Federated Farmers Podcast

After several years focused on restoring farmer confidence, the conversation is shifting – from fighting roadblocks to driving the sector forward.In this conversation, Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford reflects on a landmark year for rural New Zealand and what it will take for New Zealand farming to be genuinely world-leading again.We unpack the major policy wins delivered in 2025, including reduced red tape, real cost savings for farmers, and a Government that’s finally backing the sector rather than holding it back.Wayne shares what he’s most proud of from the past year, the toughest calls he’s had to make as president, and how the organisation’s long-standing policy priorities are tracking. We also look ahead to the next election, the challenges still facing farmers at a regional level, and what it will take to turn recent wins into lasting progress.

Marc Gascoigne, a Cambridge dairy farmer and Farmstrong Champion, joins us to share his wellbeing journey, including what it was like to suffer in silence for years and what helped him turn things around, including an unexpected conversation with his brother.We’re also joined by Farmstrong CEO Gerard Vaughan, who helped establish Farmstrong in 2015 and has spent years turning research and psychology into practical tools that actually work for farmers.As well as Marc’s personal story, you’ll hear about the most common stressors farmers face, what stops them asking for help, and the habits, mindsets and simple actions that make the biggest difference – even during busy seasons like calving and lambing.This is a practical, honest conversation about what really helps farmers stay well, and how we keep normalising these conversations across the rural sector.Useful linksFarmstrong.co.nzJason Herrick’s mental health story | EP 18Mental health on the land – what’s the plan? | EP 48‘How are you really doing?’ — Bex Green’s mental health story | EP 55How farmers can lead well when the pressure is on | EP 60

Interest rates have been shifting fast, and many farmers are wondering if now is the time to fix or float their loans. To help cut through the noise, we’re joined by NZAB founder and director Scott Wishart, who explains what’s happening in the current lending environment and how farmers can approach their lending decisions with confidence. We cover the pros and cons of fixing vs floating, common mistakes to avoid, how to think about term length, and the strategies farmers are using to manage risk, cashflow and uncertainty. Scott also answers questions asked by a young farmer for this episode specifically, including whether fixing ever makes sense if you can ride out the tougher periods.If you’re reviewing your loan structure or planning for the next season, Scott’s insights will prove valuable.  Useful links: Rural banking inquiry: 'Let's get it underway' | EP 03How farmers can unlock better banking deals | EP 52

British farmers are facing many of the same pressures as Kiwi farmers – rising costs, land use change, tougher environmental rules, and greater public scrutiny.Tom Bradshaw, president of the UK’s National Farmers’ Union, joins us to share what’s happening on the ground, with the looming new inheritance tax of greatest concern. Tom also talks about what’s happening with farmer confidence, public perception, climate policy, Jeremy Clarkson, and more.Hear about the challenges, wins and day-to-day realities of farming in the UK, and how it compares to life on the farm in New Zealand.

Thinking about entering a farm equity partnership, or just curious about how they work? In this episode, rural accountant Joe Morgan breaks it all down. Joe, a director at GFA in Te Awamutu, explains what equity partnerships are, how they differ from arrangements like sharemilking and contract milking, and how they can fit into succession planning.He shares real-life stories, highlights common pitfalls, and outlines the key dos and don'ts to help ensure everyone benefits. Useful linksDairyNZ's equity partnership resources