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.
Episode 63 – Equity partnerships: How experts help navigate success
In this episode of the Country-Wide Autumn Special Report: Pathways to Farm Ownership, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with Sarah Barr from Rural Coach and Brent Irving from PGG Wrightson. Sarah Barr discusses how aligning values, building trust, and planning for the unexpected can create strong, long-lasting farming partnerships.
Brent, drawing on his rural banking and real estate background, shares insights on how equity partnerships and lease-to-buy models are helping young farmers onto the ownership ladder. He emphasises the importance of collaboration, long-term thinking, and management skills over upfront capital, encouraging aspiring farm owners to seek help early.
Predator Free 2050 – fantasy or reality?
Predator Free 2050 is an ambitious goal for New Zealand to achieve in just 25 years. As part of the Lincoln University Excellence Series, Professor James Ross shared his insights on predator free by 2050 – is it merely a fantasy or could this become our reality? Words Rebecca Greaves.
Live export ban drags on
Live cattle export has been a contentious issue, banned by the previous government, exporters and farmer suppliers are hoping a new gold standard accreditation can lead to the ban being overturned by August. But time is ticking, as politicians wait for advice from Ministry for Primary Industries officials before making a decision.
Words Tony Leggett
Down the drain – wool wins
Research has confirmed wool’s biodegradability, Joanna Grigg writes.
Chilean needle grass poses potential billion-dollar threat
The “sleeper weed” Chilean needle grass, if nothing was done to stop it, could spread through most of New Zealand and eventually cost the country over a billion dollars, according to newly published research.
What the farmers say
Integrated Farm Planning can seem a daunting task but there are plenty of resources and programmes available to support farmers to take the first step. Rebecca Greaves spoke to three farmers who have created their own farm plan through attending a BakerAg programme – something that can be achievable for all farmers, with a little help.
Tackling drench resistance in cattle
Drench resistance is a critical issue for New Zealand farmers and state-owned Pāmu is facing the challenge head-on. At Rangitāiki Station in the Central North Island, feeding and growing young cattle has been the key to continuing their dairy beef programme, while protecting the lucrative bull beef finishing component of the operation. Words Rebecca Greaves.
Turning around triple drench resistance
When testing revealed triple drench resistance, station manager Charles Yule knew he had to consider changes to the property’s management strategy.
Words Tony Leggett, Photos John Cowpland, Alphapix Photography.
Facing up to the threat
As an increasing number of sheep farmers grapple with triple drench resistance, a group of Wairarapa farmers are meeting on a regular basis to learn about managing parasites without relying on drenches. Words Sandra Taylor.
Five steps to controlling internal parasites
North Otago veterinarian Dave Roberston has developed a five-point plan to help farmers control parasites in sheep farm systems. Words Tony Leggett.
Farmer-led mineral focus group in face of drench resistance
Drench resistance has been a ticking time bomb for a while. Veterinarian Erin Riley first saw the signs of it in the UK before she moved to New Zealand, but was hopeful that the evolution of combination drenches would buy more time. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Reflections of a travelling Kiwi
Roger Barton, Carterton, Wairarapa, with his wife Barbie, farms a glorified lifestyle block (480ha total) amongst the rocks at Woodside, west of Greytown. They have four adult children, two of which are farming on their own blocks.
Stop and smell the roses
Max Tweedie, Tutira, Hawke’s Bay and his wife Lucy run Hallmark Angus Stud.
How to buy the right bull
Being clear on your desired outcome is the first step to ensure you end up with a bull-team well suited to your particular needs.
Minister’s trade priorities
The strength of our agricultural sector is a testament to farmers hard work and innovation; Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay is all too aware of his role to support and enhance collective efforts, particularly in expanding beef exports through strategic trade initiatives.
Reaping the rewards
Irrespective of market fluctuations, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Trade Policy team continues to represent the interests of this country’s sheep and beef farmers in global trade discussions. Senior Trade Policy Advisor, Nick Jolly, says B+LNZ’s strategy is to maintain, protect and improve access into current markets and to unlock new market potential. Words by Nick Jolly, Senior Trade Policy Advisor.
Capturing deforestation data
The deadline for the European Union deforestation law has been delayed by 12 months, but New Zealand will still need to prove that a number of commodities, including beef, have not been produced on land deforested after 2020. One Kiwi company may have a tech solution to help us map our progress. Words Rebecca Greaves.
The value of non-financial reporting
Jemima Snook’s Kellogg Rural Leadership project report posed the question of how to generate value and improve sustainability from non-financial farm reporting. We share an insight into her findings.
Enhanced extension model for B+LNZ
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is changing up its extension delivery model, focusing on making a difference behind the farm gate and farmer learning, with a new small group offering set to roll out in 2025. General manager extension, Justine Kidd, explains what this will mean for farmers. Words Rebecca Greaves.
Seven OIO decisions to convert hill country to forestry in February alone
Pasture to production forestry sales are back on the table for foreign investment in 2024 as the Overseas Investment Office clarifies its policy position on the benefit to NZ test, says Property Brokers General Manager - Rural, Conrad Wilkshire.
Repositioning demand for strong wool
Innovation and entrepreneurship is leading a revival in the fortunes of strong wool. By Tony Leggett
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New EBVs and traits on the way for Angus
Shared data and collaboration among breeders are helping to expand the mix of traits measured for estimated breeding values. Words Dave Warburton.
Cattle drench performance on the slide
Dairy grazers and farmers running R1 dairy beef are being urged to check the performance of their drenches after a recent cattle drench survey highlighted worrying levels of drench-resistant worms. Ginny Dodunski is urging farmers running dairy beef to check the performance of their drenches. Words Sandra Taylor.
Launching a farm beef brand not for the faint-hearted
It takes bucket loads of passion, massive determination and hours of dedication to achieve the dream of breeding, finishing, processing and retailing only beef cattle from one source. Words Tony Leggett.
AngusPRO Scoops Commercial Advantage
AngusPRO cattle are registered with Angus Australia, and recently, this has given them a commercial advantage with the addition of two new EBVs to utilise – Mature Cow Body Condition and Mature Cow Height.
Feed efficiency testing benefits wider beef industry
A new partnership arrangement has given Te Mania Angus the opportunity to further invest in infrastructure and the Wilding family grabbed the opportunity to install a feed intake testing unit on their North Canterbury farm. Words Sandra Taylor.
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