Country-Wide is New Zealand’s only dedicated pastoral and arable farming magazine. It is a trusted farm management publication, delivering content on red meat, wool and arable farming topics.
Each issue gives independent, credible and often exclusive information to help them run your farm businesses better.
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.
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.
A wild weed
The rural community are great at stepping up, helping out beyond their farm gate. These five legends are tackling arguably New Zealand’s biggest weed problem – wilding conifers. While some of us throw our hands in the air and call defeat, these farmers, foresters and fighters have taken on the problem and made it their own. As Ket Bradshaw puts it, together we can make a first step on something that is daunting. Words Jo Grigg.
Burps & Bluster
Are farmers doing enough on methane? Methane from Kiwi farms accounts for more than a third of the country’s greenhouse emissions. But exactly how this gas contributes to global warming and to what extent it should reduce is complex. As our methane targets look set to be overhauled, George Driver investigates how the gas heats the planet and how low our emissions should go. Words George Driver.
Making the most of the rain
Water has always been a precious resource for Central Otago farmers Tim and Camilla Rutherford, and they’re keen to ensure they utilise every drop that falls from the sky. Words Rebecca Greaves
Forecasting Canterbury’s 1992 snowstorm
As the quality of forecasting has got better, (accuracy being only one aspect) the opportunity to make smart farming decisions has increased.
Words Annabelle Allott.
Unlock cashflow to keep growing
For farmers, managing cashflow while keeping stock numbers up can be a constant challenge. Words PGG Wrightson
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Award Winners 2024
The winners in the 2024 Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Awards were announced at a gala dinner at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton on 10 October.
During the evening, which celebrated the depth of the talent within this country’s red meat industry, the winners of the eight Award categories and B+LNZ Regional Leadership Award were announced.
On the lookout for Listeria
Listeria can present in a number of different ways and one common source of listeria infection in sheep is from feeding silage that hasn’t been well preserved. Vet Sara Sutherland outlines the different symptoms and treatments for listeria, and the importance of involving your vet early.
Collaboration key in sheep industry
Wellington sheep and beef farmer Hamish Best represented New Zealand in the 2024 Global Sheep Forum Next Generation programme earlier this year. Collaboration between countries was a major theme of the forum. Words Hamish Best.
Technology – a game changer
Dani Darke lives and farms with her husband Anthony and their three daughters on their sheep and beef farm in Aria, the King Country.
In search of unlikely heroes
Gavin Tait is a cattle fertility vet who also runs a beef and sheep farm in the Eastern Scottish Borders, United Kingdom, with his wife Julia and sons Archie, 7, and Rory, 6.
The battle scars of farming
Charlotte Rietveld manages Middle Rock, the family’s intergenerational sheep farm in mid-Canterbury’s Rakaia Gorge, where she lives with husband Vince and their three young children
The park project
Jarrod and Danielle Hawkins farm east of Otorohanga, running sheep, beef and dairy grazers on 350 hectares (total farm area is 450ha, with 100ha in bush). Jarrod does most of the useful farming; Danielle works part-time as a vet, organises children, writes novels and helps out from time to time.
“Greenie” at heart
Sandra Matthews, Rere, Gisborne, sheep and beef farmer, and winner of the FMG Rural Champion award at the 2022 B+LNZ Awards.
Investing off farm What’s the right strategy?
Selling a farm is a significant milestone, particularly if the farm has been in the family for generations. Words Angus Marks, Andrew Austin and Harriet Jones, Wealth Management, Jarden Wealth
Insurance premiums surge as global risk rises and inflation bites
No farm business would have missed the significant increase in the cost of insurance in the past year. Tony Leggett investigates what’s behind the increase and the options for reducing the cost in the future.
When the going gets tough
Sheep and beef farmers are weathering a difficult season so we spoke to industry professionals about their advice for getting through tough times. Words Sandra Taylor.
Capturing the premiums
The Harper’s focus on creating an inter-generational business model, with built-in niche products in partnership with suppliers, has diversified their farming business across many value chains. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Emmily Harmer Photography, Headwaters and Stoney Creek.
Should all your wealth be in your land?
When surplus capital is built up in the farm the instinct is often to buy the neighbouring block when it comes on the market. Words Angus Marks and Andrew Austin, Wealth Management, Jarden Wealth.
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Collaborative data for the common good
International Genetic Solutions aims to serve the beef industry by providing resources for genetic improvement using the best technology available and unprecedented collaboration. Words Jackie Aitken, International Genetic Solutions.
Global tariff challenges may create opportunities
New Zealand farmers are no strangers to volatility, and 2024 was another year that tested our resilience for beef exports. Words Simon Quilty.
Genetic testing ground
Some of the most arid soils in Canterbury are proving to be the ideal testing ground for Richard and Denise van Asch’s beef genetics. Words Sandra Taylor.
Pivoting for premiums
New Zealand farmers are no strangers to volatility, and 2024 was another year that tested our resilience for beef exports. Words Sirma Karapeeva.
A playbook of passion & profit for future beef
The rewards of a minimal bobby calf policy for the Wrights’ dairy farms paired with a nostalgic love of Red Devons has seen the growth of Tamar Beef rearing beef-cross calves to marbled steak direct to the consumer. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Ben Doubleday.
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