EP 133 |  How Rural Communities Stay Strong When Everything Is Changing : Kathryn Wright

The advice people give rural communities about mental health is often built for the wrong world.

Kathryn reveals why New Zealand’s rural struggles are different, why young men are not always facing the stressors you expect, and why land-use change can feel less like economics and more like grief.

If you live rural, work with rural people, or love someone who does, this conversation will change how you think about help-seeking, connection, and what really holds a community together. Kathryn shares the research behind her nearly finished 89,000-word PhD, along with the real-world counselling work that keeps her on the ground with farmers, shed hands, and families every week.

You’ll discover:

• Why the biggest barrier for rural men is often not shame, but not knowing where to go for help
• The surprising main stressor behind rural male distress in New Zealand
• How forestry conversions, carbon farming, and dairy change the social fabric of whole regions
• Why rural women carry so much invisible emotional labour, and why it matters
• What social infrastructure actually looks like in a thriving rural town
• Practical pathways to support, including brief intervention therapy, ACC sensitive claims, Rural Support Trust, and more

Kathryn also breaks down the hidden power of connection, the role of female friendship, the reality of succession stress, and why asking for help is not weakness, but one of the smartest things a rural person can do. Her perspective is both deeply personal and backed by years of research, making this essential listening if you want a clearer, kinder, more accurate picture of rural mental health in Aotearoa.

If you need a conversation that is honest, useful, and immediately relatable, this is the one to hit play on. And if you know someone who keeps saying "I'm fine," send this episode to them too.

Follow Kathryn on instagram:

Kathryn Wright rural mental health NZ (@ag_mental_health_nz)

See below for more information and help and advice that may have been prompted from these conversations

ACC sensitive claims service:

Support if you’ve experienced sexual abuse or assault

acc.co.nz

Brief Intervention Services

wellsouth.nz

WINZ funded counselling: 

Counselling

workandincome.govt.nz

Rural Support Trust funded counselling:

Ignite

rural-support.org.nz

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

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132 | In this episode, we’re joined by Lindy Nelson, a sheep and beef farmer, former emergency nurse, governance leader, and the driving force behind major change in New Zealand agriculture. Lindy shares the story behind founding the Agri Women’s Development Trust, why she believed women needed stronger pathways into leadership and decision-making, and how that work has influenced rural communities across the country.We also dive into her role in Safer Farms and the Farm Without Harm movement, where the focus is on practical, real-world solutions to reduce harm on farms. From quad bike safety and rollover protection to better footwear, calving improvements, and technology that helps farming teams work more safely and efficiently, Lindy explains how safety and productivity go hand in hand.

Key Takeaways:

• Strong vision and the right people can turn an idea into a movement.
• Safety improvements work best when they are practical and farmer-led.
• Confidence at home can unlock confidence in community, business, and leadership.
• Better work design protects people, improves productivity, and supports long-term business success.
• Real change happens when people across the sector collaborate, not when they work in isolation.

Links to Lindy's work

• Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0Vv7T52GzyDkYhD5pQIozI
• E Tipu 2021 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Q9UvdOy_M
• Farm without Harm - Quad Bike resources - https://www.farmwithoutharm.org.nz/safer-rides-2026
• Farm without Harm - Calving resources - https://www.farmwithoutharm.org.nz/be-a-farmer-for-longer
• Farm without Harm Membership - https://www.farmwithoutharm.org.nz/membership

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

131 | Get a comprehensive look at the latest trends and innovations shaping modern farming, from autonomous machinery to farm data management. Whether you're a farmer, industry professional, or just curious about the future of agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights.

Main Topics:

• The impact of autonomous farm machinery and robotic technology
• Innovations in farm data collection and utilisation for sustainability
• Shifts toward aligned, sustainable farming systems over intensity

In this episode:

• Discussion of Clarkson's Farm new ag tech, including autonomous tractors and seed planters
• Insights into New Zealand's approach to wildlife management and pest control through hunter-led bodies
• The importance of farm data sovereignty and its role in premium product integrity and environmental verification
• New Zealand's upcoming open farm days showcasing innovative farming practices and technology
• The evolving mindset from farming intensity to sustainable and aligned systems
• Practical examples of farm management improvements driven by data and technology
• The future potential of autonomous machinery to enhance safety and efficiency on farms
• The value of public engagement with farm practices through open days and educational initiatives

Resources & Links:

• Clarkson's Farm on Amazon (search for series)
• Agbot T2 Series by AgXeed
• Farm Data Sovereignty and Verification Insights
• Landcorp Open Days
• Leaner Dairy Principles - LeanFarm

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep | 130 Birds, Burps & Wolves

This week on Ag in Conversation, we're unpacking New Zealand's first bird flu cases and what they mean for farmers and consumers, diving into Europe's changing stance on methane emissions, exploring fascinating new research on wolves and livestock, and looking at what the NZ–Switzerland trade talks could mean for agriculture.

Plenty of insight, a few laughs, and all the rural news you need to know.

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EP129 | The only constant is change - methane, desert farming and capital

This week we cover a wide-ranging mix of farming, policy, and industry updates, with a strong focus on what’s changing across agriculture in New Zealand and beyond.

We wrap up with a chat about the REDA internship through Zentra - have a look!! https://www.zenterawool.com/careers/2027-zentera-reda-internship

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EP | 128 The Pig, The Pitch & The Power of Wool

Christchurch has been missing the All Blacks live games for years, but Christchurch’s new stadium is changing not only that but also changing the game — not just for sport, but for engineering, climate-smart design, and turf innovation.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the stadium’s remarkable indoor grass system, exploring how perfect playing surfaces are grown under a roof with natural light, carefully controlled moisture, oxygen, and temperature, and a hybrid pitch designed to perform at the highest level.

We also look at the broader impact of this kind of innovation: what it means for stadium design, sustainability, and even the future of agri-infrastructure and safety gear made from wool. From the science of elite ryegrass to the challenge of creating world-class conditions indoors, this is a deep dive into the ingenuity that makes modern sport possible.

And while the stadium story takes centre stage, we also touch on the vital role of rural women in community resilience, plus the unexpectedly funny and culturally revealing story of Donald the pig’s escape — a reminder of how the stories we tell can shape the way we see animals, farming, and rural life.If you’re interested in turf, sport, engineering, or the bigger ideas shaping rural New Zealand, this episode is packed with insight, innovation, and a few surprises along the way.

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EP | 127 How New Zealand’s Indigenous Values Lead the World in Rights of Nature

This week on the podcast, we’re covering everything from sleep-deprived parenting and freezing winter mornings to big industry headlines and a surprisingly fascinating deep dive into why nature might need legal rights of its own.

We kick things off with the latest from the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards, celebrating the people making a real difference across the sector — from rising stars and rural broadcasters to standout journalists and industry leaders. Then we unpack the Federated Farmers AGM and the leadership change that made headlines, separating the facts from the clickbait.We also look at the brutal European heatwave and what it means for livestock, crops, water, and global food systems — plus what New Zealand can learn from all of it.

And in our deep dive, we explore the growing idea of “rights of nature,” from the Whanganui River to Te Arawera, and why this concept is already reshaping the way we think about land, water, and stewardship.Add in a nod to Farmers Weekly, a bit of sports chat, and plenty of laughs along the way, and you’ve got a lively episode with big ideas, real-world relevance, and just enough fun to keep it all moving.

Tune in for a smart, warm, and very human conversation about the issues shaping farming, the environment, and rural life right now.

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

126 |  Emily and Myfi explore current geopolitical trade issues, innovative sports nutrition strategies, potential conservation land forms in New Zealand, is the primary sector still the backbone of the NZ economy?

If your a women in farming - please take a look at this survey - https://lincoln.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ki2yj3KW6pfLgy

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep | 125 Trigger warning for fans of Babe!

Join us as we delve into the latest updates from Field Days, explore animal welfare issues in meat production, and discuss rural community initiatives. This episode offers insights into agricultural innovations, animal welfare debates, and rural support efforts, all vital for understanding the current landscape of rural New Zealand.

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 | We dive deep into the massive shifts transforming Aotearoa’s primary industries—from the cutting-edge science rewriting the rules of Kiwi wine production to a historic win for global farming advocacy on television.

• The Main Discussion | The Wine Industry’s Evolution: We break down why global drinking habits are forcing winemakers to adapt. From the "climate-alcohol paradox" to innovative vineyard canopy manipulation that naturally lowers alcohol without losing premium flavor, we explore how NZ can maintain its competitive global edge through radical sustainability and new trade deals.
• The Injury Farmers Ignore: Addressing the "tough farmer" stereotype. We look at the reality of concussions on the farm, why solo operators are at higher risk, and how modern recovery is moving away from "dark rooms" and toward proactive, ACC-supported care. Visit the Brain Hub marquee at Fieldays for free concussion support info.
• The Organic Boom: NZ’s organic sector is now a $1.2 billion powerhouse growing at twice the rate of the rest of the food and fibre industry. We discuss Fonterra’s big play in Southland, the lucrative payout forecasts, and the rise of Young Organics Aotearoa.
• El Niño Locks In: Meteorologist Phil Duncan’s latest outlook shows a massive high-pressure system dominating the country. We map out the regional split—severe dryness in Canterbury, Otago, and Manawatū—and what this means for the winter feed strategy and the upcoming Fieldays.
• Celebrating Rural Entrepreneurs: A massive shoutout to the category winners of the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards! We spotlight the incredible women leading operations across regional NZ ahead of the Supreme Winner announcement at Parliament on July 23.
• A Historic Win for Farmers: Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Farmers' Choir just made history by winning Britain's Got Talent, securing £250,000, and shining a global prime-time spotlight on rural mental health.

Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander

Intro/outro copyright info

Track: "Sunrise Instr"

Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound Effects

Free Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.