Federated Farmers Podcast

For decades, grazing kept New Zealand’s Crown land in check, supporting healthy landscapes and holding back pests and weeds. But when livestock were removed, those problems exploded. 

In this episode, Jim Ward and Simon Cameron explain why carefully managed, low-impact grazing could help reverse the decline. Jim is the former manager of Molesworth Station and current Federated Farmers high country co-chair, while Simon is Federated Farmers meat and wool vice chair. 

They share lessons from the high country, the challenges on Crown and conservation land, and what needs to change to make this practical again.

Useful links

How grazing can save our high country

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Feral pests like deer pigs are exploding in number across New Zealand, while wilding pines are marching across some of our most iconic landscapes. Farmers are seeing the fallout every day: destroyed pasture, lost production, biosecurity risks, and farmland slowly buried beneath unwanted trees.

In this episode we’re joined by Federated Farmers meat & wool chair Richard Dawkins and executive member Ruby Mulinder to unpack the scale of the problem and what it will take to turn the tide.

We look at why pest numbers have surged, the impact of neighbouring conservation and forestry land, and the critical gaps in current pest management settings. 

Then we dive into wilding pines – how fast they’re spreading, why Richard calls them “a ticking time bomb”, and the serious threat they pose to productive farmland and biodiversity.

Finally, we explore the solutions, like a national strategy, greater funding, and even practical changes on farm. 

Other podcasts on this topic: 

Carbon forestry crisis – the view from Southland | EP 49

The science of pest management | EP 21

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Running a farm means leadership under pressure is part of the job. When the weather turns, the workload spikes or the unexpected hits, there’s no pause button. 

Southland leadership trainer and former military veteran Tony Groves helps farmers, team supervisors and rural professionals make better decisions when the heat is on.  

After a hugely popular first appearance, Tony is back to share new insights from the farm businesses he’s working with right now.  

We dive into practical tools to: 
 
• Stay calm and clear in crisis 
• Communicate so there’s less friction 
• Execute when time and energy are tight 
• Build trust and a stronger team culture 
• Make fast calls without shutting people out 

Useful links 

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

Halo Training 

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It’s been more than two years since the Government promised to let young farmers use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home or farm — but nothing has changed. 

In this episode, we talk with Kylee Smit, a Cambridge-based mortgage adviser who works with many young farmers and rural workers trying to get on the property ladder. 

Kylee explains why the current KiwiSaver rules don’t work for farmers, the frustration it’s causing across rural communities, and how fixing the system could open up huge opportunities for the next generation in agriculture.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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  

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