Jim Ward and Simon Cameron — bringing grazing back to crown land | EP 62
For decades, grazing kept New Zealand’s Crown land in check, supporting healthy landscapes and holding back pests and weeds. But when livestock were removed, those problems exploded. In this episode, Jim Ward and Simon Cameron explain why carefully managed, low-impact grazing could help reverse the decline. Jim is the former manager of Molesworth Station and current Federated Farmers high country co-chair, while Simon is Federated Farmers meat and wool vice chair. They share lessons from the high country, the challenges on Crown and conservation land, and what needs to change to make this practical again.Useful linksHow grazing can save our high country
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How do we win the war on pines and pests? | EP 61
Feral pests like deer pigs are exploding in number across New Zealand, while wilding pines are marching across some of our most iconic landscapes. Farmers are seeing the fallout every day: destroyed pasture, lost production, biosecurity risks, and farmland slowly buried beneath unwanted trees.In this episode we’re joined by Federated Farmers meat & wool chair Richard Dawkins and executive member Ruby Mulinder to unpack the scale of the problem and what it will take to turn the tide.We look at why pest numbers have surged, the impact of neighbouring conservation and forestry land, and the critical gaps in current pest management settings. Then we dive into wilding pines – how fast they’re spreading, why Richard calls them “a ticking time bomb”, and the serious threat they pose to productive farmland and biodiversity.Finally, we explore the solutions, like a national strategy, greater funding, and even practical changes on farm. Other podcasts on this topic: Carbon forestry crisis – the view from Southland | EP 49The science of pest management | EP 21
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How farmers can lead well when the pressure is on | EP 60
Running a farm means leadership under pressure is part of the job. When the weather turns, the workload spikes or the unexpected hits, there’s no pause button. Southland leadership trainer and former military veteran Tony Groves helps farmers, team supervisors and rural professionals make better decisions when the heat is on. After a hugely popular first appearance, Tony is back to share new insights from the farm businesses he’s working with right now. We dive into practical tools to: • Stay calm and clear in crisis • Communicate so there’s less friction • Execute when time and energy are tight • Build trust and a stronger team culture • Make fast calls without shutting people out Useful links Different battles, same pressures: an army veteran’s advice for farmers | EP 28 Halo Training
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The KiwiSaver roadblock facing young farmers | EP 59
It’s been more than two years since the Government promised to let young farmers use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home or farm — but nothing has changed. In this episode, we talk with Kylee Smit, a Cambridge-based mortgage adviser who works with many young farmers and rural workers trying to get on the property ladder. Kylee explains why the current KiwiSaver rules don’t work for farmers, the frustration it’s causing across rural communities, and how fixing the system could open up huge opportunities for the next generation in agriculture.
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Contract milking insights from Colin Glass | EP 58
Contract milking remains a key stepping stone in New Zealand dairying, but what does it take to succeed in this role today? In this episode, Dairy Holdings chief executive Colin Glass shares his experience running one of the country’s largest contract milking systems. He discusses the skills, mindset, and strategies that set top contract milkers apart, how the model is evolving, and practical advice for those starting or growing their careers in dairying.
The Federated Farmers Podcast is your weekly guide to the issues affecting rural New Zealand. Join us as we unpack the policies, challenges and big ideas shaping life on farm. With frank conversations from farmers, advocates and experts, we break down what matters and why, so you can stay informed, prepared and heard. Hosted by Ben Chapman-Smith.
New Zealand