Podcasts
The Beef Country Podcast – Kaiwara Angus: Balanced genetics for commercial success
In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with George and Penny Johns of Kaiwara Angus. They discuss breeding structurally sound, resilient bulls for dryland systems, with type and functionality prioritised alongside data.
The pair highlight the importance of matching genetics to farming systems, managing milk for fertility, and balancing phenotype with performance to deliver practical, commercially relevant cattle.
2024 Nuffield Report – Coding for Change: Navigating adoption of gene editing in the New Zealand primary sector
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Nuffield Scholar Rachel Baker about her research into the potential future of gene editing in New Zealand’s primary industries which formed the basis of her 2024 Nuffield scholarship. Rachel explored how New Zealand could responsibly adopt the technology while protecting its global reputation.
She highlights international models, like Norway’s, and sees early potential in horticulture. Emphasising transparency, trade alignment, and inclusivity, Rachel believes gene editing should be farmer-led and value-driven—supporting innovation while respecting consumer choice and the diverse values across New Zealand’s food and fibre sectors.
2024 Nuffield Report – Beyond the farm gate: Rethinking New Zealand’s economic future
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp interviews Nuffield Scholar Carlos Bagrie about New Zealand’s economic future beyond agriculture and tourism. Carlos highlights the need for long-term planning and diversification to address the limits of mature industries.
Drawing on global experiences, he urges building new value streams and deeper collaboration across sectors. Carlos calls for a national conversation on New Zealand’s identity and a 25- to 50-year vision, aiming to inspire bold, innovative solutions that ensure sustainable prosperity for future generations.
The Beef Country Podcast – Te Mania: Performance, progress and the future of Angus
In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with Will Wilding of Te Mania Angus. Will shares how their herd structure balances maternal strength with innovation in terminal and dairy-focused genetics. He explains a new AI tender system replacing stud transfers, designed to prioritise commercial buyers and share value.
Will also discusses finishing their own calves to validate genetics, the importance of weighing for growth, and growing demand for performance-proven cattle.
The Beef Country Podcast – Simmental New Zealand: Delivering growth, yield and temperament
In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with Tom Sanson from Gold Creek Simmentals, representing Simmental New Zealand. Tom highlights why Simmental bulls are ideal terminal sires, citing growth, carcass yield, and docility. He explains hybrid vigour and its benefits in crossbreeding systems.
The discussion includes tips for bull buyers, the importance of aligning with like-minded breeders, and updates on the IGES evaluation system. Tom also points listeners to online tools like Helical and encourages farmers to explore Simmental genetics to boost performance and profitability.
Episode 67 – Muller Station’s journey balancing profit and ecological resilience
In this episode, Jo Grigg speaks with Steve Satterthwaite, who farms Muller Station in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley with his family. Their low-input, environmentally focused approach has created a resilient high country system balancing fine wool, meat with their dual-purpose merino and biodiversity values.
Sarah Perriam-Lampp also speaks with ecologist David Norton, who helped develop Muller’s integrated farm management plan. He highlights the need for long-term, landscape-scale solutions to threats like wilding pines, deer, and goats.
Episode 66 – Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari: How farmers are helping save New Zealand kiwi
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with Graeme Gleeson, a Waikato sheep and beef farmer, and Helen Hughes, CEO of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, about farming’s growing role in helping preserve New Zealand’s biodiversity through conservation. Graeme reflects on the community’s involvement in kiwi recovery and environmental stewardship, while Helen discusses the urgent need for funding to support the continuation of kiwi translocations and predator control.
The Beef Country Podcast – Turihaua Angus: Built on legacy, driven by data
In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with Paul Williams of Turihaua Angus, one of New Zealand’s oldest Angus studs. Paul shares how the stud balances traditional stockmanship with modern genetic tools, focusing on fertility, structural soundness, and temperament. He discusses the importance of selecting cattle suited to their environment, maintaining genetic diversity, and producing predictable, resilient animals for commercial farmers.
Paul also reflects on the stud’s smooth leadership transition and outlines future plans, including expanding embryo transfer programmes and continuing Turihaua’s legacy ahead of their 125th bull sale in 2031.
Episode 65 – Autumn farmer round-up
In this episode Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with the Country-Wide Autumn 2025 homeblock columnists on how they’re adapting to different changes in their corner of New Zealand and Australia.
Kate McBride, farming in remote western New South Wales, reflects on isolation for women in agriculture, and the fallout of live export reforms on Aussie farmers.
King Country’s Dani Darke is tackling dry conditions on farm while exploring agritech and global insights through her Nuffield Scholarship abroad.
Mark Guscott shares his learnings about ‘regenerative’ branded product expansion in the US as Aitken’s Ranch launches their Wairarapa raised lamb under this certified label.
In South Otago, Nigel Woodhead is reducing their reliance on sheep and beef by investing in forestry and new business opportunities, focusing on long-term resilience and sustainability.
The Beef Country Podcast – Grampians Angus: Breeding for the future
In this episode, host Jo Scott speaks with Jono Reed, stud master and owner of Grampians Angus, to discuss the history and breeding philosophy behind their Angus operations. Grampians Angus is known for its focus on functional, fertile cattle bred to perform under tough environmental conditions and shifting market demands.
Jono shares how Grampians Angus combines traditional stockmanship with modern genetic tools to guide their selection decisions. He highlights the importance of matching animals to the environment, and how observation and natural selection still play a critical role alongside data.