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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.