On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Paul Ensor from Glenaan Station up the Rakaia Gorge in the South Island. The Ensors are fourth generation farmers and are merino wool advocates, passionate about biodiversity and sustainable farm practices. Paul talks to us about his high-country merino sheep and cattle operation, and discusses the focus on sustainability and regenerative practices, as well as his involvement in a new business venture, Hemprino.

Katie and Paul discuss embracing sustainability with an open mind. Paul emphasises the value of curiosity and exploration of new and old ideas on farms. This curiosity has led to a new venture, Hemprino, that Paul is involved with alongside two other farming families. Hempreno blends merino wool with hemp to create unique and sustainable knitwear. Paul discusses the challenges and opportunities of this direct-to-consumer business model.

If you're a New Zealand farmer or grower with a business idea, Paul encourages you to reach out and start exploring its potential!

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate is joined by Todd Charteris, CEO of Rabobank New Zealand. Blake and Todd discuss the two sets of climate and sustainability related reports that Rabobank has recently published. The first is a climate-related financial disclosures statement, that all large financial intuitions in New Zealand are now required to submit. Todd discusses the significance of this report, emphasising the need to align banking practices with the transition to a low-emission, climate-resilient future. He explains the four main sections of the disclosure, including governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics/targets. One of the take ways of this report is the value of scenario analysis in assessing risks and opportunities. Todd highlights the importance of strategic planning and transition plans in navigating climate uncertainties.

Blake and Todd also discuss the voluntary Sustainability report Rabobank has submitted. This report covers Rabobank's broader approach to sustainability, focusing on environmental, economic, and social factors. Todd explains how the Sustainability report champions some of the great work Rabobank's clients and teams are doing to transition to more sustainable food production systems more broadly. Todd discusses the importance of collaboration across the agricultural supply chain in adopting sustainable practices. He underscores the role of Rabobank in supporting farmers and growers to adapt to changing environmental and market dynamics. Todd encourages listeners to focus on progress rather than perfection and emphasises the resilience and adaptability of New Zealand farmers and growers in navigating the complexities of climate change and sustainability.

Links to these reports can be found on the Rabobank New Zealand Website - Sustainable Farming | Rabobank NZ

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Dr Anneline Padayachee. Dr Anneline is a highly sought after thought leader with a reputation of mixing food and nutrition science with human physiology, consumer behaviour, and anthropology. This episode focuses on how alternative proteins are complementary to animal proteins and how farmers are one of the most important parts of the human health food chain.

Katie and Dr Anneline discuss how to effectively communicate the benefits of meat, dairy and fish in a world increasingly focused on alternative proteins. Dr Anneline helps us understand the factors that affect bioavailability and how much of our food is being absorbed to help farmers understand what they produce from a nutritional perspective. This episode emphasises that consumers still value delicious, high-quality food. By clearly communicating the benefits of whole animal protein and embracing their roles as stewards of nutrition, New Zealand farmers can continue to be a vital part of a healthy and sustainable food future.

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Alex Worker. Alex has an international background in agriculture, food technology innovations and business ventures. Alex and Katie discuss how disruptive climate technology and food technology could reshape the industry and the opportunities and challenges New Zealand faces as it navigates a changing global food landscape.

New Zealand's agricultural sector has traditionally thrived on exports. Alex paints a picture of a potential future where this model evolves. Instead of solely focusing on exporting produce, New Zealand could develop, and license intellectual property related to cutting-edge food technologies. The road ahead isn't without its hurdles. Alex and Katie explore the challenges and decisions New Zealand needs to address, such as balancing embracing new technologies whilst maintaining export focus, creating a clear vision and strategy, navigating regulatory hurdles, access to funding to scale up innovations and collaborating with farmers in the food tech sector. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of food, agriculture, and New Zealand's role in the global food system.

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Blake Holgate is joined by Rabobank’s Dutch based global Dairy analyst Richard Scheper. Richard and Blake discuss how global dairy companies are addressing climate change. They dive into emission reduction targets, the challenges and opportunities for farmers, and what the future holds for sustainable dairy practices.

At the end of 2023 Fonterra announced a target of a 30% intensity reduction in on-farm emissions. This has potentially significant implications for NZ dairy farmers – which poses the question – what climate related actions are other global dairy companies undertaking – and how will this ultimately impact the competitiveness of NZ’s dairy sector. Blake and Richard delve into the complexities of measuring and achieving emission reductions across diverse farm systems (pasture-based vs. indoor) and company structures (cooperatives vs. private companies). While efficiency gains have played a role, new technologies may be needed to meet future targets. As the industry moves towards result-based incentives, data collection and reporting on farm emissions becomes increasingly important. Richard highlights the need for farmers to invest in this area and embrace change to position themselves for a sustainable future.

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Damian and Jane Roper. From early in their career, the Ropers have had a passion for the environment they live and work in, and since moving from share-milking to farm ownership, the couple have been slowly transforming their dairy farm into a thriving ecosystem. This episode focuses on their connection to nature, the challenges this system brings, and driving positive change from within the farm gate.

Katie and the Ropers discuss how shifting the focus of their farming practices has led to a surprising increase in profitability. By reducing cow numbers and improving feed utilisation they emphasise the feasibility of a modern dairy farm being both profitable and environmentally friendly. Expanding their farm to include a non-profit native tree nursery in recent years has been a greatly rewarding, fostering greater connection between the farm and the community and inspiring other farmers to do their own planting. Looking ahead, the Ropers have a vision for diverse and resilient dairy farm they can leave for future generations, and a community and industry transformed for the better. 

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Tre' Cates. Tre' is a managing director of nRhythm, and an expert in regenerative practises in agriculture and business. This episode focuses on creating healthy workplaces, and creating business models to optimise productivity and efficiency.

Katie and Tre' discuss how he got into this niche line of work, and how Regenerative Design Principals are changing the corporate world. Tre' outlines how management is a living system, and should be treated as such; how businesses across all sectors can learn from farming systems; and how to create more resilience in businesses through people. Tre' shares his journey teaching companies to embrace the principles of pasture, and gathering insights from nature to unlock business potential. As a thought leader in this space, he provides a unique, valuable insight into holistic business management.

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Andy Caughey. Andy is the CEO of Wool Impact, an advocacy group for the uses and benefits of wool. This episode focuses on the strong wool industry, and the work they are doing to promote 'the best natural fibre in the world.

Katie and Andy discuss how Wool Impact came to be, and where they are trying to steer the industry for the future. Andy outlines the hurdles kiwi farmers are facing in getting their wool out the farm gate for a fair price; the growing consumer awareness of the benefits of using wool; and the commercial businesses that are pushing back on synthetic fibres. Andy shares the positive legislation Wool Impact is advocating for, which is promoting wool as the fibre of choice. He encourages farmers to stick with wool production, sharing his vision for an innovative and profitable sector of the future.

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Adam and Laura Cullen. Adam and Laura own and operate a 220-ha dairy farm in Kaipara, focusing on maintaining profitability while farming regeneratively and responsibly. This episode focuses on using soil health to create financial value, looking for wins outside of the numbers, and how they're changing the game from within their farm gate.

Katie, Adam, and Laura discuss leaving the land in a better state for their children, their goal of a carbon-neutral farm, and managing the setbacks that come with farming. Laura shares her love for involving the birds and trees into their day-to-day operations; farming true to your values; letting data lead the way when planning for the future; and sustainability through people, the environment, and the business. Adam outlines their strategies for targeting better soil health; the performance they've seen since investing in the environment around them; and fostering pride and resilience throughout the rural community. Together, they look towards 2050, with the opportunity to support new generations of innovation and energy across the sector.

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Wayne McNee. Wayne is the Chief Executive of AgriZero NZ, a partnership between government and private agribusinesses aiming to reduce on farm emissions in a profitable, productive manner. This episode focuses on AgriZero's purpose in this space, and what they are hoping to deliver to the rural sector.

Katie and Wayne discuss the road which lead him AgriZero, the ambitions they have for this partnership, and tools they hope to deliver to farmers. Wayne outlines the investments they are making into exciting new technology; the growing role that market pressure is playing in this space; the competitive edge that this partnership gives New Zealand; and the results they are hoping to accomplish from this work. Wayne gives his perspective on the global and domestic future of agricultural emissions, and gives some practical, optimistic advice to farmers on taking control of new technology and information.