Catchment Convos

Is AI the future of farming — or just another tech fantasy? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually possible with agri chatbots and how they could make your life easier on the land.

I’m joined by Mahgol Yousefi, a PhD researcher and product designer working with AgResearch and the University of Canterbury. She’s exploring how AI-powered tools could help farmers make faster, smarter decisions right from their phones — no tech degree needed.

Key Takeaways:

• How agri chatbots could simplify on-farm decisions using the data you already collect
• Why trust, usability, and real farmer input are key to making AI tools actually useful
• The real challenges and opportunities for AI adoption in New Zealand’s primary sector

Mahgol Yousefi brings both a farming background and human-centered design lens to her research, making her work especially relevant for Southland’s rural communities.

Curious but cautious about AI? Don’t miss this chat — it might change the way you think about what’s possible on your farm.

#SouthlandFarming #AgriTech #CatchmentGroups #ArtificialIntelligence #FarmSmarter

To contact Mahgol:

LinkedIn Page: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/mahgol-yousefi-497765145

Email: [email protected]

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

Feral pests are eating more than just crops—they're eating away at the hard work, livelihoods, and native ecosystems across Southland. In this episode, we get real about the damage caused by exploding deer and pig populations, and how one catchment group is pushing back with facts, community buy-in, and action.

I’m chatting with Mark Thomson and Alexis Wadworth from the Makarewa Headwaters catchment group about how they’re tackling thousands of wild ungulates, the shocking numbers behind the damage, and what it takes to get everyone—from hunters to government—on the same page. You’ll hear how they used data to gain funding, why ecological tipping points are a real threat, and what other farmers can do to take control before it’s too late.

Key Takeaways:

• Why starting with hard data gave their pest control project real traction and secured vital funding
• The economic and ecological costs of unmanaged pest numbers—and how to calculate it on your own farm
• Practical tips for engaging your community and managing feral animals without creating division

Guests Mark Thomson and Alexis Wadworth are farmers and catchment group leaders who are spearheading the Makarewa Headwaters Revival Project, focused on managing feral ungulates in a way that’s strategic, collaborative, and future-focused.

If pests are a problem on your patch, don’t wait. Tune in to hear what’s working and how you can apply it to your own place before the damage gets worse.

To find out more about the Makarewa Headwaters Revival Project

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/makarewa-headwaters-revival-project/

To find out more about the Makarewa Headwaters Catchment Group and contact them

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/makarewa-headwaters/

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

Ever wondered how what happens on the land affects the ocean? The Aquavan is bringing that connection to life! In this episode, we chat with Dr. Sally Carson, director of the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, and Sarah Thorne from Thriving Southland about this unique mobile marine science experience. The Aquavan travels through Southland, Otago, and Canterbury, giving students and communities hands-on interactions with marine life—right in their own backyards.

We dive into why hands-on learning is so powerful, the eye-opening moments farmers and kids have had with the Aquavan, and how these sessions are sparking real change in how people think about their waterways. Plus, if you're keen to bring the Aquavan to your area, we’ve got the details on how to make it happen!

Key Takeaways:

• How the Aquavan is bridging the gap between freshwater and marine ecosystems through hands-on education.
• Why catchment groups, farmers, and communities are rallying behind this initiative.
• The impact of interactive learning—real stories from students and farmers seeing their waterways differently.

Want to get involved or bring the Aquavan to your school or community? Reach out to your local catchment group or Thriving Southland.

To find out more about the Aquavan and their ‘Discovering Our Coastal Connections schools programme’

Website: https://www.otago.ac.nz/marine-studies/learn-with-us/aquavan

To find out more about the University of Otago New Zealand Marine Studies Centre in Portobello, Otago

Website: https://www.otago.ac.nz/marine-studies

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

The Orauea River Catchment Group has been tackling a unique challenge—how their region’s natural mudstone landscape is impacting water quality. In this episode, I sit down with Jacqui Chamberlain, a local farmer, farm consultant, and leader of the group, to talk about their journey from identifying erosion risks to trialling solutions like poplar planting and sediment traps.

Key takeaways:

• How high-resolution environmental mapping helped pinpoint erosion hotspots.
• Why natural geology—not just land use—can be a key factor in water quality.
• Practical steps farmers are taking to reduce sediment and E. coli runoff.

Jacqui shares what’s worked, what’s next for the group, and how farmers can use this knowledge to make informed decisions on their own land.

Tune in to hear how grassroots efforts are making a real difference in Southland.

To read more about Orauea River Catchment Groups project:

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/understanding-the-geology/

To read more about Environment Southland’s Hill Country Erosion Booklet, featuring Orauea:

Website: https://www.es.govt.nz/environment/land-and-soil/land-management/hill-country-erosion

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

New Zealand farmers are doing the hard yards—but how do we prove it to the world?

Our global customers love our dairy and meat, but they want more than just great quality—they want proof of sustainability. In this episode, we sit down with Neal Wallace, senior reporter at Farmers Weekly, to unpack the key insights from his six-week overseas tour, where he met with major players like McDonald’s, Nestlé, and Mars. We’ll talk about what these industry giants really want from New Zealand farmers, why traceability is a game-changer, and how catchment groups can play a crucial role in securing our place in premium global markets.

Key takeaways:

• Why major global food companies are demanding sustainability data from farmers.
• The growing role of traceability and how it could simplify compliance.
• How catchment groups are one of the most exciting tools for rural communities.

Joining us for this conversation is Richard Kyte, Thriving Southland Project Lead, adding his perspective on what this means for Southland farmers.

Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion—it’s a must-listen for anyone in food and farming. Hit play now!

To read more of Neal’s Farmers Weekly stories:

Website: https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/author/neal-wallace/

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

Discover how the Mid Oreti Catchment Group is transforming farm planning with cutting-edge mapping tools and practical resources. In this episode, host Rachael Halder is joined by Ainsley Adams, chair of the Mid Oreti Catchment Group, alongside Tom Nation and James Blyth from Collaborations, to unpack the game-changing “Marshalling the Best” project. This innovative mapping tool combines science and local knowledge, helping farmers pinpoint the best spots for wetlands, detainment bunds, and sediment traps—all while building confidence to take action.

Whether you're a Southlander or beyond, you’ll hear how this user-friendly tool simplifies complex data, supports freshwater farm planning, and empowers landowners to make informed decisions for their land. Plus, learn about the newly launched Wetland Directory, a one-stop guide packed with resources, case studies, and actionable steps to kickstart your own mitigation journey.

Key takeaways:

• How the “Marshalling the Best” mapping tool combines LiDAR mapping, science, and local input to identify ideal mitigation sites.
• Practical ways the tool supports freshwater farm planning and helps navigate evolving regulations.
• Insights on building engagement within catchment groups and scaling community-driven solutions.

Guest speakers include Ainsley Adams, who shares on-the-ground perspectives, and Tom Nation and James Blyth from Collaborations, who break down the technical details and broader impacts of the project.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to understand your land that much better, make informed decisions and explore new mitigation options.

More information about the Mid Oreti Catchment Group ‘Marshalling the Best’ project and links to the mapping tool and wetland directory can be found here - https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/mid-oreti/

Connect with the Mid Oreti Catchment Group:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100062936575760

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Collaborations:

Website: https://www.collaborations.co.nz/

Connect with us at Thriving Southland:

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

How do you take a grassroots idea and turn it into a force for positive change across a region? In this episode, I sit down with Kate Scott, our retiring Deputy Chair and one of the original champions of Thriving Southland, as she reflects on the journey of Southland’s catchment groups and their impact on rural communities. From early volunteer efforts to a powerful network of groups leading sustainability projects, Kate shares insights on the evolution of Thriving Southland and what’s surprised her along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• How catchment groups have strengthened community ties and supported local farmers in facing environmental challenges.
• The importance of keeping catchment groups independent to foster trust and effective collaboration.
• Thriving Southland’s role as a bridge between farmers and regulatory bodies, providing essential knowledge and resources to drive lasting change.

Kate’s deep knowledge of the agribusiness sector and her experiences on our project panel give her a unique perspective on the work Thriving Southland is doing and the future possibilities for our catchment groups. Don’t miss her reflections and a look at what lies ahead for sustainable land management in Southland.

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

Precision fermentation is a potential game-changer for alternative proteins, but what does that mean for Southland’s farmers? Join me as I chat with Anna Crosbie, an expert in sector development and innovation across the primary industries, and Sandra King, Thriving Southland's project manager, to unpack this emerging technology.

We dive into the opportunities and challenges it presents, and the possible disruptions the sector could face.

Don't miss this insightful conversation that highlights what precision fermentation could mean for New Zealand’s food systems and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

• What precision fermentation is and how it's already shaping global food production.
• Why dairy ingredient markets, like whey protein, may be most vulnerable to disruption.
• The unique opportunities for New Zealand farmers and businesses in the face of this new technology.

Ready to stay ahead of the curve? Tune in and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate this evolving landscape.

Read the full discussion paper Understanding Precision Fermentation on the Thriving website at https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/site_files/24893/upload_files/UnderstandingPrecisionFermentation-DiscussionPaper.pdf?dl=1

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

Get ready to listen into the latest in farming tech with this episode of Catchment Convos! 

Fresh off the first-ever Southern AgriTech and Innovation Day, we’re bringing you all the highlights—from cutting-edge technology to farmer-focused workshops and inspiring keynote speakers. 

Our guest this episode is Tania Clarke from Thriving Southland, and we explore how this event brought 300+ attendees, 30+ exhibitors, and hands-on workshops together to showcase the future of farming in Southland. 

And that’s not all—we’ll also give you a sneak peek into what’s coming for AgriTech 2025!

Some of the points we discuss are -

• How the latest tech and innovation showcased at AgriTech is accessible and relevant to Southern farmers.

• The exciting workshops and speakers from AgriTech, covering topics like energy solutions, landscape science, and emerging technologies that could impact your farm.

• How farmer-to-farmer learning and community connections are driving progress and inspiring new ideas for Southland farming.

Don’t miss this exciting conversation on the future of agriculture and how you can get involved in the next Southern AgriTech and Innovation Day!

To find out more about the 2024 event, including resources from the day - https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/agritech2024/ 

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

We’re excited to release this next episode of “Catchment Convos” and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

This episode is loaded with real talk about the challenges and opportunities in farming regulations.

We're joined by two guests for this discussion - Richard Kyte, Thriving Southland's Project Lead, and Bill Kaye-Blake, a seasoned economist from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.

Some of the key takeaways are -

• Making Sense of the Rules. We heard loud and clear from farmers that regulations need to be clear and easy to understand. When the rules are straightforward, you can really use your practical know-how to hit those targets.
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• Get Involved Early. Richard Kyte and Bill Kaye-Blake both agree that getting farmers involved in the regulatory process from day one is key. This way, we can avoid those impractical rules and work together to find solutions that actually make sense on the ground.
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• Backing from Industry Groups and Thriving Southland. Groups like Beef + Lamb NZ and DairyNZ, along with Thriving Southland, are crucial for connecting farmers and regulators. They help get the word out, share important updates, and make sure your voices are heard.

So, tune in to the full episode to hear about these insights and more. 

And if you’re keen to read the full report “Challenges and Opportunities in the Farming Regulation Space”, you’ll find that at the link below.

Let’s keep pushing for positive change, the Southland way!

Connect with Bill at https://www.nzier.org.nz/about/staff-directory/bill-kaye-blake

Read the full report Challenges and Opportunities in the Farming Regulation Space on the Thriving Southland website at https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/resources/

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]