Episode 77 – Inside the Value Chain Innovation Programme
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.
A biodiversity blueprint
In the gullies of Clinton in South Otago, the Campbells have developed an innovative new approach to native planting and maintenance that’s more affordable, has a higher success rate and could be scalable nationally. Words & Photos Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
The Future of Forestry: Time to re-establish a native tree industry?
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is urging a “fundamental rethink” of New Zealand’s forestry policy and its role in emissions reduction in his latest report Alt F Reset which looks at the feasibility of large-scale native afforestation. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
TB-free milestone for Molesworth Station
A major milestone has been achieved after four decades of managing TB at Molesworth Station, marking one of New Zealand’s most determined and complex biosecurity challenges. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Kara Tait.
A collective voice
The newly formed Aotearoa New Zealand Catchment Communities aims to give a collective voice to catchment groups across the country, with a goal of providing security of funding for the future, and sharing the good news stories of farmer stewardship of the land. Words Rebecca Greaves.
Crowdfunding to help our national icon
Farmers have a long history of helping world-class conservation enterprise Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, and now the call has gone out to crowdfund two side-by-side vehicles needed to support its inspirational kiwi translocation programme.Words Rebecca Greaves, Photos Christine Cornege.
Restoring Mana
The transformation of a once-neglected property on the coastal hills on Northland’s Whangaruru Harbour was recognised on the national stage when Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust was awarded the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Lifting Feed Efficiency
The Turnwald family in Waikato have invested in composting barns and a feedpad to lift feed efficiency by reducing feed waste and ultimately helping cows hold condition year-round. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Farming the Individual Cow, Not the Herd
A Taranaki farmer has embraced all of MSD Animal Health’s SenseHub Dairy Technologies to allow his high-producing cows to continue being milked beyond a typical dry-off date based on accurate, real-time information from wearables, sensors and drafting tools. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Brad Hanson.
Dealing with shearing wounds
Nobody tries to cut a sheep, but when we do, what’s best practice? Vet Sara Sutherland says it’s not as simple as saying ‘slow down’ but highlights best practice for dealing with shearing wounds.
Wool Classers call for industry action on animal welfare
The wool industry continues to reckon with footage released by animal rights group PETA late last year that captured several New Zealand shearing sheds in serious breach of animal welfare standards – workers standing on sheep’s necks, dragging animals across floors, and stitching wounds without pain relief. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp
Leave Tariffs to the Farmers
Hank Volger started ranching in 1971 in Spring Valley at the tip of Nevada, south of Las Vegas, near the Arizona border with two cows and seven sheep. His business Needmore Sheep Co has over 7,000 merino ewes shorn mostly by Kiwi shearers.
From Butter to Beef: Rethinking Our Food System
Jo Hay farms near Herbert in North Otago on 260ha plus a lease of 410ha at Moeraki with husband Ross and children Charlie, Phoebe and Archie. She is also an elected director of North Otago Irrigation Company Ltd.
The Ageing Infrastructure – 50% of Farmers
George Moss is a Waikato dairy farmer at Tokoroa. He examines the issue of ageing infrastructure through the lens of an ageing population of farm owners who must devise a successful succession plan.
Keep the Sheep!
Steven Bolt is a farmer from Corrigin, in the Central Wheatbelt of Western Australia. He runs a mixed farming enterprise of merino sheep stud and cropping. He is the President of the Western Australian Stud Merino Breeders’ Association. In addition, he sits on the board of the Live Export Advisory Group.
A quarter of our annual rainfall in 36 hours
Brent Fisher is a third-generation farmer based outside of Christchurch at Motukarara (1,000-acre hill block rising to 350m) and Greenpark (1,275 acres 2m above sea level). He farms with his wife Anna and children and operates the Silverstream Charolais and Hereford stud.
Growing Into Growers
After many years of working with fresh produce, South Auckland’s Peter and Michelle Pan decided to grow fruit and vegetables commercially. Words Helena O’Neill, Photos Alan Gibson & Cristy Benson.
Masters of Diversification
Leefield Station in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley is a powerful example of diversification with multiple land uses intertwined and integrated to provide an intergenerational, future-proofed farming business. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Pioneer celebrates 50 years in New Zealand
The Yates family name is synonymous with seed with the family’s involvement in the seed industry starting in England in the late 1700s. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
NZ Deer Farmers celebrate 50 years
A reflection on half a century of development of New Zealand’s youngest agriculture industry. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Venison takes flight into new frontier
Despite the tariff war, New Zealand’s venison industry is making bold strides into the North American market – and it’s already paying off, exceeding three-year targets in the first nine months. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp
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High Performance Doesn’t Mean Burnout
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. Words & Photos Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Celebrating 100 Years of Rural Women New Zealand
As 2025 marks 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ), Margaret Vickers reflects on a life of service through sisterhood as a member and leadership roles within the organisation. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Emerging Leader Helps Farmers
Imogen Brankin, an On-Farm Sustainability Advisor at Silver Fern Farms, was recently named a finalist for the 2025 Emerging Leader Award at the Primary Industries NZ Awards. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
A Wild Ride Through Life
This isn’t your average stuffy business or farming book; it’s a refreshing, no-holds-barred uplifting read into how to live a wonderfully imperfect life. Ian ‘Harv’ Harvey dishes out hilarious anecdotes and heartfelt wisdom on leadership, authenticity, and the magic of human connection. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Fix Pasture Damage From Pugging With Direct Drilling
After a wet winter September is the only window of opportunity you have to fix damage from pugging to avoid an explosion of weeds and a major drop in pasture production. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
