Farm succession—it’s one of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand’s rural families. How do you pass the farm on to the next generation in a way that’s fair, makes financial sense, and keeps relationships intact? Our guest today is Joe Morgan, an accountant and director at GFA in Te Awamutu, who is back by popular demand. Joe's here to cover the main challenges farmers are facing with farm succession and the role of trusts and other business structures. He’ll also walk us through some strategies for balancing inheritance between farming and non-farming children, and why getting the right professional advice early is critical.LinksJoe Morgan in episode 29: 'More than tax: the benefits of a good rural accountant'GFA Chartered AccountantsHot Tips for Successful Farm SuccessionRural Coach’s Free Succession Planning eBookKeeping Farming in the Family: A guide to succession planning for farmers and their families
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34:54
SOS: Save Our Sheep | EP 37
New Zealand’s sheep population has plummeted from over 70 million in the 1980s to just 25 million today—and the decline is accelerating. In this episode, we speak with Toby Williams, national meat and wool chair and a sheep farmer himself, about the alarming state of the red meat sector. What’s driving the loss—land use changes, climate policy, farmer confidence, or economics? What’s at stake for rural communities and the wider industry? And crucially, what can be done to reverse the trend? It’s a wake-up call for the future of sheep farming in New Zealand.
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Contract Milking Survey – discussing the results with Brendan Attrill and Louise Gibson | EP 36
A recent contract milking survey has sparked debate across the dairy industry. In this episode, we speak with survey creator Louise Gibson, and Brendan Attrill, a long-time industry leader and Federated Farmers farm owner representative, to unpack the key findings.We explore why the survey was conducted, what the results reveal, and how both sides of the industry are reacting. Brendan and Louise also share their thoughts on possible reforms, from legal protections to mentoring and better economic models.If you’re a contract milker, farm owner, or just care about the future of dairy farming in New Zealand, this is a balanced conversation you won’t want to miss.
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Nailing Moving Day: tips to start the season well | EP 35
One of the biggest days in the dairy farming calendar, Moving Day, is fast approaching. It’s a day full of change and challenge as thousands of farmers, workers, and their families head off to start a new chapter on a new farm. It’s a big logistical job, but there’s also the emotional, professional and relationship side to think about too. So, how do you do Moving Day well? How do you prepare, stay organised, and set yourself up for a strong finish to the season, and a strong start to the new season?To help us unpack all of that, we're joined by contract milker Bex Green, who's Federated Farmers North Canterbury’s senior vice president. She’s also on the Federated Farmers national dairy leadership team, and she was our Dairy Advocate of the Year in 2024.
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Turning the tide on the anti-farming agenda with Claire Taylor | EP 34
Global scrutiny of farming is rising — but how can farmers respond? Journalist and Nuffield Scholar Claire Taylor has travelled the world exploring how agricultural sectors are responding to criticism and shifting public perception. In this episode, she shares lessons from her journey and offers practical advice for New Zealand farmers seeking a stronger voice. LinksPrimary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards 2025Meet Claire Taylor, 2023 Nuffield Farming Scholarwww.nuffieldscholar.org/scholars/2023/claire-taylor
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.
New Zealand