Scene + Herd: Podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

A series about B+LNZ's levy investment areas: Genetics - how we're delivering value for farmers.

What’s happening in the US has a big influence on the prices New Zealand sheep and beef farmers receive. Joining us is Kent Bacus the Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Kent represents American cattle ranchers in Washington DC and we dive into how the changes in US beef markets, the current mood and what it means for NZ sheep and beef suppliers.

 

Recorded on 6 October 2026.

Listen to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s latest Scene + Herd podcast to hear about our 2026–27 New Season Outlook. B+LNZ are forecasting continued strong returns for New Zealand sheep and beef farmers.

Although farmgate prices are likely to ease from last season’s record highs, they will remain historically strong. However, rising costs, potential El Niño conditions and global market risks are expected to put pressure on profitability.

Read the reports and find the one page summary here:

Economic reports

Interactive tools

*Beef + Lamb New Zealand Limited, its employees and Directors shall not be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any person relying on the information contained in this podcast, whatever the cause of such loss or damage.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Rural Advancement Scholarship recipient and Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme graduate Di Roadley shares insights from her research project, The Craft of Setting the Table Well. Exploring the role of effective governance in catchment groups, Di discusses how strong leadership, collaboration, and clear direction can help turn community aspirations into meaningful action and lasting impact.

Read more here: 

Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship.

The Craft of Setting the Table Well.

Being awarded a 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Rural Advancement Scholarship challenged Tessa Miller and Sam Mann to think differently about their farming businesses. In this episode, they share key insights and "aha" moments from the New Zealand Rural Leaders Value Chain Innovation Programme, and discuss how a better understanding of the value chain is shaping their thinking back on farm.

Read more here: Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship.