Federated Farmers Podcast

In this episode, we take a hard look at where things are at for the red meat and wool sectors right now, including what’s driving the strong red meat returns, but also pain points like processor viability, falling stock numbers, productive farmland going into carbon forestry, and the ongoing struggles for wool growers.   Richard Dawkins, Federated Farmers meat and wool chair, brings insights from...

Legal issues on the farm can be stressful — and often dealt with only when things go wrong. In this episode, you'll hear from lawyer Simon Middlemiss about the most common legal and employment problems farmers face, and how to avoid them.  From staff contracts to handling disputes, Simon shares practical tips all farmers should know, plus the basics every good employer needs to get right.  Wh...

We’re continuing the theme of farm succession by chatting with Peter Templeton, a fifth-generation Southland dairy farmer, who spent five months travelling the USA and Europe as a Nuffield scholar, researching what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to farm succession. He met with over 100 farmers, their advisors, and industry experts to paint a wide picture of ownership structures, financial...

When we talk about assets on farm, we often think of land, livestock, and machinery. But there’s one asset that’s even more important — and that’s you, the farmer.   Farming can be risky, physically and financially, and too often we overlook how vulnerable we are when we don’t have the right support in place for ourselves and our families. In this episode, we’re joined by Ash Krishna from FMG to t...

Farm ownership is becoming harder for young Kiwis, and traditional succession is no longer working for many farming families.  In this episode, we hear from Sarah How, founder of Landify, about the challenges and opportunities in farm succession and ownership.  Sarah explains why succession is getting tougher, explores alternative ownership models, and offers practical advice for both older farmer...

Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most serious animal diseases globally, and while New Zealand has never had an outbreak, the risk is very real. If the disease were to make it to our shores the consequences would be huge for our rural communities and the wider economy.  To help us understand the risks, the plans in place, and what farmers need to know, we're joined by Dr. Mary van Andel, t...

Gallagher’s Sarah Adams returns to explore the latest in agri-tech, from virtual fencing to smart ear tags and integrated data systems. She shares insights from U.S. farming trends, discusses adoption barriers, and offers practical advice for tech-curious Kiwi farmers keen to boost efficiency and make smarter on-farm decisions.  Links Virtual fencing and precision farming | EP 10 - Federated Farme...

Farm succession—it’s one of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand’s rural families. How do you pass the farm on to the next generation in a way that’s fair, makes financial sense, and keeps relationships intact?  Our guest today is Joe Morgan, an accountant and director at GFA in Te Awamutu, who is back by popular demand. Joe's here to cover the main challenges farmers are facing with far...

New Zealand’s sheep population has plummeted from over 70 million in the 1980s to just 25 million today—and the decline is accelerating.  In this episode, we speak with Toby Williams, national meat and wool chair and a sheep farmer himself, about the alarming state of the red meat sector.  What’s driving the loss—land use changes, climate policy, farmer confidence, or economics? What’s at stake fo...

A recent contract milking survey has sparked debate across the dairy industry. In this episode, we speak with survey creator Louise Gibson, and Brendan Attrill, a long-time industry leader and Federated Farmers farm owner representative, to unpack the key findings. We explore why the survey was conducted, what the results reveal, and how both sides of the industry are reacting. Brendan and Louise...

One of the biggest days in the dairy farming calendar, Moving Day, is fast approaching.   It’s a day full of change and challenge as thousands of farmers, workers, and their families head off to start a new chapter on a new farm. It’s a big logistical job, but there’s also the emotional, professional and relationship side to think about too.  So, how do you do Moving Day well? How do you prepare,...

Global scrutiny of farming is rising — but how can farmers respond? Journalist and Nuffield Scholar Claire Taylor has travelled the world exploring how agricultural sectors are responding to criticism and shifting public perception. In this episode, she shares lessons from her journey and offers practical advice for New Zealand farmers seeking a stronger voice. Links Primary Industries New Zealand...

One of the best ways for farmers to protect special areas of their land is covenanting with the QEII National Trust. But what does that actually mean in practice? What are the benefits and challenges? And what does the future of covenanting look like?" Our guest for this episode is Dan Coup, CEO of the QEII Trust, who explains everything from the history of QEII to the practicalities of coven...

Financial adviser Michael Raynes returns to share fresh insights on building and protecting wealth in 2025. We cover savings, investments, debt, succession, and more—plus what today’s economic and global shifts mean for Kiwi farmers. Whether you're starting out or planning your exit, this wide-ranging chat is packed with practical advice.  Note: nothing discussed in this podcast should be con...

Is rural crime getting worse? When do most thefts happen? And what can farmers do to make their property a harder target for criminals?  Abby France from FMG Insurance joins us to share insights on rural crime trends, practical ways for you to reduce risk, and what to do if you become a victim of rural crime.  Whether you manage thousands of hectares or a small lifestyle block, this is a conversat...

Drought conditions are forcing sharemilkers, contract milkers and farm owners to make tough decisions, like drying off early, which can strain relationships and impact the future of the business. Some contract milkers are facing months of low income ahead.  So, how do you get through these kinds of adverse events, protect the relationship and business, stay afloat financially, and keep your eyes s...

Our guest on this episode is Joe Morgan an accountant in Te Awamutu, Waikato, who does a lot of work with farmers.  Joe is a director at GFA but previously had a career in rural banking.  He also has a degree in Agri-Commerce majoring in farm management and rural valuation – so he’s a pretty good guy to have in your corner.  Over the years, he’s seen it all — avoidable tax headaches, business stru...

A military veteran of 16 years, Tony Groves’ military and security career saw him deployed to Timor-Leste, Iraq and Afghanistan, where he honed his leadership skills in high-pressure environments. He now fronts Halo Training, a business that offers leadership and personal development training to help people, including farmers, build resilience. On this episode, Tony shares his thoughts on the simi...

If you've seen an ad for a contract milking or sharemilking position that could tick the boxes, what comes next? What are the critical steps to take to ensure it’s the right job for you, that it'll pay what you need and keep you moving forward in your career?   Richard McIntyre, an experienced sharemilker and Federated Farmers national dairy chair, joins us to methodically walk us throug...

Ginny Dodunski, Wormwise programme manager, joins us to share the concerning results of new research into the state of drench-resistant worms in cattle here in New Zealand. She covers the basics of good worm management, why drench resistance is worsening, how to spot it and deal with it, what it means for dairy and beef farmers, and much more practical advice. Links: Survey findings: A convenience...

After a break over summer, Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford reflects on the big wins for farmers last year, the challenges, and what his major goals are for the year ahead. He talks about plans to make the farmer voice even louder, getting KiwiSaver changes across the line, whether ‘Team Ag’ is playing as a team yet, and much more.  Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us you...

What are the biggest risks involved in going contract milking, sharemilking or being a share farm owner? And how do you manage or mitigate those risks? For our final episode of 2024, we’re talking to Taranaki dairy farmer Sam Ebbett, who’s Federated Farmers’ national sharefarmer chair. Useful links Federated Farmers contracts   Federated Farmers Podcast: Advice for new contract milkers | EP 06 Fed...

Gisborne farmer and Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams joins us to discuss what’s going on for Kiwi sheep and beef farmers right now, where he thinks things are going in 2025, and what he reckons might need to change for sheep farmers, in particular, to get back in the black.  Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

How could Donald Trump’s second term in the White House affect Kiwi farmers? What should we expect to see with international trade and market access? To get some insights, we catch up with Todd Muller, former leader of the National Party and now co-host of a podcast that helps explain American politics to a Kiwi audience.  Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this e...

Feral animals are costing Kiwi farmers a fortune, so how are we going to control them? Landcare Research scientist Bruce Warburton and Federated Farmers pest spokesperson Richard McIntryre join us to quantify the impact pests have on farming and biodiversity, discuss the science behind pest management, outline best practice control methods, and more. Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and giv...