CountryWide Summer 2026

In this episode, Mike White, Chief Science Officer at Ravensdown, explains how Hawkeye Pro, the cooperative’s precision nutrient management platform, is helping New Zealand farmers apply the right nutrients in the right place at the right time. Drawing on years of research, soil science, and advanced technology, Mike outlines how Hawkeye Pro combines soil testing, remote sensing, farm-specific data, and AI to deliver measurable value while being considerate of the environment.

In this episode, Jeremy McPhail, Chair of Environment Southland and seventh-generation Southland farmer, discusses the region’s community-led review of local government and what it could mean for the future of regional governance.

In this episode, Conan Moynihan, farm consultant at Force of Nature and host of the From the Soil Up podcast, reflects on what it means to be part of the next generation shaping New Zealand agriculture.

In this episode, James Laughlin, a high-performance coach, author of Habits of High Performers and host of the Lead on Purpose podcast, shares how principles of sustained high performance can be applied to farming. Drawing on his work with elite athletes, business leaders and rural clients, James explains why high performance is about consistently exceeding expectations while protecting wellbeing, relationships and long-term resilience.

In this episode, Terry Kingsbury, Chief Drone Pilot at Agricultural Consulting Services in Canterbury, discusses the evolution of drone technology in New Zealand agriculture and why it is becoming an essential tool for farm productivity and precision management. He explains how drones are used for accurate plant counts, crop health monitoring, mapping, and variable rate spraying, and highlights the importance of integrating these tools into everyday farm decision-making.

In this episode, Jane Robb, Senior Environmental Consultant at Irricon, discusses the evolution of soil moisture monitoring in New Zealand and why it is becoming an essential tool for farm productivity and environmental management. She explains how modern technology helps farmers make smarter irrigation decisions, highlights the importance of matching sensors to different soil types, and outlines what this could mean for improving water use efficiency, nutrient retention, and overall farm resilience.

In this episode, Dr Lucy Bell discusses her PhD research into legume species that can thrive in hill and high country soils affected by high aluminium toxicity. She explains why traditional options like lucerne struggle in these environments, highlights the standout performance of species such as Lotus pedunculatus and crimson clover, and outlines what this could mean for improving nitrogen supply, forage quality and animal performance in challenging farming systems.

A new, global-first, cleaning technology is creating peace of mind for farmers and a safer work environment. Words Anne Lee.

In this episode, Rebecca Furzeland shares how she and her husband Andrew have built one of New Zealand’s standout large-scale calf rearing operations, combining smart infrastructure, tight systems and strong supplier relationships to rear 3,500 calves a year. She outlines the design decisions that drive efficiency, the early life nutrition that underpins animal health, and why clear communication with dairy farmers is the critical lever for lifting performance.

New Zealand is renowned for producing safe, nutritious food with ethical farming practices. This special report explores how food and fashion brands are meeting changing customer demands and our farmers’ efforts to match the evolving requirements with evidence. Words Anne Lee & Sarah Perriam-Lampp.