef farms hitting the markets. Guests include: Wendy Paul, CEO, Growing Future Farmers Conrad Wilkshire, General Manager of Rural, Property Brokers Shane Boderick, Team Leader Trades Academy Tutors, Primary ITO Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Growing Future Farmers CEO, Wendy Paul, discusses the role Growing Future Farmers has taken in developing the skills of young people going into the farming industry. The programme sets up 16-20 year-olds on farms for a two year programme to get practical farming experience, and learn valuable life skills.  General Manager of Rural at Property Brokers Conrad Wilkshire discusses the spring property markets, as a number of iconic sheep and beef properties go on the market, what this means for land values, and whether farmers should be concerned.  Team Leader Trades Academy Tutors at Primary ITO Shane Boderick discusses the Trades Academy Programme, and how it gives students hands-on experience and skills to get into the primary industries. He says it’s been part of his own journey, and helps a lot of school students to find something they’re talented at, and get real world experience.  Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manager. Read the Summer issue of Country-Wide Magazine here. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm businesses, like any other business, thrive better when there’s good leadership, from large multi-farm businesses to family owned-and-operated farmers. But how do you become a good leader, and what actually makes one? In this episode we delve into Pāmu’s leadership programme model, and talk to a Marlborough farmer investing in good leadership and team culture on his farm.  Guests include: Bernadette Kelly, Chief People, Safety and Reputation Officer, Pāmu Fraser Avery, Marlborough Farmer Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Pāmu’s Chief People, Safety and Reputation Officer, Bernadette Kelly, discusses how they’ve developed a culture of good leadership to do the best by their staff. This includes making sure there are opportunities for growth, development, and having each other’s back. She says people often leave workplaces due to poor leadership, so it’s critical to get it right.   Marlborough Farmer Fraser Avery works hard to create good team culture on his farm. He says it’s something that farmers often don’t learn about when they’re training, and is overlooked. He’s been looking for ways to learn from others about effective leadership styles and team culture, to do the best by his farm team.  Read more in the Special Report “Leadership It Starts at the Top” here. Read the Summer issue of Country-Wide Magazine here. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The light at the end of the tunnel is coming for the red meat sector, but how can farmers start planning ahead to stay out of the boom-and-bust cycle that seems prevalent in the sector? Hear from RaboResearch Senior Animal Protein Analyst Jen Corkran on the opportunities available to red meat farmers going forward, and Australian Independent Livestock Analyst Simon Quilty on what opportunities we can glean from the Australian market.  Guests include: Jen Corkran, Senior Animal Protein Analyst, RaboResearch  Simon Quilty, Independent Livestock Analyst Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Senior Animal Protein Analyst with RaboResearch, Jen Corkran, has delivered her report “Watering the green shoots in New Zealand sheep meat”, identifying three pathways to lift our earnings in the sector. She discusses the opportunities for red meat farmers to look into, avoiding a boom-and-bust economy, and what overseas markets we could break into.  Independent Livestock Analyst from Australia, Simon Quilty, discusses what he’s forecasting for the sheep meat sector over the next 12 months, and what he sees happening coming out of tough farming and financial times, through to 2028. This includes potential markets for Australia and New Zealand, and how the Australian market bleeds into ours.  Read Simon’s article in the latest SHEEP Country journal here. Learn more about Global AgriTrends here. Interested in learning more? Buy a copy of the 2024 SHEEP Country today, while stock lasts. Other links from this podcast: Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manger. Read the Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changing a farm system is no small feat, and Banks Peninsula farmer George Masefield, and his wife Emma, have spent the past eight years making significant changes to the family’s farming operation. In almost a decade they’ve been able to transform the business, enabling them to finish all of their lambs on their dryland hill country and buy in trading stock.  In this episode hear from George Masefield, and PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative Robert Trott, who has been part of the farm transformation. We also catch up with AgResearch about their latest project: a brand new podcast exploring the big questions facing New Zealand agriculture, and Jasper Van Halder CEO of Agnition about the exciting opportunities available to farmers through their pilot farmer network. Guests include: George Masefield, Farmer, Banks Peninsula Jasper Van Halder, CEO, Agnition Robert Trott, Technical Field Representative, PGG Wrightson Eryn Breading, Senior Marketing and Communications Advisor, AgResearch Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media George Masefield is a sixth generation sheep and beef farmer on Banks Peninsula, and is currently almost a decade into transforming the farm to get the most from their dryland system. He discusses the benefits of doing it yourself, rather than relying on contractors, and how as a family they’ve made their plans possible. Read more about George Masefield’s story here CEO of Agnition Jasper Van Halder discusses the exciting opportunities available through Agnition. Agnition’s dual mission is to generate returns from innovations and to accelerate innovation in the ag sector in NZ. Agnition also facilitates a pilot farm network where twice a year, 100+ curious farmers and growers act as ‘beta tester’ for pre-commercial solutions ready for on-farm deployment. Become part of the pilot farm network, simply enter your details at www.agnition.ventures/pilot-farm-network/join Join the next webinar at 7pm on October 29th to learn more: http://www.agnition.ventures/join  Agronomist Robert Trott from PGG Wrightson has been along for the journey with the Masefields while they transform their farm. He discusses the vast array of different crops they’re trying on the Masefield’s farm, and what he himself has learned along the way. ‘What’s Next? from AgResearch’ is a limited series podcast exploring the big questions facing New Zealand agriculture. Senior Marketing and Communications Advisor Eryn Breading discusses the work AgResearch is doing, covering everything from soil health and composition, to what lives and grows in that soil, to the wellbeing of the livestock that eat what grows in the soil, to the food and fibre produced by those animals and the health impacts on consumers. Find the podcast wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts, or via the website www.agresearch.co.nz/podcast If you’ve listened to the podcast and you’re interested in partnering with us – that could be funding research, participating in work, or commercial investment - visit our website www.agresearch.co.nz Read the Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards are a highlight of the farming calendar, to come together and celebrate the hard work and excellence of the sheep and beef sector. The judges had their work cut out for them this year, with many notable figures in the industry up for awards, from science and technology, to farming leadership and community involvement.  In this episode, hear from three farmer award winners. Let’s take the chance to celebrate the hard work being done in our sector.  Guests include: Jeff Ravenwood, Fernglen Farm, winner of The Gallagher Innovative Farming Award Graeme Gleeson, winner of The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Regional Leadership Award Mitchel Hoare, winner of The AgResearch Emerging Achiever Award Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The Ravenwood family, who own Fernglen Farm, won The Gallagher Innovative Farming Award. Jeff Ravenwood discusses their diversification journey, establishing a 1300 flock of milking ewes at their Wairarapa farm, enabling all five family members to work in the business together. Waikato sheep and beef farmer Graeme Gleeson won the Regional Leadership Award at the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards for his involvement in farmer advocacy and industry-good activities. He discusses his experience in the advocacy world, from the 1980s to now, with He Waka Eke Noa and emissions reduction plans. Te Kuiti farmer Mitchel Hoare won The AgResearch Emerging Achiever Award, for his motivation and innovation towards farm ownership. He discusses his progression through the farming industry, and his community involvement in the sheep and beef sector.  Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manger. Read the Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pathways to farm ownership can be hard to navigate, with young farmers having less access to the capital required to purchase land. Equity partnerships are a viable option that allow farmers to partner with investors to get a foot on the farm ownership ladder.  In this episode hear from Wairarapa farmers, Simon and Katie Falloon, who are equity managers in an equity partnership; Sarah How, Co-Founder of Landify, on how their platform sets up farmers with interested investors to make farm ownership possible; and MCI’s Sean Stafford, who helped put together the Falloon’s equity partnership, on the key elements of a successful equity partnership.  Guests include: Simon and Katie Falloon, Sheep and Beef Farmers, Wairarapa Sarah How, Co-Founder, Landify Sean Stafford, Advisory Specialist, MCI & Associates Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Simon and Katie Falloon have worked hard to make their Wairarapa farm a viable equity partnership, and discuss how they managed to build the reputation and networks that made it possible to find investors. They also took out this year’s Keinzley Agvet Wairarapa Sheep & Beef Farm Business of the Year, after only two years on their farm.  Click here to read more about Simon and Katie’s story in Country-Wide Spring Co-founder of Landify, Sarah How, discusses why Landify was developed as a tool to connect farmers and investors to go into equity partnerships. They saw a gap in the market for young motivated farmers to access capital to purchase farm businesses, and decided to set up Landify to meet that need. Click here to find out more about Landify Sean Stafford is an Advisory Specialist with MCI & Associates, and helped put together the Waipuke partnership for Simon and Katie Falloon. He discusses what makes a good equity partnership, how they develop an exit plan at the end of the partnership, and what his advice is to those interested in an equity partnership. Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we catch up with Country-Wide’s Spring issue Home Block columnists from around the country to find out what’s happening in their patch. From yearling bull sales and cyclone recovery in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, to challenging lambing conditions in Southland, our four farmers discuss the challenges and rewards of farming in each of their regions.    Guests include: Max Tweedie, Farmer, Hawke’s Bay Ben Dooley, Farmer, Southland Anna Munro, Farmer, Mid-Canterbury Sandra Matthews, Farmer, Tairāwhiti Gisborne Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Hawke’s Bay farmer Max Tweedie discusses how the lambing and calving season has been going on his farm. He also tells us how the yearling bull sale went for him this year, and what he’s noticing about the traits customers are looking for over time. Southland farmer Ben Dooley says it has been a relatively good winter, thanks to good grass covers to make sure sheep have feed, but it was a tough September coming into spring. Lamb survival has been impacted, and as he says, your whole year's work can be taken away by 18 days of bad weather. He shares some tips on how to keep motivated when times are tough. Mid Canterbury farmer Anna Munro is in the thick of lambing, and has had a good run of weather for it, however feed levels have been low due to a dry autumn and winter. She also discusses her rural-focussed photography business, and participating in the autumn muster up at Lake Heron Station. Tairāwhiti Gisborne farmer Sandra Matthews was the winner of the FMG Rural Champion Award at the 2022 Beef + Lamb NZ Awards, for her involvement in her local community. She discusses the impact land loss has had on their farming system, and the importance of having community - for her that has been Rural Women New Zealand. Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manger. Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can we find common ground to solve the challenges facing the primary industries?  AGMARDT has launched a thought leadership report with KPMG with the proactive title ‘Are industry good bodies good for industry?’ The report identified 150 different organisations from co-operatives to levy-funded and member organisations that drive forward positive outcomes for farmers, but are they working collaboratively together in a way that will take farming into the future? In this episode we hear from farmer Phil Weir, who wrote his Nuffield report about how industry bodies can collaborate more effectively to tackle challenges in the sector, and Lee-Ann Marsh the General Manager of AGMARDT, about why they funded this report and what the next steps are for better industry collaboration.   Guests include: Phil Weir, Farmer & Director at Beef + Lamb New Zealand Lee-Ann Marsh, General Manager, AGMARDT Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Waikato Farmer and Director on the board of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Phil Weir, wrote his 2020 Nuffield report on “Restructuring Industry Good for the Future​”, which proposed a new industry body to oversee the challenges facing the farming sector. He says this isn’t about getting rid of the individual groups, but finding ways to work across the sector on common issues, for a more impactful outcome.  General Manager of AGMARDT Lee-Ann Marsh discusses why AGMARDT are funding collaborative partnerships that involve groups from across the sector, including the KPMG report, to bring better solutions to industry challenges. This would tackle issues such as duplicate applications for funding towards solving the same issue, rather than collaboration across the industry bodies for a common outcome.  Find out more and have your say on the Common Ground website here. Read Phil Weir’s Nuffield Report here. Listen to the Common Ground Podcast here. Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manger. Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $79/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a goal of Predator Free 2050, it can seem ambitious with only 25 years to go. Is it a fantasy, or can it become our reality? In this episode we catch up with different groups working to tackle pests and weeds across New Zealand, from animals like ferrets, goats and possums, to weeds like wilding conifers.  Guests include: Pete Oswald, Project Manager, Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group Mike Perry, Manager, DOC’s National Wild Animals Management Programme Professor James Ross, Wildlife Management, Lincoln University Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Jo Grigg, Reporter, Country-Wide Pete Oswald, skier and entrepreneur by trade, and self-titled passionate environmentalist, has been project manager for the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group for 18 months. He discusses the impact of funding issues, and what this means for effectively tackling wild weeds in New Zealand.  Mike Perry has been the Manager of DOC’s new National Wild Animals Management Programme for two years, having spent 10 years with them already, and working in the bush and backcountry for over 20 years. He discusses the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition that is back for 2024, and encourages those who farm and hunt to either enter or sign up to the new landowner category.  Keen to get involved? Find out more here. Professor James Ross of Lincoln University discusses whether Predator Free 2050 is a reality or a fantasy, and how replicating what has been done on our uninhabited islands to tackle pest problems can be used on the mainland to achieve the same outcome. He discusses the projects he’s worked on, and what technology we need to meet our goals.  Read more in Country-Wide Spring:  A wild weed - by Jo Grigg Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have less than five seasons until overseas 2030 emissions targets begin to impact our overseas exports, and we may still yet need to be able to minimise and measure our own emissions domestically. With this in mind, farmers might be wondering what tools are out there to help them tackle their emissions, in ways they can integrate into their existing systems.  Hear from two agricultural organisations working to develop tools to minimise methane emissions, and a farmer utilising genetics to breed low-methane sheep.  Guests include: Ruth Leary, Head of Strategy & Engagement, AgriZeroNZ Tom Breen, CEO, Ruminant Biotech Alastair Reeves, Waikato Farmer Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media AgrizeroNZ’s Ruth Leary discusses the various tools they are investing in to provide solutions to lower methane emissions, such as a vaccine for animals. She says this would integrate well into farm systems as farmers are already in the routine of administering vaccines to their livestock.    Ruminant Biotech is a New Zealand start-up that AgriZeroNZ has invested in to develop tools for farmers. CEO Tom Breen discusses the tools they're developing such as slow-release methane inhibitors and boluses which they’re working towards releasing in 2027.  Alastair and Ann Reeves were the Supreme Winners in this year’s Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards, and have a history of using genetics to address animal health and environmental challenges, including methane. He discusses why and how he’s included methane in his breeding objectives. Read more in Country-Wide Spring:  In search of the holy grail - with AgriZeroNZ Winning genes - with Alastair & Ann Reeves Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Listen to the Barenbrug Podcast: Better Pastures Together here. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing off-farm in property or shares can be a daunting prospect, however it’s an increasingly appealing way to future proof your funds and diversify wealth away from land. Navigating how to start, what to invest in, and how to manage the risks should be top of mind for anyone interested in investing. Learn more about how managing your wealth can help with farm succession, retirement, and preparing your rainy day fund. We also cover the importance of estate planning and insurance when it comes to key people in your business. Guests include: Carissa Fairbrother, Co-Founder & Financial Advisor, Rival Wealth Scott McKenzie, CEO & Director, PMG Funds Angus Marks, Wealth Management Advisor, Jarden Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Rival Wealth Co-Founder Carissa Fairbrother discusses the importance of making sure you are financially organised when self-employed. This will improve stress management for yourself now, but also in the worst case scenario if the key farm worker is unable to work. When it comes to estate planning she says it's especially important to front foot it, and be proactive. Don’t wait until it’s too late - have a well fenced ‘financial’ paddock, do it once and do it well. CEO & Director of PMG Funds, Scott McKenzie, discusses investing in property, and how to get your foot in the door. He covers where PMG Funds invest and why, and why they favour investing in commercial property for its longevity.  Jarden Wealth Management Advisor Angus Marks discusses whether all your wealth should be held in your land, and how investing could help diversify onfarm income. He talks about understanding your risk, and how investing can actually help reduce risk by spreading your wealth. Diversification also helps when it comes to the succession and retirement process.  Read more in Country-Wide Spring:  Should all your wealth be in your land? With Angus Marks and Andrew Austin Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Find out more about how a Trev subscription could work on your farm at mytrev.com Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the traditional income streams are not delivering enough to the bottom line, is it time to diversify into activities that don’t rely on the cyclical nature of farm commodities? It can be hard to know what options are out there to diversify onfarm income, and how they can be integrated into your farming system. In this episode we hear about different options for diversifying, from raising goats for cashmere to horticulture and viticulture.  Guests include: Olivia Sanders, Business Development Manager, New Zealand Cashmere Che Charteris, CEO, Craigmore Sustinables Marcus Bousfield, Regional Manager for Business, ANZ Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media NZ Cashmere’s Olivia Sanders says the time is now to get into the goat business, and shares some helpful insights for farmers who are interested in integrating goats into their farm system. She also discusses the realistic maintenance required for goats - such as when to shear, when to drench, and how to keep them contained. Craigmore Sustainables CEO Che Charteris discusses the options for diversifying farm business through horticulture. He talks about how to manage the volatility of horticulture and viticulture, what opportunities there are with both climate change and water consents across the country, and what advice he has for sheep and beef farmers to avoid pitfalls when diversifying their land-use options.  ANZ’s Marcus Bousfield discusses whether it’s a good time for farmers to look at diversifying their income, and what those options might be. This includes solar, agritourism, and tree plantings with a potential ETS in mind. He says the weigh up would be whether you could get more value out of having beef or sheep on that land, or if trees could bring more income in future carbon credits.  Read more in Country-Wide Spring:  Pest to profit with Olivia Sanders Weighing up the options with Marcus Bousfield Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could solar farming be the next value-add option for New Zealand farmers? Agrivoltaics, which results in dual use of farmland between solar farming and traditional farming, is gaining traction as a viable way of diversifying income.   Hear what’s already happening in this space, including the Lincoln University energy farm project, how Lodestone Energy is partnering with farmers to expand their solar farm network, and listen to farmer Hamish Hills, who researched, financed and installed his own solar setup on his Golden Bay dairy farm.     Guests include: Dr Shannon Page, Energy Farm Project Lead, Lincoln University Richard Pearce, Chief Operating Officer, Lodestone Energy Hamish Hills, Golden Bay Dairy Farmer Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Lincoln University has unveiled plans for an energy farm project, to demonstrate how productive land can be optimised to produce high value horticulture crops, while also producing high scale solar energy.  Dr Shannon Page of Lincoln University discusses how the project will be able to provide 18% of the power needed for the University annually, as well as providing opportunities for teaching and learning, with both the solar and horticulture elements.  Lodestone Energy is a renewable energy company based in New Zealand, and is developing their agrivoltaics system with farmers to expand their portfolio of solar farms. This would result in farms having dual use of the land for both solar and traditional farming practices.   Chief Operating Officer, Richard Pearce, says solar farming provides the opportunity to repurpose farmland to integrate energy production and farm production more effectively. He discusses the benefits for farmers, and what they’re looking for from farmers.  Golden Bay farmer Hamish Hills started looking at introducing solar to his dairy operation three years ago, going operational at the beginning of last year, and says it complements their dryland operation well. He took it upon himself to find out how he could implement solar on his farm, and had good support in doing so. He discusses what other farmers should think about if they’d also like to introduce solar on their farm. He says selling the power is the most challenging element. They are currently looking at expanding their solar operation.  Read more about solar farming opportunities in Country-Wide Magazine Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers looking to implement a value-add business onfarm might want to consider looking into agritourism - with options such as self-contained holiday homes, glamping, and sunflower fields just to name a few. What you might consider ordinary on your farm, might just be extraordinary to an overseas or domestic customer.  But where do you get started? And does it really bring in enough revenue to make it worth it? Hear from three experts and farmers in both the consultancy and agritourism space, covering where to start, what to consider, and what the rewards are.  Guests include: Renee Hogg, Owner & Consultant, Inside New Zealand Ltd. Abbe Hoare, Farmer and sunflower entrepreneur, Mangamaire Sunflower Field Annabel Craw, Farmer, Ridgecliff Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Lucinda Diack, Chief Publishing & Production Officer, CountryWide Media Consultant and Owner of Inside New Zealand Ltd. Renee Hogg discusses ways farmers can look into diversifying their onfarm business, especially in the area of agritourism. She explains what farmers need to consider when getting started, and how to overcome obstacles holding them back.  She says there doesn’t have to be a huge amount of financial investment to get started, but there does need to be a solid plan and marketing. It can also be a good opportunity to extend the brand to the entire farm, which can help the business in other ways.  Abbe Hoare utilises her 90 hectares of farm land to grow sunflowers which has become an important stream of their onfarm income. She explains how they looked at value-add options, but were put off by the idea of maintaining a glamping business - especially when it came to making beds! Instead, they now provide a private picnic business in their sunflower field, and even host elopements too.  Annabel and Hamish Craw are sixth generation sheep and beef farmers near Little Akaloa on the South Island’s Banks Peninsula. They have two accommodation properties on their farm, and have integrated them into areas of regenerating bush, to make the most of showing off the natural biodiversity onfarm.  Annabel discusses how they made the agritourism business fit into their farm business, and how they’ve managed to make it financially rewarding.  Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tough times in New Zealand and globally have taken their toll on the luxury goods market, and New Zealand’s merino sector is no exception.  In this episode, we hear from those who know merino best, and how they’re planning to overcome challenges related to financial recession, and overseas regulations, that demand higher quality and processing accountability. We also look at how new technologies in the AI and genetics space could help enhance merino quality.  Guests include: Angus Street, CEO, NZ Merino Mark Ferguson, Co-Founder & Director, neXtgen Agri Craig Smith,  General Manager, Devold New Zealand Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Angus Street has been CEO of NZ Merino for almost a year now, and discusses how tough times across the globe have affected the merino and wider sheep market. He says in its 26 year history, this is the first time the company will make a loss.  He says going forward they’re taking a multifaceted approach to regenerating business globally for merino products, with delivering value to their growers at the core of it. He also discusses how the geopolitical landscape overseas is impacting New Zealand trade, including evolving regulations coming out of Europe.  Mark Ferguson discusses new technologies coming into the sheep breeding sector, including how AI technologies are already being integrated into farm systems. This includes tools such as facial recognition, to monitor for issues such as fly-strike. He also discusses what’s next for the merino world, including utilising breeding genetics that haven’t previously been used, such as breeding out dags, and focussing on reducing cost, rather than increasing production.  Craig Smith is the General Manager of Devold New Zealand, which creates merino wool products that are sold in markets such as Europe. He discusses how they’ve leaned into making sure the whole product is sourced ethically, and where environmental obligations fit into their ethos of providing quality goods.  He discusses how EU regulations have started asking for the whole story behind a garment, including making sure workers are properly paid and looked after across the manufacturing process, and the welfare of the sheep themselves.  He discusses how quality has been a big challenge over the past season, and the impact reduced quality of wool can have on the quality of the end product.  Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protecting our farm businesses for future generations is front of mind for many in the farming world, including when it comes to land use, and freshwater degradation.  Guests Lee Matheson and Tanira Kingi have both been part of Our Land And Water (Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai) research projects, and spoke at the symposium held in May, to discuss ways farmers already are and can continue to protect their greatest asset: the land. Whether this is getting involved in protecting your local catchment, or diversifying land use, the opportunities are out there.  Guests include: Lee Matheson, Managing Director, Perrin Ag Dr Tanira Kingi, Agricultural Economist  Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Perrin Ag’s Managing Director Lee Matheson spoke at the Our Land And Water symposium back in May, and has been part of one of their research streams. He’s been part of a project looking into the Tukituki catchment group, which consulted with farmers about the impact of land use on water quality. He said farmers were actually already doing a lot more than they realised when presented with a list of water quality mitigations.  The farmers they spoke to were interested in more valuable but less impactful land use, but were struggling to get resources, such as water, to do that.  He also discusses what he’d like to see from future research, including making sure research is funded to ensure future-proofed, sustainable food systems for New Zealand to help us maintain our global green reputation. Dr Tanira Kingi has been involved in the agricultural sector for more than 30 years, and has been part of the Our Land And Water research too, looking at how farmers can increase productivity while decreasing their carbon footprint.  He also discusses the importance of protecting our natural resources, and that farmers can't rely on a temporary relaxing of regulations by a change in government. He says we need to look out how our production systems impact our natural resources going into the future, as we encounter more droughts and harsher environments.  From data Pohewa Pae Tawhiti collected with Whitiwhiti Ora, farmers can find information on alternative ways of using their land, for products such as apples, truffles, asparagus, macadamias and maize. Although the project is now finished, Tanira Kingi says he’s happy with the results and the information now available to farmers on a national and local level.  Articles mentioned in this episode: Listen to the Our Land And Water podcast series Lee Matheson: Synthesis Scenarios for Future Land Use Tanira Kingi: Pohewa Pae Tawhiti - Visualising Horizons For more on Whitiwhiti Ora: Enabling decisions on land use opportunities for Aotearoa Watch the Our Land And Water 2024 Symposium sessions Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the hot topics at the Red Meat Sector Conference this week was the recently enacted EU deforestation regulation, and how this will impact New Zealand meat exporters. Rebecca Greaves talks to farmer and Special Agricultural Trade Envoy for New Zealand, Hamish Marr, and lawyer Sarah Salmond, about this and more - including negotiating the minefield of Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and whether we should join forces with the Aussies. Then hear from McDonald’s New Zealand's Simon Kenny about what they’re doing to get ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability, meeting their climate obligations and goals with their beef suppliers.  Guests include: Hamish Marr, Canterbury farmer and Special Agricultural Trade Envoy for New Zealand Sarah Salmond, Lawyer, MinterEllisonRuddWatts Simon Kenny, Head of Impact & Communications, McDonald’s New Zealand Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Special Agricultural Trade Envoy and Canterbury Farmer Hamish Marr discusses how EU de-forestration rules will impact our Fair Trade Agreement with them when it comes into effect in December. He says New Zealand is unique in its environmental stewardship and now the challenge is how we leverage that to do the best for our marketability.  He also discusses what else he’s seeing overseas, what challenges other countries are discussing that will impact New Zealand, including climate change, and the perception of New Zealand as a clean green food producer.  Lawyer Sarah Salmond spoke on a panel at the Red Meat Sector Conference on the emerging trade landscape, and works at the coalface of navigating ever-changing overseas regulations, especially coming out of the EU. She discusses how Free Trade Agreements are not the only tool in our toolbox, and can be viewed more as a foot in the door.  Simon Kenny from McDonald’s New Zealand discusses how they are managing climate obligations with the beef they use in their products, and the work they are doing with the NZ Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. He discusses how they are front-footing meeting emissions targets, including from their suppliers, and how this ties into customer expectations.  Check out the Early Bird Podcast here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm succession is something that affects every farming family at some point - whether it be from parent to child, or outside the family unit, there are many ways to approach it, and definitely no silver bullet.  Hear from three people who know succession’s in-and-outs best:, a farmer currently in the succession process; a rural banking expert; and a family succession planning consultant. Guests include: Hugo Beamish, farmer, Awapai Aiden Gent, General Manager (Rural), ASB Bob Seldon, Senior Consultant, Family Business Central Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Hawke’s Bay farmer Hugo Beamish has recently returned to the family farm to begin the succession process with his parents, after previously working as an engineer. He discusses all the different options they’re looking at, how they’re navigating making decisions with his off-farm siblings in mind, and where he’s finding advice - both from his father Simon, and by immersing himself in the world of farming.  Read Hugo & Pip’s farm succession story in Country-Wide here ASB’s General Manager for Rural Aiden Gent, says the biggest piece of advice they have is to talk - a simple suggestion, but a vital one. Whether that be with your advisors, friends, family or bank, it’s important to have those conversations to get the best results from the succession process. He also suggests some different ways farmers can start looking into resilience and diversification in their farm businesses.  When it comes to the saying “what’s equal isn’t always fair”, Family Business Central Coach Bob Seldon says it comes down to much more than just money; it’s time investment, knowledge and expertise. He also advises against having meetings about succession and the farm business around the kitchen table - he suggests finding a cafe or meeting room in town so there’s a clear definition between family and business conversations. He shares his best tips for a successful farm business transition.  Find out more about the NZIPIM Conference 2024 here Check out the Early Bird Podcast here Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rural banking is a hot topic. The government says it has heard farmers’ concerns about a disparity between rural and urban bank lending practices, and has requested an inquiry into the state of competition in New Zealand banking, with a particular focus on rural areas. Hear from those in the industry about why they believe this inquiry is needed, whether the current situation is unfair to farmers, and where personal business responsibility fits into this. Federated Farmers also outline the results of their latest banking survey, and what they hope will come from the inquiry. Guests include: Andrew Laming, Director, NZAB Nick Hawken, National Director (Rural), Bayleys Real Estate Richard McIntyre, Banking Spokesperson, Federated Farmers Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media New Zealand Agri Brokers Director, Andrew Laming, walks Rebecca through the context behind the banking inquiry; he says it comes down to the question of do we want an economy built on investing in property, or do we want to invest in agricultural businesses that impact us on the world stage, fund exports, and invigorate provincial New Zealand.  Bayleys Real Estate National Director Rural, Nick Hawken, says it’s a question of fairness - is what farmers are paying in interest every year fair compared to what other parties get charged? He says the longer term discussion needs to be around access to funds, and how farmers will be able to continue paying off that debt.  He discusses where succession fits into this, and where the opportunities are in leasing family land, or overseas investment. Given the cyclical nature of farming, recognising opportunities within the cycle will be key to finding alternative capital within farm businesses.   Federated Farmers Banking Spokesperson Richard McIntyre says since he stepped into the role last year he’s regularly heard directly from farmers about how they’re being treated by their banks. One in four farmers feel under undue pressure from their banks according to Federated Farmers, and they’re welcoming the inquiry into rural bank lending.  He says one thing they’d like to see is banks signaling well in advance of any changes they make, so farmers have time to adjust and prepare their businesses. However, farmers should also take the lead in being more proactive with their bank managers, and ask questions of them.  Find out more about the NZIPIM Conference 2024 here. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.