In this episode, we sit down with Manawatū farmer Ian Strahan, who runs 440 hectares of rolling country at Kiwitea, finishing around 16,000 lambs and up to 1000 cattle each year.

Ian, Manawatū–Rangitīkei Federated Farmers president, talks about growing up on the family farm, the influence of his father – legendary All Black Sam Strahan – and how a mix of old-school values and modern thinking has shaped his approach to farming today.

We dive into how his system's evolved into a highly efficient operation focused on strong margins, attention to detail and constant improvement. 

He also takes on the bigger challenges facing farming, including the growing gap between farmers and the public, and why social licence is becoming just as important as productivity.

Along the way, Ian shares some great advice for younger farmers, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why simple systems – done well – consistently outperform.

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