Ag in Conversation

EP 92 | Weather and Nanocellulose In this conversation, Myfanwy and Emily discuss the recent extreme weather events affecting farmers, emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness. They delve into Zespri's legal victory regarding kiwifruit cultivation in China, highlighting the implications for New Zealand's agricultural sector. The discussion shifts to the Alliance Group's strategic partn...

EP 91 | Little Farmer X Ag in Conversation Emily Walker speaks with George McDonald, the creator of Little Farmer, a series of children's books aimed at educating kids about agriculture and where their food comes from. George shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to writing and illustrating his own books, inspired by his children. The discussion covers the importance of making educati...

090 | show notes Emily and Myfanwy discuss various pressing topics including the ongoing trade war between the US and China, the environmental impacts of food production, the alarming rate at which New Zealand's oceans are warming. In the main discussion they wrap up and summarise the farm succession series they recently completed and emphasise the need for proactive discussions around these issue...

EP 89 | In this conversation, Myfanwy and Emily discuss the challenges of busy lives, particularly during school holidays, and the impact of weather on agricultural practices. They explore the revival of the wool industry, innovations in agriculture, and the positive market trends for dairy and meat prices. The importance of community support and fundraising events for families in need is also hig...

088 | Regen Ag - a term thrown around, widely used, commonly misunderstood and currently with no framework for measuring its benefits or making it pay - until now? This week the girls jump into a new report, produced by the European Union for Regen Agriculture, which has introduced "regenerating full productivity" (RFP) as an outcome-based indicator that could be applied within the EU Common Agric...

EP 87 | Nitrate Emergency, Whats actually going on? In this conversation, Emily and Myfanwy discuss various topics ranging from gardening experiences to global agricultural initiatives. They delve into the challenges faced by farmers in Sri Lanka and Sudan, the implications of nitrate levels on the environment, and the importance of rural women's advocacy. The discussion also highlights funding op...

086 | It was a busy week in the news! with a full 360 on agriculture in the high school curriculum - it was out then back in again on the back of some serious public black lash. Dairy NZ have been working in NZ and Ireland to test the standard GHG emissions calculators and found methane emissions could be up to 20% overestimated, we chat about Pamu's annoucement of an equity partnership in the she...

085 | Wayne McNee from AgriZero NZ - In this episode, Myfi and Emily Walker chat with Wayne McNee from AgriZero NZ to explore their mission to tackle methane emissions in New Zealand agriculture. They discuss the unique challenges faced by New Zealand farmers, the innovative investment model of AgriZero, and the importance of international partnerships in developing effective agricultural technolo...

084 | Light at the end of the Tunnel. It's been radio silence from Myfanwy for the past month as she has worked her way through calving 1400 cows with just under 300 to go. She is just starting to come up for air now. The ladies catch up on all of life's adventures since July, all the big moooves in Dairy over the past month and dive  into global meat consumption trends over the next ten year...

083 | Emily and Myfanwy sat down with follow AWDT Escalator alumni, Leanne Blacklock and Jade Chia, co-founders of Rose Gold Veal, a new venture aimed at addressing the bobby calf problem in New Zealand's dairy industry. We discuss the unique qualities of their product, the challenges of consumer education, and the culinary potential of rose veal. The conversation highlights the importance of anim...

082 | In this episode, Emily and Myfanwy sit down with Ross Neal to discuss the complexities of farm succession, emphasising the importance of communication, financial viability, and building a strong team. We dig into the challenges faced by farming families, the significance of equity in ownership transitions, and the role of succession facilitators. Ross also shares some great practical tips fo...

081 | In this insightful episode, we delve into the complexities of farm succession with Jacqui Owen. She shares her legal expertise and discusses generational attitudes, financial barriers, and the importance of early planning in ensuring a smooth transition. As well as practical advice on maintaining fairness among farming children and the unique challenges faced by those who choose to stay on t...

080 | This we week dove into the complexities of farm succession planning, highlighting the importance of communication, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by families in transitioning their farms. Ashley discussed the need for a structured approach to succession, the emotional aspects involved, and the opportunities available for those without a family farm. The discussion emphasised the s...

EP 79 | Cows, Calves, Lasers and Butter!! In this episode, Emily and Myfi discuss various topics related to dairy farming, including personal updates, the rising price of butter, innovations in farming technology, and the growth of the venison market in North America. They also delve into the critical calving season, sharing insights into the processes involved and the challenges faced by farmers....

078 | Em asks a thought provoking question - should processors play a role in professional development for farmers, supporting them to develop their business and leadership skills. Would this be a win win? In the news we cover everything from the drought in NSW to getting wool on the heads of the All Blacks. Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast. Sign u...

Epi 77 | Coaching the next big thing in Ag? Myfi and Emily discuss their recent experiences, including a community event and the weather's impact on farming. They delve into significant developments in agri-tech, highlighting a New Zealand startup achieving unicorn status. The discussion also covers the acquisition of Nexon Group by PGG Wrightson and the importance of local solutions for farmers....

076 | Bayer exits NZ on the R&D front, globally the weather is all over the show, having huge impacts on food security, NZ dairy farmers finish a record season with a record month. Rabobank recently published their white paper for 2025, Changing of the Guard (available here ) all about farm succession. It really presents the scale of the issue we, as an industry, will be facing in the coming y...

EP 75 | Think like a Forest In this conversation, Myfi and Emily discuss various topics ranging from the unexpected snowfall in their region to insights gained from the Primary Industry Conference. They delve into the future of food security, the complexities of free trade agreements, and the importance of environmental standards. The discussion also covers the emerging trends in green hydrogen pr...

074 | Its a mixed bag this week, we discuss everything from the price of butter to US bombing in Iran. Dig in for an update on global current events and a taster of the KPMG agribusiness agenda. We also discuss the RWNZ grants, which are closing on July 1. Have a look here - https://www.ruralwomennz.nz/our-funds-and-grants Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our...

Myfi Returns from moving farms and the ladies catch up on all thats been happening since. News items this week focus on the Wool carpets in social housing, Apples on a Canterbury Dairy farm and protecting rare breeds of cattle in the UK with a short dive into a past Farmers weekly readers poll on Export opportunities. Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podca...

072 | This week Emily sits down with Sandra Matthews, Rural Women New Zealand President to talk about their upcoming Centenary year, we cover the past, present and future of the organisation. To sign up ti Rural Women NZ click here To purchase one of the beautiful centenary roses click here Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast. Sign up to our newslette...

071 | A fascinating conversation with Conan Moynihan from Force of Nature Consulting about his recent travels to the USA and completion of CREATE - a course by Integrity soils - https://integritysoils.com/ Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast. Sign up to our newsletter HERE HOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexander Intro/outro copyright info Track: "Sun...

070 | A bumper episode this week covering the 2025 Budget and what that means for ag in NZ and we have an epic interview with Amy Priest from Growing Future Farmers. If you know anyone who is looking to start their career in the sheep, beef or deer industry please share this episode or their website with them https://www.growingfuturefarmers.co.nz/ or likewise, if you have the ability to be a trai...

069 | Like everything the number and choices of vehicles available on the market has grown almost exponentially - but what is out there that really suits the NZ rural lifestyle that can help us save big our pockets and be kinder to the environment. This week we dig into the hybrid and EV options available and answer the questions from our community. In the news this week we look into the US/UK tra...

EP 65 | Where next for the NZ Economy Join us for a dive into a talk Myfanwy was lucky enough to listen to by Cam Bagrie this week. We also chat all things Farm Bill in the US, Urban Rural divide a myth, UK study praising outdoor grass fed stock...who knew?! Also huge congratulations to the winners at the Dairy Industry awards. Big thanks to Ag Assist for supporting the podcast this week. To visi...