Setting up cell grazing systems on their Te Pahu hill-country farm has transformed more than just Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent’s bottom line.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Waikato farmers Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent about their shift to cell grazing and the transformation of their 325-hectare bull beef operation. They discuss challenges and learnings, how the system has lifted production while supporting environmental outcomes, and insights gained from being a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm.

Guests:
Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent, Waikato farmers

Host:
Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

 

Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent are transforming their Waikato bull beef operation through cell grazing systems that combine productivity with environmental care. They focus on refining intensive finishing systems, improving land resilience, and lifting carcass production while adapting to the challenges of hill country farming. Their approach has seen stocking rates increase while less-productive land is retired, proving profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.


As a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm, they share learnings and trial new approaches alongside a network of peers and mentors. By opening their farm to scrutiny and collaboration, Heather and Elliot are helping shape the future of sustainable beef production in New Zealand, inspiring others to re-think traditional systems.

 

Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here.

 

Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAIL

Setting up cell grazing systems on their Te Pahu hill-country farm has transformed more than just Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent&rsquo;s bottom line.
In this episode, Sarah speaks with Waikato farmers Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent about their shift to cell grazing and the transformation of their 325-hectare bull beef operation. They discuss challenges and learnings, how the system has lifted production while supporting environmental outcomes, and insights gained from being a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm.
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent, Waikato farmers</li>
</ul>
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent are transforming their Waikato bull beef operation through cell grazing systems that combine productivity with environmental care. They focus on refining intensive finishing systems, improving land resilience, and lifting carcass production while adapting to the challenges of hill country farming. Their approach has seen stocking rates increase while less-productive land is retired, proving profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.
 As a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm, they share learnings and trial new approaches alongside a network of peers and mentors. By opening their farm to scrutiny and collaboration, Heather and Elliot are helping shape the future of sustainable beef production in New Zealand, inspiring others to re-think traditional systems.
&nbsp;
Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide <a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/beef-finishing-transforms-hill-country-farm/">here</a>.
&nbsp;
Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually:<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/"> https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/sign-up/">SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER 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 CountryWide Podcast.

Hosts: Sarah Perriam-Lampp - CEO & Editor-in-Chief at CountryWide Media

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

Bringing' you the best of rural New Zealand for nearly 50 years via your mailboxes, now it&rsquo;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 CountryWide Podcast.
Hosts: Sarah Perriam-Lampp - CEO &amp; Editor-in-Chief at CountryWide Media
For more information &amp; to subscribe to CountryWide, visit www.country-wide.co.nz

The CountryWide 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 CountryWide Podcast with Editor-in-Chief, 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&rsquo;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 CountryWide Podcast with Editor-in-Chief,&nbsp;Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
To subscribe to Country-Wide, visit <a href="http://www.country-wide.co.nz">www.country-wide.co.nz</a>&nbsp;

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