CountryWide CONNECT

In this episode, Hamish Mulcock, Portfolio Manager at ADAMA New Zealand, introduces Tower, a new pre-emergent herbicide for wheat and barley designed to strengthen weed control and support resistance management in arable systems. As herbicide resistance continues to challenge growers, Hamish explains how Tower brings a new active ingredient to the New Zealand market, chlortoluron, alongside pendim...

In this episode, Phil Journeaux shares his strong thoughts on the failings of the New Zealand’s National Policy Statement (NPS) for Highly Productive Land and how the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘economically viable’ metric was flawed. Guest: Phil Journeaux, Consulting Agricultural Economist Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide   Phil, a consultin...

In this episode, Mike White, Chief Science Officer at Ravensdown, explains how Hawkeye Pro, the cooperative’s precision nutrient management platform, is helping New Zealand farmers apply the right nutrients in the right place at the right time. Drawing on years of research, soil science, and advanced technology, Mike outlines how Hawkeye Pro combines soil testing, remote sensing, farm-specif...

In this special 100th episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp reflects on the beginning of the CountryWide Podcast in 2024 and where it has evolved to now. She also looks towards the future and how this podcast will transform into a paid-only, members podcast for those with a CountryWide Club membership to reflect the new free podcast CountryWide Connect - home to the daily radio/video show coming at the end...

In this episode, Jeremy McPhail, Chair of Environment Southland and seventh-generation Southland farmer, discusses the region’s community-led review of local government and what it could mean for the future of regional governance. Guest: Jeremy McPhail, Chair, Environment Southland Host: Andy Thompson, CountryWide   Jeremy shares why Southland moved early to explore structural change, t...

In this episode, Conan Moynihan, farm consultant at Force of Nature and host of the From the Soil Up podcast, reflects on what it means to be part of the next generation shaping New Zealand agriculture.  Guest: Conan Moynihan, Host of From the Soil Up Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Conan shares the realities of succession and land ownership, the tension between profit...

In this episode, James Laughlin, a high-performance coach, author of Habits of High Performers and host of the Lead on Purpose podcast, shares how principles of sustained high performance can be applied to farming. Drawing on his work with elite athletes, business leaders and rural clients, James explains why high performance is about consistently exceeding expectations while protecting wellbeing,...

In this episode, Terry Kingsbury, Chief Drone Pilot at Agricultural Consulting Services in Canterbury, discusses the evolution of drone technology in New Zealand agriculture and why it is becoming an essential tool for farm productivity and precision management. He explains how drones are used for accurate plant counts, crop health monitoring, mapping, and variable rate spraying, and highlights th...

In this episode, Jane Robb, Senior Environmental Consultant at Irricon, discusses the evolution of soil moisture monitoring in New Zealand and why it is becoming an essential tool for farm productivity and environmental management. She explains how modern technology helps farmers make smarter irrigation decisions, highlights the importance of matching sensors to different soil types, and outlines...

In this episode, Dr Lucy Bell discusses her PhD research into legume species that can thrive in hill and high country soils affected by high aluminium toxicity. She explains why traditional options like lucerne struggle in these environments, highlights the standout performance of species such as Lotus pedunculatus and crimson clover, and outlines what this could mean for improving nitrogen supply...

In this episode, Rebecca Furzeland shares how she and her husband Andrew have built one of New Zealand’s standout large-scale calf rearing operations, combining smart infrastructure, tight systems and strong supplier relationships to rear 3,500 calves a year. She outlines the design decisions that drive efficiency, the early life nutrition that underpins animal health, and why clear communic...

This special episode of CountryWide explores the first independent evaluation of Halter’s virtual fencing and herding technology, now used on more than 600,000 dairy and beef cows across New Zealand, the United States and Australia. An AgFirst and Transform Agri study of ten high-performing dairy farms shows clear gains in pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, animal performance and enviro...

In this episode, Louise Cook, Fonterra’s Environment Programme Lead for On-Farm Excellence, unpacks how farmers boost efficiency while cutting emissions in a major industry project showing farmers can cut greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen surplus without sacrificing profitability. She explains the practices that lift efficiency with homegrown feed utilisation is the standout lever, and h...

What are the key drivers behind New Zealand’s 47% reduction in antibiotic sales?  In this episode, Dr Annabel Harris, Chair of the NZVA’s Antimicrobial Resistance Committee explains how cross-industry collaboration and learnings internationally have helped shape on-farm practice of antibiotic use to protect New Zealand farmers from the threat of antibiotic resistance. Guest: Dr An...

Daniel Judd’s interest in soil management grew from his experience as a conventional dairy farmer and curiosity about evolving sector practices. His 2025 Kellogg’s Report explores the ‘soils gap’, showing how science, commerce, and culture shape decisions across conventional, regenerative, and organic systems. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Daniel about what drives diff...

Dr Jordi Hoult’s interest in leadership grew from her military family upbringing and her own experiences navigating the food and fibre sector. Her Kellogg research shows that many mid-career people in their 30s to 50s are ready to lead but face barriers that stop them from taking opportunities, leaving a “missing middle” in sector leadership. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Jo...

Witnessing the stress of sheep farming in Southland as a child led Steve Clarke to a career as a helicopter pilot before returning home to the dairy farm. He and wife Hayley are on a mission to ensure that farming creates a balance of work and life for their family and staff. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Steve about his journey from sheep and beef to dairy, the lessons learned through early...

How can farmers get the most from irrigation without wasting water or damaging equipment? IrrigationNZ Principal Technical Advisor Stephen McNally explains how preparation, planning, and smart decisions make all the difference as the season begins. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Stephen about practical steps from anchoring and mechanical checks to developing a wind plan and understanding conse...

How can sheep and beef farmers see forestry as more than a binary choice between full plantation and traditional farming? New Zealand Institute of Forestry consultant Peter Handford explores how integrating trees can enhance overall farm management, improve profitability, and deliver environmental and animal welfare benefits. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Peter about the practical and economi...

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...

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 image...

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 pr...

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 profession...

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 build...

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...