Episode 81 – Beef finishing transforms hill-country farm

Setting up cell grazing systems on their Te Pahu hill-country farm has transformed more than just Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent’s bottom line.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Waikato farmers Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent about their shift to cell grazing and the transformation of their 325-hectare bull beef operation. They discuss challenges and learnings, how the system has lifted production while supporting environmental outcomes, and insights gained from being a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm.

Guests:

• Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent, Waikato farmers

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent are transforming their Waikato bull beef operation through cell grazing systems that combine productivity with environmental care. They focus on refining intensive finishing systems, improving land resilience, and lifting carcass production while adapting to the challenges of hill country farming. Their approach has seen stocking rates increase while less-productive land is retired, proving profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.

As a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm, they share learnings and trial new approaches alongside a network of peers and mentors. By opening their farm to scrutiny and collaboration, Heather and Elliot are helping shape the future of sustainable beef production in New Zealand, inspiring others to re-think traditional systems.

Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here.