This week we catch up with Country-Wide’s Spring issue Home Block columnists from around the country to find out what’s happening in their patch. From yearling bull sales and cyclone recovery in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, to challenging lambing conditions in Southland, our four farmers discuss the challenges and rewards of farming in each of their regions.   

Guests include:
Max Tweedie, Farmer, Hawke’s Bay
Ben Dooley, Farmer, Southland
Anna Munro, Farmer, Mid-Canterbury
Sandra Matthews, Farmer, Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Hosts:
Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide
Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media

Hawke’s Bay farmer Max Tweedie discusses how the lambing and calving season has been going on his farm. He also tells us how the yearling bull sale went for him this year, and what he’s noticing about the traits customers are looking for over time.

Southland farmer Ben Dooley says it has been a relatively good winter, thanks to good grass covers to make sure sheep have feed, but it was a tough September coming into spring. Lamb survival has been impacted, and as he says, your whole year's work can be taken away by 18 days of bad weather. He shares some tips on how to keep motivated when times are tough.

Mid Canterbury farmer Anna Munro is in the thick of lambing, and has had a good run of weather for it, however feed levels have been low due to a dry autumn and winter. She also discusses her rural-focussed photography business, and participating in the autumn muster up at Lake Heron Station.

Tairāwhiti Gisborne farmer Sandra Matthews was the winner of the FMG Rural Champion Award at the 2022 Beef + Lamb NZ Awards, for her involvement in her local community. She discusses the impact land loss has had on their farming system, and the importance of having community - for her that has been Rural Women New Zealand.
Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manger.

Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here

Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL

This week we catch up with Country-Wide’s Spring issue Home Block columnists from around the country to find out what’s happening in their patch. From yearling bull sales and cyclone recovery in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, to challenging lambing conditions in Southland, our four farmers discuss the challenges and rewards of farming in each of their regions.   
Guests include:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Max Tweedie, Farmer, Hawke’s Bay</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ben Dooley, Farmer, Southland</li>
<li aria-level="1">Anna Munro, Farmer, Mid-Canterbury</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sandra Matthews, Farmer, Tairāwhiti Gisborne</li>
</ol>
Hosts:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media</li>
</ol>
Hawke’s Bay farmer Max Tweedie discusses how the lambing and calving season has been going on his farm. He also tells us how the yearling bull sale went for him this year, and what he’s noticing about the traits customers are looking for over time.
Southland farmer Ben Dooley says it has been a relatively good winter, thanks to good grass covers to make sure sheep have feed, but it was a tough September coming into spring. Lamb survival has been impacted, and as he says, your whole year's work can be taken away by 18 days of bad weather. He shares some tips on how to keep motivated when times are tough.
Mid Canterbury farmer Anna Munro is in the thick of lambing, and has had a good run of weather for it, however feed levels have been low due to a dry autumn and winter. She also discusses her rural-focussed photography business, and participating in the autumn muster up at Lake Heron Station.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne farmer Sandra Matthews was the winner of the FMG Rural Champion Award at the 2022 Beef + Lamb NZ Awards, for her involvement in her local community. She discusses the impact land loss has had on their farming system, and the importance of having community - for her that has been Rural Women New Zealand.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Make the smart call. Click <a href="https://www.ravensdown.co.nz/our-company/our-people">here</a> to contact an Agri Manger.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/spring-2024-2/">Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here</a>
Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually:<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/"> https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/</a> 
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/sign-up/">SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL</a>

Bringing' you the best of rural New Zealand for nearly 50 years via your mailboxes, now it’s time for our seasonal stories from the magazine to weekly updates straight to your ears.

Proud to celebrate the grit and the smarts it takes to farm as well as good ol' fashioned country culture with The Country-Wide Podcast.

Hosts: Rebecca Greaves - Editor of Country-Wide

For more information & to subscribe to Country-Wide, visit www.country-wide.co.nz

Bringing' you the best of rural New Zealand for nearly 50 years via your mailboxes, now it’s time for our seasonal stories from the magazine to weekly updates straight to your ears.
Proud to celebrate the grit and the smarts it takes to farm as well as good ol' fashioned country culture with The Country-Wide Podcast.
Hosts: Rebecca Greaves - Editor of Country-Wide
For more information &amp; to subscribe to Country-Wide, visit www.country-wide.co.nz

The Country-Wide Podcast

Bringing' you the best of rural New Zealand for nearly 50 years via your mailboxes, now it’s time for' our seasonal stories from the magazine to weekly updates straight to your ears.

Proud to celebrate the grit and the smarts it takes to farm as well as good ol' fashioned country culture with The Country-Wide Podcast.

Hosts: Editor of Country-Wide, Rebecca Greaves and CountryWide Media’s Managing Director, Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

To subscribe to Country-Wide, visit www.country-wide.co.nz

Bringing' you the best of rural New Zealand for nearly 50 years via your mailboxes, now it’s time for' our seasonal stories from the magazine to weekly updates straight to your ears.
Proud to celebrate the grit and the smarts it takes to farm as well as good ol' fashioned country culture with The Country-Wide Podcast.
Hosts: Editor of Country-Wide, Rebecca Greaves and CountryWide Media’s Managing Director, Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
To subscribe to Country-Wide, visit <a href="http://www.country-wide.co.nz">www.country-wide.co.nz</a>

Episode 41 - The Spring Home Block Roundup

Can we find common ground to solve the challenges facing the primary industries?  AGMARDT has launched a thought leadership report with KPMG with the proactive title ‘Are industry good bodies good for industry?’ The report identified 150 different organisations from co-operatives to levy-funded and member organisations that drive forward positive outcomes for farmers, but are they working collaboratively together in a way that will take farming into the future?

In this episode we hear from farmer Phil Weir, who wrote his Nuffield report about how industry bodies can collaborate more effectively to tackle challenges in the sector, and Lee-Ann Marsh the General Manager of AGMARDT, about why they funded this report and what the next steps are for better industry collaboration.  

Guests include:
Phil Weir, Farmer & Director at Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Lee-Ann Marsh, General Manager, AGMARDT

Hosts:
Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide
Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media

Waikato Farmer and Director on the board of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Phil Weir, wrote his 2020 Nuffield report on “Restructuring Industry Good for the Future​”, which proposed a new industry body to oversee the challenges facing the farming sector. He says this isn’t about getting rid of the individual groups, but finding ways to work across the sector on common issues, for a more impactful outcome. 

General Manager of AGMARDT Lee-Ann Marsh discusses why AGMARDT are funding collaborative partnerships that involve groups from across the sector, including the KPMG report, to bring better solutions to industry challenges. This would tackle issues such as duplicate applications for funding towards solving the same issue, rather than collaboration across the industry bodies for a common outcome. 
Find out more and have your say on the Common Ground website here.
Read Phil Weir’s Nuffield Report here.
Listen to the Common Ground Podcast here.
Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manger.

Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here

Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $79/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL

Can we find common ground to solve the challenges facing the primary industries?  AGMARDT has launched a thought leadership report with KPMG with the proactive title ‘Are industry good bodies good for industry?’ The report identified 150 different organisations from co-operatives to levy-funded and member organisations that drive forward positive outcomes for farmers, but are they working collaboratively together in a way that will take farming into the future?
In this episode we hear from farmer Phil Weir, who wrote his Nuffield report about how industry bodies can collaborate more effectively to tackle challenges in the sector, and Lee-Ann Marsh the General Manager of AGMARDT, about why they funded this report and what the next steps are for better industry collaboration.  
Guests include:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Phil Weir, Farmer &amp; Director at <a href="https://beeflambnz.com/">Beef + Lamb New Zealand</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Lee-Ann Marsh, General Manager, <a href="https://agmardt.org.nz/">AGMARDT</a></li>
</ol>
Hosts:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media</li>
</ol>
Waikato Farmer and Director on the board of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Phil Weir, wrote his 2020 Nuffield report on “Restructuring Industry Good for the Future​”, which proposed a new industry body to oversee the challenges facing the farming sector. He says this isn’t about getting rid of the individual groups, but finding ways to work across the sector on common issues, for a more impactful outcome. 
General Manager of AGMARDT Lee-Ann Marsh discusses why AGMARDT are funding collaborative partnerships that involve groups from across the sector, including the KPMG report, to bring better solutions to industry challenges. This would tackle issues such as duplicate applications for funding towards solving the same issue, rather than collaboration across the industry bodies for a common outcome. 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Find out more and have your say on the Common Ground website <a href="https://www.thecommonground.org.nz/">here.</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Read Phil Weir’s Nuffield Report <a href="https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/reports/nz/2020/restructuring-industry-good-future">here.</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen to the Common Ground Podcast <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-common-ground">here.</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Make the smart call. Click <a href="https://www.ravensdown.co.nz/our-company/our-people">here</a> to contact an Agri Manger.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/spring-2024-2/">Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here</a>
Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $79/four magazines plus postage annually:<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/"> https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/</a> 
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/sign-up/">SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL</a>

Episode 40 - Are our industry bodies standing on Common Ground?

With a goal of Predator Free 2050, it can seem ambitious with only 25 years to go. Is it a fantasy, or can it become our reality? In this episode we catch up with different groups working to tackle pests and weeds across New Zealand, from animals like ferrets, goats and possums, to weeds like wilding conifers. 

Guests include:
Pete Oswald, Project Manager, Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group
Mike Perry, Manager, DOC’s National Wild Animals Management Programme
Professor James Ross, Wildlife Management, Lincoln University

Hosts:
Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide
Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media
Jo Grigg, Reporter, Country-Wide

Pete Oswald, skier and entrepreneur by trade, and self-titled passionate environmentalist, has been project manager for the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group for 18 months. He discusses the impact of funding issues, and what this means for effectively tackling wild weeds in New Zealand. 

Mike Perry has been the Manager of DOC’s new National Wild Animals Management Programme for two years, having spent 10 years with them already, and working in the bush and backcountry for over 20 years. He discusses the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition that is back for 2024, and encourages those who farm and hunt to either enter or sign up to the new landowner category. 

Keen to get involved? Find out more here.

Professor James Ross of Lincoln University discusses whether Predator Free 2050 is a reality or a fantasy, and how replicating what has been done on our uninhabited islands to tackle pest problems can be used on the mainland to achieve the same outcome. He discusses the projects he’s worked on, and what technology we need to meet our goals. 

Read more in Country-Wide Spring: 
A wild weed - by Jo Grigg

Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here

Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL

With a goal of Predator Free 2050, it can seem ambitious with only 25 years to go. Is it a fantasy, or can it become our reality? In this episode we catch up with different groups working to tackle pests and weeds across New Zealand, from animals like ferrets, goats and possums, to weeds like wilding conifers. 
Guests include:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Pete Oswald, Project Manager, <a href="https://www.centralwildingconifers.co.nz/">Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Mike Perry, Manager, <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/">DOC’s National Wild Animals Management Programme</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Professor James Ross, Wildlife Management, <a href="https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/">Lincoln University</a></li>
</ol>
Hosts:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media</li>
<li aria-level="1">Jo Grigg, Reporter, Country-Wide</li>
</ol>
Pete Oswald, skier and entrepreneur by trade, and self-titled passionate environmentalist, has been project manager for the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group for 18 months. He discusses the impact of funding issues, and what this means for effectively tackling wild weeds in New Zealand. 
Mike Perry has been the Manager of DOC’s new National Wild Animals Management Programme for two years, having spent 10 years with them already, and working in the bush and backcountry for over 20 years. He discusses the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition that is back for 2024, and encourages those who farm and hunt to either enter or sign up to the new landowner category. 
Keen to get involved? Find out more <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/wild-goat-hunting-competition">here.</a>
Professor James Ross of Lincoln University discusses whether Predator Free 2050 is a reality or a fantasy, and how replicating what has been done on our uninhabited islands to tackle pest problems can be used on the mainland to achieve the same outcome. He discusses the projects he’s worked on, and what technology we need to meet our goals. 
Read more in Country-Wide Spring: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/a-wild-weed/">A wild weed</a> - by Jo Grigg</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/spring-2024-2/">Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here</a>
Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually:<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/"> https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/</a> 
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/sign-up/">SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL</a>

Episode 39 - What will it take to be predator free?

We have less than five seasons until overseas 2030 emissions targets begin to impact our overseas exports, and we may still yet need to be able to minimise and measure our own emissions domestically. With this in mind, farmers might be wondering what tools are out there to help them tackle their emissions, in ways they can integrate into their existing systems. 

Hear from two agricultural organisations working to develop tools to minimise methane emissions, and a farmer utilising genetics to breed low-methane sheep. 

Guests include:
Ruth Leary, Head of Strategy & Engagement, AgriZeroNZ
Tom Breen, CEO, Ruminant Biotech
Alastair Reeves, Waikato Farmer

Hosts:
Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide
Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media

AgrizeroNZ’s Ruth Leary discusses the various tools they are investing in to provide solutions to lower methane emissions, such as a vaccine for animals. She says this would integrate well into farm systems as farmers are already in the routine of administering vaccines to their livestock.   

Ruminant Biotech is a New Zealand start-up that AgriZeroNZ has invested in to develop tools for farmers. CEO Tom Breen discusses the tools they're developing such as slow-release methane inhibitors and boluses which they’re working towards releasing in 2027. 

Alastair and Ann Reeves were the Supreme Winners in this year’s Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards, and have a history of using genetics to address animal health and environmental challenges, including methane. He discusses why and how he’s included methane in his breeding objectives.

Read more in Country-Wide Spring: 
In search of the holy grail - with AgriZeroNZ
Winning genes - with Alastair & Ann Reeves

Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here

Listen to the Barenbrug Podcast: Better Pastures Together here.

Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL

We have less than five seasons until overseas 2030 emissions targets begin to impact our overseas exports, and we may still yet need to be able to minimise and measure our own emissions domestically. With this in mind, farmers might be wondering what tools are out there to help them tackle their emissions, in ways they can integrate into their existing systems. 
Hear from two agricultural organisations working to develop tools to minimise methane emissions, and a farmer utilising genetics to breed low-methane sheep. 
Guests include:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Ruth Leary, Head of Strategy &amp; Engagement, <a href="https://www.agrizero.nz/">AgriZeroNZ</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Tom Breen, CEO, <a href="https://ruminantbiotech.com/">Ruminant Biotech</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Alastair Reeves, Waikato Farmer</li>
</ol>
Hosts:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media</li>
</ol>
AgrizeroNZ’s Ruth Leary discusses the various tools they are investing in to provide solutions to lower methane emissions, such as a vaccine for animals. She says this would integrate well into farm systems as farmers are already in the routine of administering vaccines to their livestock.   
Ruminant Biotech is a New Zealand start-up that AgriZeroNZ has invested in to develop tools for farmers. CEO Tom Breen discusses the tools they're developing such as slow-release methane inhibitors and boluses which they’re working towards releasing in 2027. 
Alastair and Ann Reeves were the Supreme Winners in this year’s Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards, and have a history of using genetics to address animal health and environmental challenges, including methane. He discusses why and how he’s included methane in his breeding objectives.
Read more in Country-Wide Spring: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/in-search-of-the-holy-grail/">In search of the holy grail</a> - with AgriZeroNZ</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/winning-genes/">Winning genes </a>- with Alastair &amp; Ann Reeves</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/spring-2024-2/">Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here</a>
Listen to the Barenbrug Podcast: Better Pastures Together <a href="https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/knowledge-hub/better-pasture-together-podcast-series">here.</a>
Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59/four magazines plus postage annually:<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/"> https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/</a> 
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/sign-up/">SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL</a>

Episode 41 - The Spring Home Block Roundup

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