As new wearable technologies for animals have surged in popularity, specific advice on the use of them within the dairy sector is to be included in an imminent review of the Animal Welfare Code: Dairy Cattle.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Dr Matthew Stone, veterinarian and Chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), about the review of the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare and how rapid technological change is reshaping animal care standards.

 

Guest:

• Dr Matthew Stone, Chairperson, National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

 

Matthew Stone is guiding how New Zealand’s animal welfare framework evolves to keep pace with innovation across the farming sector. Drawing on his extensive experience in veterinary science, biosecurity and international policy, he focuses on ensuring that advances in agritech align with best practice in animal care and ethical standards.

As Chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, Matthew works with industry, government and farmers to strengthen confidence in welfare regulation and its ability to respond to new challenges. His collaborative approach helps maintain New Zealand’s reputation for high welfare standards while supporting practical, science-based decision-making on farm.

 

Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here.

 

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Silver Fern Farms, MIA and OSPRI have partnered with Prism Earth’s innovative technology to provide unprecedented insights into farmers’ natural capital that will provide continued market access to the European Union as well as potential new revenue streams.

In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with Matt Lythe, managing director of Prism Earth, about using AI and satellite imagery to map carbon, biodiversity, and natural capital. This technology helps farmers meet EU deforestation rules and unlock opportunities in sustainable supply chains and nature-based markets.

 

Guest:

• Matt Lythe, Managing Director, Prism Earth

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

 

Matt Lythe is helping New Zealand farmers and processors navigate EU deforestation regulations through innovative technology and data analysis. He focuses on using AI, satellite imagery, and natural capital mapping to understand carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and land value, helping farms balance productivity with environmental stewardship. His approach supports sustainable supply chains while providing farmers with insights to manage land effectively and meet regulatory requirements.

As managing director of Prism Earth, Matt collaborates with Silver Fern Farms, the Meat Industry Association, and Osprey to trial new methods and share learnings across the sector. By combining technology with on-farm data, he is helping shape the future of sustainable red meat production in New Zealand and inspiring others to embrace nature-based solutions.

Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here.

 

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Setting up cell grazing systems on their Te Pahu hill-country farm has transformed more than just Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent’s bottom line.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Waikato farmers Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent about their shift to cell grazing and the transformation of their 325-hectare bull beef operation. They discuss challenges and learnings, how the system has lifted production while supporting environmental outcomes, and insights gained from being a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm.

Guests:

• Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent, Waikato farmers

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

 

Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent are transforming their Waikato bull beef operation through cell grazing systems that combine productivity with environmental care. They focus on refining intensive finishing systems, improving land resilience, and lifting carcass production while adapting to the challenges of hill country farming. Their approach has seen stocking rates increase while less-productive land is retired, proving profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.

As a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm, they share learnings and trial new approaches alongside a network of peers and mentors. By opening their farm to scrutiny and collaboration, Heather and Elliot are helping shape the future of sustainable beef production in New Zealand, inspiring others to re-think traditional systems.

 

Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here.

 

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CountryWide has partnered with the Institute of Rural Professionals to strengthen support, knowledge-sharing, and innovation across the agricultural sector.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Jo Finer, CEO of the newly renamed Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP) (formerly NZIPIM) about CountryWide’s new strategic partnership with the organisation. They discuss the role of rural professionals, the institute’s history and future direction, and how collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and digital innovation will strengthen support for farmers and the wider agricultural sector.

Guest:

• Jo Finer, CEO, Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP)

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

 

Jo Finer is helping strengthen the role rural professionals play in supporting New Zealand farmers at the Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP). She focuses on building capability, collaboration and professional excellence across advisers, consultants and service providers, ensuring farmers receive the most relevant and trusted guidance.

The new strategic partnership between IRP & CountryWide brings together knowledge-sharing through their digital transformation project in 2026 where industry expertise and a strong network between the two will connect farmers, advisers and thought leaders. 

By uniting professional bodies with independent journalism, this will help the sector embrace disruption into new opportunities and build resilience into the future.

Find out more about IRP here: https://www.irpnz.co.nz/

Get in contact with Charlotte to find out more about a membership to CountryWide:

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 03 307 0256 (Please note our office hours are between 10am - 2pm)

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In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Ivan Lawrie, General Manager at the Foundation for Arable Research, about the New Zealand Grown Grains initiative. Ivan explains how growers, millers, and bakers are collaborating to create a traceable, certifiable brand, strengthen the domestic wheat industry, and open opportunities in premium markets, while sharing lessons on value chains and building a resilient local food sector.

 

Guest:

• Ivan Lawrie, General Manager Business Operations, Foundation for Arable Research (FAR)

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide

 

Ivan Lawrie is helping shape how New Zealand’s arable producers create and capture value through the New Zealand Grown Grains initiative. He focuses on building a traceable, certifiable brand that connects growers, millers, bakers and consumers, strengthening the domestic wheat industry and creating opportunities in premium markets.

The initiative brings together careful planning, collaboration and innovation, ensuring every stage, from farm to final product, is auditable, trustworthy and high quality. By uniting growers, processors and retailers, Lawrie is helping the sector build consumer confidence in locally grown grains, raise awareness of New Zealand production, and create resilience in an industry challenged by low volumes and global market pressures. His work demonstrates how transparency, strong leadership and a clear vision can deliver long-term value and sustainability across the food system.

 

Read the article from the CountryWide Spring issue here: https://country-wide.co.nz/new-logo-highlights-new-zealand-grown-grains/

 

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In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp visits Leefield Station in the Waihopai Valley to talk with Brent Marris, owner of Marisco Vineyards, and Greg Crombie, the station’s farm manager. 

Brent and Greg explain how the property integrates vineyards, sheep, pigs and cattle into a profitable and sustainable operation, and how careful planning, brand-building and intergenerational leadership create authentic products, from award-winning wines to high-quality wool and meat, while sharing lessons for diversifying land use and connecting with markets at home and abroad.

Guests:

1. Brent Marris, Owner, Marisco Vineyards
2. Greg Crombie, Farm Manager, Leefield Station

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide

Brent Marris is helping redefine how New Zealand producers create and capture value from their land through his work at Leefield Station and Marisco Vineyards. His focus is on integrating viticulture, livestock and sustainable land management to deliver high-quality wines, wool and meat while building authentic brands that connect directly with consumers.

At Leefield Station, Marris brings together careful planning, innovation and intergenerational leadership, showing how diverse land uses, from Hampshire sheep and Berkshire pigs to premium vineyards, can complement each other and generate value across multiple markets. Along the way he shares insights into building brand trust, maintaining quality at scale and ensuring that every part of the operation contributes to long-term profitability and sustainability.

For Marris, the real impact happens on site, where visiting buyers, industry peers and staff can see, touch and experience the story behind the products. It is here that connections are made, assumptions are challenged and lessons translate directly into smarter, more resilient farming and business practices.

Through his example, Marris demonstrates how careful stewardship, integration and authenticity can create value from paddock to plate and why a clear vision and strong leadership are critical to sustaining it for generations to come.

Greg Crombie is showing how New Zealand farms can combine productivity, sustainability and innovation through his leadership at Leefield Station. He focuses on practical farm management that integrates livestock, crops and vineyards to deliver healthy animals, thriving land and high-quality produce while supporting the station’s broader vision.

Across Leefield Station, Crombie applies careful planning, technical expertise and hands-on experience, demonstrating how sheep, pigs, cattle and vineyards can operate together to create a profitable and sustainable enterprise. He shares insights into animal husbandry, pasture management and farm systems that ensure every part of the property contributes to long-term performance and resilience.

On the ground, Crombie makes a tangible impact, allowing staff, visitors and partners to witness the day-to-day decisions that keep the farm running successfully. It is here that ideas are tested, innovations applied and practical solutions turned into measurable results.

Through his approach, Crombie illustrates how thoughtful management, collaboration and attention to detail can make integrated farming successful at scale and why practical leadership is essential for maintaining productivity, quality and sustainability for future generations.

 

Read the article in the Country-Wide Spring issue here: https://country-wide.co.nz/masters-of-diversification/

 

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In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Lincoln University’s Professor Hamish Gow about the Value Chain Innovation Programme, run by Rural Leaders.

Hamish explains how the programme takes participants inside New Zealand’s dairy, kiwifruit, apple and red meat sectors to understand how value is created, captured and shared, and why the real learning happens on the bus as farmers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders connect and challenge their thinking.

 

Guest:

• Hamish Gow, Lincoln University

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide

 

Lincoln University’s Hamish Gow is helping reshape how New Zealand’s food and fibre leaders understand the value created beyond the farm gate through the Value Chain Innovation Programme, run by Rural Leaders. His focus is on giving participants a clear framework for how value chains work, from creation to capture to sharing across every link.

The programme takes farmers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders through New Zealand’s four major value chains (dairy, kiwifruit, apples and red meat) unpacking how each sector delivers value back to growers and producers. Along the way, participants gain insights into the role of regulation, technology and intellectual property in building competitive advantage, and discover why Fonterra’s global ingredients strategy is just as powerful as a consumer brand.

But for Hamish, the real magic happens on the bus, where discussion, debate and reflection turn site visits into personal “aha” moments. It’s here that participants challenge assumptions, connect with peers they might never otherwise meet, and translate lessons directly into their own businesses.

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, offering a unique chance to step outside your industry silo and see New Zealand’s food and fibre sector from end to end. For Hamish, the goal is simple: equip leaders with the understanding to drive alignment, create value and strengthen the resilience of our most important export industries.

 

Find out more about the Value Chain Innovation Programme here: https://ruralleaders.co.nz/value-chain-innovation-programme/

 

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In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Jasper van Halder, Ravensdown’s General Manager of Innovation, about how Agnition is connecting global agri-tech with New Zealand farmers. 

Jasper explains how the Farm Innovation Network is testing technologies like drones, satellite imagery and soil testing, and why proving real value on farm is key to building a more connected, data-driven future for agriculture.

 

Guest:

• Jasper van Halder, General Manager of Innovation, Ravensdown

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide

 

Ravensdown’s General Manager of Innovation, Jasper van Halder, is driving the future of farming through Agnition, the company’s investment arm focused on bringing global agri-tech into practical use on New Zealand farms. His mission is to ensure technology delivers more than gadgets, it must create real on farm impact.

Agnition scouts and invests in emerging tools, from drones monitoring livestock on hill country to soil testing systems and satellite imagery that sharpen nutrient management. Each innovation is trialled through the Farm Innovation Network, where more than 500 farmers test pre-commercial technologies in real conditions and give direct feedback. For Jasper, this approach ensures solutions are proven to work in New Zealand’s unique systems before they scale.

With global agri-tech challenged by limited ideas, scarce capital and tough farmer adoption, Agnition is connecting innovators and farmers in a way that builds confidence and drives value. Jasper sees the future of farming as autonomous, remote and connected, where insights from soil and pasture data guide smarter decisions. His goal is clear: deliver technologies that lift performance, cut inefficiencies and help shape a resilient, data-driven future for New Zealand agriculture.

 

Find out more about Farm Innovation Network here: ​​https://farminnovationnetwork.co.nz/

Find out more about Agnition here: https://agnition.ventures/

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In a quiet valley, just 20 minutes from downtown Wellington, farmer Hamish Best is marrying his passion for farming with his marketing which he hopes will become the red meat of choice for discerning Wellingtonians.

In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Hamish Best from Conscious Valley about building a premium local red meat brand just outside Wellington. Hamish shares how combining strong agronomy, selective breeding, and direct-to-consumer marketing is helping connect city eaters with high-quality, sustainably produced lamb and beef from the doorstep. He also discusses the challenges of brand awareness and the value of independent awards in growing a trusted regional food business.

Guest:

• Hamish Best, Conscious Valley

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide

 

Hamish Best, based just 20 minutes from Wellington’s CBD, shares how he’s building Conscious Valley into a premium local red meat brand that connects city consumers with the land surrounding them. Returning to the family farm, Hamish combines his agronomy background and experience in Australia to focus on adding value beyond the farm gate through consistent, high-quality lamb and beef production.

Using careful breeding, pasture intensification with lucerne, and hand drafting to ensure meat quality, Conscious Valley targets discerning customers who appreciate a strong sense of place and flavor. Hamish discusses the challenges of brand awareness in a competitive market, the importance of independent awards and recognition, and the ambition to make Conscious Valley Wellington’s signature red meat brand.

Rather than chasing scale through land expansion, Hamish believes in growing by building direct connections with local markets, restaurants, and consumers. He sees technology and good agronomy as key to delivering consistent products while maintaining traditional farming values. For Hamish, the goal is simple: provide Wellingtonians with premium meat from right on their doorstep and foster pride in local produce, helping create a sustainable, resilient food future, one rack of lamb at a time.

Read the article from the Country-Wide Winter issue here. 

 

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From data-driven decision making to environmental monitoring and compliance, Richard and Annabelle Subtil have reaped the rewards of lucrative supply contracts by being able to prove any claim by using technology while maintaining traditional high-country values.

In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Richard Subtil from Omarama Station about how full mobile coverage is unlocking and boosting efficiency and compliance in the high country with technology. But Richard stresses that even with virtual fencing, EID tags and connected irrigation systems, it is so important to ensure traditional stockmanship remains at the core of farming.

Guest:

• Richard Subtil, Omarama Station

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide

 

Richard Subtil, who farms merinos, cattle and deer at Omarama Station in North Otago, shares how having full mobile coverage has transformed the way they manage their high-country operation. With reliable connectivity now across the station, Richard and his team have been able to integrate a suite of technologies, from Gallagher e-Shepherd virtual fencing collars and EID tags to auto-drafters, conveyor systems, and gravity-fed irrigation pivots powered by energy-generating turbines.

These tools are helping lift productivity, improve animal welfare, and meet consent requirements more efficiently, especially in challenging terrain. Richard explains how real-time data from soil sensors, irrigation systems and stock movements has supported smarter decision-making, backed by old-school practices like regular paddock walks.

Rather than replace traditional stockmanship, Richard believes technology should enhance it. With the right digital infrastructure in place, he says farmers can get the best of both worlds: precise, real-time insights and the kind of instinct and observation that only comes from experience. For stations like Omarama Station, where extreme weather and remote landscapes present unique challenges, connected tools are helping build more resilient, responsive, and environmentally conscious farming systems, without losing sight of the hands-on stockmanship at the heart of New Zealand’s pastoral farming.

Read the article from the Country-Wide Winter issue here. 

 

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