In this episode, we explore a shift from traditional dairy to innovative crops in New Zealand agriculture. Lee Matheson, Managing Director of Perrin Ag, discusses the challenges and opportunities of land use change, focusing on crops like hemp and chestnuts. Gavin Tayles, COO of FarmRight, shares insights on their transition to high-value horticulture, particularly large-scale apple orchards. Red Martin, General Manager of Pipfruit at FarmRight, talks about modern growing systems and new apple varieties. Together, they highlight how strategic investment, advanced technology, and sustainable practices are reshaping the agricultural landscape in New Zealand.

 

Guests include:
Lee Matheson, Managing Director, Perrin Ag
Gavin Tayles, Chief Operating Officer, FarmRight
Red Martin, General Manager of Pipfruit, FarmRight

Hosts:
Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter

 

Lee Matheson, Managing Director of Perrin Ag, leads discussions on land use change in New Zealand agriculture, balancing profitability, diversification, and sustainability. While dairy remains viable, emissions targets push farmers toward alternatives. Matheson identified challenges in scaling new crops like hemp and blueberries, from infrastructure gaps to market uncertainty. Now, he works to bridge these barriers, advocating for investment, bank lending, and co-operative collaboration. He stresses urgent action to align land use with climate goals, seeing innovation as key to a sustainable, profitable future—provided the right policies and financial support are in place.

Gavin Tayles, COO of FarmRight, is leading New Zealand’s shift from dairy to high-value horticulture. While dairy remains vital, climate change and sustainability demands drive diversification. Since 2018, he has expanded FarmRight into apples, kiwifruit, and hops, transforming 250 hectares of dairy land into a large-scale apple orchard for the NZ Superfund. Tayles navigates challenges like upfront costs and environmental risks through strategic investment and technology. With plans for 900,000 trees, the orchard will be NZ’s largest pipfruit site. He believes smart investment and policy can ensure a profitable, sustainable agricultural future.

Red Martin, GM of Pipfruit at FarmRight, is transforming Canterbury’s apple industry, overseeing one of New Zealand’s largest pipfruit operations. With decades of expertise, he leads orchard development and modern growing systems. FarmRight’s 250-hectare, fully netted orchard will house 900,000 trees, producing 1.47 million cartons annually. Using the V trellis system and high-yield varieties like Rocket and Jole, Martin maximises efficiency. He navigates financial hurdles, including costly proprietary variety licenses. The shift from dairy to apples will cut carbon emissions by 81%, nitrogen losses by 82%, and water use by 40%, ensuring a more sustainable future.

 

Listen to the first five episodes of Agraforum’s newest podcast series, Where Inches Matter, here

 

Buy the Dairy Exporter Autumn Issue here

SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER  - EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY)

SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER  - MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)

In this episode, we explore a shift from traditional dairy to innovative crops in New Zealand agriculture. Lee Matheson, Managing Director of Perrin Ag, discusses the challenges and opportunities of land use change, focusing on crops like hemp and chestnuts. Gavin Tayles, COO of FarmRight, shares insights on their transition to high-value horticulture, particularly large-scale apple orchards. Red Martin, General Manager of Pipfruit at FarmRight, talks about modern growing systems and new apple varieties. Together, they highlight how strategic investment, advanced technology, and sustainable practices are reshaping the agricultural landscape in New Zealand.
&nbsp;
Guests include:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Lee Matheson, Managing Director, Perrin Ag</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gavin Tayles, Chief Operating Officer, FarmRight</li>
<li aria-level="1">Red Martin, General Manager of Pipfruit, FarmRight</li>
</ol>
Hosts:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter</li>
<li aria-level="1">Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Lee Matheson, Managing Director of Perrin Ag, leads discussions on land use change in New Zealand agriculture, balancing profitability, diversification, and sustainability. While dairy remains viable, emissions targets push farmers toward alternatives. Matheson identified challenges in scaling new crops like hemp and blueberries, from infrastructure gaps to market uncertainty. Now, he works to bridge these barriers, advocating for investment, bank lending, and co-operative collaboration. He stresses urgent action to align land use with climate goals, seeing innovation as key to a sustainable, profitable future&mdash;provided the right policies and financial support are in place.
Gavin Tayles, COO of FarmRight, is leading New Zealand&rsquo;s shift from dairy to high-value horticulture. While dairy remains vital, climate change and sustainability demands drive diversification. Since 2018, he has expanded FarmRight into apples, kiwifruit, and hops, transforming 250 hectares of dairy land into a large-scale apple orchard for the NZ Superfund. Tayles navigates challenges like upfront costs and environmental risks through strategic investment and technology. With plans for 900,000 trees, the orchard will be NZ&rsquo;s largest pipfruit site. He believes smart investment and policy can ensure a profitable, sustainable agricultural future.
Red Martin, GM of Pipfruit at FarmRight, is transforming Canterbury&rsquo;s apple industry, overseeing one of New Zealand&rsquo;s largest pipfruit operations. With decades of expertise, he leads orchard development and modern growing systems. FarmRight&rsquo;s 250-hectare, fully netted orchard will house 900,000 trees, producing 1.47 million cartons annually. Using the V trellis system and high-yield varieties like Rocket and Jole, Martin maximises efficiency. He navigates financial hurdles, including costly proprietary variety licenses. The shift from dairy to apples will cut carbon emissions by 81%, nitrogen losses by 82%, and water use by 40%, ensuring a more sustainable future.
&nbsp;
Listen to the first five episodes of Agraforum&rsquo;s newest podcast series, Where Inches Matter, <a href="https://agraforum.co.nz/podcast/">here</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/shop/autumn-2025/">Buy the Dairy Exporter Autumn Issue here</a>
SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER&nbsp; - <a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/sign-up/">EMAIL NEWSLETTER (FREE - WEEKLY)</a>
SUBSCRIBE TO DAIRY EXPORTER&nbsp; - <a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/shop/">MAGAZINE ($79/YR FOR 4 JOURNALS)</a>

DAIRY Country is your mainstay in dairy farming as your trusted source for adding value to your dairy farming business with seasonal on farm stories and exclusive technical advice weekly with your host, Anne Lee.

Formally the NZ Dairy Exporter since 1925, DAIRY Country is part of the CountryWide network based in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Get in touch with our Anne Lee - anne@countrywidemedia.co.nz if you have a great insight to share with our
thousands of readers and listeners in New Zealand and around the world.

Don’t miss our weekly episodes of the DAIRY Country Podcast by hitting the subscribe button now and join our DAIRY Country weekly email newsletter to get the latest in-depth stories in your mailbox so you are always ahead of the game in the
business of dairy farming into the future.

DAIRY Country is your mainstay in dairy farming as your trusted source for adding value to your dairy farming business with seasonal on farm stories and exclusive technical advice weekly with your host, Anne Lee.
Formally the NZ Dairy Exporter since 1925, DAIRY Country is part of the CountryWide network based in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Get in touch with our Anne Lee - anne@countrywidemedia.co.nz if you have a great insight to share with our thousands of readers and listeners in New Zealand and around the world.
Don&rsquo;t miss our weekly episodes of the DAIRY Country Podcast by hitting the&nbsp;subscribe button now and <a href="https://dairyexporter.co.nz/sign-up/">join our DAIRY Country weekly email newsletter</a> to get the&nbsp;latest in-depth stories in your mailbox so you are always ahead of the game in the business of dairy farming into the future.