RaboTalk – Growing our future

• Securing the Future of the Family Farm with Philip Pryor

  Family businesses are at the heart of New Zealand farming, but combining blood ties with business decisions can create unique challenges. In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with Philip Pryor, a business advisor, author and former psychologist who specialises in family business dynamics. Philip shares how rural families can navigate succession, manage conflict, and strengthen relationships across generations. He provides insights from his decades of experience working with farming families, offering practical tools to ensure both the farm and the family thrive for generations to come.Philip believes it takes courage, honesty, and early action to keep both the family and the business strong. As Philip puts it, “Act early, face the issues, and have faith in your family. When you do, both the people and the farm will thrive.”Philip reference’s his latest new book: Risking it all – the essential guide to navigating the challenges all family businesses face.Like what you’ve heard? Follow our podcast for more great content.Show Notes:Family businesses are at the heart of New Zealand farming, but combining blood ties with business decisions can create unique challenges. In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with Philip Pryor, a specialist in family business dynamics, about how rural families can navigate succession, manage conflict, and strengthen relationships across generations. Philip shares insights from his decades of experience working with farming families, offering practical tools to ensure both the farm and the family thrive for generations to come.Start Early and Act with IntentionPhilip emphasises that successful succession isn’t a single event, it’s a process that should begin long before a handover takes place. Families that start conversations early are better equipped to handle challenges around ownership, leadership, and lifestyle. Even informal discussions or simple notes can help clarify expectations and prevent misunderstandings down the track. “Write it down, even if it’s in the back of a notebook,” he advises.Understanding the Fear FactorFear often underlies tension in family businesses, fear of losing control for one generation, or fear of being left out for the next. Philip encourages families to gently acknowledge these feelings, rather than bury them. In his experience, conversations that seem daunting often go far more smoothly than expected once they begin. If discussions stall, bringing in a neutral facilitator or mediator can help families move forward constructively.The Strengths of Family Farming BusinessesDespite the challenges, Philip is quick to point out that the family business model remains one of New Zealand agriculture’s greatest strengths. Shared values, deep trust, and a willingness to work hard together create resilience that’s hard to match. “When there’s a crisis, family are the first to pull together,” he says. Long-term thinking, stewardship, and a sense of legacy underpin why most New Zealand farms remain family owned and operated.Balancing Fairness and FeelingsFairness is a recurring theme in farming families, particularly when dividing assets or managing expectations among siblings. Philip notes that perceived unfairness, not just financial imbalance, is often what leads to conflict. Transparent communication and recognising everyone’s emotional connection to the land are key. As one of his client stories shows, understanding and inclusion can matter more than equal financial outcomes.Being the Best GenerationPhilip challenges both generations to “be their best generation.” For the current owners, that means planning their next chapter...

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• The Power of Plants - Unlocking the future of protein with Maury Leyland Penno

  In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Katie Rodwell speaks with Maury Leyland Penno, co-founder of Leaft Foods. Maury explains how Leaft Foods extracts the enzyme rubisco from lucerne to produce a highly functional, nutritionally rich plant-based protein—one that also contributes to solving environmental challenges. She shares insights into the science, the market potential, and why diversification matters for the future of New Zealand agriculture. Like what you’ve heard? Follow our podcast for more great content.Show Notes:What if New Zealand farmers could help feed the world with a protein source that is both sustainable and profitable? Turning Lucerne into a High-Value Crop Leaft Foods has developed technology to extract Rubisco protein - the most abundant protein on earth - from lucerne. For farmers, this means an alternative arable crop with reliable cash flow, nitrogen-fixing benefits, and efficiency in water use. Maury highlights how the system also produces valuable co-products, such as protein-optimised silage that supports milk production while reducing nitrous emissions, and a lucerne-based concentrate that can displace imported feeds like molasses and PKE.Opportunities for FarmersArable farmers, in particular, are showing strong interest in lucerne as part of their crop rotations. With its environmental benefits and proven adaptability, lucerne fits naturally into existing farm systems while offering new revenue streams. Maury notes that the farmer partnerships they’ve built so far have been crucial in refining crop quality and ensuring Leaft’s system integrates seamlessly into New Zealand farming.Meeting Global Protein DemandLeaft’s first consumer product, ‘Leaft Blade’, is a concentrated protein drink aimed at high-performance athletes. With digestibility superior to whey and a rapid uptake, it provides athletes with an edge during training and competition. Beyond sports nutrition, the company is also developing a protein isolate for food manufacturers, with applications in baking and plant-based milks. Its ability to replace egg protein and improve plant milk nutrition positions it strongly in global markets.Scaling Up for Impact Commercialising such a breakthrough is not without challenges, but Maury and her team bring deep expertise in scaling food manufacturing. Their facilities are built with industrial-grade equipment designed for growth, and they are already exporting to the US with FDA approval. With carbon emissions 97% lower than global whey benchmarks and a zero-waste production system, Leaft Foods is proving that protein innovation can be both commercially viable and environmentally sound.A Message of Optimism Maury stresses that diversification is essential for the future of New Zealand farming. She encourages farmers to remain optimistic and open to opportunities, reminding listeners that the sector has the skills and creativity to move beyond traditional models and succeed in new, sustainable markets.Key Takeaway: Leaft Foods is showing how New Zealand farmers can diversify, reduce emissions, and tap into global demand for sustainable protein. By embracing innovation and new market opportunities, farmers can help shape a future where profitability and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

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• Unlocking the value of the next generation of farmers with Wendy Paul

  With 17,000 farm owners set to reach retirement age in the next decade, the future of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector depends on developing the next generation of farmers. In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with Wendy Paul, CEO of Growing Future Farmers to learn how the programme is equipping young people with practical skills, values, and confidence to succeed in agriculture. Wendy explains how farmers can attract, support, and retain young talent, and why investing in people is not just good for business but also essential for succession planning and the wider rural community.Like what you’ve heard? Follow our podcast for more great content.Show notes:The Challenge of SuccessionNew Zealand faces a looming wave of farm transitions, with billions in farm assets set to change hands. Wendy stresses that bringing young people into farming businesses isn’t only about filling labour gaps—it’s about succession, community resilience, and ensuring knowledge is passed between generations.The Growing Future Farmers ModelThe GFF programme places young people directly into farming businesses, providing hands-on training alongside mentoring and formal qualifications. Wendy highlights that the most successful placements are built on clear strategies, strong team cultures, and a commitment from farmers to nurture - not just employ - young people.What Farmers Can Offer Young PeopleFrom Wendy’s perspective, farmers play a vital role as mentors. Beyond teaching stockman-ship and practical skills, they provide boundaries, life lessons, and a sense of belonging. For many young people, particularly those from urban backgrounds, being welcomed into a farm team can be life-changing.Attracting and Retaining TalentWendy notes that young people want more than a pay cheque—they want to feel valued and supported. Farmers who create safe, respectful, and positive environments, while offering pathways for growth, are more likely to retain motivated staff. Opportunities for continued learning, community involvement, and access to modern technology are also key draw-cards.Technology as a Game-ChangerDigital tools are reshaping farming, making the sector more appealing to young people who value flexibility and real-time data. Wendy sees technology as not only improving productivity but also changing perceptions of farming as a lifelong career.Success StoriesFrom a fencing contractor who bought his first home before 25, to a young shearer who travelled to Mongolia with Rabobank’s support, Wendy shares stories of GFF graduates who have thrived well beyond the programme. These examples show the transformative impact of farmers who choose to invest in young people’s futures.Key TakeawayBringing young people into farm businesses is about much more than meeting today’s labour needs—it’s about succession, community, and the future of New Zealand agriculture. By mentoring, supporting, and empowering the next generation, farmers can leave a lasting legacy for both their businesses and the industry as a whole.

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• Can profitable dairy farming and sustainability truly co-exist with Jodie Goudswaard

  In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Katie Rodwell speaks with Jodie Goudswaard, DairyNZ's DairyBase Manager and recent Kellogg Rural Leadership scholar. Jodie’s research explored the values, mindsets, and practices of top-performing dairy farmers who are proving that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand. She shares what she learned from speaking directly with farmers, the role of community and data in decision-making, and why values-driven leadership may be the key to the sector’s future.Tune in to learn that profitability and sustainability are not opposing forces in dairy farming. Like what you’ve heard? Follow our podcast for more great content.Show notes:Can dairy farmers be both highly profitable and environmentally sustainable? Challenging Old AssumptionsFor her Kellogg project, Jodie set out to test a common perception: that farmers can either focus on profitability or on environmental sustainability, but not both. By analysing DairyBase data and interviewing top-performing farmers, she discovered that the reality is very different. Farmers leading in both areas consistently operate from a clear set of values—particularly stewardship, resilience, and community connection.Family, Community, and SuccessionAcross her interviews, one theme was clear: these were family-owned farms, often run by couples, where succession planning was seen less as a legal exercise and more as a responsibility to future generations. Strong community networks and a willingness to learn from others also stood out as common threads.The Role of Data and Decision-MakingAll of the farmers Jodie spoke with used DairyBase, not as a compliance tool, but as a way to benchmark, measure progress, and guide decisions. They emphasised the importance of credible, evidence-based information and expressed a desire for stronger partnerships between farmers and scientists to build trust in the data driving change.From Research to Real ChangeJodie hopes her findings will encourage greater peer-to-peer learning, more opportunities for storytelling, and recognition of “values-led success” across the industry. She stresses that farmers don’t need blanket solutions or more regulation—they need good examples, support to share their journeys, and trust to adapt in ways that fit their businesses.Reflections from KelloggLooking back on the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, Jodie describes it as a transformative six months of learning, reflection, and growth. The challenge of writing a 15,000-word report, the support of her cohort, and lessons in adaptive leadership have all left a lasting mark. She now applies many of these tools with her DairyNZ colleagues and is committed to building stronger leadership skills for the future.Key Takeaway:Profitability and sustainability are not opposing forces in dairy farming—they are two sides of the same coin, united by farmers’ values. By celebrating stewardship, sharing credible science, and supporting farmer-to-farmer learning, the sector can thrive both financially and environmentally.

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• Beyond the Paddock: Lessons from Singapore with Laura Morrison

  In this episode, host Katie Rodwell speaks with Laura Morrison, a sheep and beef farmer from Rangitikei and a passionate agri-sector leader. Earlier in the year Laura joined a cohort of food and fibre representatives on a leadership trip to Singapore, designed to challenge traditional thinking and foster new approaches to collaboration and innovation.She shares her reflections on the trip, what Singapore’s unified vision taught her, and why stronger connections across New Zealand’s value chain are key to a more resilient future.Tune in to hear Laura talk about how New Zealand’s agri-sector has strength in its people and products—but to remain globally competitive, we must embrace collective ambition. “Status quo is not what’s going to save us.”Like what you’ve heard? Follow our podcast for more great content.Full show notes for this episode:Farming and Leadership in RangitikeiLaura farms 270 hectares near Marton with her husband, Richard, including 70 hectares of native bush. Alongside raising two young boys, she’s actively involved in industry leadership, serving as vice chair of Manawatū-Rangitikei Federated Farmers, a national meat and wool executive member, a Beef + Lamb Farmer Council rep, and part of the AgriZero collective. She also chairs the steering group for Connector, a new Rural Women NZ initiative supporting rural community wellbeing.Why Singapore?Laura was part of a cohort representing all parts of the food and fibre value chain—farmers, processors, investors, iwi, researchers—on a trip to Singapore, organised by Food HQ with support from ASB and AgriZero. The goal: immerse themselves in a market known for its innovation, strategic partnerships, and food security solutions.A Culture of CohesionLaura was struck by Singapore’s collective mindset—“buy in or ship out”—which stands in stark contrast to what she sees in New Zealand’s fragmented agri-sector. With deep alignment across government, industry, and private investment, Singapore shows the power of unified effort. The trip highlighted for Laura the need to move beyond traditional, siloed thinking and toward genuine collaboration in New Zealand.Opportunities for New ZealandFrom coffee roasting to centralised food manufacturing and strategic export logistics, Singapore offered multiple examples of market innovation. Laura sees opportunities for New Zealand to pursue deeper partnerships, move beyond commodity exports, and embrace consumer-focused product development.Applying the Lessons at HomeLaura hopes to bring back a spirit of proactive engagement—calling on farmers to connect more with the wider sector, contribute to change, and avoid “head in the sand” attitudes. Through her leadership roles, she’s committed to fostering open-mindedness, collaboration, and a willingness to evolve.Key TakeawayNew Zealand’s agri-sector has strength in its people and products—but to remain globally competitive, it must embrace collective ambition. As Laura reminds us, “status quo is not what’s going to save us.”

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