The CountryWide Podcast

• Episode 84 - Integrating Forestry

  How can sheep and beef farmers see forestry as more than a binary choice between full plantation and traditional farming? New Zealand Institute of Forestry consultant Peter Handford explores how integrating trees can enhance overall farm management, improve profitability, and deliver environmental and animal welfare benefits. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Peter about the practical and economic aspects of forestry on sheep and beef farms. They discuss modelling different forestry options, the opportunities for carbon and timber income, and how thoughtful planning can make trees a strategic part of a resilient, well-balanced farm system. Guest: Peter Handford, Forestry Consultant, New Zealand Institute of Forestry Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Peter Handford is working at the intersection of farming and forestry, helping sheep and beef producers see trees as an asset rather than a threat. With decades of experience in land use planning and forestry consultancy, he supports farmers to make informed decisions about where and how trees fit best across their landscapes. Through his work with the New Zealand Institute of Forestry, Peter brings a practical, systems based approach, modelling how different forestry options can lift profitability, improve environmental performance, and reduce on farm pressure. By bridging the gap between foresters and farmers, he is showing how well managed trees can enhance animal welfare, provide shelter, and create stronger, more balanced farm businesses. Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here. Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Episode 83 - Rethinking animal welfare

  As new wearable technologies for animals have surged in popularity, specific advice on the use of them within the dairy sector is to be included in an imminent review of the Animal Welfare Code: Dairy Cattle. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Dr Matthew Stone, veterinarian and Chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), about the review of the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare and how rapid technological change is reshaping animal care standards. Guest: Dr Matthew Stone, Chairperson, National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Matthew Stone is guiding how New Zealand’s animal welfare framework evolves to keep pace with innovation across the farming sector. Drawing on his extensive experience in veterinary science, biosecurity and international policy, he focuses on ensuring that advances in agritech align with best practice in animal care and ethical standards. As Chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, Matthew works with industry, government and farmers to strengthen confidence in welfare regulation and its ability to respond to new challenges. His collaborative approach helps maintain New Zealand’s reputation for high welfare standards while supporting practical, science-based decision-making on farm. Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here. Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Episode 82 - Keeping the door open to the EU

  Silver Fern Farms, MIA and OSPRI have partnered with Prism Earth’s innovative technology to provide unprecedented insights into farmers’ natural capital that will provide continued market access to the European Union as well as potential new revenue streams. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with Matt Lythe, managing director of Prism Earth, about using AI and satellite imagery to map carbon, biodiversity, and natural capital. This technology helps farmers meet EU deforestation rules and unlock opportunities in sustainable supply chains and nature-based markets. Guest: Matt Lythe, Managing Director, Prism Earth Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Matt Lythe is helping New Zealand farmers and processors navigate EU deforestation regulations through innovative technology and data analysis. He focuses on using AI, satellite imagery, and natural capital mapping to understand carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and land value, helping farms balance productivity with environmental stewardship. His approach supports sustainable supply chains while providing farmers with insights to manage land effectively and meet regulatory requirements. As managing director of Prism Earth, Matt collaborates with Silver Fern Farms, the Meat Industry Association, and Osprey to trial new methods and share learnings across the sector. By combining technology with on-farm data, he is helping shape the future of sustainable red meat production in New Zealand and inspiring others to embrace nature-based solutions. Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here. Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Episode 81 - Beef finishing transforms hill-country farm

  Setting up cell grazing systems on their Te Pahu hill-country farm has transformed more than just Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent’s bottom line. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Waikato farmers Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent about their shift to cell grazing and the transformation of their 325-hectare bull beef operation. They discuss challenges and learnings, how the system has lifted production while supporting environmental outcomes, and insights gained from being a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm. Guests: Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent, Waikato farmers Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent are transforming their Waikato bull beef operation through cell grazing systems that combine productivity with environmental care. They focus on refining intensive finishing systems, improving land resilience, and lifting carcass production while adapting to the challenges of hill country farming. Their approach has seen stocking rates increase while less-productive land is retired, proving profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand. As a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm, they share learnings and trial new approaches alongside a network of peers and mentors. By opening their farm to scrutiny and collaboration, Heather and Elliot are helping shape the future of sustainable beef production in New Zealand, inspiring others to re-think traditional systems. Read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of CountryWide here. Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Episode 80 - Knowledge Partners: IRP & CountryWide

  CountryWide has partnered with the Institute of Rural Professionals to strengthen support, knowledge-sharing, and innovation across the agricultural sector. In this episode, Sarah speaks with Jo Finer, CEO of the newly renamed Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP) (formerly NZIPIM) about CountryWide’s new strategic partnership with the organisation. They discuss the role of rural professionals, the institute’s history and future direction, and how collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and digital innovation will strengthen support for farmers and the wider agricultural sector. Guest: Jo Finer, CEO, Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP) Host: Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide Jo Finer is helping strengthen the role rural professionals play in supporting New Zealand farmers at the Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP). She focuses on building capability, collaboration and professional excellence across advisers, consultants and service providers, ensuring farmers receive the most relevant and trusted guidance. The new strategic partnership between IRP & CountryWide brings together knowledge-sharing through their digital transformation project in 2026 where industry expertise and a strong network between the two will connect farmers, advisers and thought leaders. By uniting professional bodies with independent journalism, this will help the sector embrace disruption into new opportunities and build resilience into the future. Find out more about IRP here: https://www.irpnz.co.nz/ Get in contact with Charlotte to find out more about a membership to CountryWide: Email: [email protected] Phone number: 03 307 0256 (Please note our office hours are between 10am - 2pm) Become a Country-Wide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRYWIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAILSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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