Country-Wide Spring 2024

We have less than five seasons until overseas 2030 targets begin to impact our overseas exports, and we may still yet need to be able to minimise and measure our own emissions domestically. With this in mind, farmers might be wondering what tools are out there to help them tackle their emissions, in ways they integrate into their existing systems.
Hear from two agricultural organisations, AgriZeroNZ and Ruminant Biotech, working to develop the tools to minimise methane emissions, and a farmer utilising genetics to breed low-methane sheep.

Investing off-farm in property or shares can be a daunting prospect, however it’s an increasingly appealing way to future proof your funds and diversify wealth away from land. Navigating how to start, what to invest in, and how to manage the risks should be top of mind for anyone interested in investing.
Learn more about how managing your wealth can help with farm succession, retirement, and preparing your rainy day fund. We also cover the importance of estate planning and insurance when it comes to key people in your business. Hear from Financial Advisor Carissa Fairborther, Scott McKenzie from PMG Funds, and Wealth Management Advisor Angus Marks.

When the traditional income streams are not delivering enough to the bottom line, is it time to diversify into activities that don’t rely on the cyclical nature of farm commodities? It can be hard to know what options are out there to diversify onfarm income, and how they can be integrated into your farming system. In this episode hear about different options for diversifying, from raising goats for cashmere to horticulture and viticulture. We speak to Olivia Sanders from NZ Cashmere; Che Charteris from Craigmore Sustainables; and Marcus Bousfield from ANZ.

Could solar farming be the next value-add option for New Zealand farmers? Agrivoltaics, which sees dual use of farmland between solar farming and traditional farming, is gaining traction as a viable way of diversifying income.
Hear what’s already happening in this space, including the Lincoln University energy farm project, how Lodestone Energy is partnering with farmers to expand their solar farm network, and listen to farmer Hamish Hills, who researched, financed and installed his own solar setup on his Golden Bay dairy farm.

Once spring arrives, we all have itching feet to get the barbecue out and entertain. Invitations to the neighbours for a few chops and beverages seem appealing as we get out of winter mode. But you can’t turn up empty handed. If you are like me, you always like to take something despite being told ‘just bring yourselves’. This slice is perfect for that occasion. Great to have as a sweet treat at the end of the night, and any leftovers can be left at your host’s house to munch on the following day. Words & Photos Philippa Cameron.

Perched on dramatic coastal cliffs with sweeping vistas over the Cook Strait and the South Island, Boomrock is the ultimate experience venue, a unique and awe-inspiring place to create lifelong memories. It’s also the legacy of the Eastwick family, who created longevity through diversification. Word Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

A photo shoot unlocked a life-changing leap for Ōmarama’s Kate Wilson, who’s now living her creative dreams in Nashville and along US highways. Words Craig Sisterson.

Sandra Matthews, Rere, Gisborne, sheep and beef farmer, and winner of the FMG Rural Champion award at the 2022 B+LNZ Awards.

Anna Munro is a mum, farmer and rural photographer based in Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury.

Ben Dooley, Mimihau, Southland is a fourth-generation farmer, farming in Mimihau, Southland with his wife, Sarah, and two boys.