After growing up on a Manawatū dairy farm, Sam Whitelock became one of the most decorated All Blacks of all time, including winning two Rugby World Cups and a bunch of Super Rugby titles. 

Now retired, he's back farming with his wife Hannah and their three children.

In this episode, Sam reflects on life after rugby, his return to farming, and the leadership lessons he's learned from some of the world's best teams and players. We discuss performing under pressure, building strong team culture, his decade as a Farmstrong ambassador, and what farmers can learn from elite sport.

Useful links

Farmstrong

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

Vangelis Vitalis is New Zealand's top trade negotiator. He's our man in the room securing better access for our exports, defending our interests overseas, and managing relationships with some of the world's biggest economies.

In this episode, Vangelis explains how New Zealand navigates an increasingly complex and unpredictable global trading environment. How does a small exporting nation compete for access to international markets? What happens behind closed doors during trade negotiations? And what does it all mean for farmers?

Find out from Vangelis.

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

Many farmers say DOC’s grazing system has become so restrictive that it’s putting the very landscapes it aims to protect at risk. In this episode, West Coast farmer Simon Cameron and North Otago farmer James Hurst discuss the growing red tape around conservation grazing, the consequences of removing farmers from the land, and why they believe a common-sense reset is urgently needed. 

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

What do farmers need from the next government? Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford joins us to walk through the organisation's newly released election platform, a five-point plan to double farm productivity, cut costs, improve environmental outcomes, and strengthen rural New Zealand. 

Wayne explains the thinking behind each proposal, the challenges farmers are facing on the ground, and why Feds believes these changes would benefit the wider economy as well as the rural sector.

Links

Media release: 'Federated Farmers launches election priorities'

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

How do you separate solar facts from sales hype? Mike Casey from Rewiring Aotearoa joins us to discuss not only the significant opportunities solar energy presents for farmers, but also how to make sure you're getting the right system.

With more farmers exploring solar to reduce power costs, improve on-farm resilience and gain greater control over rising electricity prices, Mike explains why careful research is essential before signing a contract. He shares the warning signs of a poor deal, the sales pitches that should raise questions, and the common mistakes farmers make when choosing a solar system or finance package.

Mike also walks us through what a good solar proposal should include, how to compare offers, and the key questions to ask before making a decision. 

Useful links

Rewiring Aotearoa's Electric Farms Report

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

Kerry Harmer and her husband Paul have recently won top environmental awards for their high-country stewardship work, while simultaneously fighting a $150,000 (so far) battle for consent to keep farming.

In this episode, the new Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president talks about the brutal irony of being recognised for environmental leadership while being told they’re not doing enough. 

She shares the reality of the Harmers’ costly consent battle, the emotional toll of public scrutiny, and why she believes New Zealand’s consenting system is failing good farmers.

Kerry also reflects on her career in farming, life at Castle Ridge Station, high-country resilience, and the leadership she wants to bring to Federated Farmers.

Link:
Farmers Weekly article about the Harmers 

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

Neat Meat founder Simon Eriksen reflects on 25 years of building one of New Zealand’s best-known premium meat businesses, from running deliveries out of a 1986 Subaru Legacy to supplying supermarkets, restaurants and My Food Bag.

Simon shares how Neat Meat challenged the traditional meat supply chain, why he launched the SpeckleBeef programme, and what he’s learned from decades of backing himself in business through highs and lows.

We also discuss the future of red meat, pressure on rural communities, the spread of carbon forestry, whether Kiwis are being priced out of quality beef and lamb, and what Simon believes needs to change to keep farming viable for the next generation.

Useful links
www.neatmeat.com

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

Manawatū contract milker Riley O’Neill shares his top tips for people going contract milking for the first time in the coming season, or for existing contract milkers moving farms. 

Riley also discusses his own progression through the dairy sector, and his recent experience of moving to a new farm and new part of New Zealand. 

This is good, solid advice that's relevant to most dairy farmers, but particularly new contract milkers. 

Riley's social media channel:
www.instagram.com/theeudderfarmers 

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

Shanice Young didn’t grow up in farming, but she’s right in the mix now. From Wellington city kid to Bay of Plenty dairy farmer, Shanice shares how she found her way into farming and ended up leading her local Young Farmers Club, growing it rapidly from six members to around 30, while also running Surfing For Farmers and supporting her local Rural Support Trust.

We talk about her start in farming, what’s kept her in the industry, and what young farmers care about right now. She also reflects on wellbeing, community and the future of farming. This is a great yarn with a top young leader who's fizzing on farming. 

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

To mark Anzac Weekend 2026, we’re bringing you a special episode that reaches back into one of New Zealand’s most remarkable wartime stories.

In November 1918, during the final days of World War I, New Zealand soldiers achieved the extraordinary by liberating the French town of Le Quesnoy without destroying it. Many of those soldiers were farmers, young Kiwis who'd left behind their land, livestock, and livelihoods to serve on the other side of the world.

More than a century later, their legacy still lives on not just here in New Zealand, but in Le Quesnoy itself, and the bond remains as strong as ever.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob Siermans from the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata, located in the very town the Kiwis freed. As Project Manager of Operations and Marketing, Jacob shares the story of Le Quesnoy, how it’s remembered today, and why it continues to resonate so deeply with both locals and New Zealanders.

Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.