Contract milking remains a key stepping stone in New Zealand dairying, but what does it take to succeed in this role today? 

In this episode, Dairy Holdings chief executive Colin Glass shares his experience running one of the country’s largest contract milking systems. 

He discusses the skills, mindset, and strategies that set top contract milkers apart, how the model is evolving, and practical advice for those starting or growing their careers in dairying.

Alliance Group farmer-shareholders are facing one of the biggest decisions in New Zealand’s red meat sector in decades: whether to approve a proposed $250 million joint venture with Europe’s Dawn Meats Group. In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Keith Woodford, an experienced agribusiness commentator and former Lincoln University professor, to break down what’s on the table.

Keith shares his insights on the deal, including its potential benefits, risks, and implications for farmer control, processing, marketing and long-term returns. He also explores whether there are any alternatives, the financial pressures at play, and what the deal would mean for competition in New Zealand's processing sector. 

Whether you’re a farmer-shareholder weighing your vote or simply interested in the future of New Zealand agribusiness, this episode provides a clear, independent perspective on one of the sector’s most consequential decisions.

Fonterra is at a crossroads, with its proposed sale of Mainland Group raising big questions for its farmer suppliers, the wider dairy sector, and everyday consumers.

In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Montgomerie, a senior analyst at Forsyth Barr, to unpack what’s really going on. Matt explains Fonterra’s financial position, the rationale behind the Mainland sale, and what it could mean for farmers and the sector. He also shares insights into the co-op’s long-term strategy and global dairy trends.

On another topic, he also offers some advice on how farmers can build wealth beyond the farm gate. Just a reminder that nothing in this podcast should be taken as personal financial advice. It’s general in nature. If you’re seeking advice specific to your situation, please talk to a registered financial adviser.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and North Canterbury dairy farmer Bex Green is opening up about one of the toughest periods of her life. 

Between a severe injury, raising three kids, and running a 1000-cow contract milking operation with her husband, Bex also stepped up to lead farmers in her region. But behind her public role, she was struggling deeply with her mental health. 

Bex openly shares the challenges she faced, what helped her recover – including the decision to compete in Coast to Coast – and her message to other rural New Zealanders who might be doing it tough.

Her main message? Farmers need to get better at asking each other one simple question that could make all the difference. 

Where to get help:

Rural Support Trust: 0800 RURAL HELP

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757

Lifeline: 0800 543 354

Need To Talk? Call or text 1737

Samaritans: 0800 726 666

Other podcasts you might like: 

Mental health on the land – what’s the plan? | EP 48

Hugh Jackson on farming, balance and backing himself | EP 47

Different battles, same pressures: an army veteran’s advice for farmers | EP 28

Jason Herrick’s mental health story | EP 18

Farmers across New Zealand are voicing growing frustration with regional councils, resource consents, and the cost of compliance. Nothing has captured that frustration quite like Canterbury farmer David Clark’s recent Facebook post, which outlined his family’s ordeal in trying to renew a straightforward consent for their mixed arable, seed and livestock farm. The post struck a nerve, was shared widely across rural communities, and has drawn sharp attention from the Beehive.

In this episode, David joins us to tell his story firsthand — the stress, the cost, and the uncertainty his family has faced just trying to keep their farm running. We’re also joined by Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst, who explains how widespread these problems are, why short-term consents are such a headache, and what needs to change in the system.

Dairy, beef and sheep farmers are all enjoying strong returns right now – but as every farmer knows, the good times don’t last forever. In this episode, Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean shares practical advice on how to turn today’s profits into long-term security. 

Karl explains why reducing debt should be front of mind, what types of on-farm investments make sense, and how to balance reinvesting with putting money aside for future downturns. He also touches on succession planning, the importance of sitting down with your bank or accountant, and the risks that could knock farmgate returns off course. 

You’ll hear what farmers can do today to make the most of strong prices, strengthen their businesses, and prepare for the inevitable cycle ahead. 

Other podcasts you might like: 

How farmers can unlock better banking deals | EP 52 

Bridging the farm ownership gap with Sarah How | EP 41 

More than tax: the benefits of a good rural accountant | EP 29 

How to get a cheaper interest rate | EP 05  

Rural banking inquiry: 'Let's get it underway' | EP 3  

Scott Wishart from agricultural loan broker NZAB joins us to discuss how farmers can take more control of their banking outcomes. 

Scott shares practical advice on how to become “bank-ready,” what information to gather beyond budgets and financials, and how a well-prepared farmer can unlock a better deal. 

He also explains the value of engaging multiple lenders, the role of non-bank lenders, and common mistakes farmers make when approaching their bank. 

You’ll hear the steps farmers can take today to strengthen their position, drive competition, and ultimately secure better deals. 

Links 

How to get a cheaper interest rate | EP 05 

Rural banking inquiry: 'Let's get it underway' | EP 3 

Farmers rely on rural media to stay informed – but shrinking print runs, social media, and changing news habits are putting pressure on traditional outlets.  

In this episode, we sit down with Dean Williamson, CEO of AgriHQ and publisher of Farmers Weekly, to discuss the challenges facing rural media. 

We explore the changing media landscape, how younger farmers are consuming news differently, and why Dean believes connecting rural New Zealand is more important than ever. We also ask: what legacy does he hope to leave behind? 

Farmers have long been saying they’re getting a raw deal from the banks – higher interest rates, tougher lending rules, fewer options, and growing pressure around environmental reporting. That’s why Federated Farmers pushed so hard for a rural banking inquiry. 

Now, after months of hearings and submissions, the Finance and Expenditure Committee has released its final report. It calls for changes to capital requirements, new transparency rules, and stronger political oversight of the big banks. 

But will this really deliver a fair deal for farmers? What will it mean for farming families, and how do we make sure the recommendations turn into lasting change? 

To unpack it all, we’re joined by Mark Hooper, Federated Farmers’ new banking spokesperson, and Richard McIntyre, the former spokesperson who helped lead the fight for the inquiry. 

Carbon forestry is spreading fast, and the impacts are becoming impossible to ignore for farmers in regions like Southland. In this episode, we’re joined by Dean Rabbidge, Southland Federated Farmers meat & wool chair, to talk about what he’s seeing on the ground. 

He describes the heartbreak of whole, highly productive farms being converted into pine plantations, and rural towns slowly hollowing out.  

He explains how the rise of carbon forestry is affecting local communities, contractors, shearers, and processors – and why it’s a serious threat to the red meat sector. 

We also dig into the Government’s promises to rein in carbon forestry, what’s actually being delivered, and what policy changes are urgently needed to stop the damage.