The CountryWide Podcast

How can sheep and beef farmers see forestry as more than a binary choice between full plantation and traditional farming? New Zealand Institute of Forestry consultant Peter Handford explores how integrating trees can enhance overall farm management, improve profitability, and deliver environmental and animal welfare benefits. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Peter about the practical and economic aspects of forestry on sheep and beef farms. They discuss modelling different forestry options, the opportunities for carbon and timber income, and how thoughtful planning can make trees a strategic part of a resilient, well-balanced farm system.   Guest: Peter Handford, Forestry Consultant, New Zealand Institute of Forestry Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Peter Handford is working at the intersection of farming and forestry, helping sheep and beef producers see trees as an asset rather than a threat. With decades of experience in land use planning and forestry consultancy, he supports farmers to make informed decisions about where and how trees fit best across their landscapes. Through his work with the New Zealand Institute of Forestry, Peter brings a practical, systems based approach, modelling how different forestry options can lift profitability, improve environmental performance, and reduce on farm pressure. By bridging the gap between foresters and farmers, he is showing how well managed trees can enhance animal welfare, provide shelter, and create stronger, more balanced farm businesses.   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.

As new wearable technologies for animals have surged in popularity, specific advice on the use of them within the dairy sector is to be included in an imminent review of the Animal Welfare Code: Dairy Cattle. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Dr Matthew Stone, veterinarian and Chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), about the review of the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare and how rapid technological change is reshaping animal care standards.   Guest: Dr Matthew Stone, Chairperson, National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Matthew Stone is guiding how New Zealand’s animal welfare framework evolves to keep pace with innovation across the farming sector. Drawing on his extensive experience in veterinary science, biosecurity and international policy, he focuses on ensuring that advances in agritech align with best practice in animal care and ethical standards. As Chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, Matthew works with industry, government and farmers to strengthen confidence in welfare regulation and its ability to respond to new challenges. His collaborative approach helps maintain New Zealand’s reputation for high welfare standards while supporting practical, science-based decision-making on farm.   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.

Silver Fern Farms, MIA and OSPRI have partnered with Prism Earth’s innovative technology to provide unprecedented insights into farmers’ natural capital that will provide continued market access to the European Union as well as potential new revenue streams. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with Matt Lythe, managing director of Prism Earth, about using AI and satellite imagery to map carbon, biodiversity, and natural capital. This technology helps farmers meet EU deforestation rules and unlock opportunities in sustainable supply chains and nature-based markets.   Guest: Matt Lythe, Managing Director, Prism Earth Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Matt Lythe is helping New Zealand farmers and processors navigate EU deforestation regulations through innovative technology and data analysis. He focuses on using AI, satellite imagery, and natural capital mapping to understand carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and land value, helping farms balance productivity with environmental stewardship. His approach supports sustainable supply chains while providing farmers with insights to manage land effectively and meet regulatory requirements. As managing director of Prism Earth, Matt collaborates with Silver Fern Farms, the Meat Industry Association, and Osprey to trial new methods and share learnings across the sector. By combining technology with on-farm data, he is helping shape the future of sustainable red meat production in New Zealand and inspiring others to embrace nature-based solutions. 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.

Setting up cell grazing systems on their Te Pahu hill-country farm has transformed more than just Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent’s bottom line. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Waikato farmers Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent about their shift to cell grazing and the transformation of their 325-hectare bull beef operation. They discuss challenges and learnings, how the system has lifted production while supporting environmental outcomes, and insights gained from being a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm. Guests: Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent, Waikato farmers Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent are transforming their Waikato bull beef operation through cell grazing systems that combine productivity with environmental care. They focus on refining intensive finishing systems, improving land resilience, and lifting carcass production while adapting to the challenges of hill country farming. Their approach has seen stocking rates increase while less-productive land is retired, proving profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand. As a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm, they share learnings and trial new approaches alongside a network of peers and mentors. By opening their farm to scrutiny and collaboration, Heather and Elliot are helping shape the future of sustainable beef production in New Zealand, inspiring others to re-think traditional systems.   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.

CountryWide has partnered with the Institute of Rural Professionals to strengthen support, knowledge-sharing, and innovation across the agricultural sector. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Jo Finer, CEO of the newly renamed Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP) (formerly NZIPIM) about CountryWide’s new strategic partnership with the organisation. They discuss the role of rural professionals, the institute’s history and future direction, and how collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and digital innovation will strengthen support for farmers and the wider agricultural sector. Guest: Jo Finer, CEO, Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP) Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Jo Finer is helping strengthen the role rural professionals play in supporting New Zealand farmers at the Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP). She focuses on building capability, collaboration and professional excellence across advisers, consultants and service providers, ensuring farmers receive the most relevant and trusted guidance. The new strategic partnership between IRP & CountryWide brings together knowledge-sharing through their digital transformation project in 2026 where industry expertise and a strong network between the two will connect farmers, advisers and thought leaders.  By uniting professional bodies with independent journalism, this will help the sector embrace disruption into new opportunities and build resilience into the future. Find out more about IRP here: https://www.irpnz.co.nz/ Get in contact with Charlotte to find out more about a membership to CountryWide: Email: subs@countrywidemedia.co.nz Phone number: 03 307 0256 (Please note our office hours are between 10am - 2pm) Become a Country-Wide 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 COUNTRYWIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Ivan Lawrie, General Manager at the Foundation for Arable Research, about the New Zealand Grown Grains initiative. Ivan explains how growers, millers, and bakers are collaborating to create a traceable, certifiable brand, strengthen the domestic wheat industry, and open opportunities in premium markets, while sharing lessons on value chains and building a resilient local food sector.   Guest: Ivan Lawrie, General Manager Business Operations, Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide   Ivan Lawrie is helping shape how New Zealand’s arable producers create and capture value through the New Zealand Grown Grains initiative. He focuses on building a traceable, certifiable brand that connects growers, millers, bakers and consumers, strengthening the domestic wheat industry and creating opportunities in premium markets. The initiative brings together careful planning, collaboration and innovation, ensuring every stage, from farm to final product, is auditable, trustworthy and high quality. By uniting growers, processors and retailers, Lawrie is helping the sector build consumer confidence in locally grown grains, raise awareness of New Zealand production, and create resilience in an industry challenged by low volumes and global market pressures. His work demonstrates how transparency, strong leadership and a clear vision can deliver long-term value and sustainability across the food system.   Read the article from the CountryWide Spring issue here: https://country-wide.co.nz/new-logo-highlights-new-zealand-grown-grains/   Become a Country-Wide 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, Sarah Perriam-Lampp visits Leefield Station in the Waihopai Valley to talk with Brent Marris, owner of Marisco Vineyards, and Greg Crombie, the station’s farm manager.  Brent and Greg explain how the property integrates vineyards, sheep, pigs and cattle into a profitable and sustainable operation, and how careful planning, brand-building and intergenerational leadership create authentic products, from award-winning wines to high-quality wool and meat, while sharing lessons for diversifying land use and connecting with markets at home and abroad. Guests: Brent Marris, Owner, Marisco Vineyards Greg Crombie, Farm Manager, Leefield Station Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide Brent Marris is helping redefine how New Zealand producers create and capture value from their land through his work at Leefield Station and Marisco Vineyards. His focus is on integrating viticulture, livestock and sustainable land management to deliver high-quality wines, wool and meat while building authentic brands that connect directly with consumers. At Leefield Station, Marris brings together careful planning, innovation and intergenerational leadership, showing how diverse land uses, from Hampshire sheep and Berkshire pigs to premium vineyards, can complement each other and generate value across multiple markets. Along the way he shares insights into building brand trust, maintaining quality at scale and ensuring that every part of the operation contributes to long-term profitability and sustainability. For Marris, the real impact happens on site, where visiting buyers, industry peers and staff can see, touch and experience the story behind the products. It is here that connections are made, assumptions are challenged and lessons translate directly into smarter, more resilient farming and business practices. Through his example, Marris demonstrates how careful stewardship, integration and authenticity can create value from paddock to plate and why a clear vision and strong leadership are critical to sustaining it for generations to come. Greg Crombie is showing how New Zealand farms can combine productivity, sustainability and innovation through his leadership at Leefield Station. He focuses on practical farm management that integrates livestock, crops and vineyards to deliver healthy animals, thriving land and high-quality produce while supporting the station’s broader vision. Across Leefield Station, Crombie applies careful planning, technical expertise and hands-on experience, demonstrating how sheep, pigs, cattle and vineyards can operate together to create a profitable and sustainable enterprise. He shares insights into animal husbandry, pasture management and farm systems that ensure every part of the property contributes to long-term performance and resilience. On the ground, Crombie makes a tangible impact, allowing staff, visitors and partners to witness the day-to-day decisions that keep the farm running successfully. It is here that ideas are tested, innovations applied and practical solutions turned into measurable results. Through his approach, Crombie illustrates how thoughtful management, collaboration and attention to detail can make integrated farming successful at scale and why practical leadership is essential for maintaining productivity, quality and sustainability for future generations.   Read the article in the Country-Wide Spring issue here: https://country-wide.co.nz/masters-of-diversification/   Become a Country-Wide 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, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Lincoln University’s Professor Hamish Gow about the Value Chain Innovation Programme, run by Rural Leaders. Hamish explains how the programme takes participants inside New Zealand’s dairy, kiwifruit, apple and red meat sectors to understand how value is created, captured and shared, and why the real learning happens on the bus as farmers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders connect and challenge their thinking.   Guest: Hamish Gow, Lincoln University Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide   Lincoln University’s Hamish Gow is helping reshape how New Zealand’s food and fibre leaders understand the value created beyond the farm gate through the Value Chain Innovation Programme, run by Rural Leaders. His focus is on giving participants a clear framework for how value chains work, from creation to capture to sharing across every link. The programme takes farmers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders through New Zealand’s four major value chains (dairy, kiwifruit, apples and red meat) unpacking how each sector delivers value back to growers and producers. Along the way, participants gain insights into the role of regulation, technology and intellectual property in building competitive advantage, and discover why Fonterra’s global ingredients strategy is just as powerful as a consumer brand. But for Hamish, the real magic happens on the bus, where discussion, debate and reflection turn site visits into personal “aha” moments. It’s here that participants challenge assumptions, connect with peers they might never otherwise meet, and translate lessons directly into their own businesses. Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, offering a unique chance to step outside your industry silo and see New Zealand’s food and fibre sector from end to end. For Hamish, the goal is simple: equip leaders with the understanding to drive alignment, create value and strengthen the resilience of our most important export industries.   Find out more about the Value Chain Innovation Programme here: https://ruralleaders.co.nz/value-chain-innovation-programme/   Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $89/year for four seasonal magazines including free postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Jasper van Halder, Ravensdown’s General Manager of Innovation, about how Agnition is connecting global agri-tech with New Zealand farmers.  Jasper explains how the Farm Innovation Network is testing technologies like drones, satellite imagery and soil testing, and why proving real value on farm is key to building a more connected, data-driven future for agriculture.   Guest: Jasper van Halder, General Manager of Innovation, Ravensdown Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide   Ravensdown’s General Manager of Innovation, Jasper van Halder, is driving the future of farming through Agnition, the company’s investment arm focused on bringing global agri-tech into practical use on New Zealand farms. His mission is to ensure technology delivers more than gadgets, it must create real on farm impact. Agnition scouts and invests in emerging tools, from drones monitoring livestock on hill country to soil testing systems and satellite imagery that sharpen nutrient management. Each innovation is trialled through the Farm Innovation Network, where more than 500 farmers test pre-commercial technologies in real conditions and give direct feedback. For Jasper, this approach ensures solutions are proven to work in New Zealand’s unique systems before they scale. With global agri-tech challenged by limited ideas, scarce capital and tough farmer adoption, Agnition is connecting innovators and farmers in a way that builds confidence and drives value. Jasper sees the future of farming as autonomous, remote and connected, where insights from soil and pasture data guide smarter decisions. His goal is clear: deliver technologies that lift performance, cut inefficiencies and help shape a resilient, data-driven future for New Zealand agriculture.   Find out more about Farm Innovation Network here: ​​https://farminnovationnetwork.co.nz/ Find out more about Agnition here: https://agnition.ventures/ Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $89/year for four seasonal magazines including free postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a quiet valley, just 20 minutes from downtown Wellington, farmer Hamish Best is marrying his passion for farming with his marketing which he hopes will become the red meat of choice for discerning Wellingtonians. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Hamish Best from Conscious Valley about building a premium local red meat brand just outside Wellington. Hamish shares how combining strong agronomy, selective breeding, and direct-to-consumer marketing is helping connect city eaters with high-quality, sustainably produced lamb and beef from the doorstep. He also discusses the challenges of brand awareness and the value of independent awards in growing a trusted regional food business. Guest: Hamish Best, Conscious Valley Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide   Hamish Best, based just 20 minutes from Wellington’s CBD, shares how he’s building Conscious Valley into a premium local red meat brand that connects city consumers with the land surrounding them. Returning to the family farm, Hamish combines his agronomy background and experience in Australia to focus on adding value beyond the farm gate through consistent, high-quality lamb and beef production. Using careful breeding, pasture intensification with lucerne, and hand drafting to ensure meat quality, Conscious Valley targets discerning customers who appreciate a strong sense of place and flavor. Hamish discusses the challenges of brand awareness in a competitive market, the importance of independent awards and recognition, and the ambition to make Conscious Valley Wellington’s signature red meat brand. Rather than chasing scale through land expansion, Hamish believes in growing by building direct connections with local markets, restaurants, and consumers. He sees technology and good agronomy as key to delivering consistent products while maintaining traditional farming values. For Hamish, the goal is simple: provide Wellingtonians with premium meat from right on their doorstep and foster pride in local produce, helping create a sustainable, resilient food future, one rack of lamb at a time. Read the article from the Country-Wide Winter issue here.    Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $89/year for four seasonal magazines including free postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From data-driven decision making to environmental monitoring and compliance, Richard and Annabelle Subtil have reaped the rewards of lucrative supply contracts by being able to prove any claim by using technology while maintaining traditional high-country values. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Richard Subtil from Omarama Station about how full mobile coverage is unlocking and boosting efficiency and compliance in the high country with technology. But Richard stresses that even with virtual fencing, EID tags and connected irrigation systems, it is so important to ensure traditional stockmanship remains at the core of farming. Guest: Richard Subtil, Omarama Station Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide   Richard Subtil, who farms merinos, cattle and deer at Omarama Station in North Otago, shares how having full mobile coverage has transformed the way they manage their high-country operation. With reliable connectivity now across the station, Richard and his team have been able to integrate a suite of technologies, from Gallagher e-Shepherd virtual fencing collars and EID tags to auto-drafters, conveyor systems, and gravity-fed irrigation pivots powered by energy-generating turbines. These tools are helping lift productivity, improve animal welfare, and meet consent requirements more efficiently, especially in challenging terrain. Richard explains how real-time data from soil sensors, irrigation systems and stock movements has supported smarter decision-making, backed by old-school practices like regular paddock walks. Rather than replace traditional stockmanship, Richard believes technology should enhance it. With the right digital infrastructure in place, he says farmers can get the best of both worlds: precise, real-time insights and the kind of instinct and observation that only comes from experience. For stations like Omarama Station, where extreme weather and remote landscapes present unique challenges, connected tools are helping build more resilient, responsive, and environmentally conscious farming systems, without losing sight of the hands-on stockmanship at the heart of New Zealand’s pastoral farming. Read the article from the Country-Wide Winter issue here.    Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $89/year for four seasonal magazines including free postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the gullies of Clinton in South Otago, the Campbells have developed an innovative new approach to native planting and maintenance that’s more affordable, has a higher success rate and could be scalable nationally. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with South Otago dairy farmer Sandra Campbell about transforming steep, unproductive gullies into thriving native ecosystems using drones, direct seeding and a DIY nursery. Sandra shares how support from the Otago South River Care Trust helped develop a low-cost, scalable method for on farm restoration, one she hopes other farmers and catchment groups across the country will adopt. Guest: Sandra Campbell, South Otago dairy farmer Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide   Sandra Campbell shares how a steep, unproductive gully on farm became the launchpad for a pioneering native restoration project using drones and direct seeding. Faced with the high costs and low success rates of traditional native planting, Sandra began growing eco-sourced seedlings in a DIY nursery during COVID, then partnered with the Otago South River Care Trust to trial drone-based direct seeding on challenging terrain. She explains how the project evolved, from experimenting with species mixes and boom-spraying herbicides for grass control, to finding an affordable system that could scale. With support from drone contractors and catchment groups, Sandra and her husband Chris have restored over 20 hectares, all while reducing costs to a fraction of conventional methods. Sandra outlines the environmental and on farm co-benefits, from improving biodiversity and water quality to creating spaces that sequester carbon and support Fonterra emissions offsets. She hopes other farmers and catchment groups will adopt and adapt the approach, sharing openly via social media and farm visits, believing native restoration should be practical, cost-effective, and farmer-led. Sandra also touches on the wider potential of this approach beyond their own farm. With drone technology becoming more accessible and the system proving reliable, she sees an opportunity for catchment groups or communities to co-invest in shared equipment, making native restoration viable at scale. While it won’t suit every farm, particularly those with steeper terrain, Sandra believes the model offers a practical, low-cost solution for turning underutilised land into thriving ecosystems. Her hope is that with the right support, and a bit of Kiwi ingenuity, farmers across the country can help regenerate native landscapes, one gully at a time.   Read the article from the Country-Wide Winter issue here.  Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $89/year for four seasonal magazines including free postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the tariff war, New Zealand’s venison industry is making bold strides into the North American market – and it’s already paying off, exceeding three-year targets in the first nine months. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp chats with Rhys Griffiths, CEO of Deer Industry New Zealand, about how a government-backed program is boosting venison sales in North America. They discuss shifting focus to retail, growing consumer demand for healthy protein, and the future opportunities for New Zealand’s deer farmers. Guest: Rhys Griffiths, CEO, Deer Industry New Zealand Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide   Rhys Griffiths, CEO of Deer Industry New Zealand, shares how the venison industry has navigated recent global challenges to achieve strong growth in the North American retail market. Despite tariff uncertainties and COVID-related disruptions, a focused government-backed program accelerated the shift from food service to retail, helping venison reach over 2,000 stores across the US.  He highlights how rising consumer interest in health, high-protein diets, and premium, sustainably produced meat has aligned perfectly with venison’s natural advantages. He explains how New Zealand venison’s unique positioning as a pasture-raised, nutrient-dense protein appeals to a growing market of health-conscious and environmentally aware shoppers. Emphasising the critical role of collaboration across the supply chain, from processors to marketers and retailers, Rhys focuses on building consumer awareness and demand. This unified industry effort has leveraged venison’s traceability and pasture-raised story to differentiate it from wild game and farmed alternatives. Looking ahead, Rhys is optimistic about further growth opportunities through new product innovations, targeted promotions, and digital campaigns that will continue to educate and engage North American consumers, supporting long-term success for New Zealand’s venison farmers and exporters.   Read the article from the Country-Wide Winter issue here.  Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $89/year for four seasonal magazines including free postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We improved horsepower by fuelling it with diesel rather than hay. We mechanised blade-shearing and hand-milking with electricity in the woolshed and milking shed. Every advancement in farming history has resulted in a productivity gain from a new source. The next shift is fully connected farms. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Melissa Andrews from Connected Farms and Craig Young from TUANZ about bridging rural connectivity gaps. Melissa shares practical on-farm tech solutions, while Craig unpacks the 3G shutdown, fibre limits, and why local, wireless networks are key to keeping farmers connected and future-ready across New Zealand’s rural communities. Guests: Melissa Andrews, Co-Founder, Connected Farms Craig Young, CEO, TUANZ Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide   Melissa Andrews, co-founder of Connected Farms, shares how a lack of connectivity while visiting family in rural South Canterbury sparked the expansion of their Australian telecommunications business into New Zealand. Originally focused on building infrastructure for emergency services, Melissa and her husband Tom saw first-hand the connectivity gaps farmers faced, and the productivity, safety and wellbeing gains better internet could unlock. She explains how Connected Farms delivers both fixed and mobile solutions, from point-to-point Wi-Fi linking farmyards and wool sheds, to vehicle-mounted routers that dynamically switch between cellular and satellite networks like Starlink. These tools are helping farmers operate more efficiently, access real-time data, and stay connected, whether it’s live streaming grain quality from a combine, video calling a mechanic, or reading bedtime stories from the cab. Melissa discusses the unique challenges of New Zealand’s telecommunications landscape, including patchy network coverage and limited appetite from major carriers to invest in rural areas. She highlights how Connected Farms is bridging that gap with scalable, secure infrastructure that makes a fully connected farm achievable, often at a lower cost than expected. Whether it’s enabling faster pregnancy scan results, remote monitoring, or simply improving mental health through everyday connection, Melissa believes rural connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a lifeline for modern farming.   Craig Young, CEO of the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ), joins the conversation to unpack the realities behind rural connectivity in Aotearoa. With deep industry experience, including his time at Chorus, Craig explains why headlines promising 100% coverage often mislead. While some areas may soon support basic mobile or emergency calling, full internet connectivity across rural landscapes is still a work in progress, especially when it comes to enabling connected farms. He compares cellular strength and satellite latency to water pressure, something farmers instinctively understand, and explains how low-earth orbit satellites like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are reducing delays and improving performance. But while these tools are transformative for home offices and basic farm connectivity, challenges remain for in-paddock devices, especially as 3G networks shut down and the copper landline network is phased out by 2030. Craig urges farmers to future-proof their technology and check whether their devices are 4G-compatible using a simple text tool (text ‘3G’ to 550). He highlights the need to support elderly or isolated neighbours who may rely on legacy services, and emphasises that connectivity must be treated as an essential utility, on par with water or electricity, requiring collaborative investment from government, telcos and rural communities alike. With fibre reaching its economic limits in many regions, Craig points to wireless ISPs (WISPs) and community-led broadband projects as affordable, scalable solutions. He explains how innovative co-funding models with providers like Chorus are helping rural groups bridge the “last mile” and why government policies, such as releasing unused spectrum, could unlock faster, more resilient internet in rural Aotearoa. For Craig, the answer lies not in one-size-fits-all fixes, but in a diverse toolkit of technologies, partnerships and local leadership, ensuring no rural community is left behind.   Read the article from the Country-Wide Winter issue here.  Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $89/year for four seasonal magazines including free postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp chats with 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, Hugh Jackson about the preparation, support and motivation behind his winning campaign - and what’s next for the fourth-generation farmer at home on the farm at Te Akau. Guest: Hugh Jackson, 2025 FMG New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide   For Hugh Jackson, winning the 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year wasn’t just about one big weekend - it was the result of years of effort, a strong support network, and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. Since first competing as a student at Massey University, Hugh has steadily climbed through the ranks, and after placing in the Grand Final in 2023, he came back more determined than ever. With help from friends, family, mentors, and former finalists, he put in hundreds of hours preparing for the technical, practical and theoretical challenges of the competition. His background in dairy, sheep and beef farming, as well as time spent organising the Grand Final in 2023, gave him a unique edge. But it’s his passion for lifelong learning, his grounding in community, and a clear focus on the future of the family farm near Te Akau that really stand out. From trialling new pasture systems to exploring virtual fencing, Hugh is already thinking ahead balancing innovation with tradition as he looks to make the most of the coastal hill country his great-grandfather started farming in 1947. For him, the title is more than a trophy, it's a chance to help inspire the next generation of food and fibre producers.   Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $89/year for four seasonal magazines including free postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.