A recent contract milking survey has sparked debate across the dairy industry. In this episode, we speak with survey creator Louise Gibson, and Brendan Attrill, a long-time industry leader and Federated Farmers farm owner representative, to unpack the key findings.

We explore why the survey was conducted, what the results reveal, and how both sides of the industry are reacting. Brendan and Louise also share their thoughts on possible reforms, from legal protections to mentoring and better economic models.

If you’re a contract milker, farm owner, or just care about the future of dairy farming in New Zealand, this is a balanced conversation you won’t want to miss.

One of the biggest days in the dairy farming calendar, Moving Day, is fast approaching.  

It’s a day full of change and challenge as thousands of farmers, workers, and their families head off to start a new chapter on a new farm. It’s a big logistical job, but there’s also the emotional, professional and relationship side to think about too. 

So, how do you do Moving Day well? How do you prepare, stay organised, and set yourself up for a strong finish to the season, and a strong start to the new season?

To help us unpack all of that, we're joined by contract milker Bex Green, who's Federated Farmers North Canterbury’s senior vice president. She’s also on the Federated Farmers national dairy leadership team, and she was our Dairy Advocate of the Year in 2024. 

Global scrutiny of farming is rising — but how can farmers respond? Journalist and Nuffield Scholar Claire Taylor has travelled the world exploring how agricultural sectors are responding to criticism and shifting public perception. In this episode, she shares lessons from her journey and offers practical advice for New Zealand farmers seeking a stronger voice.

Links

Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards 2025

Meet Claire Taylor, 2023 Nuffield Farming Scholar

www.nuffieldscholar.org/scholars/2023/claire-taylor

One of the best ways for farmers to protect special areas of their land is covenanting with the QEII National Trust. But what does that actually mean in practice? What are the benefits and challenges? And what does the future of covenanting look like?"

Our guest for this episode is Dan Coup, CEO of the QEII Trust, who explains everything from the history of QEII to the practicalities of covenanting, funding challenges, and what recent government decisions mean for farmers. 

Links

https://qeiinationaltrust.org.nz

Farmers celebrate more funding for QEII Trust

Financial adviser Michael Raynes returns to share fresh insights on building and protecting wealth in 2025. We cover savings, investments, debt, succession, and more—plus what today’s economic and global shifts mean for Kiwi farmers. Whether you're starting out or planning your exit, this wide-ranging chat is packed with practical advice. 

Note: nothing discussed in this podcast should be considered personal financial advice. The recommendations and opinions do not take into account your personal financial situation or your investment goals. It’s general in nature. To obtain personal financial advice, please seek out a registered financial adviser. 

Links

Building wealth to buy a farm, preserving wealth when exiting | EP 08

Warren Buffett’s latest annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

https://sorted.org.nz

https://www.forsythbarr.co.nz

Is rural crime getting worse? When do most thefts happen? And what can farmers do to make their property a harder target for criminals? 

Abby France from FMG Insurance joins us to share insights on rural crime trends, practical ways for you to reduce risk, and what to do if you become a victim of rural crime. 

Whether you manage thousands of hectares or a small lifestyle block, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Links:

Rural crime rates on rise, Federated Farmers survey finds

Drought conditions are forcing sharemilkers, contract milkers and farm owners to make tough decisions, like drying off early, which can strain relationships and impact the future of the business. Some contract milkers are facing months of low income ahead. 

So, how do you get through these kinds of adverse events, protect the relationship and business, stay afloat financially, and keep your eyes set on a better season ahead? 

Hear practical advice from Brendan Attrill, Federated Farmers sharefarm owners chair, and Sam Ebbett, our sharefarmer chair. 

Our guest on this episode is Joe Morgan an accountant in Te Awamutu, Waikato, who does a lot of work with farmers. 

Joe is a director at GFA but previously had a career in rural banking.  He also has a degree in Agri-Commerce majoring in farm management and rural valuation – so he’s a pretty good guy to have in your corner. 

Over the years, he’s seen it all — avoidable tax headaches, business structures that could have saved farmers a fortune if set up right from the start, and helping farmers set up smart strategies to pay off debt more efficiently.

Joe’s passionate about helping farmers understand the value of having the right people around them, what financial pitfalls to watch out for when getting started, and why good accounting advice is worth paying for.

A military veteran of 16 years, Tony Groves’ military and security career saw him deployed to Timor-Leste, Iraq and Afghanistan, where he honed his leadership skills in high-pressure environments.

He now fronts Halo Training, a business that offers leadership and personal development training to help people, including farmers, build resilience.

On this episode, Tony shares his thoughts on the similarities between stresses faced by farmers and professional soldiers, and how farmers can apply what he learned in the army. 

Tony has a passion for helping people overcome the challenges of leadership through his lessons gained from the battlefield, as well as overcoming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and alcoholism. 

He holds a Masters degree in Counter-terrorism Studies, and a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership. 

If you've seen an ad for a contract milking or sharemilking position that could tick the boxes, what comes next? What are the critical steps to take to ensure it’s the right job for you, that it'll pay what you need and keep you moving forward in your career?  

Richard McIntyre, an experienced sharemilker and Federated Farmers national dairy chair, joins us to methodically walk us through the due diligence process – in other words, what it means to take time before you sign up for a new role.