Despite the tariff war, New Zealand’s venison industry is making bold strides into the North American market – and it’s already paying off, exceeding three-year targets in the first nine months. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp chats with Rhys Griffiths, CEO of Deer Industry New Zealand, about how a government-backed program is boosting venison sales in North America. They discuss shifting focus to retail, growing consumer demand for healthy protein, and the future opportunities for New Zeal...
Jul 24, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 72
We improved horsepower by fuelling it with diesel rather than hay. We mechanised blade-shearing and hand-milking with electricity in the woolshed and milking shed. Every advancement in farming history has resulted in a productivity gain from a new source. The next shift is fully connected farms. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Melissa Andrews from Connected Farms and Craig Young from TUANZ about bridging rural connectivity gaps. Melissa shares practical on-farm tech solutions, wh...
Jul 17, 2025•56 min•Season 6Ep. 71
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp chats with 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, Hugh Jackson about the preparation, support and motivation behind his winning campaign - and what’s next for the fourth-generation farmer at home on the farm at Te Akau. Guest: Hugh Jackson, 2025 FMG New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide For Hugh Jackson, winning the 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year wasn’t just about one big weekend - it was the resu...
Jul 10, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 70
Imagine if a crop could be both productive and improve environmental outcomes in a cold and wet climate? Plant & Food Research have been working with several Canterbury catchment groups to ground the science to see how winter forage oats can reduce nitrate leaching losses even in the toughest conditions. Guest: Dr Brendon Malcolm, Senior Scientist, Plant & Food Research Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide For more than a decade, Dr Brendon Malcolm has been le...
Jul 03, 2025•16 min•Season 6Ep. 69
James Kellow has taken an unconventional path into farming with the purchase of Lighthouse Station on the Āwhitu Peninsula in 2017 for a deep connection to his rural roots and a desire to create something enduring. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with James Kellow about transforming Lighthouse Station Farm from a former dairy farm into a regenerative beef and gamebird estate. Guest: James Kellow, Lighthouse Station Farm Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide...
Jun 26, 2025•21 min•Season 6Ep. 68
Are your ewes performance ready this season? In this must-listen vodcast, NZVA Sheep & Beef Cattle Branch president Alex Meban of VetEast joins Sarah to unpack everything trace elements pre-lamb — why they matter, how they help, and the benefits he’s seen from supplementing with trace elements like Multimin ® Plus Copper for Sheep. Tune in for a practical, expert-led discussion to help you set your flock up for a successful, productive lambing season. Guest: Alex Meban, President, NZVA Sheep...
Jun 19, 2025•26 min
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with 2024 Nuffield Scholar Peter Templeton about alternative pathways to farm ownership and succession. Drawing on global models, Peter explores solutions like lease-to-buy and equity partnerships to help young farmers overcome rising land costs and secure New Zealand’s farming future. Guest: Peter Templeton, Nuffield Scholar Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide Peter Templeton, a 2024 Nuffield New Zealand Scholar and Southl...
Jun 19, 2025•34 min
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with Nuffield Scholar Jenna Smith about her research into managing peatlands to reduce emissions while maintaining productive land use. Travelling through Europe and the UK, Jenna explored wetland farming and highlighted sphagnum moss as a promising opportunity for New Zealand. Guest: Jenna Smith, Nuffield Scholar and CEO of Pouarua Farms , based in the Hauraki Plains Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide Jenna Smith, a 2024 ...
Jun 05, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with George and Penny Johns of Kaiwara Angus . They discuss breeding structurally sound, resilient bulls for dryland systems, with type and functionality prioritised alongside data. The pair highlight the importance of matching genetics to farming systems, managing milk for fertility, and balancing phenotype with performance to deliver practical, commercially relevant cattle. Guests: George Johns, Farm Owner, Kaiwara Angus Penny Johns, Marketing/Administration, K...
May 30, 2025•27 min
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Nuffield Scholar Rachel Baker about her research into the potential future of gene editing in New Zealand’s primary industries which formed the basis of her 2024 Nuffield scholarship. Rachel explored how New Zealand could responsibly adopt the technology while protecting its global reputation. She highlights international models, like Norway’s, and sees early potential in horticulture. Emphasising transparency, trade alignment, and inclusivity, Rac...
May 29, 2025•36 min
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp interviews Nuffield Scholar Carlos Bagrie about New Zealand’s economic future beyond agriculture and tourism. Carlos highlights the need for long-term planning and diversification to address the limits of mature industries. Drawing on global experiences, he urges building new value streams and deeper collaboration across sectors. Carlos calls for a national conversation on New Zealand’s identity and a 25- to 50-year vision, aiming to inspire bold, innovative ...
May 22, 2025•32 min
In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with Will Wilding of Te Mania Angus . Will shares how their herd structure balances maternal strength with innovation in terminal and dairy-focused genetics. He explains a new AI tender system replacing stud transfers, designed to prioritise commercial buyers and share value. Will also discusses finishing their own calves to validate genetics, the importance of weighing for growth, and growing demand for performance-proven cattle. Guest: Will Wilding, Managing Di...
May 22, 2025•36 min
In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with Tom Sanson, Vice President of Simmental New Zealand . Tom highlights why Simmental bulls are ideal terminal sires, citing growth, carcass yield, and docility. He explains hybrid vigour and its benefits in crossbreeding systems. The discussion includes tips for bull buyers, the importance of aligning with like-minded breeders, and updates on the IGES evaluation system. Tom also points listeners to online tools like Helical and encourages farmers to explore Si...
May 16, 2025•13 min
In this episode, Jo Grigg speaks with Steve Satterthwaite, who farms Muller Station in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley with his family. Their low-input, environmentally focused approach has created a resilient high country system balancing fine wool, meat with their dual-purpose merino and biodiversity values. Sarah Perriam-Lampp also speaks with ecologist David Norton, who helped develop Muller’s integrated farm management plan. He highlights the need for long-term, landscape-scale solutions to th...
May 15, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 67
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with Graeme Gleeson, a Waikato sheep and beef farmer, and Helen Hughes, CEO of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari , about farming’s growing role in helping preserve New Zealand’s biodiversity through conservation. Graeme reflects on the community’s involvement in kiwi recovery and environmental stewardship, while Helen discusses the urgent need for funding to support the continuation of kiwi translocations and predator control. Guests: Graeme Gleeson, Sh...
May 08, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 66
In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with Paul Williams of Turihaua Angus , one of New Zealand’s oldest Angus studs. Paul shares how the stud balances traditional stockmanship with modern genetic tools, focusing on fertility, structural soundness, and temperament. He discusses the importance of selecting cattle suited to their environment, maintaining genetic diversity, and producing predictable, resilient animals for commercial farmers. Paul also reflects on the stud’s smooth leadership transition ...
May 08, 2025•28 min
In this episode Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with the Country-Wide Autumn 2025 homeblock columnists on how they’re adapting to different changes in their corner of New Zealand and Australia. Kate McBride, farming in remote western New South Wales, reflects on isolation for women in agriculture, and the fallout of live export reforms on Aussie farmers. King Country’s Dani Darke is tackling dry conditions on farm while exploring agritech and global insights through her Nuffield Scholarship abroad. M...
May 01, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 65
In this episode, host Jo Scott speaks with Jono Reed, stud master and owner of Grampians Angus , to discuss the history and breeding philosophy behind their Angus operations. Grampians Angus is known for its focus on functional, fertile cattle bred to perform under tough environmental conditions and shifting market demands. Jono shares how Grampians Angus combines traditional stockmanship with modern genetic tools to guide their selection decisions. He highlights the importance of matching anima...
Apr 29, 2025•27 min
In this episode, as part of the Country-Wide Beef Country series, host Jo Scott speaks to Tim Brittain from Storth Oaks Angus ahead of their annual bull sale. Storth Oaks has grown into a progressive Angus stud breeder with a strong focus on performance-driven cattle and forward-thinking genetic decisions. Tim shares how Storth Oaks integrates tools such as whole herd DNA testing and the latest estimated breeding values (EBVs), including mature cow traits, to deliver bulls that balance maternal ...
Apr 23, 2025•23 min
In this episode of the Country-Wide Autumn Special Report: Pathways to Farm Ownership, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with Sarah Barr from Rural Coach and Brent Irving from PGG Wrightson. Sarah Barr discusses how aligning values, building trust, and planning for the unexpected can create strong, long-lasting farming partnerships. Brent, drawing on his rural banking and real estate background, shares insights on how equity partnerships and lease-to-buy models are helping young farmers onto the owners...
Apr 17, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 63
In this episode, as part of the Country-Wide’s Beef Country series Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks to Leefield Station Farm Manager, Greg Crombie. As one of the oldest stations in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley region, Leefield Station Angus has grown and expanded its Angus stud sourcing genetics from a range of well known Angus dispersal sales and bull selection under the management of Greg. He shares how the integration of viticulture onto the flats has meant their cattle operation is predominately ...
Apr 15, 2025•11 min
In this episode, as part of our Country-Wide Autumn Special Report: Pathways to Farm Ownership, we explore the journey of establishing a successful equity partnership at Inveray, a historic family sheep and beef farm in Mount Somers, Canterbury. John Chapman and Bert Oliver share how they transitioned from a traditional ownership model to a collaborative business structure, underpinned by trust, aligned values, and a shared long-term vision. Guests: John Chapman, Owner, Inverary Station Bert Oli...
Apr 10, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 62
In this episode, we explore the current state of the livestock market in Australia and New Zealand, focusing on rising prices, global demand, and the challenges facing the beef industry. Experts Simon Quilty and Dr Jim Gibbs share insights on the factors shaping the market, from climate variability and feed efficiency to sustainability and trade agreements. We discuss how producers can navigate these complexities, adapt to shifting market conditions, and leverage innovation to ensure long-term s...
Apr 03, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 61
In this episode, we discuss the importance of planning for the unexpected in farming. Carissa Fairbrother, financial advisor at RIVAL Wealth, shares key insights on preparing your financial affairs for unforeseen circumstances. We explore how safeguarding your farm’s future with proper insurance and risk management can help during tough times, ensuring your business remains resilient. Guest: Carissa Fairbrother, Financial Advisor, RIVAL Wealth Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, ...
Mar 27, 2025•14 min•Season 5Ep. 60
In this episode, Sarah delves into an in-depth discussion with Geoff Simmons, Chief Economist for the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. The conversation focuses on the report Going with the Grain: Changing Land Uses to Fit a Changing Landscape , which was published in May 2024. Geoff highlights the importance of adopting a catchment-level approach to land use changes, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all national regulation. Guest: Geoff Simmons, Chief Economist of the Parliamentary C...
Mar 13, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 59
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp sits down with Methven farmer Hamish Marr, who serves as New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy. They discuss his role in representing New Zealand agriculture in global markets, the evolving international landscape, and the impact of policies like the Paris Accord and the Net Zero Banking Alliance. Hamish emphasises the fundamentals of farming—efficiency, productivity, and pride in production—while also addressing the uncertainty farmers face amid shi...
Mar 06, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 58
This episode brings together insights from a diverse group of Homeblock columnists, offering a broad perspective on farming both in New Zealand and abroad. Rebecca Greaves and Sarah Perriam-Lampp discuss a range of topics, from sheep breeding and cattle fertility to shifting seasonal conditions and life on the land. This episode explores the evolving challenges and triumphs of farmers across different regions, highlighting their experiences and expertise. Guests include: Gavin Tait, cattle ferti...
Feb 20, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 57
The big craze over how technology and AI will drive the next wave of productivity gains in farming isn’t slowing down. Off the back of Tony Leggett’s feature on improvements in tech in the Summer issue of Country-Wide , Rebecca Greaves and Sarah Perriam-Lampp discuss where the biggest opportunities lie, the barriers to adoption—particularly cost—and the importance of understanding the value behind tech investment. Guests include: Dani Darke, Nuffield Scholar and King Country sheep and beef farme...
Feb 13, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 56
The hot topic at the moment is New Zealand’s wool quality challenges to position both merino and strong wool with a positive future. Following our release of the annual Merino Review magazine, Sarah Perriam-Lampp discusses merino clip tenderness and improvements through farmer education, the rise of female wool classers and wool research’s renewed mission to return better value to farmers. Guests include: Craig Smith, New Zealand general manager, Devold Emma O’Sullivan, Marlborough merino farmer...
Feb 06, 2025•57 min•Season 4Ep. 55
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. Guests include: Brett Borrell, Commercial and Rural Manager, Gallaghers Insurance Lucie Douma, Head of Client Strategy and Advice, FMG Hosted by Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide Co-Hosts: Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter 2. Tony Leg...
Jan 30, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 54
