Federated Farmers Podcast

In a region where plenty of productive farmland has disappeared into pine trees, two farming couples are doing something uncommon – turning a forestry block back into a working farm.

Sam and Gemma Hain, and Matt and Kate Long, have just taken ownership of a 400ha property planted almost entirely in young pines. 

In this episode, Sam explains why they took on the challenge, how they plan to pull it off, and why sending cattle back onto the land was one of the best days of his life. 

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Technology is playing an increasingly important role in farm succession, helping families share knowledge, make better decisions and bring the next generation into the business sooner.

Someone seeing that firsthand is Caitlin Barnett, Gallagher's Regional Lead for eShepherd across Australasia, who works with farmers adopting virtual fencing and other on-farm technologies.

In this episode, Caitlin discusses how technology is changing the way farming knowledge is passed between generations, who's embracing it, whether it can ever replace decades of experience, and the parts of farming that simply can't be digitised.

She also takes on our quickfire questions, sharing one thing farmers should stop doing, keep doing and start doing.

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Sandra Faulkner has spent decades giving back to rural New Zealand. Now, she's stepping into one of the biggest leadership roles in farming as Federated Farmers' new vice president.

In this episode, Sandra talks about how growing up in an extremely isolated part of the East Coast shaped her passion for disaster preparedness and resilient rural communities. She reflects on her time working in the UK and Australia's Northern Territory before returning home to New Zealand to take over Wairakaia Station with her husband, Rob.

Sandra also shares what motivates her, the mentors who've shaped her leadership, and what she hopes Federated Farmers can achieve for Kiwi farmers over the next few years.

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Who is Colin Hurst, the new president of Federated Farmers? How did he go from being the quiet kid at the back of the room to leading the country's largest farming advocacy organisation?

Colin joins the Federated Farmers Podcast to share his journey into farming and advocacy, what gets him fired up, the leadership style he wants to bring to the role, and his vision and priorities for the next three years.

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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.

Thanks to Farmstrong for teaming up with us to create this podcast. 

Useful links

Farmstrong

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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.

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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. 

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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'

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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

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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 

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