Podcasts

In this episode, Sam Mander, director of AgriIntel, walks listeners through the New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), giving a 101 on the scheme and outlining its opportunities for farmers. He discusses carbon credits, forestry models, and earning NZUs, including how to earn NZU’s from agroforestry and riparian planting. Sam highlights the financial and environmental benefits of understanding the ETS and how it can help farmers navigate the future of low-emissions agriculture. Anne Lee also recently attended SIDE where she spoke to Cameron Bagrie about American President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs and how economic stability will look heading into the future.

In this episode, David Jensen, a dairy farmer and kiwifruit grower, shares his experience transitioning to kiwifruit cultivation. He discusses challenges like labour shortages, investment costs, and the evolving kiwifruit market, as well as the impact of political policies on agriculture. David highlights the importance of understanding farming dynamics and key factors for successful diversification, including strategic investments and staying informed on market trends.

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

In this episode we explore the transformative power of AI in the dairy industry. Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop discusses how AI is revolutionising his dairy farm, from optimising herd genetics to improving decision-making in farm management. He shares his journey from scepticism to embracing AI, and how his venture, Perfect Cow Breeding Solutions, helps other farmers do the same. PhD student Mamehgol Yousefidashliboroun from the University of Canterbury joins to talk about her research into AI-powered chatbots for dairy farmers. She explains how these tools help manage information overload and preserve valuable farm knowledge, offering tailored insights and streamlining decision-making for better efficiency.

Farm succession is one of the toughest challenges for farming families, with many young farmers struggling through the process. Rural counselor Kathryn Wright discusses the emotional complexities of succession, strategies for managing family dynamics, and tips for approaching these crucial conversations. Sheryl Haitana also speaks with Sandy Van Den Heuvel, Director of BlackmanSpargo Rural Law, about the legal aspects of succession, highlighting who the stress often falls on and when. Additionally, Greytown farmer Hamish Hammond chats about the season in Wairarapa and the importance of water efficiency and the upgrade they’re doing to their irrigation.

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana interviews Braden Coates and Hayley Ireland, dairy farmers from South Waikato, who share their inspirational journey overcoming Braden’s life-changing rugby injury and journey to farm ownership. They discuss their resilience, teamwork, and commitment to sustainable farming, as well as their success in the Te Ara Miraka Excellence Programme. Additionally, Ben Davidson, veterinarian and CEO of Dairy Smart, talks about antibiotic stewardship and how AI is revolutionising mastitis detection. He highlights how this technology helps farmers reduce antibiotic use, improve herd health, and make more targeted treatment decisions.

In this episode, we hear from experts at the Australasian Dairy Science Symposium, discussing the latest in dairy innovation, from benchmarking farm performance to using DNA technology for pest management. Plus, Glenn Jones shares insights from the Australian Dairy Conference and what’s coming up for farmers at this year’s SIDE event.

In this episode, we discuss pregnancy scanning results across the country, with some farmers reporting low not-in-calf rates. We also explore the importance of planning for next season’s mating, selecting the right bull team, and how advancements in breeding technology, including sexed semen, are helping farmers improve herd efficiency and productivity.

This episode we take a deep dive into the changes affecting rising insurance premiums and advice on how to navigate the changes including a new insurance model called parametric insurance that will help farmers insure in the face of extreme weather events.

In this episode, we explore the rise in global dairy prices underpinned by China’s expanding appetite for our dairy products with growing demand for high-protein foods. We also discuss the economic impact of trade tensions and how farmers can navigate this market volatility. Plus, the importance of future policy settings in the face of an unpredictable global landscape.