Welcome to the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels podcast, where we are sharing stories from a range of women from around New Zealand.

Welcome to the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels podcast, where we are sharing stories from a range of women from around New Zealand.

For nearly a century, Rural Women New Zealand has been dedicated to strengthening and supporting women and children to become empowered members of their communities.

For nearly a century, Rural Women New Zealand has been dedicated to strengthening and supporting women and children to become empowered members of their communities.

We hope that by hearing these stories from inspiring women all around the country, you'll feel inspired yourself.

We hope that by hearing these stories from inspiring women all around the country, you'll feel inspired yourself.

We're your hosts, Emma Higgins and Clan Williamson and would love for you to join and subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss our rural stories. So Jody, welcome to the Black Hills and Tractor Wiels podcast. We're super thrilled to have you here. And what's extra special is that you were one of our ended i Rual Woman Business Awards winners last year, which was super exciting, so we got to actually meet you in person, which is very cool, So welcome along. Firstly, I just wanted to explore a little bit about you, who is a person and what your growth has been probably throughout your life. So if you could cast your mind back a few years and tell us a little bit about how you grew up, where you grew up and what life was like back then, and also how you kind of came to be on a farm in Southland. Cool.

We're your hosts, Emma Higgins and Clan Williamson and would love for you to join and subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss our rural stories. So Jody, welcome to the Black Hills and Tractor Wiels podcast. We're super thrilled to have you here. And what's extra special is that you were one of our ended i Rual Woman Business Awards winners last year, which was super exciting, so we got to actually meet you in person, which is very cool, So welcome along. Firstly, I just wanted to explore a little bit about you, who is a person and what your growth has been probably throughout your life. So if you could cast your mind back a few years and tell us a little bit about how you grew up, where you grew up and what life was like back then, and also how you kind of came to be on a farm in Southland. Cool.

Hey, thanks clear, thanks for asking me to come on and do this. So I grew up in a little sort of area called why Kaka, up the wind And Valley. I'm the youngest of three children on a sheep and beef property there.

Hey, thanks clear, thanks for asking me to come on and do this. So I grew up in a little sort of area called why Kaka, up the wind And Valley. I'm the youngest of three children on a sheep and beef property there.

My parents are actually still there now.

My parents are actually still there now.

My brother's running it and my other brother, oldest brother, he's got a contracted business, but he lives right next door as well. So that's about about thirty minutes from here, so about twenty minutes from Gore. We're about thirty minutes from Gore, so I haven't actually traveled too far. So I went to Waykeaka Primary School, had a great time there, and then I went to Gore High School and I boarded at the hostel the year so unfortunately the hostel was not there any longer. Forged a lot of friendships there and I was had girl at the hostel in seventh form. Yeah suppose probably. We had a fantastic teacher in agriculture, Murray Cooper, and he was a hell of a laugh. He used to read us Berry Crumb books during our ad class while we were copying the OHP projections, so it was really quite a fun class.

My brother's running it and my other brother, oldest brother, he's got a contracted business, but he lives right next door as well. So that's about about thirty minutes from here, so about twenty minutes from Gore. We're about thirty minutes from Gore, so I haven't actually traveled too far. So I went to Waykeaka Primary School, had a great time there, and then I went to Gore High School and I boarded at the hostel the year so unfortunately the hostel was not there any longer. Forged a lot of friendships there and I was had girl at the hostel in seventh form. Yeah suppose probably. We had a fantastic teacher in agriculture, Murray Cooper, and he was a hell of a laugh. He used to read us Berry Crumb books during our ad class while we were copying the OHP projections, so it was really quite a fun class.

And then from there I didn't really know.

And then from there I didn't really know.

When I got to seventh form, I didn't really know what I wanted to do, and I thought, oh, maybe I want to go down the viticulture sort a line, so started looking into that at Lincoln University. And then I had a wee bit too much fun in seventh form, so my grades weren't that great, but I still ended up going to Lincoln and doing a diploma in Horticultural Management. So that was basically a three year course, two years at Lincoln University and a year practical. So but went up there up to the boog Smoke they were kind of the big Smoke, and managed to make some really really cool mates who actually a couple of them actually came to the awards with me last year, which was really quite cool, and you know it did the horticulture management papers, and then after Lincoln I came back down and I worked in a couple of nurseries, so I did actually use my horticultural sort of background qualification so to speak, for a wee while, and then I went into retail, so I at the time Ankhmar, which was then it was called ARTI one and now it's called Farm Souce. They came down to South and it was just at the start of the dairy boom came down and ANKH Mart had actually taken over Crawford Agriculture, which was a chemical business, you know, missed herbsides, pesticides, spray and you know, spray equipment and corps.

When I got to seventh form, I didn't really know what I wanted to do, and I thought, oh, maybe I want to go down the viticulture sort a line, so started looking into that at Lincoln University. And then I had a wee bit too much fun in seventh form, so my grades weren't that great, but I still ended up going to Lincoln and doing a diploma in Horticultural Management. So that was basically a three year course, two years at Lincoln University and a year practical. So but went up there up to the boog Smoke they were kind of the big Smoke, and managed to make some really really cool mates who actually a couple of them actually came to the awards with me last year, which was really quite cool, and you know it did the horticulture management papers, and then after Lincoln I came back down and I worked in a couple of nurseries, so I did actually use my horticultural sort of background qualification so to speak, for a wee while, and then I went into retail, so I at the time Ankhmar, which was then it was called ARTI one and now it's called Farm Souce. They came down to South and it was just at the start of the dairy boom came down and ANKH Mart had actually taken over Crawford Agriculture, which was a chemical business, you know, missed herbsides, pesticides, spray and you know, spray equipment and corps.

So I managed to get.

So I managed to get.

A job there and got into retail there and I just love dealing with people, just love dealing with customers. We used to have people that would at customers would just come in just for a yarm because they had a bit of time to kill.

A job there and got into retail there and I just love dealing with people, just love dealing with customers. We used to have people that would at customers would just come in just for a yarm because they had a bit of time to kill.

So I had a fantastic team there.

So I had a fantastic team there.

Then I moved on from ART one and became a sales rep for a fertilized a liquid food company, and then I was with them for pro about eighteen months, and then I was a dairy rep for CRT. So I've sort of had a bit of a sales background for the last twenty years.

Then I moved on from ART one and became a sales rep for a fertilized a liquid food company, and then I was with them for pro about eighteen months, and then I was a dairy rep for CRT. So I've sort of had a bit of a sales background for the last twenty years.

But in the meantime, I've had three children.

But in the meantime, I've had three children.

Carlie's almost fifteen, Fletcher is almost thirteen, and Lea will be eleven. In a couple of weeks. So yeah, so it's been a pretty action packed last sort of twenty odd years. Once I had Fletcher, I was pretty much back here on the farm looking after the kids. And then I had Leah, and then one of my old managers that I worked with at Arty One approached me to see if I would go and work for him at the Stockford Company at starting then Stockfords.

Carlie's almost fifteen, Fletcher is almost thirteen, and Lea will be eleven. In a couple of weeks. So yeah, so it's been a pretty action packed last sort of twenty odd years. Once I had Fletcher, I was pretty much back here on the farm looking after the kids. And then I had Leah, and then one of my old managers that I worked with at Arty One approached me to see if I would go and work for him at the Stockford Company at starting then Stockfords.

So I went.

So I went.

Back part time and did that, and so I did that for eight years and then I've I only just gave that up and during last year after at country calendar program aired and all of a sudden, things just got way too busy for me. So now I'm pretty much at home doing the Hopefield head stuff.

Back part time and did that, and so I did that for eight years and then I've I only just gave that up and during last year after at country calendar program aired and all of a sudden, things just got way too busy for me. So now I'm pretty much at home doing the Hopefield head stuff.

Yeah, okay, great, So there's so much to unpack here. One of the first things that strikes me is that early kind of connection to agriculture with the teacher at your school and from being a boarder myself. I know that there's also some really big, strong friendships that can get forged early on in your life. So tell us a little bit about how that experience, say an agriculture class, came through into how you ended up on the farm, because I'm really interested in how the two of you got together and then how your farm and journey started together. I understand you took over the farm and then how you decided what you were going to do and how you're going to afford your path.

Yeah, okay, great, So there's so much to unpack here. One of the first things that strikes me is that early kind of connection to agriculture with the teacher at your school and from being a boarder myself. I know that there's also some really big, strong friendships that can get forged early on in your life. So tell us a little bit about how that experience, say an agriculture class, came through into how you ended up on the farm, because I'm really interested in how the two of you got together and then how your farm and journey started together. I understand you took over the farm and then how you decided what you were going to do and how you're going to afford your path.

Yeah, so I'll admit that I'm not a real academic. I do love practical, practical things and the agricultural classes. But when we used to rear chickens and things, and we used to sell them as a fundraiser for the egg department, like all that sort of stuff, unfortunately those days is quite lost and the kids don't really know where their food comes from and you know how to actually really really do it now. So yeah, it's a bit of a tricky one. I I've always known that I wanted to be back on the farm. Blia and I we had the fantastic opportunity of taking over his parents farm Blea. He was actually mechanic by trade, and then he came back to the farm or it would be twenty years ago now and worked for his parents for a few year, you know, quite a few years, and then we took over the farm. Were sort of we leased half the we bought half the farm, and we leased the other half of the farm and then just over over time we sort of changed things around here to be a bit more arable.

Yeah, so I'll admit that I'm not a real academic. I do love practical, practical things and the agricultural classes. But when we used to rear chickens and things, and we used to sell them as a fundraiser for the egg department, like all that sort of stuff, unfortunately those days is quite lost and the kids don't really know where their food comes from and you know how to actually really really do it now. So yeah, it's a bit of a tricky one. I I've always known that I wanted to be back on the farm. Blia and I we had the fantastic opportunity of taking over his parents farm Blea. He was actually mechanic by trade, and then he came back to the farm or it would be twenty years ago now and worked for his parents for a few year, you know, quite a few years, and then we took over the farm. Were sort of we leased half the we bought half the farm, and we leased the other half of the farm and then just over over time we sort of changed things around here to be a bit more arable.

So when we took.

So when we took.

Over the farm, there was still about two and a half thousand years and I need, we're just probably one hundred headed cattle and a couple of paddocks of balley. So but we just really didn't see a great future for us. And I mean this for it was for us as to how we could move forward and you know, bring the next you know, for the next generation to be able to move through.

Over the farm, there was still about two and a half thousand years and I need, we're just probably one hundred headed cattle and a couple of paddocks of balley. So but we just really didn't see a great future for us. And I mean this for it was for us as to how we could move forward and you know, bring the next you know, for the next generation to be able to move through.

We had to change things.

We had to change things.

We couldn't stick at status quo and also provide a good living for Blazed parents as well, so, you know, because that's that's an important part of it as well. I was making sure that, you know that that they are taken care of, you know, once they leave the farm. So so we sort of, yeah, over the few years we changed what we were doing.

We couldn't stick at status quo and also provide a good living for Blazed parents as well, so, you know, because that's that's an important part of it as well. I was making sure that, you know that that they are taken care of, you know, once they leave the farm. So so we sort of, yeah, over the few years we changed what we were doing.

We've sort of moved.

We've sort of moved.

We moved from a couple of padducts of bali to all of a sudden, they were these silo has been taught up in the yard.

We moved from a couple of padducts of bali to all of a sudden, they were these silo has been taught up in the yard.

And I kept thinking, oh my god, he's.

And I kept thinking, oh my god, he's.

Got steal disease because there's all these big magpie.

Got steal disease because there's all these big magpie.

Attraction traps in the in the yard.

Attraction traps in the in the yard.

And we've just sort of progressively moved more into the arable sector, moving through to barley and wheat, and we've gone peas this year oats and then about five years ago that actually about eight years ago, Blee went to a rubber bank farm manager prob course over in Melbourne and he he came back with a real fire in his belly because just we just kept thinking, when there's something, we've got to do, something that connects us directly to the customer. Because commodities, Yeah, there's.

And we've just sort of progressively moved more into the arable sector, moving through to barley and wheat, and we've gone peas this year oats and then about five years ago that actually about eight years ago, Blee went to a rubber bank farm manager prob course over in Melbourne and he he came back with a real fire in his belly because just we just kept thinking, when there's something, we've got to do, something that connects us directly to the customer. Because commodities, Yeah, there's.

No fun in commodities.

No fun in commodities.

You've seen your grain out the gate, you're seeing your sheep out the gate and it's gone.

You've seen your grain out the gate, you're seeing your sheep out the gate and it's gone.

There's there's no feedback, there's no connection.

There's there's no feedback, there's no connection.

And we both Blair and I absolutely love connecting with people. We're both really people orientated. Yeah, love just having a yarned people. So yeah, so we moved into one day he said, oh rot, oh, we've got to do We're gonna do something. So we went through a couple of different crops of you know, what we could do and how it could actually move into the market, and then a couple of things were sort of toyed with we're actually toyed with.

And we both Blair and I absolutely love connecting with people. We're both really people orientated. Yeah, love just having a yarned people. So yeah, so we moved into one day he said, oh rot, oh, we've got to do We're gonna do something. So we went through a couple of different crops of you know, what we could do and how it could actually move into the market, and then a couple of things were sort of toyed with we're actually toyed with.

A bit of garlic and things like that.

A bit of garlic and things like that.

Not not commercially or anything like that, but just because a lot of these things they actually they do cost a lot of money to actually, you know, really.

Not not commercially or anything like that, but just because a lot of these things they actually they do cost a lot of money to actually, you know, really.

Go boats and all.

Go boats and all.

And then one day we were sitting in Cromwell and he just said to.

And then one day we were sitting in Cromwell and he just said to.

Me or I recommend you go hemp.

Me or I recommend you go hemp.

And I looked at him and I was like, are you mad? And but anyway, but yeah, we did look into it further and had to start the proceedings as to getting a license, and we're just a way at of market research and stuff like that. Yeah, so we just we just wanted to find a product that that was really good that we could take directly to the customer.

And I looked at him and I was like, are you mad? And but anyway, but yeah, we did look into it further and had to start the proceedings as to getting a license, and we're just a way at of market research and stuff like that. Yeah, so we just we just wanted to find a product that that was really good that we could take directly to the customer.

Yeah, and that's something that we've actually used your products ourselves, which is pretty exciting. I love the creams and also the capsules. Actually, I think that awesome. I mean, let's get into Hopefield Hemp and the evolution of that business because it's now been going for quite a few years. You've been going for strength the strength, You've had a lot of development over time of different products. You talk to your customers and obviously you won one of our awards, So can you tell us the story from Hey, we're going to we're going to grow some heap, We're to put that in the ground to where you're at today, which is you're pretty much working full time in this business now.

Yeah, and that's something that we've actually used your products ourselves, which is pretty exciting. I love the creams and also the capsules. Actually, I think that awesome. I mean, let's get into Hopefield Hemp and the evolution of that business because it's now been going for quite a few years. You've been going for strength the strength, You've had a lot of development over time of different products. You talk to your customers and obviously you won one of our awards, So can you tell us the story from Hey, we're going to we're going to grow some heap, We're to put that in the ground to where you're at today, which is you're pretty much working full time in this business now.

It was a bit of a funny old start for us because with growing hemp, you've actually got to get a license to grow it. So that is actually through Medsafe, so Ministry of Health, so fitting in the.

It was a bit of a funny old start for us because with growing hemp, you've actually got to get a license to grow it. So that is actually through Medsafe, so Ministry of Health, so fitting in the.

Forms that was fine.

Forms that was fine.

You've got to then get a police check and different things like that. We put our first application and I think it was a bit that April, and by the September we still hadn't heard anything. So we started making a few noises and squeaking the wheel, and then our license final came through in October.

You've got to then get a police check and different things like that. We put our first application and I think it was a bit that April, and by the September we still hadn't heard anything. So we started making a few noises and squeaking the wheel, and then our license final came through in October.

So the funny thing with heap is that you can't buy sea.

So the funny thing with heap is that you can't buy sea.

We couldn't even organize to tea up any seed until we had our license. There's a lot of chicken and egg scenarios that go on with the heap industry.

We couldn't even organize to tea up any seed until we had our license. There's a lot of chicken and egg scenarios that go on with the heap industry.

By the time our.

By the time our.

License came through at the start of October, all the seed that you know, the good seed that was in the country had actually already been snapped up and.

License came through at the start of October, all the seed that you know, the good seed that was in the country had actually already been snapped up and.

We couldn't get it.

We couldn't get it.

But we're luckily there was another chap that was about forty minutes from me here had grown some, but the German was no good because I think it was about forty five percent. So we just looked roto we'll get this seed and we'll just double the seeding ray and we'll chuck it and we'll just see how it goes.

But we're luckily there was another chap that was about forty minutes from me here had grown some, but the German was no good because I think it was about forty five percent. So we just looked roto we'll get this seed and we'll just double the seeding ray and we'll chuck it and we'll just see how it goes.

We didn't tell anybody what we were doing.

We didn't tell anybody what we were doing.

We actually it was only a four and a half hecta paddock that we thought, Brod, it's not it's not the end of the day if it doesn't work, because we could have just put it into winter crop. If it had, we would have just found a way to just get round it. So we slammed this crop, this seed in the ground, and about five days later Blee came in and he said, oh, we've got a crop. It's it's it germinates that fast. So and I was thinking, oh my god, what are we Oh okay, rot oh. And then over the next couple of months, because it's actually a really short growing crop.

We actually it was only a four and a half hecta paddock that we thought, Brod, it's not it's not the end of the day if it doesn't work, because we could have just put it into winter crop. If it had, we would have just found a way to just get round it. So we slammed this crop, this seed in the ground, and about five days later Blee came in and he said, oh, we've got a crop. It's it's it germinates that fast. So and I was thinking, oh my god, what are we Oh okay, rot oh. And then over the next couple of months, because it's actually a really short growing crop.

So it was planted.

So it was planted.

That first crop was planted about the tenth of tenth of December.

That first crop was planted about the tenth of tenth of December.

It was harvested on the.

It was harvested on the.

Seventh of April, so it's around about one hundred and twenty one hundred year.

Seventh of April, so it's around about one hundred and twenty one hundred year.

That particular type was one hundred and thirty day.

That particular type was one hundred and thirty day.

Seed, I think one hundred and twenty day seed, so it was very photo sensitive. Anyway, we had this crop growing and then we've had this bit of a panic. Oh okay, we'd better actually start sorting stuff out on how we're going to deal with this crop, because it's not just.

Seed, I think one hundred and twenty day seed, so it was very photo sensitive. Anyway, we had this crop growing and then we've had this bit of a panic. Oh okay, we'd better actually start sorting stuff out on how we're going to deal with this crop, because it's not just.

Growing the crops.

Growing the crops.

She'd been able to harvest the crop, but also being able to dry the seed. So the seed comes off in comparison to like some wheat and varley, the seed comes off at around those two crops come off at around about thirteen to fourteen percent moisture. Well, the heap seed comes off at about twenty eight so and you've got to harvest it really and dry it as soon as possible because the heap.

She'd been able to harvest the crop, but also being able to dry the seed. So the seed comes off in comparison to like some wheat and varley, the seed comes off at around those two crops come off at around about thirteen to fourteen percent moisture. Well, the heap seed comes off at about twenty eight so and you've got to harvest it really and dry it as soon as possible because the heap.

Plant is actually still very very green and very sappy. So Bleaar got in.

Plant is actually still very very green and very sappy. So Bleaar got in.

The workshop and converted one of our grain trailers into a drying trailer and we managed to Yeah, all of a sudden, we had to get this this all organized. A couple of weeks before we harvested a crop, so that was a very nervous time. But in the meantime, we had actually engaged a local lady to build website for us, because we'd already sort of chosen their name and things like that.

The workshop and converted one of our grain trailers into a drying trailer and we managed to Yeah, all of a sudden, we had to get this this all organized. A couple of weeks before we harvested a crop, so that was a very nervous time. But in the meantime, we had actually engaged a local lady to build website for us, because we'd already sort of chosen their name and things like that.

So we'd started the proces.

So we'd started the proces.

But all of a sudden, we had this seed and we're drying it, and then we're thinking, well, we actually need we were going to press it ourselves, but that piece of equipment it comes out of Germany and it's quite expensive, especially when you're trying to start up a business from basically scratch. And so we thought we've had a really good relationship with Pure Oil and New Zealand up in Rolliston because we grow canola for those guys as well. And luckily Nick up their head some he still had his handling license for him seeds, so he actually said to please said, look, I've got a production spot.

But all of a sudden, we had this seed and we're drying it, and then we're thinking, well, we actually need we were going to press it ourselves, but that piece of equipment it comes out of Germany and it's quite expensive, especially when you're trying to start up a business from basically scratch. And so we thought we've had a really good relationship with Pure Oil and New Zealand up in Rolliston because we grow canola for those guys as well. And luckily Nick up their head some he still had his handling license for him seeds, so he actually said to please said, look, I've got a production spot.

So we sent our seed up there.

So we sent our seed up there.

And in the meantime we were sort of thinking, right, we're just going to we'll press this oil, and we will We'll just bottle the whole lot. And then a couple of people we've spoken to said, oh, the bottled oil is actually really quiet. It doesn't really people don't know how to and that doesn't.

And in the meantime we were sort of thinking, right, we're just going to we'll press this oil, and we will We'll just bottle the whole lot. And then a couple of people we've spoken to said, oh, the bottled oil is actually really quiet. It doesn't really people don't know how to and that doesn't.

Really sell very well.

Really sell very well.

So we did a wet bit of market research on and found out that capsules were the Hempsey capsules were a real goer.

So we did a wet bit of market research on and found out that capsules were the Hempsey capsules were a real goer.

So I got on old Dr.

So I got on old Dr.

Gourgle again and I managed to find a company in christ Church that that said that they would actually capture them for them for us, but also they said that they would bottle the rest of the oil as well. So there's a lot of things going on in the background because we all of a sudden had to learn what we had to put on the label, you know, where we were to get these labels from all these different things.

Gourgle again and I managed to find a company in christ Church that that said that they would actually capture them for them for us, but also they said that they would bottle the rest of the oil as well. So there's a lot of things going on in the background because we all of a sudden had to learn what we had to put on the label, you know, where we were to get these labels from all these different things.

It was absolute minefield.

It was absolute minefield.

Good job our children can't divorce us because they probably would have.

Good job our children can't divorce us because they probably would have.

They probably felt like they.

They probably felt like they.

Were the you know, lost and lonely because we we were so consumed and what we were doing. So we managed to get that done and then on the nineteenth I was still working for Sajeant Dan at the time, and so on the nineteenth of November twenty nineteen, I was sitting in a conference in Gore at for my sergeant Dan stuff and Blair text me. He said, oh, websites gone live because their products arrived. I was like, oh, I didn't even know how my post it was it going to work. I had everything. So the thing with the Hemp business is because we've got hemp.

Were the you know, lost and lonely because we we were so consumed and what we were doing. So we managed to get that done and then on the nineteenth I was still working for Sajeant Dan at the time, and so on the nineteenth of November twenty nineteen, I was sitting in a conference in Gore at for my sergeant Dan stuff and Blair text me. He said, oh, websites gone live because their products arrived. I was like, oh, I didn't even know how my post it was it going to work. I had everything. So the thing with the Hemp business is because we've got hemp.

In their name, Hopefield Hemp. Opening a bank account.

In their name, Hopefield Hemp. Opening a bank account.

Was tricky because there's all these alarm bells that ring for them. Even opening an account with museeum post I had. I got so used to explaining what we were doing and the difference between that and the other type.

Was tricky because there's all these alarm bells that ring for them. Even opening an account with museeum post I had. I got so used to explaining what we were doing and the difference between that and the other type.

We had a lot of these roadblocks in the way.

We had a lot of these roadblocks in the way.

And so when Blair texted me and said, oh, by the way, our websites live, I just about had kittens because I was thinking. And then all of a sudden there were orders popping through in the email because he put it on his Twitter, and all of us sudden, you're thinking.

And so when Blair texted me and said, oh, by the way, our websites live, I just about had kittens because I was thinking. And then all of a sudden there were orders popping through in the email because he put it on his Twitter, and all of us sudden, you're thinking.

Oh my god, I don't know if I'm ready for this.

Oh my god, I don't know if I'm ready for this.

But in some ways it was probably the best way, because all of a sudden, we just had to loan. We just had to do it. So since then, yes, we had our capsules and our bottled oil, and then we yeah, things were going along pretty good. And then in the first lockdown, Blair said to me, I reckon, we should try and make some hand cream. So I had a couple of products sitting in the cupboard because Fletcher he gets quite bad xma.

But in some ways it was probably the best way, because all of a sudden, we just had to loan. We just had to do it. So since then, yes, we had our capsules and our bottled oil, and then we yeah, things were going along pretty good. And then in the first lockdown, Blair said to me, I reckon, we should try and make some hand cream. So I had a couple of products sitting in the cupboard because Fletcher he gets quite bad xma.

And behind his knees yees as you're growing out of it now.

And behind his knees yees as you're growing out of it now.

But I had a couple. I had fatty cream, and I had a multifying movement. So I got out the cake mixer, got old kenwood cake mixer and started just having a wed bit of an experiment and came up with a couple of bros, sent them out to some of their customers and said what do you think of these?

But I had a couple. I had fatty cream, and I had a multifying movement. So I got out the cake mixer, got old kenwood cake mixer and started just having a wed bit of an experiment and came up with a couple of bros, sent them out to some of their customers and said what do you think of these?

And away we went. So the old cake mixer became not a cake mixer anymore. It became a hand cream maker. And then so.

And away we went. So the old cake mixer became not a cake mixer anymore. It became a hand cream maker. And then so.

Yeah, so things got to be bit you know, kicked it there for we well, and then the next lockdown.

Yeah, so things got to be bit you know, kicked it there for we well, and then the next lockdown.

I've done a little bit more research.

I've done a little bit more research.

As aka dr Google and because we thought, well, as we can probably make a lip balm. So I got on Amazon and I bought a kit out of China and it arrived and I just happened to stumble across a recipe of stuff that I actually already had at home in the kitchen. Didn't go and buy anything special and created.

As aka dr Google and because we thought, well, as we can probably make a lip balm. So I got on Amazon and I bought a kit out of China and it arrived and I just happened to stumble across a recipe of stuff that I actually already had at home in the kitchen. Didn't go and buy anything special and created.

A lip bumb So easy, isn't it? Just creation new products? I love. I just love the entrepreneurial spirusa. I can relate massively to the I don't know what I'm going to do with post it because that exact thing happened to me where stuff started selling and I went, Okay, got to make things and gotta get them out. So so that's all awesome. I'm gonna have it a little bit because I've something you said right at the beginning has really stuck with me and I mentioned it in one of my other questions, But the idea of friends and getting close friends really early on in life and in sticking with those friends, and I think as women, we really need those people around us, good friends and people to support us. And I'm miss interested in your journey and that respect because you've clearly got some friends that have lasted a long time because they came and supported you at the Business Awards. So yeah, what's the secret to these long friendships and what do they mean to you? What do they do for you in your life?

A lip bumb So easy, isn't it? Just creation new products? I love. I just love the entrepreneurial spirusa. I can relate massively to the I don't know what I'm going to do with post it because that exact thing happened to me where stuff started selling and I went, Okay, got to make things and gotta get them out. So so that's all awesome. I'm gonna have it a little bit because I've something you said right at the beginning has really stuck with me and I mentioned it in one of my other questions, But the idea of friends and getting close friends really early on in life and in sticking with those friends, and I think as women, we really need those people around us, good friends and people to support us. And I'm miss interested in your journey and that respect because you've clearly got some friends that have lasted a long time because they came and supported you at the Business Awards. So yeah, what's the secret to these long friendships and what do they mean to you? What do they do for you in your life?

Oh, they made the world to me. It's yeah, I don't know.

Oh, they made the world to me. It's yeah, I don't know.

I think communication and this is a tool that I think the new the kids coming through just that they don't know how to communicate.

I think communication and this is a tool that I think the new the kids coming through just that they don't know how to communicate.

You know, we didn't have phones. We didn't have.

You know, we didn't have phones. We didn't have.

I was so excited when I when I got to Lincoln, I got my first cell phone. And it's yeah, all of a sudden, I could I could text my friends. But it was more like, hey, do you want to go to the pub for a beer? Not just any of this other No no tiktoks and no snapchats, and and I just yeah.

I was so excited when I when I got to Lincoln, I got my first cell phone. And it's yeah, all of a sudden, I could I could text my friends. But it was more like, hey, do you want to go to the pub for a beer? Not just any of this other No no tiktoks and no snapchats, and and I just yeah.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I think, yeah, communication is the key, and it's you know, even if it's not that you've actually got something to talk to them about, it's just crap chat.

I think, yeah, communication is the key, and it's you know, even if it's not that you've actually got something to talk to them about, it's just crap chat.

If you know what I mean, just so oh you know, oh what are you about to? Oh? Please really annoying me for they just you know, just different.

If you know what I mean, just so oh you know, oh what are you about to? Oh? Please really annoying me for they just you know, just different.

Things like that, and just having mutual respect for everybody as well.

Things like that, and just having mutual respect for everybody as well.

And and I think, you know.

And and I think, you know.

Everybody's got their own way of dealing with life.

Everybody's got their own way of dealing with life.

And you know, it's actually reading people and thinking we're all, Okay.

And you know, it's actually reading people and thinking we're all, Okay.

They're not a morning person, so don't dug them in the morning so much. But yeah, it's I don't know. Sport is a great leveler as well. You know, getting out and playing sport. I played hockey for years. I played tennis as well. Actually, so before I met Blair, I had actually played tennis against his sister in the satellite tournaments in Southlands, so you know, and it's if you can, if you can get into some of that sort of sport, you know, you just never know where you're going to meet up with these people later in life. It's it's so easy, I think, to get inside your own little bubble and.

They're not a morning person, so don't dug them in the morning so much. But yeah, it's I don't know. Sport is a great leveler as well. You know, getting out and playing sport. I played hockey for years. I played tennis as well. Actually, so before I met Blair, I had actually played tennis against his sister in the satellite tournaments in Southlands, so you know, and it's if you can, if you can get into some of that sort of sport, you know, you just never know where you're going to meet up with these people later in life. It's it's so easy, I think, to get inside your own little bubble and.

Just block out the rest of the world. But that's just not me. My kids actually grow at me about the fact that.

Just block out the rest of the world. But that's just not me. My kids actually grow at me about the fact that.

I'll be walking around the supermarket and I'll run into all these people and or or or even just if someone can't reach the top shout, I'll just say something cheeky. I'll just how do you want me to grab.

I'll be walking around the supermarket and I'll run into all these people and or or or even just if someone can't reach the top shout, I'll just say something cheeky. I'll just how do you want me to grab.

That for you?

That for you?

And then we will. Then I'll carry on walking down the oil and one of the.

And then we will. Then I'll carry on walking down the oil and one of the.

Kids will say, do you know them?

Kids will say, do you know them?

I was like, nah, nah, It just you know, you just just communicate with people because you just never know, well you're going to meet up with them again down the track. It's but yeah, I don't know, it's just socializing, just getting out and about don't lock yourself away.

I was like, nah, nah, It just you know, you just just communicate with people because you just never know, well you're going to meet up with them again down the track. It's but yeah, I don't know, it's just socializing, just getting out and about don't lock yourself away.

Yeah, you strike me as someone who is very good at making connections. When I met you, I thought the same thing, So I'm not surprised to hear that. The other thing that we that has probably connected us, I suppose is being involved with the Royal Woman Business Awards, but also largely all in New Zealand as an organization. I'm really interested if you could share a little bit about your business Awards experience, because we want more and more real woman to jump into the space and be brave enough to take the leap and apply. So can you tell us a little bit about so that our listairs hopefully are inspired to also enter this year.

Yeah, you strike me as someone who is very good at making connections. When I met you, I thought the same thing, So I'm not surprised to hear that. The other thing that we that has probably connected us, I suppose is being involved with the Royal Woman Business Awards, but also largely all in New Zealand as an organization. I'm really interested if you could share a little bit about your business Awards experience, because we want more and more real woman to jump into the space and be brave enough to take the leap and apply. So can you tell us a little bit about so that our listairs hopefully are inspired to also enter this year.

Yeah, so that was really really cool and it is so not me to put myself out there for I mean, I'll work away, I'll be for a way and i'll you know, do these different different things. But if you'd said to me twelve months ago that you know, going into these awards, Jodie, I would have said no, No, I wouldn't have a show of you know, doing that, so I wouldn't have the confidence to do to do that. But I think probably since since we did our country calendar, would actually probably since we started doing.

Yeah, so that was really really cool and it is so not me to put myself out there for I mean, I'll work away, I'll be for a way and i'll you know, do these different different things. But if you'd said to me twelve months ago that you know, going into these awards, Jodie, I would have said no, No, I wouldn't have a show of you know, doing that, so I wouldn't have the confidence to do to do that. But I think probably since since we did our country calendar, would actually probably since we started doing.

The hem industry stuff.

The hem industry stuff.

I don't know.

I don't know.

We just sort of take a look on life.

We just sort of take a look on life.

You know, we're going to do our life and basically bugger what anyone else thinks, because you.

You know, we're going to do our life and basically bugger what anyone else thinks, because you.

Don't know what you don't know if you don't give it a go.

Don't know what you don't know if you don't give it a go.

So I had a phone call from I didn't to be honest, I didn't know too much about the Royal Woman Awards. And I had a phone call from Lisa up in your office one day, and it was a couple months after our Cotch calendar had aired, and she said to me, she said, no, I reckon you should you should think consider doing this?

So I had a phone call from I didn't to be honest, I didn't know too much about the Royal Woman Awards. And I had a phone call from Lisa up in your office one day, and it was a couple months after our Cotch calendar had aired, and she said to me, she said, no, I reckon you should you should think consider doing this?

And I said, oh, I don't know. She said no, Look she said, what have you got to lose?

And I said, oh, I don't know. She said no, Look she said, what have you got to lose?

Just give it a go. There's all these different categories. You could probably, she said, into multiple categories because you actually took the boxes of a lot of them. So okay, I said, right, Ale, Yeah, I said to Blea or what do you reckon? He said, oh, you must, well give it a go. So it was a very very rewarding process because it really made me and it wasn't us, it wasn't Blair and I. It actually made me rarely look into our business and what was important to me as to what we would do.

Just give it a go. There's all these different categories. You could probably, she said, into multiple categories because you actually took the boxes of a lot of them. So okay, I said, right, Ale, Yeah, I said to Blea or what do you reckon? He said, oh, you must, well give it a go. So it was a very very rewarding process because it really made me and it wasn't us, it wasn't Blair and I. It actually made me rarely look into our business and what was important to me as to what we would do.

So the yeah we did.

So the yeah we did.

I did the first first round of you know, and that was that was, you know, relatively easy, seen all the information away, and then I got an email to say I've made it through to the second round for I think four or five in the categories, and so that entailed a lot more in depth information, which was once again it was really good for me.

I did the first first round of you know, and that was that was, you know, relatively easy, seen all the information away, and then I got an email to say I've made it through to the second round for I think four or five in the categories, and so that entailed a lot more in depth information, which was once again it was really good for me.

So Blear does the budgets on the farm, I do the GST.

So Blear does the budgets on the farm, I do the GST.

We have our little segments of what we do, and I just I just said, oh, Rod, I really need to have a look into this, and so it really made me dig deep into what we were doing.

We have our little segments of what we do, and I just I just said, oh, Rod, I really need to have a look into this, and so it really made me dig deep into what we were doing.

And then so it consisted of more information.

And then so it consisted of more information.

We bit more information, but then also an interview which was yeah, it was really quite cool and I do see myself as quite a effective commune to cat us, so I didn't actually find that daunting at all. And the judging panel were lovely and I'd sent some samples up and luckily they all sampled. He read things, so that was really quite cool. And then I had to just wait another couple of well, I think it was about a week or two weeks after that, and then I was actually up in Auckland had a concert with my daughter with Carli, and I got the email to say that I had one innovation category. We could have knocked me over with a feather. Yeah, and I think that's a real care We think we don't back ourselves enough and yeah, and it's.

We bit more information, but then also an interview which was yeah, it was really quite cool and I do see myself as quite a effective commune to cat us, so I didn't actually find that daunting at all. And the judging panel were lovely and I'd sent some samples up and luckily they all sampled. He read things, so that was really quite cool. And then I had to just wait another couple of well, I think it was about a week or two weeks after that, and then I was actually up in Auckland had a concert with my daughter with Carli, and I got the email to say that I had one innovation category. We could have knocked me over with a feather. Yeah, and I think that's a real care We think we don't back ourselves enough and yeah, and it's.

A real We've really got to learn.

A real We've really got to learn.

To back ourselves. So it's it really has given me the confidence. It's opened up so many opportunities. I heard from so many people that I hadn't heard from for such a long time. But these friendships that I'd made from years ago, like the ones that I hadn't seen.

To back ourselves. So it's it really has given me the confidence. It's opened up so many opportunities. I heard from so many people that I hadn't heard from for such a long time. But these friendships that I'd made from years ago, like the ones that I hadn't seen.

For a long time, they you know, they were sending me messages. It was so cool, such and such a cool experience.

For a long time, they you know, they were sending me messages. It was so cool, such and such a cool experience.

Yeah, and I and you could see as well. I think it was really wonderful to have the event in twenty twenty two in one room with everyone, so we all got to meet each other. And I just love that moment where all of the wood woman's got together and you all had a big hug and supported each other, and I think that was that was really special. So completely appreciate you sharing that experience, because I think it's something that's actually quite unique, and I hope that there's more women out there who are inspired to enter because it's a pretty cool process. So, Jodie, you are innovative, and you're You're and Bleir have achieved a lot together. I know that every year you sort of start to perhaps just change things away, things that you might do differently, or potentially you might have something else in the wing as well. So tell us what the next sort of twelve months looks like for you. What might what might you be trying on the farm? What might that look like? How might you be growing? Have you got any other products in there in the max? What might that look like for you?

Yeah, and I and you could see as well. I think it was really wonderful to have the event in twenty twenty two in one room with everyone, so we all got to meet each other. And I just love that moment where all of the wood woman's got together and you all had a big hug and supported each other, and I think that was that was really special. So completely appreciate you sharing that experience, because I think it's something that's actually quite unique, and I hope that there's more women out there who are inspired to enter because it's a pretty cool process. So, Jodie, you are innovative, and you're You're and Bleir have achieved a lot together. I know that every year you sort of start to perhaps just change things away, things that you might do differently, or potentially you might have something else in the wing as well. So tell us what the next sort of twelve months looks like for you. What might what might you be trying on the farm? What might that look like? How might you be growing? Have you got any other products in there in the max? What might that look like for you?

So my husband would just about do your hidden in the fact that he's always thinking about different crops that he can grow or different products. He's Yeah, it spends far too much time on the tractor thinking. Because he's got autostere he actually doesn't have to steer the tractor anymore. Yeah, we've got a few things sort of in the pipeline. At the moment I had to there was so much ham and bodycrem going out that I have now actually got a manufacturer doing it for me out of Egg Research and.

So my husband would just about do your hidden in the fact that he's always thinking about different crops that he can grow or different products. He's Yeah, it spends far too much time on the tractor thinking. Because he's got autostere he actually doesn't have to steer the tractor anymore. Yeah, we've got a few things sort of in the pipeline. At the moment I had to there was so much ham and bodycrem going out that I have now actually got a manufacturer doing it for me out of Egg Research and.

Mos GW.

Mos GW.

So that's indie beauty. They're making it. And that's so good now because they can make it in big batches and I could only make ten at a time.

So that's indie beauty. They're making it. And that's so good now because they can make it in big batches and I could only make ten at a time.

So that's freed me up a little bit.

So that's freed me up a little bit.

And also, you know, we get a really really consistent product. Now it's still the same respeet, but it's you know, it's been done by been.

And also, you know, we get a really really consistent product. Now it's still the same respeet, but it's you know, it's been done by been.

Done by the professionals, not by the kinwood. So all yeah, and then the juices start flowing, as so what can we do next.

Done by the professionals, not by the kinwood. So all yeah, and then the juices start flowing, as so what can we do next.

So one of our byproducts that we've got at the moment is the heap cake. So the once the seed is pressed, there's you've got your oil, but you've also got.

So one of our byproducts that we've got at the moment is the heap cake. So the once the seed is pressed, there's you've got your oil, but you've also got.

The seed cake. And currently it can't be fed to livestock.

The seed cake. And currently it can't be fed to livestock.

It would be amazing, but it can't be fed to livestock, and that's the rules by MPI and the ACB MET and so I was sort of thinking, well, what can we do with that? So we're just starting to really have a bit of a look into what we can do with that at the moment. I did get in the kitchen the other day and started I got the neutral bullet out this time and and sort of played around with you can make your own coffee scrubs and different things like that, and I thought I can probably whip up a maybe a heap scrub, So just sort of playing around with that at the moment. Quite lucky that I've got a teenage daughter that loves testing stuff and she's at the boarding school down in Picargo at Southern Girls, so she's got some mates.

It would be amazing, but it can't be fed to livestock, and that's the rules by MPI and the ACB MET and so I was sort of thinking, well, what can we do with that? So we're just starting to really have a bit of a look into what we can do with that at the moment. I did get in the kitchen the other day and started I got the neutral bullet out this time and and sort of played around with you can make your own coffee scrubs and different things like that, and I thought I can probably whip up a maybe a heap scrub, So just sort of playing around with that at the moment. Quite lucky that I've got a teenage daughter that loves testing stuff and she's at the boarding school down in Picargo at Southern Girls, so she's got some mates.

That we can test it with as well.

That we can test it with as well.

So yes, so just utilizing trying to utilize the you know, leftovers we are sort of toying with. We're working really closely with a couple of cafes, the Batch Cafe down in Cargo with Kate French down there, and also Ethan Flack. He's a real Southland champion. There's some epic things happening in Southend at the moment. There's a big long lunch this weekend at up in tier Now and that's in the Fat Duck have pretty much their whole menu is products from Southland. So just around the road here, we've got a friend of ours she's growing oyster mushrooms, native oyster mushrooms. There's just such cool things going on. So one of the and we're part of a group. We're through far So Foundation for our research and it's the group that we're in is the Girls Leading Change. So we've got good friends that have got a whiskey distillery down It's Scott's Gap, which is in the middle of nowhere. But you know, they are doing epic things as well. There's just so much going on and being amongst these people really does put the fire in your belly to look at different crops and you know, different ways of doing things and yeah, and just all communication. It's so cool.

So yes, so just utilizing trying to utilize the you know, leftovers we are sort of toying with. We're working really closely with a couple of cafes, the Batch Cafe down in Cargo with Kate French down there, and also Ethan Flack. He's a real Southland champion. There's some epic things happening in Southend at the moment. There's a big long lunch this weekend at up in tier Now and that's in the Fat Duck have pretty much their whole menu is products from Southland. So just around the road here, we've got a friend of ours she's growing oyster mushrooms, native oyster mushrooms. There's just such cool things going on. So one of the and we're part of a group. We're through far So Foundation for our research and it's the group that we're in is the Girls Leading Change. So we've got good friends that have got a whiskey distillery down It's Scott's Gap, which is in the middle of nowhere. But you know, they are doing epic things as well. There's just so much going on and being amongst these people really does put the fire in your belly to look at different crops and you know, different ways of doing things and yeah, and just all communication. It's so cool.

I just love the community aspect as well, right, just like coming together and supporting each other and growing in all these different directions. There's just so real competition. It's just all about being supportive and I just think that's so neat. The last thing I actually want to ask you to do is to direct people towards your products. So what is the best place to be Hopefield Hemp products Websites? Social media?

I just love the community aspect as well, right, just like coming together and supporting each other and growing in all these different directions. There's just so real competition. It's just all about being supportive and I just think that's so neat. The last thing I actually want to ask you to do is to direct people towards your products. So what is the best place to be Hopefield Hemp products Websites? Social media?

Yeah, so you can get our webs on our website which is dub dub dub dot Hopefield Hemp dot code or n Z. You can rest assured that it will be me that will process your order and I actually will get it out as soon as soon as I can possibly get it. They generally go out next day. And the amazing thing about what we're doing one of the amazing things we get so much big bag about how quick air products get out at rural Post. He picks up the parcels and takes them out and I can get things from rural.

Yeah, so you can get our webs on our website which is dub dub dub dot Hopefield Hemp dot code or n Z. You can rest assured that it will be me that will process your order and I actually will get it out as soon as soon as I can possibly get it. They generally go out next day. And the amazing thing about what we're doing one of the amazing things we get so much big bag about how quick air products get out at rural Post. He picks up the parcels and takes them out and I can get things from rural.

Belfa in northern Southland to Auckland the very next day, which is quite awesome.

Belfa in northern Southland to Auckland the very next day, which is quite awesome.

So so yeah, so we're on that on our website and also you can get in touch with us on Facebook or Instagram or through Twitter as well. Blea does the Twitter side of things. I don't really know much about Twitter, but.

So so yeah, so we're on that on our website and also you can get in touch with us on Facebook or Instagram or through Twitter as well. Blea does the Twitter side of things. I don't really know much about Twitter, but.

I know how that feels. Hey, thank you so much Jodie for joining us. I was really interested to hear about your story and your background, and I think our listas will be as well, and just your real sort of way of connecting with people and making them feel feel special, which is awesome. So thank you so much for leading away, being innovative and this incredible country that we call home, and also supporting others who are on the same journey too. So thanks for coming on right.

I know how that feels. Hey, thank you so much Jodie for joining us. I was really interested to hear about your story and your background, and I think our listas will be as well, and just your real sort of way of connecting with people and making them feel feel special, which is awesome. So thank you so much for leading away, being innovative and this incredible country that we call home, and also supporting others who are on the same journey too. So thanks for coming on right.

So if you have enjoyed this chat and the others that we've held with fantastic real woman, then please support us by joining the sold

So if you have enjoyed this chat and the others that we've held with fantastic real woman, then please support us by joining the sold

Jess he to our website Rural womanzed dot zed, or check out the show notes to sign up and be part of shaping future generations for women in rural New Zealand.

Jess he to our website Rural womanzed dot zed, or check out the show notes to sign up and be part of shaping future generations for women in rural New Zealand.