Tune in as Matt and Simon Begley, local Area Manager, sit down with Frank Briant to delve into the story of the Briant Brothers’ operation in Patutahi, Gisborne. This episode highlights how the diverse 520ha operation, which consists of maize grain, Pioneer seed production maize, livestock, kiwifruit, grapes, citrus, squash, and popcorn, has weathered challenges and thrived through strategic diversification and family succession. 

After parting ways with his brother after 42 years of farming together, Frank established a new operation with his three sons in 2012/13. The Briant Brothers’ partnership with Pioneer dates back to 1989/90, growing seed production maize. Frank shares insights into how their farming practices have evolved from traditional maize cribs to modern combines and precision agriculture. Frank discusses the family's resilience and the importance of diversification when Cyclone Gabrielle devastated their crops in 2022, and how they've recovered and thrived through modern techniques like strip tillage, achieving impressive maize grain yields averaging 18 tonnes per hectare this season.