CountryWide Spring 2026

With 40 years of farm consultancy experience, Kerry Dwyer has sat on both sides of many tables. He shares some advice on leasing farms and some basic principles. Words Kerry Dwyer.

Lifting productivity and reducing the dairy sector’s environmental footprint is the focus of a new multi-partner initiative.

Can irrigation schemes transform individual farm environment plans into catchment-wide action? Projects like near-river recharge on the Hekeao/Hinds Plains show how shared water infrastructure can move beyond delivery to drive whole-catchment environmental recovery. IrrigationNZ chief executive Karen Williams says that schemes offer the scale, oversight and tools needed to help farmers manage water responsibly and deliver broader environmental gains. Words Kathryn Healy.

As land and water management policies evolve, Brent Paterson, Chair of Catchment Communities Aotearoa, shares an update on the latest legislative changes and the growing role of farmer-led catchment groups. Words Brent Paterson.

A potential weakness for the lack of advisory boards was highlighted by recent research conducted among farmers. Hayden Dillon, Findex Managing Partner – Accounting & Business Advisory, is concerned that nearly half of the farmers that participated in a recent Findex survey say they don’t have any advisory board or governance group support. Words Hayden Dillon.

When the 3 ‘F’s’ bite – fuel, feed & fertiliser – what sets the top 20% of profitable farmers apart in their decision making as these on farm costs put pressure on margins.Words James Allen.

A record-breaking El Niño is building in the Pacific, tracking to become the strongest event in 150 years. While this sounds alarming, the crucial message Tony Trewinnard from Blue Skies Weather has for farmers, is that this doesn’t guarantee a record-breaking drought or heatwave. Instead, it signals a season defined by persistent, drying westerly winds, with significantly different outcomes depending on your farm’s location. Words Tony Trewinnard.

After two centuries of losing ground to introduced predators, a groundbreaking collaboration between high-country farmers, conservationists and tech partners is turning the tide. Moving away from the endless, expensive cycle of pest suppression, this ambitious project has achieved a successful proof of concept for total eradication. Words Allison Hess.

New Zealand’s finest lamb has primarily been focused on the tables of the world. Marc and Jess Hamilton of Leelands Lamb are changing that. From their Southland base, the couple hand-cut, age and dispatch the export-grade lamb straight to Kiwi home kitchens. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Strong El Niño weather patterns are expected this summer, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is encouraging farmers to consider the tools they have available to them to deal with hot, dry conditions. Summer forage crops allow farmers to make use of soil moisture in spring to grow feed that will be available over summer. Words Sandra Taylor.