Deferred grazing could be a great option for your farm, to reduce costs, and improve soil health, with environmental benefits too, and could be as simple as shutting the paddock gate. In this episode, hear from a Waikato farmer who has implemented this practice on his farm, and a scientist behind the research into deferred grazing. We also hear from Property Brokers about what changing land use regulations could mean for the rural property market going into 2025..  Guests include: Bill Garland, Waikato Sheep & Beef Farmer Conrad Wilkshire, General Manager Rural, Property Brokers Dr. Katherine Tozer, Senior Scientist, AgResearch Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Waikato sheep and beef farmer Bill Garland discusses how he’s used deferred grazing as a low cost pasture renewal tool, and the environmental benefits he’s noticed. He says managing biodiversity is a big part of their operation, with five QEII covenants on their land. He shares how deferred grazing has reduced input costs, and benefitted the environment and their farm system.  Read more about Bill’s story here. Property Brokers General Manager for Rural Conrad Wilkshire discusses the impact of changing regulations around full farm to forestry conversion, and what this means for the rural property market. He says we collectively need more information about what this means for the property market, but it does create an opportunity for farmers to look at land use change opportunities.  AgResearch Senior Scientist Katherine Tozer discusses how to get started with deferred grazing for pasture renewal, and what the benefits are. She discusses how deferred grazing improves soil quality, and can lead to increased root depth. She says not to think of it as wasted feed that’s not eaten, but instead that it’s part of the pasture rejuvenation process.  Read the Summer 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

2025 could be a window of opportunity for farmers to get into the deer industry, as the sheep industry faces tough times. With new market access opportunities opening up in China and South Korea, and the benefits of mixed species farming in mind, could it be the year of the deer for New Zealand farmers? Guests include: Rhys Griffiths, CEO, Deer Industry New Zealand Mark McCoard, Chairman, New Zealand Deer Farmers Association Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Taihape deer farmer Mark McCoard farms a velvet focussed operation in his mixed species farm, alongside cattle and sheep. He is also the Chairman of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association (NZDFA). He says the beauty of having deer as part of his operation is that once you have the deer fencing up you can run anything behind it, and this could be a great opportunity for the next generation of farmers. He also discusses how deer could help in the battle against drench resistance. Learn more about the NZDFA here. Velvet access to China has been a challenge for Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), but with market access restored, it’s opening up the market for New Zealand. The new CEO of DINZ, Rhys Griffiths, discusses the deer market at the moment, including what a Trump administration in the USA will mean for exporting to America, what the Chinese and South Korea markets are looking for, and more about the upcoming Deer Industry Awards next year. Find out more about the awards and nominations here. Read the Summer 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

In this episode we look at the ways farmers can get the most out of their four-legged farm workers, and give them the best care possible. Learn about a Massey University project looking at the DNA and behaviour of working dogs in New Zealand, and hear advice from a Hunterville vet on how to best care for your working dogs throughout their life, from a pup through to old age. Guests include: Jaime Watters, Mixed Animal Veterinarian, Hunterville Vet Club Matt Littlejohn, Professor of Animal Genetics, Massey University Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Hunterville Vet Club mixed animal veterinarian, Jaime Watters, discusses providing your four-legged companions with the best care, including giving your puppy the best start, the importance of diet, and what to check for regularly health-wise. Massey University Professor of Animal Genetics, Matt Littlejohn, discusses a study that hopes to shed light on the origin of the Huntaway and heading dog breeds, and identify predispositions to genetic conditions, such as twisted gut. They’ve teamed up with Ancestry to provide testing kits to sample dogs taking part in the study, and you can get your farm dogs involved in this study too.   Read more about the study here. Read the Summer 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

Recruiting and keeping great employees is always relevant in the success of farm businesses, and is the focus of the special report in Country-Wide Summer. In this episode find out more about what employees are looking for when it comes to work contracts, how we’re doing as a sector when it comes to remuneration, and how you can attract good employees through your recruitment process.  Guests include: Richard McIntyre, Employment Spokesperson, Federated Farmers Gretchen Parkes, Manager, Rural Directions Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Luisa Osborne, Podcast Producer, CountryWide Media Federated Farmers Employment Spokesperson Richard McIntyre discusses the importance of the total value package, one that benefits both an employee's work and personal life. He says agriculture is at risk of workers taking better paid jobs in towns, and so farmers need to provide good progression pathways.  Manager of Rural Directions Gretchen Parkes discusses how farm business branding will help when it comes to recruiting employees to your farm, and what this could look like. She also gives some tips for employees looking for jobs, and how to pitch themselves to employers.  Read the special report here. Read the Summer 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

Keeping young people engaged in the farming industry is vital to the long term success of our sector. Nurturing and growing the next generation of farmers is something we should all care about. In this episode we look at the programmes that exist to upskill our future farmers, and give them the tools to have a long and rewarding career. We also dive into the current property markets as we head into spring and summer, and what we can glean from iconic sheep and beef farms hitting the markets. Guests include: Wendy Paul, CEO, Growing Future Farmers Conrad Wilkshire, General Manager of Rural, Property Brokers Shane Boderick, Team Leader Trades Academy Tutors, Primary ITO Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Growing Future Farmers CEO, Wendy Paul, discusses the role Growing Future Farmers has taken in developing the skills of young people going into the farming industry. The programme sets up 16-20 year-olds on farms for a two year programme to get practical farming experience, and learn valuable life skills.  General Manager of Rural at Property Brokers Conrad Wilkshire discusses the spring property markets, as a number of iconic sheep and beef properties go on the market, what this means for land values, and whether farmers should be concerned.  Team Leader Trades Academy Tutors at Primary ITO Shane Boderick discusses the Trades Academy Programme, and how it gives students hands-on experience and skills to get into the primary industries. He says it’s been part of his own journey, and helps a lot of school students to find something they’re talented at, and get real world experience.  Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manager. Read the Summer 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

Farm businesses, like any other business, thrive better when there’s good leadership, from large multi-farm businesses to family owned-and-operated farmers. But how do you become a good leader, and what actually makes one? In this episode we delve into Pāmu’s leadership programme model, and talk to a Marlborough farmer investing in good leadership and team culture on his farm.  Guests include: Bernadette Kelly, Chief People, Safety and Reputation Officer, Pāmu Fraser Avery, Marlborough Farmer Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Pāmu’s Chief People, Safety and Reputation Officer, Bernadette Kelly, discusses how they’ve developed a culture of good leadership to do the best by their staff. This includes making sure there are opportunities for growth, development, and having each other’s back. She says people often leave workplaces due to poor leadership, so it’s critical to get it right.   Marlborough Farmer Fraser Avery works hard to create good team culture on his farm. He says it’s something that farmers often don’t learn about when they’re training, and is overlooked. He’s been looking for ways to learn from others about effective leadership styles and team culture, to do the best by his farm team.  Read more in the Special Report “Leadership It Starts at the Top” here. Read the Summer 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

The light at the end of the tunnel is coming for the red meat sector, but how can farmers start planning ahead to stay out of the boom-and-bust cycle that seems prevalent in the sector? Hear from RaboResearch Senior Animal Protein Analyst Jen Corkran on the opportunities available to red meat farmers going forward, and Australian Independent Livestock Analyst Simon Quilty on what opportunities we can glean from the Australian market.  Guests include: Jen Corkran, Senior Animal Protein Analyst, RaboResearch  Simon Quilty, Independent Livestock Analyst Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Senior Animal Protein Analyst with RaboResearch, Jen Corkran, has delivered her report “Watering the green shoots in New Zealand sheep meat”, identifying three pathways to lift our earnings in the sector. She discusses the opportunities for red meat farmers to look into, avoiding a boom-and-bust economy, and what overseas markets we could break into.  Independent Livestock Analyst from Australia, Simon Quilty, discusses what he’s forecasting for the sheep meat sector over the next 12 months, and what he sees happening coming out of tough farming and financial times, through to 2028. This includes potential markets for Australia and New Zealand, and how the Australian market bleeds into ours.  Read Simon’s article in the latest SHEEP Country journal here. Learn more about Global AgriTrends here. Interested in learning more? Buy a copy of the 2024 SHEEP Country today, while stock lasts. Other links from this podcast: Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manger. Read the 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

Changing a farm system is no small feat, and Banks Peninsula farmer George Masefield, and his wife Emma, have spent the past eight years making significant changes to the family’s farming operation. In almost a decade they’ve been able to transform the business, enabling them to finish all of their lambs on their dryland hill country and buy in trading stock.  In this episode hear from George Masefield, and PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative Robert Trott, who has been part of the farm transformation. We also catch up with AgResearch about their latest project: a brand new podcast exploring the big questions facing New Zealand agriculture, and Jasper Van Halder CEO of Agnition about the exciting opportunities available to farmers through their pilot farmer network. Guests include: George Masefield, Farmer, Banks Peninsula Jasper Van Halder, CEO, Agnition Robert Trott, Technical Field Representative, PGG Wrightson Eryn Breading, Senior Marketing and Communications Advisor, AgResearch Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media George Masefield is a sixth generation sheep and beef farmer on Banks Peninsula, and is currently almost a decade into transforming the farm to get the most from their dryland system. He discusses the benefits of doing it yourself, rather than relying on contractors, and how as a family they’ve made their plans possible. Read more about George Masefield’s story here CEO of Agnition Jasper Van Halder discusses the exciting opportunities available through Agnition. Agnition’s dual mission is to generate returns from innovations and to accelerate innovation in the ag sector in NZ. Agnition also facilitates a pilot farm network where twice a year, 100+ curious farmers and growers act as ‘beta tester’ for pre-commercial solutions ready for on-farm deployment. Become part of the pilot farm network, simply enter your details at www.agnition.ventures/pilot-farm-network/join Join the next webinar at 7pm on October 29th to learn more: http://www.agnition.ventures/join Agronomist Robert Trott from PGG Wrightson has been along for the journey with the Masefields while they transform their farm. He discusses the vast array of different crops they’re trying on the Masefield’s farm, and what he himself has learned along the way. ‘What’s Next? from AgResearch’ is a limited series podcast exploring the big questions facing New Zealand agriculture. Senior Marketing and Communications Advisor Eryn Breading discusses the work AgResearch is doing, covering everything from soil health and composition, to what lives and grows in that soil, to the wellbeing of the livestock that eat what grows in the soil, to the food and fibre produced by those animals and the health impacts on consumers. Find the podcast wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts, or via the website www.agresearch.co.nz/podcast If you’ve listened to the podcast and you’re interested in partnering with us – that could be funding research, participating in work, or commercial investment - visit our website www.agresearch.co.nz Read the 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

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards are a highlight of the farming calendar, to come together and celebrate the hard work and excellence of the sheep and beef sector. The judges had their work cut out for them this year, with many notable figures in the industry up for awards, from science and technology, to farming leadership and community involvement.  In this episode, hear from three farmer award winners. Let’s take the chance to celebrate the hard work being done in our sector.  Guests include: Jeff Ravenwood, Fernglen Farm, winner of The Gallagher Innovative Farming Award Graeme Gleeson, winner of The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Regional Leadership Award Mitchel Hoare, winner of The AgResearch Emerging Achiever Award Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The Ravenwood family, who own Fernglen Farm, won The Gallagher Innovative Farming Award. Jeff Ravenwood discusses their diversification journey, establishing a 1300 flock of milking ewes at their Wairarapa farm, enabling all five family members to work in the business together. Waikato sheep and beef farmer Graeme Gleeson won the Regional Leadership Award at the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards for his involvement in farmer advocacy and industry-good activities. He discusses his experience in the advocacy world, from the 1980s to now, with He Waka Eke Noa and emissions reduction plans. Te Kuiti farmer Mitchel Hoare won The AgResearch Emerging Achiever Award, for his motivation and innovation towards farm ownership. He discusses his progression through the farming industry, and his community involvement in the sheep and beef sector.  Make the smart call. Click here to contact an Agri Manger. Read the 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

Pathways to farm ownership can be hard to navigate, with young farmers having less access to the capital required to purchase land. Equity partnerships are a viable option that allow farmers to partner with investors to get a foot on the farm ownership ladder.  In this episode hear from Wairarapa farmers, Simon and Katie Falloon, who are equity managers in an equity partnership; Sarah How, Co-Founder of Landify, on how their platform sets up farmers with interested investors to make farm ownership possible; and MCI’s Sean Stafford, who helped put together the Falloon’s equity partnership, on the key elements of a successful equity partnership.  Guests include: Simon and Katie Falloon, Sheep and Beef Farmers, Wairarapa Sarah How, Co-Founder, Landify Sean Stafford, Advisory Specialist, MCI & Associates Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Simon and Katie Falloon have worked hard to make their Wairarapa farm a viable equity partnership, and discuss how they managed to build the reputation and networks that made it possible to find investors. They also took out this year’s Keinzley Agvet Wairarapa Sheep & Beef Farm Business of the Year, after only two years on their farm.  Click here to read more about Simon and Katie’s story in Country-Wide Spring Co-founder of Landify, Sarah How, discusses why Landify was developed as a tool to connect farmers and investors to go into equity partnerships. They saw a gap in the market for young motivated farmers to access capital to purchase farm businesses, and decided to set up Landify to meet that need. Click here to find out more about Landify Sean Stafford is an Advisory Specialist with MCI & Associates, and helped put together the Waipuke partnership for Simon and Katie Falloon. He discusses what makes a good equity partnership, how they develop an exit plan at the end of the partnership, and what his advice is to those interested in an equity partnership. 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: 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

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

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

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

Investing off-farm in property or shares can be a daunting prospect, however it’s an increasingly appealing way to future proof your funds and diversify wealth away from land. Navigating how to start, what to invest in, and how to manage the risks should be top of mind for anyone interested in investing. Learn more about how managing your wealth can help with farm succession, retirement, and preparing your rainy day fund. We also cover the importance of estate planning and insurance when it comes to key people in your business. Guests include: Carissa Fairbrother, Co-Founder & Financial Advisor, Rival Wealth Scott McKenzie, CEO & Director, PMG Funds Angus Marks, Wealth Management Advisor, Jarden Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Rival Wealth Co-Founder Carissa Fairbrother discusses the importance of making sure you are financially organised when self-employed. This will improve stress management for yourself now, but also in the worst case scenario if the key farm worker is unable to work. When it comes to estate planning she says it's especially important to front foot it, and be proactive. Don’t wait until it’s too late - have a well fenced ‘financial’ paddock, do it once and do it well. CEO & Director of PMG Funds, Scott McKenzie, discusses investing in property, and how to get your foot in the door. He covers where PMG Funds invest and why, and why they favour investing in commercial property for its longevity.  Jarden Wealth Management Advisor Angus Marks discusses whether all your wealth should be held in your land, and how investing could help diversify onfarm income. He talks about understanding your risk, and how investing can actually help reduce risk by spreading your wealth. Diversification also helps when it comes to the succession and retirement process.  Read more in Country-Wide Spring:  Should all your wealth be in your land? With Angus Marks and Andrew Austin Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here Find out more about how a Trev subscription could work on your farm at mytrev.com 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

When the traditional income streams are not delivering enough to the bottom line, is it time to diversify into activities that don’t rely on the cyclical nature of farm commodities? It can be hard to know what options are out there to diversify onfarm income, and how they can be integrated into your farming system. In this episode we hear about different options for diversifying, from raising goats for cashmere to horticulture and viticulture.  Guests include: Olivia Sanders, Business Development Manager, New Zealand Cashmere Che Charteris, CEO, Craigmore Sustinables Marcus Bousfield, Regional Manager for Business, ANZ Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media NZ Cashmere’s Olivia Sanders says the time is now to get into the goat business, and shares some helpful insights for farmers who are interested in integrating goats into their farm system. She also discusses the realistic maintenance required for goats - such as when to shear, when to drench, and how to keep them contained. Craigmore Sustainables CEO Che Charteris discusses the options for diversifying farm business through horticulture. He talks about how to manage the volatility of horticulture and viticulture, what opportunities there are with both climate change and water consents across the country, and what advice he has for sheep and beef farmers to avoid pitfalls when diversifying their land-use options.  ANZ’s Marcus Bousfield discusses whether it’s a good time for farmers to look at diversifying their income, and what those options might be. This includes solar, agritourism, and tree plantings with a potential ETS in mind. He says the weigh up would be whether you could get more value out of having beef or sheep on that land, or if trees could bring more income in future carbon credits.  Read more in Country-Wide Spring:  Pest to profit with Olivia Sanders Weighing up the options with Marcus Bousfield 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

Could solar farming be the next value-add option for New Zealand farmers? Agrivoltaics, which results in dual use of farmland between solar farming and traditional farming, is gaining traction as a viable way of diversifying income. Hear what’s already happening in this space, including the Lincoln University energy farm project, how Lodestone Energy is partnering with farmers to expand their solar farm network, and listen to farmer Hamish Hills, who researched, financed and installed his own solar setup on his Golden Bay dairy farm.   Guests include: Dr Shannon Page, Energy Farm Project Lead, Lincoln University Richard Pearce, Chief Operating Officer, Lodestone Energy Hamish Hills, Golden Bay Dairy Farmer Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter Lincoln University has unveiled plans for an energy farm project, to demonstrate how productive land can be optimised to produce high value horticulture crops, while also producing high scale solar energy.  Dr Shannon Page of Lincoln University discusses how the project will be able to provide 18% of the power needed for the University annually, as well as providing opportunities for teaching and learning, with both the solar and horticulture elements.  Lodestone Energy is a renewable energy company based in New Zealand, and is developing their agrivoltaics system with farmers to expand their portfolio of solar farms. This would result in farms having dual use of the land for both solar and traditional farming practices.   Chief Operating Officer, Richard Pearce, says solar farming provides the opportunity to repurpose farmland to integrate energy production and farm production more effectively. He discusses the benefits for farmers, and what they’re looking for from farmers.  Golden Bay farmer Hamish Hills started looking at introducing solar to his dairy operation three years ago, going operational at the beginning of last year, and says it complements their dryland operation well. He took it upon himself to find out how he could implement solar on his farm, and had good support in doing so. He discusses what other farmers should think about if they’d also like to introduce solar on their farm. He says selling the power is the most challenging element. They are currently looking at expanding their solar operation.  Read more about solar farming opportunities in Country-Wide Magazine 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

Farmers looking to implement a value-add business onfarm might want to consider looking into agritourism - with options such as self-contained holiday homes, glamping, and sunflower fields just to name a few. What you might consider ordinary on your farm, might just be extraordinary to an overseas or domestic customer.  But where do you get started? And does it really bring in enough revenue to make it worth it? Hear from three experts and farmers in both the consultancy and agritourism space, covering where to start, what to consider, and what the rewards are.  Guests include: Renee Hogg, Owner & Consultant, Inside New Zealand Ltd. Abbe Hoare, Farmer and sunflower entrepreneur, Mangamaire Sunflower Field Annabel Craw, Farmer, Ridgecliff Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Lucinda Diack, Chief Publishing & Production Officer, CountryWide Media Consultant and Owner of Inside New Zealand Ltd. Renee Hogg discusses ways farmers can look into diversifying their onfarm business, especially in the area of agritourism. She explains what farmers need to consider when getting started, and how to overcome obstacles holding them back.  She says there doesn’t have to be a huge amount of financial investment to get started, but there does need to be a solid plan and marketing. It can also be a good opportunity to extend the brand to the entire farm, which can help the business in other ways.  Abbe Hoare utilises her 90 hectares of farm land to grow sunflowers which has become an important stream of their onfarm income. She explains how they looked at value-add options, but were put off by the idea of maintaining a glamping business - especially when it came to making beds! Instead, they now provide a private picnic business in their sunflower field, and even host elopements too.  Annabel and Hamish Craw are sixth generation sheep and beef farmers near Little Akaloa on the South Island’s Banks Peninsula. They have two accommodation properties on their farm, and have integrated them into areas of regenerating bush, to make the most of showing off the natural biodiversity onfarm.  Annabel discusses how they made the agritourism business fit into their farm business, and how they’ve managed to make it financially rewarding.  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

Tough times in New Zealand and globally have taken their toll on the luxury goods market, and New Zealand’s merino sector is no exception.  In this episode, we hear from those who know merino best, and how they’re planning to overcome challenges related to financial recession, and overseas regulations, that demand higher quality and processing accountability. We also look at how new technologies in the AI and genetics space could help enhance merino quality.  Guests include: Angus Street, CEO, NZ Merino Mark Ferguson, Co-Founder & Director, neXtgen Agri Craig Smith,  General Manager, Devold New Zealand Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Angus Street has been CEO of NZ Merino for almost a year now, and discusses how tough times across the globe have affected the merino and wider sheep market. He says in its 26 year history, this is the first time the company will make a loss.  He says going forward they’re taking a multifaceted approach to regenerating business globally for merino products, with delivering value to their growers at the core of it. He also discusses how the geopolitical landscape overseas is impacting New Zealand trade, including evolving regulations coming out of Europe.  Mark Ferguson discusses new technologies coming into the sheep breeding sector, including how AI technologies are already being integrated into farm systems. This includes tools such as facial recognition, to monitor for issues such as fly-strike. He also discusses what’s next for the merino world, including utilising breeding genetics that haven’t previously been used, such as breeding out dags, and focussing on reducing cost, rather than increasing production.  Craig Smith is the General Manager of Devold New Zealand, which creates merino wool products that are sold in markets such as Europe. He discusses how they’ve leaned into making sure the whole product is sourced ethically, and where environmental obligations fit into their ethos of providing quality goods.  He discusses how EU regulations have started asking for the whole story behind a garment, including making sure workers are properly paid and looked after across the manufacturing process, and the welfare of the sheep themselves.  He discusses how quality has been a big challenge over the past season, and the impact reduced quality of wool can have on the quality of the end product.  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

Protecting our farm businesses for future generations is front of mind for many in the farming world, including when it comes to land use, and freshwater degradation.  Guests Lee Matheson and Tanira Kingi have both been part of Our Land And Water (Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai) research projects, and spoke at the symposium held in May, to discuss ways farmers already are and can continue to protect their greatest asset: the land. Whether this is getting involved in protecting your local catchment, or diversifying land use, the opportunities are out there.  Guests include: Lee Matheson, Managing Director, Perrin Ag Dr Tanira Kingi, Agricultural Economist  Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Perrin Ag’s Managing Director Lee Matheson spoke at the Our Land And Water symposium back in May, and has been part of one of their research streams. He’s been part of a project looking into the Tukituki catchment group, which consulted with farmers about the impact of land use on water quality. He said farmers were actually already doing a lot more than they realised when presented with a list of water quality mitigations.  The farmers they spoke to were interested in more valuable but less impactful land use, but were struggling to get resources, such as water, to do that.  He also discusses what he’d like to see from future research, including making sure research is funded to ensure future-proofed, sustainable food systems for New Zealand to help us maintain our global green reputation. Dr Tanira Kingi has been involved in the agricultural sector for more than 30 years, and has been part of the Our Land And Water research too, looking at how farmers can increase productivity while decreasing their carbon footprint.  He also discusses the importance of protecting our natural resources, and that farmers can't rely on a temporary relaxing of regulations by a change in government. He says we need to look out how our production systems impact our natural resources going into the future, as we encounter more droughts and harsher environments.  From data Pohewa Pae Tawhiti collected with Whitiwhiti Ora, farmers can find information on alternative ways of using their land, for products such as apples, truffles, asparagus, macadamias and maize. Although the project is now finished, Tanira Kingi says he’s happy with the results and the information now available to farmers on a national and local level.  Articles mentioned in this episode: Listen to the Our Land And Water podcast series Lee Matheson: Synthesis Scenarios for Future Land Use Tanira Kingi: Pohewa Pae Tawhiti - Visualising Horizons For more on Whitiwhiti Ora: Enabling decisions on land use opportunities for Aotearoa Watch the Our Land And Water 2024 Symposium sessions 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

One of the hot topics at the Red Meat Sector Conference this week was the recently enacted EU deforestation regulation, and how this will impact New Zealand meat exporters. Rebecca Greaves talks to farmer and Special Agricultural Trade Envoy for New Zealand, Hamish Marr, and lawyer Sarah Salmond, about this and more - including negotiating the minefield of Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and whether we should join forces with the Aussies. Then hear from McDonald’s New Zealand's Simon Kenny about what they’re doing to get ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability, meeting their climate obligations and goals with their beef suppliers.  Guests include: Hamish Marr, Canterbury farmer and Special Agricultural Trade Envoy for New Zealand Sarah Salmond, Lawyer, MinterEllisonRuddWatts Simon Kenny, Head of Impact & Communications, McDonald’s New Zealand Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Special Agricultural Trade Envoy and Canterbury Farmer Hamish Marr discusses how EU de-forestration rules will impact our Fair Trade Agreement with them when it comes into effect in December. He says New Zealand is unique in its environmental stewardship and now the challenge is how we leverage that to do the best for our marketability.  He also discusses what else he’s seeing overseas, what challenges other countries are discussing that will impact New Zealand, including climate change, and the perception of New Zealand as a clean green food producer.  Lawyer Sarah Salmond spoke on a panel at the Red Meat Sector Conference on the emerging trade landscape, and works at the coalface of navigating ever-changing overseas regulations, especially coming out of the EU. She discusses how Free Trade Agreements are not the only tool in our toolbox, and can be viewed more as a foot in the door.  Simon Kenny from McDonald’s New Zealand discusses how they are managing climate obligations with the beef they use in their products, and the work they are doing with the NZ Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. He discusses how they are front-footing meeting emissions targets, including from their suppliers, and how this ties into customer expectations.  Check out the Early Bird Podcast 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

Farm succession is something that affects every farming family at some point - whether it be from parent to child, or outside the family unit, there are many ways to approach it, and definitely no silver bullet.  Hear from three people who know succession’s in-and-outs best:, a farmer currently in the succession process; a rural banking expert; and a family succession planning consultant. Guests include: Hugo Beamish, farmer, Awapai Aiden Gent, General Manager (Rural), ASB Bob Seldon, Senior Consultant, Family Business Central Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Hawke’s Bay farmer Hugo Beamish has recently returned to the family farm to begin the succession process with his parents, after previously working as an engineer. He discusses all the different options they’re looking at, how they’re navigating making decisions with his off-farm siblings in mind, and where he’s finding advice - both from his father Simon, and by immersing himself in the world of farming.  Read Hugo & Pip’s farm succession story in Country-Wide here ASB’s General Manager for Rural Aiden Gent, says the biggest piece of advice they have is to talk - a simple suggestion, but a vital one. Whether that be with your advisors, friends, family or bank, it’s important to have those conversations to get the best results from the succession process. He also suggests some different ways farmers can start looking into resilience and diversification in their farm businesses.  When it comes to the saying “what’s equal isn’t always fair”, Family Business Central Coach Bob Seldon says it comes down to much more than just money; it’s time investment, knowledge and expertise. He also advises against having meetings about succession and the farm business around the kitchen table - he suggests finding a cafe or meeting room in town so there’s a clear definition between family and business conversations. He shares his best tips for a successful farm business transition.  Find out more about the NZIPIM Conference 2024 here Check out the Early Bird Podcast 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

Rural banking is a hot topic. The government says it has heard farmers’ concerns about a disparity between rural and urban bank lending practices, and has requested an inquiry into the state of competition in New Zealand banking, with a particular focus on rural areas. Hear from those in the industry about why they believe this inquiry is needed, whether the current situation is unfair to farmers, and where personal business responsibility fits into this. Federated Farmers also outline the results of their latest banking survey, and what they hope will come from the inquiry. Guests include: Andrew Laming, Director, NZAB Nick Hawken, National Director (Rural), Bayleys Real Estate Richard McIntyre, Banking Spokesperson, Federated Farmers Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media New Zealand Agri Brokers Director, Andrew Laming, walks Rebecca through the context behind the banking inquiry; he says it comes down to the question of do we want an economy built on investing in property, or do we want to invest in agricultural businesses that impact us on the world stage, fund exports, and invigorate provincial New Zealand.  Bayleys Real Estate National Director Rural, Nick Hawken, says it’s a question of fairness - is what farmers are paying in interest every year fair compared to what other parties get charged? He says the longer term discussion needs to be around access to funds, and how farmers will be able to continue paying off that debt.  He discusses where succession fits into this, and where the opportunities are in leasing family land, or overseas investment. Given the cyclical nature of farming, recognising opportunities within the cycle will be key to finding alternative capital within farm businesses.   Federated Farmers Banking Spokesperson Richard McIntyre says since he stepped into the role last year he’s regularly heard directly from farmers about how they’re being treated by their banks. One in four farmers feel under undue pressure from their banks according to Federated Farmers, and they’re welcoming the inquiry into rural bank lending.  He says one thing they’d like to see is banks signaling well in advance of any changes they make, so farmers have time to adjust and prepare their businesses. However, farmers should also take the lead in being more proactive with their bank managers, and ask questions of them.  Find out more about the NZIPIM Conference 2024 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

The government has announced that agriculture will no longer be included in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for now, but the effects of climate change and the way we might potentially price agricultural emissions are still front of mind for those in the sector. Industry bodies say that New Zealand food producers need to think about how a global demand for sustainably grown and produced food will impact our place in the supply chain.   Guests include: Wayne Langford, National President, Federated Farmers Kerry Worsnop, Gisborne sheep and beef farmer Sirma Karapeeva, CEO, Meat Industry Association Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford says he’s confident we’ll reach our emissions targets by 2050, but it’s not something that will happen overnight. He discusses the risks of losing our place in the market overseas, which would see other countries produce the same products as us, but less efficiently. He says emissions need to be a global discussion, not a New Zealand alone one, given we’re already some of the most efficient food producers in the world.  Gisborne sheep and beef farmer Kerry Worsnop says she’s noticed there’s nothing really to take a read from now, and she’s not confident there’s been a good enough understanding of what farmers think. She says there needs to be an understanding of what farmers believe a sensible direction for emissions pricing would be, and make the most of our uniquely nature focussed farm systems, that stand out in the global market.  CEO of the Meat Industry Association, Sirma Karapeeva, says not being included in the ETS  gives us a good opportunity to make sure farmers have all the tools to succeed when emissions pricing eventually does come into effect. She says sustainable food production systems are becoming a firm customer expectation, and we need to be prepared to meet that demand to stay commercially successful overseas. 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 need to bring farmers to the table and take them off the menu, when it comes to fostering sustainable practices in the agriculture sector. 2023 Nuffield Scholar Kylie Leonard says trailing environmentally focused practices must be voluntary to succeed.  Having spent time overseas for this report, she says the best uptake she’s witnessed is where farmers have had the choice to change, and lead by example within their community. Regulations drive the lowest common denominator behaviour, she says.  Backing farmers so they don’t get burdened with the capital risk of trialing sustainable practices, and resourcing them as needed, is vital.  Guests include: Kylie Leonard - 2023 Nuffield Scholar & Taupō-based dairy farmer Hosts: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Read Kylie's full Nuffield Report “Boots on the ground are part of the solution.” This episode is a special bonus episode through CountryWide Media’s partnership with Rural Leaders and the New Zealand Nuffield Farming Scholarship. 

It’s bull and sheep buying season, and advancements in the genetics space are continuing to develop, to provide sheep and beef breeders with better New Zealand specific data. But how do farmers make the most of this information?  We talk to genetics specialists about projects running at the moment, what data they already have available, and how farmers can start using it in their systems. Guests include: Dr Shannon Clarke, AgResearch Principal Scientist & The Ovine Pangenome Project Gemma Jenkins, Programme Manager, INZB Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media AgResearch’s Dr Shannon Clarke says the front of mind for genetics research with AgResearch is making sure overseas data and research is easily applicable for New Zealand farmers.  One of these developments has been the “snip chips”, a genetic profiling tool, which allows farmers to view the DNA sample of a sheep to select the traits they want to breed using New Zealand data. This includes hard to measure traits such as meat quality and methane emissions, and as well as more accuracy with trait selection.  Shannon gives us an overview of The Ovine Pangenome Project, an international project New Zealand is involved with. Gemma Jenkins says the whole focus of the INZB (Informing New Zealand Beef) programme is to set up tools to help select traits that are important to New Zealand farmers. Their first project has been creating three selection indexes for farmers; maternal, terminal, and beef on dairy indexes.  At the moment they have 37 commercial farmers involved in the project, and they’re hoping to continue adding 10 new farmers each year over the seven-year programme. She explains some ways farmers can make the most of the data collected already by this project. Learn more about the programme 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

Drench resistance is a growing challenge for many New Zealand farms, but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Hear about what tools are out there, including adapting farm systems, and being proactive with testing.  Rebecca Greaves talks to Wormwise Programme Manager Ginny Dodunski about what to do if you discover drench resistance onfarm, and Hawke’s Bay farmer Charles Yule, who is farming with drench resistance and wrote his Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme report on this topic.  Guests include: Ginny Dodunski, Wormwise Programme Manager Charles Yule, Hawke’s Bay farmer and Kellog Rural Leadership Programme report author Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Wormwise Programme Manager Ginny Dodunski says discovering drench resistance onfarm isn’t the death sentence it once was, but does require looking at long term solutions. She says changing drench products isn’t enough, and farmers need to look at how their farm system could adapt.  She says farmers shouldn't feel ashamed of having drench resistance, as it’s becoming more prevalent, and the most important thing is to keep testing, and talking to your vet and advisors about what you can do.  Farmer Charles Yule happened to be starting his research under the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme when he discovered drench resistance on the farm he manages, which changed the direction of his study towards addressing the problem in real time.  His focus is on providing accessible information for farmers on this issue, and investigating solutions. He says the key is finding the right management tools for drench resistance. You can read Charles Yule’s report 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

Lifting the price of wool, the benefits of deferred grazing and capturing money left on the table from everyday tools - Sarah Perriam-Lampp was roving around Fieldays to capture yarns reflecting the opportunities in front of us today. She checked out some exciting announcements for farmers across New Zealand: outdoor clothing company Stoney Creek’s pledge to pay farmers more for their wool; a new deferred grazing study from AgResearch; and innovations in animal management with Gallagher.  Guests include: Dan & Gee Harper, wool farmers, Quartz Hill Station Brent & Juanita McConnell, Stoney Creek Katherine Tozer, scientist, AgResearch Mark Maitland & Brett Beagley, Gallagher Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Popular outdoor apparel brand Stoney Creek launched their mission to lift the price of strong wool direct to the farmer with Quartz Hill Station owners, Dan and Gee Harper. The Canterbury farmers on a mission to diversify their income were on-site to interact with customers keen to wear wool. AgResearch’s Dr. Katherine Tozer shared the research findings and the free management tool of deferred grazing to benefit pasture yields, weed and pest control and animal health. And regular partner of innovation, yet focused on the here and now, Gallagher’s Mark Maitland shares his thoughts on the cost control and revenue opportunities of getting the basics right with the current technology we already have, before investing in new. 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

How do we keep the next generation and beyond engaged in the agriculture sector? In order to keep the agriculture sector growing, we have to get young people interested, from both rural and urban backgrounds.  Hear from those across different programmes introducing agriculture to a whole new generation, from primary school children participating in Farmer Time for Schools through to skills-based onfarm cadetships, with the positive news that Waipaoa Farm Cadet Training Trust has found a new home and hopes to accept cadets again in 2026.  Guests include: Tim Rhodes, Chairperson, Waipaoa Farm Cadet Training Trust Marie Burke, National Coordinator, Farmer Time for Schools Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Farmer Time in Schools aims to connect primary-aged children to the food and fibre industries, to foster a partnership between urban and rural communities. National Coordinator Marie Burke says it’s been really popular, and came about during lockdown, after seeing something similar in the UK. She says it's been brilliant for New Zealand children to learn about all aspects of the farming sector. The future of the Waipaoa Training Trust looked uncertain when Waipaoa Station was put on the market. The scheme has been providing structured onfarm training for young people since 2006, with a focus on sheep and beef. Trust Chairperson Tim Rhodes shares an update on an exciting new location and the future of the scheme, and says there’s certainly still a need for the training it provides. The cadets learn a holistic set of skills, from technical onfarm practices, to breaking in a horse and cooking and cleaning for themselves. Tim shares what the cadets get up to, and where the scheme will go in the future.  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 a mountain to climb to shift a narrative with society of farming as well as a determined effort by political leaders to develop the best stable of agricultural policies in the world - but first we must draw on what is happening globally as New Zealand is but isn't unique.  2023 Nuffield scholar and Gisborne sheep & beef farmer, Kerry Worsnop says, we need better leadership that's prepared to elevate the importance of the primary sector to the New Zealand public both environmentally and economically even if it's at the expense of political wins. Guests include: Kerry Worsnop - 2023 Nuffield Scholar and Gisborne sheep & beef farmer. Hosts: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Read Kerry's full Nuffield Report "Designing agricultural policy for a future in farming" This episode is a special bonus episode through CountryWide Media’s partnership with Rural Leaders and the New Zealand Nuffield Farming Scholarship. 

There’s no denying times are tough right now for most farm businesses, and profitability is severely challenged. The key to surviving is being as solutions-focussed as possible.  Cutting costs is the obvious solution, but it’s important to continue investing in your farm business, even during tough financial times. We hear from those in the rural business industry about what farmers can practically do now to keep afloat, and how to stay hopeful for the future when pressures ease again.  Guests include: Ed Harrison, Agribusiness Consultant, Baker Ag  Geordie McCallum, Director/Rural Business Consultant, Wairarapa Property Consultants Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media BakerAg Agribusiness Consultant Ed Harrison says despite prices being poor, farmers still need to focus on capitalising on what they can get. He says part of this is planning ahead, and being adaptable to the situation at hand. He says cutting costs onfarm can only go so far; it’s important to balance being as lean as possible without undermining the farming asset. Ed also discusses the value of off-farm income when times are tight. Rural Business Consultant Geordie McCallum says everything is stacked against farmers at the moment but it’s important to remember that bad years and good years are cyclical, and pressures will ease again in the future. He says having resilience and hope is key to survival - believe there is something better coming in the future. Rebecca and Geordie also discuss the proposed inquiry into bank lending from Federated Farmers. With Geordie’s background in rural banking he provides useful advice for getting the most from your banker and cultivating a good relationship. Check out the Dairy Exporter episode on managing fertiliser costs 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

Those in New Zealand’s deer industry have an exciting future ahead of them, as they come out the other side of the pandemic era. Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) held its conference earlier this month, and say there is a lot to look forward to, including disseminating into more overseas markets and moving into the retail space. We hear from a key specialist in the industry, Ron Schroeder, ahead of his retirement, about his hope for the future of deer, and how we got here. And we speak to DINZ executive chef, Graham Brown, who shares his love for venison and its versatility, and gives us some tips for cooking venison at home. Guests include: Graham Brown, Executive Chef, DINZ Ron Schroeder, deer specialist of 50 years, PGG Wrightson Rhys Griffiths, Market Manager, DINZ Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Deer Industry NZ Executive Chef Graham Brown has just spent time in China and Korea upskilling the market on how to utilise lesser known cuts of venison in their cooking. Back home on local soil, there’s an emphasis on making sure cuts provided to restaurants are as user-friendly as possible, to take pressure off restaurants with less staff.  He’s been with DINZ for the past 30 years, and loves working with venison due to its versatility. He shares his top tips on how to perfect cooking venison at home in your kitchen.  Deer industry stalwart Ron Schroeder has recently announced his retirement, after 49 years as a deer specialist at PGG Wrightsons. Ron got on the deer ladder back in the 70s, and has watched it grow and develop in the following decades. He shares his insights and wisdom with Sarah Perriam-Lampp, from his time at Lincoln to now. He’s excited about where the deer industry is at, and has enjoyed mentoring the next generation.  DINZ Market Manager Rhys Griffiths says in the post-covid climate they’re focusing on diversifying their options overseas, and not relying on the food service market. Prior to the pandemic, the USA market had been growing. Now they’re evenly distributed across Europe, USA, and the Asia markets. DINZ held their conference earlier this month and Griffiths says it went really well, and there’s a lot to look forward to in the future. The sector is starting to recover and move forward now, in the aftermath of the pandemic.  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

Reinstating live animal exports from New Zealand is currently on the table under the new coalition government and is drawing attention from all sides of the debate. Sceptics are worried about how it will impact New Zealand’s reputation and protecting animal welfare, and question whether it’s giving away our valuable genetics.  On the other side of the debate, those in the industry say it's a great opportunity to take leadership on setting a new gold standard. Guests include: Julia Jones, Agricultural industry commentator  Dr Helen Beattie, Veterinarian, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa Brent Wallace, formerly worked in the live exports industry Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Rural commentator Julia Jones says we need to decide as a country what we want our brand to be, and what we want to be proud of. She says at the moment we’re missing the opportunity to have a proud New Zealand brand overseas with our animal products and, if we decide to remove the ban on live exports, it’s a vital consideration.  She also says we need to think about our situation independently, and not compare ourselves to the likes of Australia, America and Europe. Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie says protecting the live export ban isn’t just about the welfare of the animals during the voyage - it’s also about what happens when they get to the overseas destination; how they’re treated for the rest of their lives, and how they are slaughtered.  Brent Wallace has worked first-hand in live exports, and says it’s the perfect opportunity for New Zealand to set a world leading standard, and to do a better job than Australia, which is currently considered the best in the live export industry.   He says the key thing to get right is overseeing what is happening on-board live export ships. Having independent observers to oversee how each ship is managed from loading, to sea-passage, to the discharge point, is one possible step.  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

What keeps rural advisors awake at night? How to feed an ever-increasing population from a declining land area whilst at the same time reducing its environmental footprint. 2023 Nuffield scholar and AgFirst Chief Executive, James Allen says, their are significant trends in the use of technology in the agricultural sector coming at farming faster than we can understand and the role of the agricultural advisor needs redefined.  Guests include: James Allen - 2023 Nuffield Scholar and chief executive, AgFirst Hosts: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Read James’ full Nuffield Report “Redefining excellence in agribusiness advisory" This episode is a special bonus episode through CountryWide Media’s partnership with Rural Leaders and the New Zealand Nuffield Farming Scholarship. 

Waste takes many different forms onfarm, such as plastic packaging and chemical drums, and there are some great initiatives out there with an aim to give these resources another life - sometimes even back on the same farm! So when it comes to the circular economy of recycling onfarm waste, it is about viewing it as a resource, rather than rubbish. Guests include: Evan Maehl, Managing Director, WM New Zealand Greg Coppell, Founder, Repost Tony Wilson, Chief Executive, Agrecovery Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Managing Director of WM (formerly Waste Management) Evan Maehl says we need to think about what type of products are being produced, and how well they can be reused, to have a circular lifecycle.  He says it’s important to look at what products we’re using onfarm, such as cardboard and certain types of plastic, which can be recycled; otherwise we are just creating more waste for future generations to deal with.  Repost is an innovative business that recycles waste posts from the viticulture industry destined for landfill into low-cost, sustainable fence posts for farms. Farmer, and founder of Repost, Greg Coppell puts it down to his typical New Zealand farmer mentality of hating to see anything go to waste. He says the options for reusing onfarm waste are endless.  Greg gives Rebecca an update on what’s next for Repost, including two nominations for the 2024 WasteMINZ Awards for Excellence, for their work with the Hawke's Bay Regional Council following Cyclone Gabrielle last year.  Tony Wilson, Chief Executive of Agrecovery, says in order to have a circular economy with waste, we need to improve what plastic can become. Agrecovery is a rural recycling programme and product stewardship scheme. With over 160 sites over New Zealand, they are a sustainable solution for recycling common plastics found on farms, such as containers, drums, and small seed, feed and fertiliser bags. He explains the difference between product stewardship and recycling, and how most linear systems would just turn waste back into a single-life plastic bag. He asks what the point is of doing that when it only has one more use out of it, when for example, that same plastic could be turned into car parts, which would last at least a decade, and go on to be recycled again after that. 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

When it comes to looking at the future of regenerating biodiversity, farmers have a key role to play, with 24% of native biodiversity found on sheep and beef farmland, second only to conservation estate. In this episode, we hear from three experts who highlight the work farmers are already doing to regenerate biodiversity, including in wildlife and plantings, and the opportunities for collaboration.  Guests include: Sam Rowland, Programme Manager for Nature, Sustainable Business Network David Norton, Emeritus Professor, University of Canterbury Sam Gibson, Sam the Trap Man, Eastern Whio Link Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Sam Rowland, Sustainable Business Network Programme Manager for Nature has spent eight months researching how to increase investment into nature regeneration, and how to unlock the barriers preventing people from undertaking nature regeneration in their business.  Given how much biodiversity already exists on farm land, our farming community plays a key role and Sam believes helping fund farmers to get plants into the ground, or to increase predator control is the first step to achieving regenerating biodiversity.  Emeritus Professor David Norton has 40 years experience with New Zealand’s ecology and conservation space, across both private and public land, and has worked closely with farmers during that time.  He says the key to regenerating nature is collaboration, and that farmers are already the custodians of some amazing biodiversity on their farms, with a quarter of New Zealand’s native biodiversity found on their land.  Sam Gibson, A.K.A Sam the Trap Man, founded, and currently co-chairs, the Eastern Whio Link project. The project is an excellent example of linking business, community and farmers, enabling  intensive trapping on public conservation land and farmland, to protect whio and kiwi.  Through their pool of 100 volunteers they’ve been able to collaborate with local farmers to reintegrate whio into farm systems - bringing back whio to areas they would have historically been present on. The project  demonstrates that biodiversity and farming can thrive in harmony. 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

Over 2 million calves are produced from the dairy herd in NZ every year, with only a quarter retained for herd replacements. How do we build a ‘beef on dairy’ industry that is growing successfully in the States? 2023 Nuffield scholar and Canterbury farmer, Matt Iremonger says, money may save the bobby calf but to have a successful beef on dairy value chain several key changes need to be made to our dysfunctional supply chain. Guests include: Matt Iremonger - 2023 Nuffield Scholar and Canterbury farmer Hosts: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Read Matt’s full Nuffield Report “What’s the Beef? Opportunities for Beef on Dairy in New Zealand” Listen to the Beef + Lamb NZ Genetics Informing NZ Beef Podcast  This episode is a special bonus episode through CountryWide Media’s partnership with Rural Leaders and the New Zealand Nuffield Farming Scholarship. 

The wellness industry is valued at $1.8 trillion so why aren’t we positioning New Zealand red meat’s positive health attributes?  From selecting the right sire through to how we market our beef, hear from three experts from livestock genetics sales ahead of bull sale season, our new host of BEEF Country and an AgResearch scientist who have thoughts on where we need to focus our efforts. Guests include: Cameron Craigie, senior scientist, AgResearch Jo Scott, genetics specialist and host of BEEF Country Cam Heggie, livestock genetics specialist, PGG Wrightson Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media AgResearch scientist, Cameron Craigie, has spent years on meat grading technology identifying tenderness and IMF but is now excited about grading on minerals for joint health and fertility.  “We have new traits and attributes being released within our grading technology next month so we can identify the nutrient benefits of different cuts,” says Cameron.   Read the story Red Meat for Wellbeing here on Country-Wide Beef traits have been evolving over generations of New Zealand cattle through breeding selection decisions as our new BEEF Country podcast host, Jo Scott, from Targeted Breeding knows well. “EBV’s work. If a stud tells you they don’t, you have to question why they aren’t working for that stud. But do both, you’ve got to like what you're buying as well,” says Jo. In tough times, PGG Wrightson livestock genetics specialist Cam Heggie, says breeders are pulling the number of bulls back from the catalogue. Sarah and Cam talk about the focus on net feed efficiency to reduce emissions, the opportunity of dairy beef, why buy yearling bulls and his advice on how to select bulls at the sale.  Looking for the 2024 Bull Sale calendar? Visit https://www.pggwrightson.co.nz/our-services/livestock/genetics-breeding/bull-sales EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Property Brokers Tararua Sheep & Beef Farm Business of the Year Field Day is at Mathew and Marilyn Prior’s Makuri Property - Aorangi Thursday 2nd May Starting at 9.30am, starting at the Makuri Country Club, Makuri Domain Road, Makuri and lunch can be purchased at the venue ($15 per person). This is a fundraiser for the Makuri Church & Domain, please bring cash on the day. Vehicles - Quad bikes or standard side by sides (please note no long wheel base side by sides). Helmets are compulsory.  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

In February 2024, the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approved seven foreign buyer sales to pine trees under the eye of the current coalition government.  It has hill country sheep and beef farmers scratching their heads as to whether National and ACT were even listening to the drum being beaten by the “50 Shades of Green” movement at all? But what about the private property rights of retiring farmers to not have bureaucrats determine the sale opportunities of their farm?  Guests include: Damien O’Connor, Labour spokesperson for Land Information  Conrad Wilkshire, General Manager - Rural, Property Brokers Tony Leggett, Country-Wide journalist Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The minister previously in charge of LINZ, when we saw a flurry of productive sheep and beef farms go to forestry, Damien O’Connor, says that the current government has removed the need for a Ministerial oversight of approvals of sales to foreign buyers. He shares his view that this is going to ramp up land values, which is unfair to the next generation aspiring to farm ownership.  Conrad Wilkshire- General Manager of Rural at Property Brokers, explains how policy settings changes have seen OIO approvals go from 80 in 2018 to decisions being declined under the ‘benefits to NZ test’ in an effort to curtail farmland going into permanent forestry for carbon.  He explains that all land values end up being reflected by policy settings, such as lending in the 1970s based on the ‘land development encouragement loans’ to the early 2000s, resulting in a million hectares being converted to dairy. In 2022, a group of Kiwis formed a group called Forever Farming NZ as a collective bid to form a syndicate and purchase Mangaohane Station in the North Island. Former owner of Country-Wide and current journalist of the magazine, Tony Leggett, discusses why the sale of this iconic station motivated the group to try and save it from foreign ownership. Even though the property wasn’t sold in the end when it emerged there was a Waitangi Tribunal claim on the land, Tony explains how the group got real traction and were confident of raising the $40 odd million thought to be needed to purchase the station. SPONSORS NOTE: As New Zealand's largest regional real estate agency, Property Brokers has proudly looked after the real estate needs of provincial New Zealanders since 1986. Our family business started with five people in 1986 and has grown into a team of over 850 strong, with more than 85 branches throughout New Zealand. It’s a business built on hard work, discipline, friendships, and a powerful sense of family. And that won't ever change. Property Brokers rural people have been farmers, stock agents, rural bankers, valuers, farm advisors and everything in between. They are great salespeople and genuine good sorts who know the market and industry. Visit https://www.propertybrokers.co.nz/ to have a conversation about your rural property needs today. 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

Globally old chemistry is being withdrawn from the market and being more selective is encouraged for both avoiding insecticide & pesticide resistance whilst also bringing down onfarm costs.  So how do you control pests without relying on an overuse of pesticides? Three science experts believe there is a major knowledge gap on pests and  diseases in pasture, forage and cereal crops. They say not everything that is an insect is a pest and there is a way to target the actual pests without a broad spectrum approach through the concept of integrated pest management (IPM). Guests include: Dr. Paul Horne, entomologist, IPM Technologies (Australia) Nicole Morris, technical specialist, Corteva Agriscience Kwasi Adusei-Fosu, science team leader, AgResearch  Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Australian IPM expert, Dr. Paul Horne, shares with Sarah how widespread and common beneficial insects are. They are already resident in your crop so why not use them to your advantage? Paul’s team tests chemical controls in his laboratory for their impact on beneficial insects and works closely with reseller agronomists to educate them to provide better advice. Global agrochemical company, Corteva Agriscience are supportive of a lighter touch explains Nicole Morris. She wants to ensure that there isn’t unnecessary insecticide use and how IPM is the environmentally friendly, common sense approach. Rebecca hears from AgResearch science team leader Kwasi Adusei-Fosu who wants a hand to understand the knowledge gap among farmers in awareness and understanding about current diseases and the impact they are having on pastures. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE NZ Merino Wool Classer scholarship  Applications are open for the 2024 NZM Wool Classer Scholarship Programme The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is offering an exciting opportunity for up-and-coming wool classers who have completed their classing certification (P Stencil). This is a unique chance to gain practical experience under highly-skilled classers in quality merino sheds. Successful applicants will complete a customised training programme designed to hone their fine wool classing skills while providing a well-rounded education in wool harvesting, right through to market delivery of the product. Alongside hands-on skills, they will build an understanding and appreciation of NZM’s ZQ Standard, forward contracts, and the administration requirements to be a successful classer in the industry. Trainees will be guided by two very experienced classing mentors and, as well as a payment to assist in covering travel costs, they’ll be equipped with a resource kit and a customised set of ZQ apparel. To apply head to https://www.nzmerino.co.nz/nz-merino-wool-classer-scholarship. Learn about FAR's arable research every week by listening to Cut the Crop Podcast AgResearch’s Pasture Pathogen Survey  The pasture pathogen survey, which will take no more than 10 minutes to complete, can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YR68GHJ. Those who participate will go into a draw to win one of five $100 Prezzy cards. Closes end of April 2024. 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 

Shearing & animal health costs outstrip the income from strong wool and one academic believes it’s a no brainer to lean into Wiltshires (shedding sheep). But when one former shearer-turned-Wiltshire-farmer goes against his passion for wool for profit you get curious! Rebecca uncovers the benefits of the breed from the research trial at Massey University along with the inspirational story of one East Coast farmer who had his capital stock whipped out from a drought and a cyclone. Guests include: Prof. Steve Morris, Massey University Joseph Kyle, Hawkes Bay Wiltshire farmer Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Professor Steve Morris has been doing trials since the 80’s on Wiltshires at Massey University and he’s always advocated for the breed due to its lean meat carcase along with less labour costs. The breed, he says, is succeeding with hybrid vigour over traditional breeds. The 2020 drought losing 2,000 of his ewes and replacements, Joseph Kyle who brought his farm from working hard shearing turned against his passion for the fibre for financial reasons. Read the article “Breeding the wool off the sheep's back” in the Country-Wide Autumn 2024 or https://country-wide.co.nz/breeding-wool-off-the-sheeps-back/ EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Mates of Mates for Mates - Tarawhiti - Gisborne A&P Showgrounds - 19th April 2024:  #MATESofMATESforMATES was born in Lockdown 2020, thanks to a great bunch of mates who shared their stories. Now it's time to give #MOM4M some wings and help our rural mates and raise some funds for the Rural Support Trust Hawke's Bay. Now #MOM4M is heading to Tairawhiti on the 19th April, with an event at the Woolshed in the Gisborne A&P Society Showgrounds. An event like this is seriously needed in a region like Tairawhiti, that has been continually bombarded with weather events going well beyond five years ago. The region is in a state of total disruption across roading, infrastructure and general well-being. People's resilience is being tested far greater than before, to give them something to look forward to I believe will be good for their wellbeing. The event is going to be free and starts at 3pm with an hours workshop on well being and some tools that people can take home with them, followed by some complementary hospitality courtesy of Silver Fern Farms and will finish at 5.00pm - gates closing at 5.30pm. There will be two complimentary drinks per person as well as non-alcoholic beverages, so everyone can enjoy the social side of the afternoon chatting with friends and the guest speakers. It's often in these relaxed social occasions that people will open up to a friend or work cohort - that is priceless, we just need people to feel it's ok to not be ok, a problem shared is a problem halved. Matt Chisholm, Ian Kirkpatrick, Cam McLeay, Wanda Douglas and Matt Holden have been confirmed as speakers. This line up will inspire, educate and entertain the audience, along with sharing some personal struggles that might help people in the audience realise that they are not the only one feeling down. 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

If anyone is going to put life, farming and resilience into perspective, Rosie Dowling is one of the best with her incredible story.  On the first day of Covid lockdown she was in Starship hospital when police arrived to share the news of Gav Dowling’s tragic on farm death. With three young children and debt in their first farm, Rosie wasn’t going anywhere and was determined to carry on farming despite a steep learning curve.    “I had lost Gavin and I didn’t want to lose the life that I was living with him.” Now four years on she’s proud of what she’s achieved in the harsh Marlborough climate with a ‘keep it simple’ mindset and how the plan is always to put her family first. Guests include: Rosie Dowling, Marlborough sheep & beef farmer Gerard Vaughan, Farmstrong Jack Jensen, Fuel Your Stoke Tour Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The episode kicks off with Rosie Dowling sharing her inspiring story of how they were 4 years into their first farm with young children when Gav tragically died in a farming accident and we learn how she has continued farming for her family. Read Rosie’s story “Farming for Family” in the Country-Wide Autumn 2024 or click here to read online What are the attributes of resilient farmers? Gerard Vaughan, project director at Farmstrong shares his learnings over the past 10 years of the programme of how important connection with people & community as well as a healthy mindset towards things outside your control is what gets farmers through hardship.   To wrap the episode, Rebecca catches up with one of her favourite people, Jack Jensen, a farm-boy/extreme sports athlete behind the #sparkthatchat movement and the character who pulled together the Fuel Your Stoke Tour on the East Coast for farmers and their families following Cyclone Gabrielle. LINKS:  Farmstrong resources on how to Live Well and Farm Well Check out the video of Fuel Your Stoke Tour event at Tutira  EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Mates of Mates for Mates - Tarawhiti - Gisborne A&P Showgrounds - 19th April 2024:  #MATESofMATESforMATES was born in Lockdown 2020, thanks to a great bunch of mates who shared their stories. Now it's time to give #MOM4M some wings and help our rural mates and raise some funds for the Rural Support Trust Hawke's Bay. Now #MOM4M is heading to Tairawhiti on the 19th April, with an event at the Woolshed in the Gisborne A&P Society Showgrounds. An event like this is seriously needed in a region like Tairawhiti, that has been continually bombarded with weather events going well beyond five years ago. The region is in a state of total disruption across roading, infrastructure and general well-being. People's resilience is being tested far greater than before, to give them something to look forward to I believe will be good for their wellbeing. The event is going to be free and starts at 3pm with an hours workshop on well being and some tools that people can take home with them, followed by some complementary hospitality courtesy of Silver Fern Farms and will finish at 5.00pm - gates closing at 5.30pm. There will be two complimentary drinks per person as well as non-alcoholic beverages, so everyone can enjoy the social side of the afternoon chatting with friends and the guest speakers. It's often in these relaxed social occasions that people will open up to a friend or work cohort - that is priceless, we just need people to feel it's ok to not be ok, a problem shared is a problem halved. Matt Chisholm, Ian Kirkpatrick, Cam McLeay, Wanda Douglas and Matt Holden have been confirmed as speakers. This line up will inspire, educate and entertain the audience, along with sharing some personal struggles that might help people in the audience realise that they are not the only one feeling down. 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 

The government has scrapped the proposed Significant Natural Areas (SNA’s) regulation, so what opportunities does that present for sheep & beef farmers to receive income from these areas? There has been a single focus on carbon, but now the concept of receiving funds or credits for planting native bush rather than pine trees on farms could encourage farmers to retire sensitive land to regenerating native bush.  But what’s the right financial model that can help outweigh the cost of establishment and maintenance for farmers that prefer natives than pines?   Guests include: Carla Muller, Perrin Ag Nick Butcher, CarbonCrop Adam Thompson, Restore Native Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The episode kicks off with Rebecca Greaves hearing more about the research Perrin Ag Principal Consultant, Carla Muller, has done in conjunction with GHA as part of Our Land and Water to see what financial incentives currently and could exist for biodiversity credits from public and private markets or grants. But CarbonCrop founder, Nick Butcher, is puzzled how whilst their artificial intelligence can assess carbon sequestration to issue carbon credits on native forest, how do you even begin to calculate a credit on the living ecosystem nuance of ‘biodiversity’ into a unit that can be traded for monetary value.  To wrap the episode, Adam Thompson from Restore Native who grows over a million native trees a year provides Rebecca with tips from project planning, site prep, plant and maintenance of native trees on farms. EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Mates of Mates for Mates - Tarawhiti - Gisborne A&P Showgrounds - 19th April 2024:  #MATESofMATESforMATES was born in Lockdown 2020, thanks to a great bunch of mates who shared their stories. Now it's time to give #MOM4M some wings and help our rural mates and raise some funds for the Rural Support Trust Hawke's Bay. Now #MOM4M is heading to Tairawhiti on the 19th April, with an event at the Woolshed in the Gisborne A&P Society Showgrounds. An event like this is seriously needed in a region like Tairawhiti, that has been continually bombarded with weather events going well beyond five years ago. The region is in a state of total disruption across roading, infrastructure and general well-being. People's resilience is being tested far greater than before, to give them something to look forward to I believe will be good for their wellbeing. The event is going to be free and starts at 3pm with an hours workshop on well being and some tools that people can take home with them, followed by some complementary hospitality courtesy of Silver Fern Farms and will finish at 5.00pm - gates closing at 5.30pm. There will be two complimentary drinks per person as well as non-alcoholic beverages, so everyone can enjoy the social side of the afternoon chatting with friends and the guest speakers. It's often in these relaxed social occasions that people will open up to a friend or work cohort - that is priceless, we just need people to feel it's ok to not be ok, a problem shared is a problem halved. Matt Chisholm, Ian Kirkpatrick, Cam McLeay, Wanda Douglas and Matt Holden have been confirmed as speakers. This line up will inspire, educate and entertain the audience, along with sharing some personal struggles that might help people in the audience realise that they are not the only one feeling down. 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 

Are you having to balance a lack of feed and holding ewe condition in a dry Autumn?  This episode is jam-packed with technical knowledge from two farmers - Mark Zino & Alistair Bird - as well as a Marlborough veterinarian. Mating time is the time to wrap your ewes in cotton wool, says Mark as he shares how to juggle feeding grain and silage to not overdo it. Alistair shares why he’s not mating his ewe hoggets this season preferring terminals and his mineral tips, and Peter Anderson, Marlborough vet, gives key tips for tupping, teaser rams, timing and triplets to ensure a successful mating.  Guests include: Mark Zino - farmer - Hurunui, North Canterbury  Alistair Bird - farmer - Oxford, North Canterbury Pete Anderson - vet - Marlborough  Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Jo Grigg, Agri-Journalist, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The episode kicks off with Jo Grigg speaking to a North Canterbury farmer who has 30 years experience feeding out grain and silage as they prepare and feed for a drought every year as well as his tips for your mental state in the mundane task of feeding out! Note - the interview with Mark Zino was recorded 7th Mar 2024 Oxford hill country farmer, Alistair Bird (known as Kiwi Farmer on YouTube) shares with Sarah why he’s not mating ewe hoggets this season, crunching the numbers from the preferential feed that has to go into them all the way through to the lambing dates. He in comparison is preferring to mate ewes to terminals for earlier lambing and a pre-Christmas weaning. To wrap the episode, Jo Grigg gets some valuable advice from Marlborough veterinarian Peter Anderson on how to hit the ewes in their second cycle when they are most fertile, how best to use teaser rams and  THE BIG BALL - in support of Rural Change: WIN a double pass to the Charity Ball of the winter! - Looking for an excuse to get out and have some fun while raising funds for a good cause? Why not dust off your ball gown or tuxedo and head along to The Big Ball in support of rural mental health on the 29th June 2024 at Lincoln University. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59 for four issues annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL  BARENBRUG BETTER PASTURE TOGETHER PODCAST Episode 2 - While a pasture plan is important it is equally important to review that plan and adapt to changing conditions such as economic shifts and climatic changes to ensure the plan you have is optimal for your system and situation. In this podcast, Graham Kerr emphasises why staying proactive and flexible will pay dividends. Listen here to Episode 2 of the Better Pastures Together podcast by Barenbrug

There’s never been a greater interest in shearing given all the world records in New Zealand in the last 6 months, but at the same time we have a significant decrease in farmer appetite for the costs of shearing due to the price they are receiving for strong wool. With Golden Shears 2024 being packed with crowds and the share number of women coming into both shearing and wool-handling, how do we keep stoking the fire of talent whilst we wait for a return to better wool prices?   Guests include: Leon Samuels, 2024 Golden Shears Winner Phil Holden, chief executive, NZ Shearing Contractors Association Sacha Bond, female world-record holder Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The episode kicks off with a shearer described as the ‘silent assassin’ and the first South Island shearer to take out the Open Finals title at the 2024 Golden Shears, Leon Samuels. He shares his journey from being a baby in a backpack in the sheds to what’s involved to be the country’s best shearer. But being the best  isn’t stopping the decline in sheep being shorn due to many factors including land-use change. Sarah speak’s to NZ Shearing Contractors Association chief executive, Phil Holden who believe its’ a balancing act to achieve quality at wool harvest to that would help improve strong wool prices when farmers aren’t prepared to pay for it. To wrap the episode, Rebecca learns how one of our very best female shearers who is a double world record holder, Sacha Bond, has gone from allergic to wool and hating the smell of sheep to rise through challenges as a young mother to achieve the halo effect of shearing we are in awe of. THE BIG BALL - in support of Rural Change: WIN a double pass to the Charity Ball of the winter! - Looking for an excuse to get out and have some fun while raising funds for a good cause? Why not dust off your ball gown or tuxedo and head along to The Big Ball in support of rural mental health on the 29th June 2024 at Lincoln University. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59 for four issues annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL 

Is it possible to truly forecast a drought? Country-Wide editor, Rebecca Greaves speaks to three passionate industry experts working to support New Zealand farmers to avoid being caught out by drought by staying one step ahead of mother nature.  Whether it’s fancy new forecasting technology or a drastically improved water strategy, it’s not going to speed up farmers in drought stricken areas right now, such as the top of the South Island, who are pulling triggers such as offloading capital stock to carting water to stock.   Guests include: Ben Noll, Meteorologist, NIWA Vanessa Winning, chief executive of Irrigation New Zealand Kristen Kirkpatrick,  Extension Manager – Northern South Island, Beef + Lamb NZ Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The episode kicks off with Ben Noll showcasing NIWA’s drought forecasting tool and how it overlays key information to give farmers a glimpse into the future into a developing dry situation.  But being able to predict dryness doesn’t help us get through necessarily without a good strategy of our use of water, says Irrigation NZ chief executive Vanessa Winning. She claims we are a generation behind where we need to be because we have taken it for granted. Vanessa Winning speaks to Rebecca about a whole of community solutions with irrigators working together with supporting local town water supplies.   To wrap the episode, Rebecca hears how historic records of rainfall in Marlborough and the farmers that farmed through droughts are helping inform organisations such as Beef + Lamb NZ, Ministry for Primary Industries On-Farm Support, Rural Support and Federated Farmers. Kristen Kirkpatrick who oversees the region as an extension manager explains the resources available to manage through dry times. Read Beef + Lamb NZ’s Fact Sheet of Strategies Farmers Use in Drought LISTEN BACK TO OUR LAST LIVE Q+A ON-DEMAND: Episode 2 - In Residence Q+A - What farm management software is right for you? Listen to the podcast on-demand of the one-hour livestream featuring a panel with Trev, Farm Focus, Resolution & Farm IQ. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59 for four issues annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL 

Are you poised to take advantage of opportunities as they come along? Country-Wide editor, Rebecca Greaves is taking their farm through integrated farm plan workshops in 2024 so they can  better understand the value. Guests include: Rachel Joblin, Agribusiness Consultant, BakerAg Sara Clarke, General Manager - System Establishment and Support - Ministry for the Environment Annie Cates, Wairarapa sheep & beef farmer Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The episode kicks off with Rachel Joblin from Baker Ag who hosts the ‘Integrated Farm Planning’ workshops that Rebecca is doing for their farm. Rachel explains what an integrated farm plan entails with the different elements of the farm - animal health, biodiversity, freshwater, business and people plans - and understanding the linkages but also having it all in one place for decision making and advisors support. Read Rachel Joblin’s latest article “A dynamic approach” (Country-Wide Autumn 2024) (Free to read) Where is the current government’s direction to the Ministry for the Environment leaning into 2024? What’s happening with the freshwater farm plan roll out and how they are aligning with the Ministry for Primary Industries to achieve integrated farm plans? Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks to Sara Clarke, General Manager - System Establishment and Support - Ministry for the Environment. To wrap the episode, Rebecca Greaves unpacks the journey of Wairarapa sheep & beef farmer, Annie Cates, to achieve NZFAP+ Gold (NZ Farm Assurance Programme) and use the concept of integrated farm planning. Read Annie Cates' thoughts on integrated farm plan in the latest article “What the farmers say” (Country-Wide Autumn 2024)  (Subscriber Only) Links mentioned in the podcast LISTEN ON-DEMAND: Episode 2 - In Residence Q+A - What farm management software is right for you? Listen to the podcast on-demand of the one-hour livestream featuring a panel with Trev, Farm Focus, Resolution & Farm IQ. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59 for four issues annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL

A recent national report shows a third of sheep farmers have triple drench resistance - what does that mean for you?  Well, imagine finding out you're leaving $100,000 on the table every year due to having 20% lower growth rate on your lambs by not addressing drench resistance?  Wherever you are on the drench spectrum, taking control and making management changes by knowing your parasites can reap financial rewards. Guests include: Sara Sutherland, Vet at The Vet Clinic, Wairarapa Clive Bingham, Livestock Veterinary Technical Advisor, Zoetis NZ Ginny Dodunski, Wormwise Programme Manager Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The episode kicks off with veterinarian Sara Sutherland’s explanation of the financial impact of having drench resistance if you have it and don’t do anything about it and the potential of lamb growth if you make farm management changes in response to drench resistance. Sara shares the results of a modelling exercise she has done recently with a farm consultant on Farmax to showcase the financial benefits different farm system changes sheep farmers have made. Read Sara Sutherlands article “A Change of System” (Country-Wide Autumn 2024) (Subscriber Only) Clive Bingham from Voetis NZ stresses that drench management plans are the way to avoid drench resistance and the tools from genetics, nutrition and farm system changes you can make. To wrap the episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp shares a snippet of a discussion with Wormwise’s Ginny Dodunski from the Beef + Lamb NZ Parasite Chronicles Podcast. Read Ginny Dodunski latest column “What to do with tail end ewes” (Country-Wide Autumn 2024)  Listen to farmers who have made changes to reduce drench use on Beef + Lamb NZ’s Parasite Chronicles Podcast hosted by Sarah Perriam-Lampp:  Ep 1 - Tom Brown Ep 2 - Andrew Law Ep 4 - David McKenzie Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59 for four issues annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL  A word from our sponsor When it comes to impacts on growth rates for stock over summer and autumn, parasitism is second only to nutrition as the most common reason for ill-thrift in young sheep. Zoetis NZ want to ensure that you have effective parasite management on your farm is therefore crucial to maximise production and reduce the chances of developing drench resistance. It is therefore important to consider the following factors: Management Principles Worm Management Drench Classes Strategic Drenching Refugia Monitoring Learn more about parasite management here

When you are looking at putting the axe through on-farm costs, one of the biggest items that is under scrutiny is fertiliser. To balance your decision making, take a listen to how a farmer and soil scientist recommend how to reduce your spend on fertiliser without sacrificing soil fertility. Guests include: David Bielski, Farm Manager, Craigmore Station Dr. Ants Roberts, Chief Scientific Officer Ravensdown Hosts: Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media The episode kicks off with Craigmore Station farm manager, David Bielski, explaining how they have halved costs and doubled revenue by focusing on soil health. He insists it’s about balancing improving the biology of poor performing paddocks through direct drilling, diverse pastures along with the appropriate fertiliser use. David is part of a five-year study with Lincoln University to monitor the results.  Read more about Craigmore Station in the article “For the Love of Soil” (Country-Wide Autumn 2024) (Subscriber Only) Dr. Ant’s Roberts from Ravensdown explains how the economic optimum of fertiliser spend for sheep & beef farmers is always lower than the biological optimum to produce the most amount of quality feed and how to weigh this up to not erode your soil fertility in tough times with a right nutrient, right place, right time strategy.  Read Dr. Ant’s Roberts latest column “Smart tactics help make every nutrient count” (Country-Wide Autumn 2024) (Free) Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59 for four issues annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL  A word from our sponsor Spotted spreaders out and about? That’s because the window to get maintenance fertiliser on prior to winter is closing. Now’s the time to get it done! The team at Ravensdown are experts when it comes to matching your phosphate and sulphur inputs to your farm productivity goals, and have the right product for whatever your farm needs to help keep it at peak performance. They can help you maintain or grow your nutrient levels to ensure essential pasture production for your farm. We all know production and output remove nutrients from your farm system, and deferring maintenance for too long can make it much harder to get back to optimum nutrient levels. So it’s important to maintain your nutrient levels to match production. No two farms are the same, which is why Ravensdown will tailor your spread to precisely meet what your pasture and livestock require - combining other fertilisers and smart products into the mix.  Protect your investments by locking in your Autumn application today. Visit ravensdown.co.nz or give them a call on 0800 100 123.

In a special bonus episode with independent nutrient advisor, Melinda Turner, helps balance animal health with the soil nutrients we are applying to ensure we aren’t curbing the animal’s performance in the meantime. Guests include: Melinda Turner, Farm Nutrients Advisory Hosts: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media Melinda see’s great value when farmers treat their advisors as specialists in their field and that the opportunities lie in collaboration with fertiliser sales, vets and animal nutritionists to ensure the animal is getting the trace elements they need. We discuss how farmers with low calcium can impact the animal’s ability to uptake selenium, the importance of iodine from lick blocks during pre and during tupping ewes and how to support your stock in the face of worm burdened pastures. Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $59 for four issues annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL