If New Zealand’s horticulture sector is to thrive into the future, it must invest in one of the most valuable resources – people, and in particular, young people. Words Sharon Williamson.

Cam Speedy and John Bissell have spent decades helping farmers and conservation projects across the country make real headway against rats, stoats, possums, feral cats and ferrets. Words Allison Hess.

A seven-time world champion, accomplished leadership trainer and mental skills coach for Canterbury Rugby provides tips on balancing ambition, pressure and success for farmers to ‘level up’ beyond relentless grit. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Now back farming with Align Farms, after a 6 year stint working in agronomy roles, Will Perriam-Lampp shares his thoughts on farmers taking ownership over their crops and farm systems to avoid being sold whatever drives up their driveway.

After her recent overseas trips and time spent in many governance roles, such as Deer Industry NZ and Wai Wānaka, Dr Mandy Bell, farming with her husband Jerry at Criffel Station near Wānaka, challenges our sector’s vision towards a healthy outcome.

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

Read Country-Wide Spring 2025 online here. Country-Wide is New Zealand’s only dedicated farmers and growers magazine, available on subscription.

It’s never been more important to have eyes to the future, looking for signals ahead to what might be coming rather than looking in the rear-vision mirror. This special report arms your farming business on how to set a strategy that is resilient and aiming in the right direction – meeting the market. Words Anne Lee.

As a Big Buddy, Mark Withers is inspiring the next generation of farmers after a powerful bond was established through the programme with Kobi – proving that positive male role models can truly change young boys’ lives. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Spring can be a mixed bag of weather but ideal for preparation to reset, rethink, and retool your irrigation strategy. Words Kathryn Healy.