Farmers rely on rural media to stay informed – but shrinking print runs, social media, and changing news habits are putting pressure on traditional outlets. In this episode, we sit down with Dean Williamson, CEO of AgriHQ and publisher of Farmers Weekly, to discuss the challenges facing rural media. We explore the changing media landscape, how younger farmers are consuming news differently, and why Dean believes connecting rural New Zealand is more important than ever. We also ask: what legacy does he hope to leave behind?
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38:33
Will farmers finally get a fair deal on banking? | EP 50
Farmers have long been saying they’re getting a raw deal from the banks – higher interest rates, tougher lending rules, fewer options, and growing pressure around environmental reporting. That’s why Federated Farmers pushed so hard for a rural banking inquiry. Now, after months of hearings and submissions, the Finance and Expenditure Committee has released its final report. It calls for changes to capital requirements, new transparency rules, and stronger political oversight of the big banks. But will this really deliver a fair deal for farmers? What will it mean for farming families, and how do we make sure the recommendations turn into lasting change? To unpack it all, we’re joined by Mark Hooper, Federated Farmers’ new banking spokesperson, and Richard McIntyre, the former spokesperson who helped lead the fight for the inquiry.
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Carbon forestry crisis – the view from Southland | EP 49
Carbon forestry is spreading fast, and the impacts are becoming impossible to ignore for farmers in regions like Southland. In this episode, we’re joined by Dean Rabbidge, Southland Federated Farmers meat & wool chair, to talk about what he’s seeing on the ground. He describes the heartbreak of whole, highly productive farms being converted into pine plantations, and rural towns slowly hollowing out. He explains how the rise of carbon forestry is affecting local communities, contractors, shearers, and processors – and why it’s a serious threat to the red meat sector. We also dig into the Government’s promises to rein in carbon forestry, what’s actually being delivered, and what policy changes are urgently needed to stop the damage.
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Mental health on the land – what’s the plan? | EP 48
In this episode, we dig into the mental health challenges facing farmers and rural communities, and ask: is the support on offer actually working?Matt Doocey, New Zealand’s first dedicated Minister for Mental Health, joins us to discuss what’s changing, what still needs to, and whether rural voices are truly being heard.Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford shares what rural people are telling him they really need, the barriers that still exist, what support services need to look like on the ground, and the role farming leaders must play in driving change.Where to get helpIf you or someone you know needs support, free help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.You can also call Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP or 0800 787 254. Farmstrong is another great place to go for practical tools and strategies for managing workload, stress and pressure, and to hear other farmers talk about mental health.
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Hugh Jackson on farming, balance and backing himself | EP 47
A month since he won the prestigious NZ Young Farmer of the Year Award, we catch up with Hugh Jackson to find out how he’s feeling about the win and get to know a bit better. We dig into his background, his personal goals, his mental health story, his passion for the Young Farmers organisation, and what makes him tick. We also talk about winning the award, including some of the strategies he employed as part of his preparation, and we also hear about the trip to Tanzania he’s just returned from, and, interestingly, how the name on his birth certificate isn’t Hugh Jackson. LinksHugh Jackson crowned 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the YearFMG Young Farmer of the Year - Video
A podcast for Kiwi farmers to stay up to date with the latest news and views shaping the future of farming in New Zealand. Tune in every fortnight as we take a deep dive into the big issues. Hosted by Ben Chapman-Smith.
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