Most farmers think buying a farm requires millions — but Tangaroa Walker defies convention with a bold, innovative approach: crowd sourcing his equity partners to buy his first dairy farm in Southland. He turned to his social media initally to crowd-fund finding his perfect two partners to raise enough capital to purchase a 300-cow operation in the Waikaka Valley. Tangaroa also reveals how he's blending his passion for the next generation with his educational initiatives, offering Level 3 NZQA qualifications through the Farm 4 Life cutting-edge app, transforming farm skills training across New Zealand.

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The global shocks from rising fuel prices are hitting New Zealand farmers. BNZ Senior Economist, Doug Steele, pulls back the curtain on the immediate risks and strategic buffers farmers can leverage to stay resilient in this volatile environment. He discusses currency vs commodity prices offseting some costs, the Reserve Bank’s next move and the potential longer-term impact of inflation and interest rate hikes.

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Most farmers maybe missing out on understanding the full benefits of agritech to boost productivity, manage risks, and stay ahead of the curve. Milton Munro, Team Technical Manager at PGG Wrightson, shares the global innovations like hyperspectral satellite imagery and big data analysis are transforming crop management he learnt about at the World Agritech Forum.

Milton shares how technology can empower farmers to make smarter, faster choices—saving time, reducing costs, and increasing yields. Discover why data overload isn’t a threat but a tool, and how New Zealand is positioning itself at the forefront of this agricultural tech revolution.

This episode is sponsored content by PGG Wrightson. For the latest crop and pasture options and to plan your seed, agchem and fertiliser requirements for the season ahead, find your local Technical Field Representative at store.pggwrightson.co.nz.

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A 120-Year family property is up for sale and there is more than putting up the sign that goes into the premium marketing of Makuku Station. CountryWide CONNECT co-host Andy Thompson visited Makuku Station with Knud Bokholt, listing agent at Bayleys Whanganui to find out what goes on before it goes to market.

Timing is crucial, and they’ve been patient, waiting for the right moment to showcase this beauty. With 7500 sheep and over 200 cattle, the property is ready for a new chapter. The family has made sure all maintenance is up to date, making it easier for the new owner to transition without any hassle. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Bayleys Country.

To learn more about rural and lifestyle property opportunities, or to connect with a local expert, visit bayleys.co.nz/country.

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A recent field trip to Glenaray Station, a significant high country property, 300 attendees, included three cabinet ministers and five MPs, gathered to witness the innovative farming practices in place.

 Federated Farmers High Country Chair, Jim Ward Jim emphasises the importance of these events in raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by high country farmers, particularly in terms of resource management and consent processes.

He explains about the station's use of technology, such as remote cattle management and daily weight tracking, showcasing the property's forward-thinking approach.

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In this weekend review on CountryWide Connect, sports commentators Brian "Gash" Ashby & Dave Worsley discuss: - The recent Formula One - Opening of One NZ Stadium in Christchurch - Super Ruby final predictions.

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While the current global energy crisis maybe a wake-up call for New Zealand's agricultural sector, Mike Casey from Rewiring Aotearoa and cherry orchardist is not jumping at the chance to critique traditional energy practices but wants to highlight that this is an ideal time to look at the economic inefficiency of diesel-powered machinery.

He repeats the phrase of ACT Leader David Seymour, that "it's not woke if it works" by presenting compelling numbers that make a strong case for solar energy, stating that it can drastically reduce energy costs and increase self-sufficiency. Mike's provocative stance invites farmers to rethink their energy strategies and embrace a NZ-made energy future.

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One of the pressing concerns for farmers is the reliability of fuel supplies with the current war in Iran. Associate Minister of Agriculture (Horticulture) Nicola Grigg reassured farmers & growers that there is currently enough fuel to meet the needs of the agricultural sector and that they would likely be prioritised. The government has implemented a four-step system to ensure that fuel supplies remain stable even in times of high demand. Nicola also discussed the closure of major processing plants like Watties and McCains which presents a significant challenge for arable and vegetable growers. The discussion emphasised the importance of supporting local food production to mitigate reliance on imports. Minister Grigg mentioned that the government is in active discussions with organisations representing farmers to explore solutions that could strengthen food security in New Zealand.

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Veteran political commentator, Richard Harman, delves into the intricacies of New Zealand's current fuel crisis for the government. His analysis of the government's response, drew parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the government's cautious approach. He was concerned that they are avoiding the Beehive Theatre for briefings and the impact of this on Prime Minister Luxon leadership promises post the 2026 election. The balancing act of the long-term impacts on New Zealand's energy policies and or foreign relations was of note to Richard as New Zealand predominately relies on Asian refineries. Richard critiques the opposition's passive stance, noting the Greens' at least playing a constructive role.

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In this episode, Stephen McNally, Principal Technical Advisor at IrrigationNZ, explains why choosing the cheapest irrigation system upfront can lead to higher long-term costs and reduced performance. He outlines how key design decisions, such as pipe sizing and pump selection, directly influence energy use, efficiency and the overall lifespan of an irrigation system.

Guest:

• Stephen McNally, Principal Technical Advisor, IrrigationNZ

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

Stephen discusses the key factors farmers should consider when investing in irrigation, including whole-of-life costing, power use and system design. He explains how smaller pipes can increase friction and energy demand, why pump efficiency matters, and how to assess proposals using key performance indicators. He also highlights the value of comparing multiple quotes, working with qualified designers and focusing on long-term outcomes to ensure irrigation systems deliver reliable and cost-effective performance over time.

Read the article featuring Stephen here: 

https://country-wide.co.nz/the-true-cost-of-cheap/

For information on Tower contact your local ADAMA commercial manager or visit the website - http://www.adama.com

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