Home Block

In this episode Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with the Country-Wide Autumn 2025 homeblock columnists on how they’re adapting to different changes in their corner of New Zealand and Australia.

Kate McBride, farming in remote western New South Wales, reflects on isolation for women in agriculture, and the fallout of live export reforms on Aussie farmers.

King Country’s Dani Darke is tackling dry conditions on farm while exploring agritech and global insights through her Nuffield Scholarship abroad.

Mark Guscott shares his learnings about ‘regenerative’ branded product expansion in the US as Aitken’s Ranch launches their Wairarapa raised lamb under this certified label.

In South Otago, Nigel Woodhead is reducing their reliance on sheep and beef by investing in forestry and new business opportunities, focusing on long-term resilience and sustainability.

This episode brings together insights from a diverse group of Homeblock columnists, offering a broad perspective on farming both in New Zealand and abroad. Rebecca Greaves and Sarah Perriam-Lampp discuss a range of topics, from sheep breeding and cattle fertility to shifting seasonal conditions and life on the land. This episode explores the evolving challenges and triumphs of farmers across different regions, highlighting their experiences and expertise.

This week we catch up with Country-Wide’s Spring issue Home Block columnists from around the country to find out what’s happening in their patch. From yearling bull sales and cyclone recovery in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, to challenging lambing conditions in Southland, our four farmers discuss the challenges and rewards of farming in each of their regions.

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.

Max Tweedie, Tutira, Hawke’s Bay and his wife Lucy run Hallmark Angus Stud.

Paul Burt loves his new dozer, but he’s struggling to grasp the concept of teamwork.